...where, physically, is the breaker... in the switchyard
...what does engaging/disengaging the breaker entail... verifying the generator is synchronized properly with the grid and turning a switch in the control room
...is this sequence of modes generic in american light water reactors:
...mode 1...power > 5%
...mode 2...startup < 5%
...mode 3...hot standby > 350 degrees
...mode 4...hot shutdown < 350 degrees
...mode 5...cold shutdown < 200 degrees
...mode 6...refueling <140 degrees
No. Your Mode 1 and 2 above is typical for a BWR. For PWR's, its usually something like Mode 2 is K-effective >0.99, Mode 1 is > 5%. You can check the NUREG-1430 series of documents on the NRC web site for the standard Tech Specs for each type of reactor for the exact definitions (see section 1 of the TS).
...is there a moment, following a refuel outage, when success can be declared... typical criteria for outage success is something like no unplanned shutdowns or power reductions for 30 days after closure of breakers
...if this moment exists, is there a collective sense of accomplishment... Depending on the site, this can mean something like a post outage lunch for everyone on site.