Monday, December 30, 2013

Friday, December 13, 2013

Dead-front panels

Dead front is defined in Article 100 of the NEC as being “without live parts exposed to a person on the operating side of the equipment.” Section 408.38 requires that panel boards be mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes or enclosures designed for the purpose and shall be dead front. The term “dead front” is used in other places in the NEC, but basically, the NEC requires distribution panels, panel boards (load centers), switchboards (stage and theater) be constructed so that switches, circuit breakers and other electrical components can be operated without the user being exposed to live parts.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Circuit breaker accessories - Service releases

Shunt opening release

 

This allows circuit-breaker opening by

means of an electric command. Release

operation is guaranteed for a voltage

between 70% and 110% of the rated

power supply voltage Un, both in AC and

in DC. It is always fitted with an auxiliary

limit contact.

 

Under voltage release

 

This opens the circuit-breaker due to a

power supply failure to the release, or

voltage drops to minimum values of 0.7

x Un with a trip range from 0.7 to 0.35 x Un.

After tripping, the circuit-breaker can be

closed again, starting with a voltage

higher than 0.85 x Un. With the undervoltage

release de-energised, neither

circuit-breaker nor main contact closure

is possible.

 

Time-delayed undervoltage release

 

The undervoltage release can be combined

with an external electronic power

supply time-delay device, which allows

circuit-breaker opening to be delayed in

the case of a power cut to the release

itself, according to fixed time-delays of

0.5-1-2-3 [s], so as to avoid unwarranted

trips caused by temporary malfunctions.

It is available for the SACE S3, S4, S5,

S6, and S7 circuit-breakers with power

supply voltages at 110-220 V (50-60 Hz)

only coupled with an undervoltage release

at 310 V DC.

 

Shunt closing release

 

This allows circuit-breaker closure by

means of an electric command. Operation

of the release is guaranteed for a

voltage between 80% and 110% of the

rated power supply voltage Un, both in

AC and in DC.

 

ABB SASE

Information included in the design verification

The design verification serves to document compliance with the specifications

of this standard. It is comprised of 13 individual verifications.

For selected individual verifications, additional sub-verifications in subcategories

may be required. If selected verifications are not required

due to the application, the respective verification should, as a minimum

requirement, state that verification on the basis of the standard is not

required in this instance.

 

1.       Strength of materials

Verification of material strength is divided into seven sub-points. If

an empty enclosure pursuant to IEC 62208 was used and no modifications

have been made which could influence the functioning

of the enclosure, no further strength testing of the materials for this

enclosure is required. Compliance with standard IEC 62208 should

then be confirmed in the design verification. However, verification

of the resistance of the insulating materials to abnormal heat and

fire for the components used in the busbar system and other insulating

materials should additionally be provided.

a. Resistance to corrosion

Resistance to corrosion can only be verified by testing. For resistance

to corrosion, the verification should stipulate the "testing"

method, the degree of severity and the test report number.

 

2.        Properties of insulating materials – Thermal stability of

Enclosures

 

This evidence is only required for enclosures made from insulating

materials, or parts made from insulating materials mounted on the

outside of the enclosure, and which are relevant to the protection

category. Verification should state that the test was passed at a

temperature of 70 °C, for a duration of 168 h, and with a recovery

time of 96 h, and should also include the method and the test

report number/report number.

 

3.        Properties of insulating materials – Resistance to abnormal

heat and fire due to internal electric effects

 

These properties should be verified using the "testing" method on

the material used, or using the "assessment" method with the data

sheets for the basic plastic material. Verification should state that

the properties of the insulating materials meet the requirements of

the glow-wire test depending on the three intended applications:

 960 °C for parts necessary to retain current-carrying parts

in position

 850 °C for enclosures intended for mounting in hollow walls

 650 °C for all other parts

The design verification should include the test method, the result of

the test, and the test report or report number.

 

4.        Resistance to ultra-violet (UV) radiation

 

Resistance to UV radiation only applies to enclosures and external

parts of switchgear and controlgear assemblies for outdoor installation.

Verification may be provided by testing or by assessing the

data from the original material manufacturer. The design verification

should include the test method, the result of the test method,

and the test report or report number.

 

5.        Lifting

 

Verification for lifting can only be provided by testing. Verification

should state that the test was passed, indicating the maximum

number of sections that can be lifted and the maximum weight,

together with the test report number.

 

6.        Mechanical impact

 

The impact resistance of a switchgear and controlgear assembly is

verified by testing. The design verification should state the method,

the tested IK protection category, and the corresponding test

report number.

 

7.        Marking

 

There is no requirement to test markings made by moulding, pressing,

engraving or similar, as well as labels with a laminated plastic

surface. In such cases, it is sufficient to state the chosen technique

in the design verification. For all other types of marking, testing is

mandatory. The test outcome should be documented, stating the

test report number.

 

RITTAL (Standard compliant switchgear & controlgear production)

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Calculation of the temperature rises in compliance with the Std. IEC 60890

Calculation of the powers generated by the different

components and dissipated inside the assembly

 

The calculation of the power losses reported in the

configurations shown is carried out by taking into account

the effective powers dissipated by the different

components.

 

Circuit-breakers

Given the power losses at the rated current (In) shown in

the following tables and the current which actually flows

through the circuit-breakers (Ib), it is possible to calculate

the effective power losses of the equipment:

 

 

The values thus obtained must be increasde by a factor

depending on the circuit-breaker type.

This coefficient is used to take into account the connections

which carry current to the circuit-breakers

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.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Rated electrical characteristics of an assembly

Rated voltage (Un)

Highest nominal value of the a.c. (r.m.s) or d.c. voltage,

declared by the assembly manufacturer, to which the

main circuit(s) of the assembly is (are) designed to be

connected. In three-phase circuits, it is the voltage

between phases.

Rated operational voltage (Ue)

it is the rated voltage of a circuit of an assembly which

combined with the rated current of this circuit determines

its application. For three-phase circuits such voltage corresponds

to the voltage between phases.

In an assembly there are usually a main circuit with its

own rated voltage and one or more auxiliary circuits with

their own rated voltages.

The manufacturer of the assembly shall state the limits of

voltage necessary for correct functioning of the circuits

inside the assembly.

 

Rated insulation voltage (Ui)

it is the voltage value of a circuit of an assembly to which test voltages

(power frequency withstand voltage) andthe creepage distances are referred.

The rated voltage of each circuit shall not exceed its

rated insulation voltage.

Rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp)

it is the peak value of an impulse voltage which the circuit

of an assembly is capable of withstanding under specified

conditions and to which the values of clearances

are referred. It shall be equal to or higher than the values

of the transient overvoltages occurring in the system in

which the assembly is inserted.

Rated current of the assembly (InA)

It is a new characteristic introduced by the Std. IEC

61439 and normally indicates the maximum incoming

permanent and allowable load current or the maximum

current which an assembly is capable of withstanding.

The rated current shall be withstood in any case, provided

that the temperature-rise limits stated by the Standard

are complied with.

Rated current of a circuit (InC)

It is the current value to be carried out by a circuit without

the temperature-rise of the various parts of the assembly

exceeding the limits specified according to the testing

conditions of Clause 7.

Rated short-time current (Icw)

it is the r.m.s. value of the current for the short-circuit test

for 1 s time; such value, declared by the manufacturer

does not imply the opening of the protective device

and is the value which the assembly can carry without

damage under specified conditions, defined in terms of

current and time. Different Icw values can be assigned to

an assembly for different times (e.g. 0.2 s; 3 s). Manufacturer,

can withstand satisfactorily for the operating

time of the device under the specified test conditions.

Rated diversity factor (RDF)

it is the per unit value of the rated current, assigned by

the assembly manufacturer, to which outgoing circuits

of an assembly can be continuously and simultaneously

loaded taking into account the mutual thermal influences.

The rated diversity factor can be stated:

- for groups of circuits;

- for the whole assembly.

The rated diversity factor is:

The rated diversity factor multiplied by the rated current

of the circuits (In) shall be equal to or higher than the

assumed loading of the outgoing circuits (Ib).

The rated diversity factor is applicable to the outgoing

circuits of the assembly and demonstrates that multiple

functional units can be partially loaded.

When the manufacturer states a rated diversity factor,

this factor shall be used for the temperature-rise test,

otherwise reference shall be made to the values recommended

by the Standard 61439-1 in Annex E.

Rated frequency

value of frequency to which the operating conditions are

referred. If the circuits of an assembly are designed for

different values of frequency, the rated frequency of each

circuit shall be given.

-ABB technical application papers

 

 

Friday, November 29, 2013

IEC standards

IEC 60038 Standard voltages

IEC 60076-2 Power transformers - Temperature rise

IEC 60076-3 Power transformers - Insulation levels, dielectric tests and external clearances in air

IEC 60076-5 Power transformers - Ability to withstand short-circuit

IEC 60076-10 Power transformers - Determination of sound levels

IEC 60146 Semiconductor convertors - General requirements and line commutated convertors

IEC 60255 Electrical relays

IEC 60265-1 High-voltage switches - High-voltage switches for rated voltages above 1 kV and less than 52 kV

IEC 60269-1 Low-voltage fuses - General requirements

IEC 60269-2 Low-voltage fuses - Supplementary requirements for fuses for use by unskilled persons (fuses mainly for household and similar applications)

IEC 60282-1 High-voltage fuses - Current-limiting fuses

IEC 60287-1-1 Electric cables - Calculation of the current rating - Current rating equations (100% load factor) and calculation of losses - General

IEC 60364 Electrical installations of buildings

IEC 60364-1 Electrical installations of buildings - Fundamental principles

IEC 60364-4-41 Electrical installations of buildings - Protection for safety - Protection against electric shock

IEC 60364-4-42 Electrical installations of buildings - Protection for safety - Protection against thermal effects

IEC 60364-4-43 Electrical installations of buildings - Protection for safety - Protection against overcurrent

IEC 60364-4-44 Electrical installations of buildings - Protection for safety - Protection against electromagnetic and voltage disrurbance

IEC 60364-5-51 Electrical installations of buildings - Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Common rules

IEC 60364-5-52 Electrical installations of buildings - Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Wiring systems

IEC 60364-5-53 Electrical installations of buildings - Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Isolation, switching and control

IEC 60364-5-54 Electrical installations of buildings - Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Earthing arrangements

IEC 60364-5-55 Electrical installations of buildings - Selection and erection of electrical equipment - Other equipments

IEC 60364-6-61 Electrical installations of buildings - Verification and testing - Initial verification

IEC 60364-7-701 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Locations containing a bath tub or shower basin

IEC 60364-7-702 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Swimming pools and other basins

IEC 60364-7-703 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Locations containing sauna heaters

IEC 60364-7-704 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Construction and demolition site installations

IEC 60364-7-705 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Electrical installations of agricultural and horticultural premises

IEC 60364-7-706 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Restrictive conducting locations

IEC 60364-7-707 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Earthing requirements for the installation of data processing equipment

IEC 60364-7-708 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Electrical installations in caravan parks and caravans

IEC 60364-7-709 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Marinas and pleasure craft

IEC 60364-7-710 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Medical locations

IEC 60364-7-711 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Exhibitions, shows and stands

IEC 60364-7-712 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Solar photovoltaic (PV) power supply systems

IEC 60364-7-713 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Furniture

IEC 60364-7-714 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - External lighting installations

IEC 60364-7-715 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Extra-low-voltage lighting installations

IEC 60364-7-717 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Mobile or transportable units

IEC 60364-7-740 Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special installations or locations - Temporary electrical installations for structures, amusement devices and booths at fairgrounds, amusement parks and circuses

IEC 60427 High-voltage alternating current circuit-breakers

IEC 60439-1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Type-tested and partially type-tested assemblies

IEC 60439-2 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Particular requirements for busbar trunking systems (busways)

IEC 60439-3 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Particular requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies intended to

be installed in places where unskilled persons have access for their use - Distribution boards

IEC 60439-4 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Particular requirements for assemblies for construction sites (ACS)

IEC 60446 Basic and safety principles for man-machine interface, marking and identification - Identification of conductors by colours or numerals

IEC 60439-5 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Particular requirements for assemblies intended to be installed outdoors in public places - Cable distribution cabinets (CDCs)

IEC 60479-1 Effects of current on human beings and livestock - General aspects

IEC 60479-2 Effects of current on human beings and livestock - Special aspects

IEC 60479-3 Effects of current on human beings and livestock - Effects of currents passing through the body of livestock IEC 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code)

IEC 60644 Spécification for high-voltage fuse-links for motor circuit applications

IEC 60664 Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage systems

IEC 60715 Dimensions of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. Standardized mounting on rails for mechanical support of electrical devices in switchgear and controlgear installations.

IEC 60724 Short-circuit temperature limits of electric cables with rated voltages of 1 kV (Um = 1.2 kV) and 3 kV (Um = 3.6 kV)

IEC 60755 General requirements for residual current operated protective devices

IEC 60787 Application guide for the selection of fuse-links of high-voltage fuses for transformer circuit application

IEC 60831 Shunt power capacitors of the self-healing type for AC systems having a rated voltage up to and including 1000 V - General - Performance, testing and rating - Safety requirements - Guide for installation and operation

IEC 60947-1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - General rules

IEC 60947-2 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Circuit-breakers

IEC 60947-3 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Switches, disconnectors, switch-disconnectors and fuse-combination units

IEC 60947-4-1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Contactors and motor-starters - Electromechanical contactors and motor-starters

IEC 60947-6-1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Multiple function equipment - Automatic transfer switching equipment

IEC 61000 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)

IEC 61140 Protection against electric shocks - common aspects for installation and equipment

IEC 61557-1 Electrical safety in low-voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures - General requirements

IEC 61557-8 Electrical safety in low-voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures

IEC 61557-9 Electrical safety in low-voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC - Equipment for insulation fault location in IT systems

IEC 61557-12 Electrical safety in low-voltage distribution systems up to 1000 V AC and 1500 V DC - Equipment for testing, measuring or monitoring of protective measures. Performance measuring and monitoring devices (PMD)

IEC 61558-2-6 Safety of power transformers, power supply units and similar - Particular requirements for safety isolating transformers for general use

IEC 62271-1 Common specifications for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear standards

IEC 62271-100 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - High-voltage alternating-current circuit-breakers

IEC 62271-102 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Alternating current disconnectors and earthing switches

IEC 62271-105 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Alternating current switch-fuse combinations

IEC 62271-200 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Alternating current metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up toand including 52 kV

IEC 62271-202 High-voltage/low voltage prefabricated substations