Bulletin 74-015: Misapplication of Cutler-Hammer Three Position Maintained Switch Model No. 10250T
BL74015
12/6/74
Directorate of Regulatory Operations
Bulletin 74-15
MISAPPLICATION OF CUTLER-HAMMER THREE POSITION MAINTAINED SWITCH MODEL NO.
10250T
An abnormal occurrence report submitted by the Wisconsin Public Service
Corporation indicates a potential problem with Cutler-Hammer switches of
Model No. 10250T which could effect the performance of control systems in
which they are used.
Description of Circumstances:
The emergency diesel generators at Kewaunee Nuclear Power Plant received an
automatic start signal. One of the diesels failed to start even though the
local mode switch appeared to be in the "AUTO" position. Investigation by
the licensee revealed a "dead" area between the "OFF" and "AUTO" positions
of the Cutler-Hammer three position maintained switch, Model No. 1025OT4023.
It was determined that the switch could be positioned so that it appeared to
be in "AUTO" but was actually in a position between "AUTO" and "OFF" such as
to prevent either automatic starting of the diesel or actuation of the "NOT
IN AUTO" annunciator. The same switch was installed on each of the two
General Motors diesel generators supplied to the Kewaunee plant by the
Western Engine Corporation.
Investigation by the AEC has revealed the use of Cutler-Hammer Model No.
1025OT4023 switches in control panels for Fairbanks Morse diesel generators
at one power reactor facility and in the emergency switching logic for the
hydro emergency power source at another.
While this potential problem has been identified with the use of the
Cutler-Hammer Model No. 1025OT4023 switch, all switches of the basic
Cutler-Hammer three position maintained Model No. 10250T are subject to
potential malfunction similar to that described above.
Action Requested of Licensees:
Review the use, or planned use in the case of facilities under construction,
of Cutler-Hammer three position maintained switches of basic Model No.
10250T in safety-related systems of your, power reactor facility(ies), and:
1. If such switches are in use, or planned for use, in safety-related
systems, notify this office in writing within 30 days of the extent
.
12/6/74
Directorate of Regulatory Operations
Bulletin 74-15
of their use and what action you have taken or plan to take to pre-
vent malfunction of the type described above. Your written notification
should include the date(s) when your actions in response to this
Bulletin were or will be completed.
2. If you find from your review that switches of the type described above
are not in use, or planned for use, in safety-related systems of your
power reactor facility(ies) notify this office of this finding within
30 days.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, March 09, 2021