been searching around the forum and some other resources, and would like to get other opinions on dealing with pad mounted transformers and pad mounted medium voltage switchgear operating above the 15kV lelev that uses IEEE separable connector load break elbows, dead front equipment with the equipment doors open these would be removed phase at a time with a hot stick type approach, it appears that the line to ground fault exposure would be the worst case then reading and researching hearing about the ability for the elbow connector to deform or possibly “explode” in colder climates although appears the manufacturers have addressed the issue. Curious on thoughts of everyone in the forum. Thanks..

I agree that the worst case fault would be a line to ground fault. The chances of a line to ground fault to propagate to a 3 phase line to ground fault is extremely low for dead front equipment. However, OSHA states that you must use 3 phase bolted faults to determine the AF energy level in enclosed equipment.

If you are interested in MV padmount transformers, you should take a look at the NESC and the testing/white papers that led up to the NESC results.