Monday, December 31, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
Motor starters
Star-delta starter
This is the most popular and commonly
used starting method for motor ratings
> 4 kW (400 V).
• Electronic motor starter (EMS) and soft
starter
These enable the soft and low-noise
starting of the motor. This eliminates
interference producing current peaks
and jerks during switching. The startup
and deceleration phase of the motor can
also be time-controlled depending on the
load.
• Frequency inverter
This enables time-controlled motor
starting, motor braking and operation
with infinitely variable motor speeds.
Depending on the application, different
types of frequency inverters are used:
– with the voltage/frequency control
(U/f) or vector control for
frequency-controlled motor operation,
– with vector control or servo control for
high speed accuracy and additional
torque adjustment.
Associated circuit diagrams
Direct on line starter
Direct-on-line starter
In the simplest case the motor is
connected directly with a contactor. The
combination of motor protection and
cable protection (fuse) is called a motor
starter (MSC = Motor Starter
Combination).
By applying the full mains voltage to the
motor windings, DOL starting may
produce large starting currents which
may result in troublesome voltage
changes. Direct-on-line starting
three-phase motors must not cause
interference voltage changes in the
public utility grid. This requirement is
generally fulfilled if the apparent power
of a three-phase asynchronous motor
does not exceed 5.2 kVA or its startup
current does not exceed 60 A.
With a mains voltage of 400 V and 8 times
the starting current, this corresponds to
a rated motor current of around 7.5 A and
thus a motor rating of 4 kW.
The motor rating denotes the mechanical
output of the motor at the shaft.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Standards
CE
The CE conformity marking shall indicate conformity to all the obligations imposed
on the manufacturer, as regards his products, by virtue of the European
Community directives providing for the affixing of the CE marking.
When the CE marking is affixed on a product, it represents a declaration of the
manufacturer or of his authorized representative that the product in question
conforms to all the applicable provisions including the conformity assessment
procedures. This prevents the Member States from limiting the marketing and
putting into service of products bearing the CE marking, unless this measure
is justified by the proved non-conformity of the product.
Flow diagram for the conformity assessment procedures established by the Directive
2006/95/CE on electrical equipment designed for use within particular voltage range:
Manufacturer
Technical file
The manufacturer
draw up the technical
documentation
covering the design,
manufacture and
operation of the
product
EC declaration of
conformity
The manufacturer
guarantees and declares
that his products are in
conformity to the technical
documentation and to the
directive requirements
Naval type approval
The environmental conditions which characterize the use of circuit breakers for
on-board installations can be different from the service conditions in standard
industrial environments; as a matter of fact, marine applications can require
installation under particular conditions, such as:
- environments characterized by high temperature and humidity, including saltmist
atmosphere (damp-heat, salt-mist environment);
- on board environments (engine room) where the apparatus operate in the
presence of vibrations characterized by considerable amplitude and duration.
In order to ensure the proper function in such environments, the shipping registers
require that the apparatus has to be tested according to specific type
approval tests, the most significant of which are vibration, dynamic inclination,
humidity and dry-heat tests.
Standards
“Low Voltage” Directive 2006/95/CE
The Low Voltage Directive refers to any electrical equipment designed for use
at a rated voltage from 50 to 1000 V for alternating current and from 75 to
1500 V for direct current.
In particular, it is applicable to any apparatus used for production, conversion,
transmission, distribution and use of electrical power, such as machines,
transformers, devices, measuring instruments, protection devices and wiring
materials.
The following categories are outside the scope of this Directive:
• electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere;
• electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes;
• electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts;
• electrical energy meters;
• plugs and socket outlets for domestic use;
• electric fence controllers;
• radio-electrical interference;
• specialized electrical equipment, for use on ships, aircraft or railways, which
complies with the safety provisions drawn up by international bodies in which
the Member States participate.
Directive EMC 2004/108/CE (“Electromagnetic Compatibility”)
The Directive on electromagnetic compatibility regards all the electrical and electronic
apparatus as well as systems and installations containing electrical and/
or electronic components. In particular, the apparatus covered by this Directive
are divided into the following categories according to their characteristics:
• domestic radio and TV receivers;
• industrial manufacturing equipment;
• mobile radio equipment;
• mobile radio and commercial radio telephone equipment;
• medical and scientific apparatus;
• information technology equipment (ITE);
• domestic appliances and household electronic equipment;
• aeronautical and marine radio apparatus;
• educational electronic equipment;
• telecommunications networks and apparatus;
• radio and television broadcast transmitters;
• lights and fluorescent lamps.
The apparatus shall be so constructed that:
a) the electromagnetic disturbance it generates does not exceed a level allowing
radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate
as intended;
b) the apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic
disturbance to enable it to operate as intended.
An apparatus is declared in conformity to the provisions at points a) and b) when
the apparatus complies with the harmonized standards relevant to its product
family or, in case there aren’t any, with the general standards.
ABB MCC
Friday, August 10, 2012
Control Circuits
Control Circuits
Control Control components are used in a wide variety of applications with varying degrees of complexity. One example of a simple control circuit is a circuit that turns a light on and off. In this circuit, the control component is often a single-pole switch.
Control circuits used in commercial and industrial applications tend to be more complex than this simple circuit and employ a broader variety of components. However, the function of these circuits is often the same, to turn something on and off. In some cases, manual control is used. More often, automatic control circuits or circuits that combine manual and automatic control are used.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Pollution Degree
The level of pollution in the environment in which the Assembly is intended to be
installed. Four categories are defined in the Standard as follows:
Pollution degree 1 : No pollution or only dry, non-conductive pollution occurs.
Pollution degree 2 : Normally, only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a temporary
conductivity caused by condensation may be expected.
Pollution degree 3 : Conductive pollution occurs, or dry, non-conductive pollution occurs which becomes
conductive due to condensation.
Pollution degree 4 : The pollution generates persistent conductivity caused, for instance, by conductive dust or by
rain or snow.
Unless advised otherwise, the Standard and the manufacturer will assume
pollution degree 3 is applicable for industrial applications.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
ROUTINE TESTS
These tests have a totally different function to Type Tests, BS EN 60439-1, states:
‘Routine tests are intended to detect faults in materials and workmanship. They are carried
out on every ASSEMBLY after its assembly or on each transport unit. Another routine test
at the place of installation is not required.’
Hence, Routine Tests on Assemblies are normally undertaken at the
manufacturer’s premises, and are:
• part of the quality control activity. They are intended to ensure materials and
workmanship included in every assembly produced meet the standards required
by the design.
• carried out on every assembly or transportable unit to be put into service. It is
recognized that it is unnecessary, with modern modular designs, to fully couple
assemblies for routine test, if they are subsequently to be shipped in several
sections.
• of a non-destructive nature having minimal effect on the service life of the
equipment.
• not intended to duplicate routine tests, previously carried out on components as
part of their manufacturing process.
• not intended to be repeated on site. This does not remove the onus of the
installer to ensure the assembly’s correct installation and obligation to test under
BS 7671. Before tests under BS 7671, or other testing is undertaken, the effects
of these tests on voltage sensitive components should be established.
(BEAMA Installation)
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
PARTIALLY TYPE TESTED ASSEMBLY (PTTA)
IEC 60439-1, defines a PTTA as:
‘A low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly, containing both type-tested and nontype-
tested arrangements provided the latter are derived (e.g. by calculation) from type tested
arrangements which have complied with the relevant tests’.
This means:
• The assembly will be derived from a Type Tested Assembly.
• Deviations from the tested configuration are only permitted provided they can
be verified by calculation or equivalent methods. Such methods have their
limitations which must be fully understood and, where appropriate, allowed for
through safety factors in the analysis.
• As a means of demonstrating design compliance with the Standard,
manufacturers must have available Type Test documentation for the original
design and any calculations relating to modified elements.
• The Assembly will consist, as far as practical, of a series of standard elements
configured to suit a particular application. Customisation should be restricted to
situations where it cannot be avoided, e.g. facilities for terminating over size
cables, use of an alternative tested component, etc.
• All components and devices will be fully Type Tested to their respective product
standards. Documentation will be available for examination.
• Combinations of Type Tested components and devices installed in an otherwise
untested Assembly are not covered by this definition and the Standard.
(BEAMA Installation)
TYPE TESTED ASSEMBLY (TTA)
IEC 60439-1, defines a TTA as:
‘A low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly conforming to an established type or
system without deviations likely to significantly influence the performance, from the typical
ASSEMBLY verified to be in accordance with this standard.’
This means:
• The generic design of the Assembly including all the various elements used in its
construction have completed the Type Tests detailed in the Standard.
• Deviations from the tested configuration are permitted, but they will be very
minor and not ‘likely to significantly influence the performance’ e.g. a functional unit
may have been short circuit tested in the top of the Assembly and in service be
located lower down.
• Design verification must be via stringent testing, and does not rely on subjective
assessments, calculations, safety margins and engineering judgements.
• The Assembly will consist of a series of standardized elements including
interconnections, all of which have previously been proven by tests in the Type
Tested Assembly(s), but may be configured differently to suit the application.
• Assemblies may be built by licensed assemblers under strict controls.
(BEAMA Installation)
Monday, July 30, 2012
Current ratings
Rated current (In)
value of current, declared by the ASSEMBLY manufacturer taking into consideration the ratings
of the components, their disposition and application, which can be carried without the
temperature-rise of various parts of the ASSEMBLY exceeding specified limits under specified
conditions
Rated peak withstand current (Ipk)
value of peak short-circuit current, declared by the ASSEMBLY manufacturer, that can be
withstood under specified conditions
Rated short-time withstand current (Icw)
r.m.s value of short-time current, declared by the ASSEMBLY manufacturer, that can be carried
without damage under specified conditions, defined in terms of a current and time
Rated conditional short-circuit current (Icc)
value of prospective short-circuit current, declared by the ASSEMBLY manufacturer, that can be
withstood for the total operating time (clearing time) of the short-circuit protective device
(SCPD) under specified conditions
Friday, July 27, 2012
Voltage ratings
Rated voltage (Un) (of the ASSEMBLY)
The ASSEMBLY manufacturer shall state the rated voltage(s) necessary for correct functioning
of the ASSEMBLY.
Rated operational voltage (Ue) (of a circuit of an ASSEMBLY)
If different from the rated voltage of the ASSEMBLY, the ASSEMBLY manufacturer shall state the
appropriate rated operational voltage of the circuit.
The maximum rated operational voltage of any circuit of the ASSEMBLY shall not exceed its
rated insulation voltage.
Rated insulation voltage (Ui) (of a circuit of an ASSEMBLY)
The rated insulation voltage of a circuit of an ASSEMBLY is the voltage value to which dielectric
test voltages and creepage distances are referred.
The rated insulation voltage of a circuit shall be equal or higher than the values stated for Un
and for Ue for the same circuit.
NOTE For single-phase circuits derived from IT systems (see IEC 60364-5-52), the rated insulation voltage
should be at least equal to the voltage between phases of the supply.
Rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp) (of the ASSEMBLY)
The rated impulse withstand voltage shall be equal to or higher than the values stated for the
transient overvoltage’s occurring in the system(s) to which the circuit is designed to be
connected.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Electrical checks
Functional tests consist in checking the correct functioning
of all the circuits (electrical and electromechanical)
by simulating, as far as possible, the different service
conditions of the assembly.
For example, tests on current and voltage circuits can
be carried out by supplying the secondary circuits of
the CTs and VTs, without disconnecting the CTs from
the circuit.
Electrical checks may include the verification of the proper
operation of circuits and equipment, in particular:
- control, signaling, alarm, trip and reclosing circuits;
- lighting and heating circuits, if present;
- protection and measuring circuits (overcurrent, overvoltage,
earth, residual current trip units, contactors,
ammeters, voltmeters, etc.);
- terminals and contacts available in the terminal box;
- insulation control devices (also creepage distances
and clearances must be verified at level of connections
and adaptations carried out at workshop).
To carry out these checks, in addition to the normal mechanical
tools used for assembling, also some electrical
tools are necessary. A periodical calibration is necessary
to obtain reliable results.
The tools generally used are:
- a tester or multimeter;
- a test bench (AC and DC) to supply the assembly during
the test of the operation under voltage;
- a torque wrench (to check that the correct tightening
torques have been applied to the connections) and
other tools.
Mechanical checks
They shall be carried out complying with the relevant documents,
making reference to the following specifications:
- correct assembling of the equipment (connections
and, on a random basis, proper tightening of the connections);
- positioning and tightening of nuts and bolts;
- mechanical locks and controls (rack-in locking devices,
mechanical interlocks, key interlocks and
manual operating mechanisms for the removal of
circuit-breakers and switch-disconnectors by using
the operating levers and accessories provided with
the assembly);
- closing and possible blocks of the doors and adhesion
of the dust-proof seals to the assembly structure.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Further checks during testing
Visual inspections
They are carried out visually taking into account:
a) compliance of the assembly with diagrams, designations,
drawings and type of enclosures, number and
characteristics of equipment, cross-sectional area of
conductors and presence of identification marks on
cables and devices (initialing, inscriptions on plates,
etc.);
b) presence of components which allow the degree of
protection (roofs, seals) and the absence of faults on
the enclosure (cuts, perforations which might jeopardize
the degree of protection) to be guaranteed;
c) compliance with the specific prescriptions, if required
in the assembling list, such as:
- coating or treatment of busbars (resin coating, silver
plating, etc.);
- type of cable (fireproof, ecological, etc.);
- completion spare parts;
- painting check (color, thickness, etc.).
Routine verifications in compliance with
Routine verifications represent the final technical intervention
of the assembly manufacturer before the delivery
of the switchgear assembly completed and before
invoicing and shipment to the customer. The Standard
describes the verifications in the following order:
- Degree of protection IP provided by an assembly
enclosure
It represents the first routine test prescribed by the
Std. IEC 61439-1.
Actually it is reduced to a visual inspection.
- Clearances and creepage distances
Clearances usually results, also at visual inspection,
quite higher than necessary.
As regards creepage distances, reference shall be
made to the values defined by the Standard (shown
in Table 9.6, clause 9.2 of this Technical Application
Paper); for further details reference shall be made to
clause 12.6 of the Technical Application Paper, “Routine
verification of impulse withstand voltage”.
- Protection against electric shock and integrity of
the protection circuits
It is based on a visual inspection and on some verifications
of the correct mechanical tightness on a random
basis. The proper realization of the protective circuit
is verified:
- visually (e.g. checking of the presence of devices
which guarantee contact for earthing conductor
continuity etc.);
- mechanically (checking of connection tightness on
a random basis);
- electrically (verification of the circuit continuity).
The tools used are a tester and a torque wrench.
- Incorporation of built-in components
The real correspondence of the installed equipment
with the assembly manufacturing instructions is
checked.
- Internal electrical circuits and connections
Verification on random basis of correct tightening of
terminals is required.
- Terminals for external conductors
Correspondence of cables and terminals is checked
according to the wiring diagram.
- Mechanical operation
On a random basis levers, pushbuttons and any possible
mechanical actuating element are operated.
- Dielectric properties
See clause 12.6.
- Wiring, operational performance and function
The nameplate is checked and, if necessary, electrical
operation and any possible safety interlocks shall be
verified by test.
Protection against direct contact
Protection against direct contact can be obtained both
by means of the assembly construction itself as well as
by means of complementary measures to be used during
installation.
The protective measures against direct contact are:
- Protection by insulation of live parts
Live parts shall be completely covered with an insulation
which can only be removed by destruction.
This insulation shall be made of suitable materials
capable of durably withstanding the mechanical,
electrical and thermal stresses to which the insulation
may be subjected in service.
Paints, varnishes, lacquers and similar products used
alone are generally not considered suitable for providing
adequate insulation for protection against direct
contact.
- Protection by barriers or enclosures
All external surfaces shall provide a degree of protection
against direct contact of at least IPXXB.
Horizontal top surfaces of accessible enclosures having
a height equal to or lower than 1.6 m shall provide
a degree of protection of at least IPXXD.
The distance between the mechanical means provided
for protection and the live parts they protect shall not
be less than the values specified for the clearances
and creepage distances.
All barriers and enclosures shall be firmly secured
in place. Taking into account their nature, size and
arrangement, they shall have sufficient stability and
durability to resist the strains and stresses likely to occur
in normal service without reducing clearances.
- Protection by obstacles
This measure applies to open-type assembly.
Classification of assemblies
Assemblies may be classified according to different
Factors :
by the constructional typology, by the external design, by
the installation conditions, by the function carried out.
Open-type and enclosed assemblies
According to the constructional typology the Standard
IEC 61439-1 distinguishes between open-type and enclosed assemblies.
- Enclosed assembly
An assembly is enclosed when there are protected
panels on all its sides so as to provide a degree of
protection against direct contact not lower than IPXXB
(see Chapter 4). Assemblies intended to be installed
in common environments shall be of enclosed type
- Open-type assembly
An assembly, with or without front covering, in which
the live parts of the electrical equipment are accessible. Such assemblies can be used only in places
where skilled persons have access for their use.
UL Standards (Electrical enclosures)
Industrial Control Panel Enclosures
Products Listed under this category include enclosures that are intended to house open type industrial control panels.
The basic standards used to investigate this category is UL 508A, the Standard of Safety for Industrial Control Panels, UL 508, the Standard of Safety for Industrial Control Equipment, and UL 50, the Standard of Safety for Enclosures for Electrical Equipment.
Industrial control panels
Products Listed under this category include industrial control panels, which are factory wired assemblies of industrial control equipment such as motor controllers, switches, relays and auxiliary devices. The panels may include disconnect means and motor branch circuit protective devices. This category also covers industrial panel enclosures that are intended to house open type industrial control panels or individual items of industrial control equipment as noted above.
The basic requirements used to investigate this category are contained in UL 508A, the Standard of Safety for Industrial Control Panels.