User Guide

BPD Engineering
Power/Vac Engineering Information

Engineering Software Related Information
RuleStream User’s Guide
MV
Switchgear
0
For
Dummies
1
THIS IS A CONTROLLED DOCUMENT ONLY WHEN
VIEWED ONLINE. NOT CONTROLLED IN PRINTED
FORM.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
CERTIFIED TEST REPORTS------------------------------------------------------7
WITNESS TEST------------------------------------------------------------------------9
BUS MATERIAL-----------------------------------------------------------------------7
BUS PLATING--------------------------------------------------------------------------2
CUSTOMER INSPECTION--------------------------------------------------------13
SPECIAL REGULATORY CODES-----------------------------------------------15
GROUND BUS-------------------------------------------------------------------------16
EQUIPMENT DEPTH---------------------------------------------------------------17
DOOR GASKETS---------------------------------------------------------------------19
FRONT DEVICE DOOR BARRIERS--------------------------------------------20
FRONT DOORS HANDLE TYPE------------------------------------------------22
FRONT DOORS HINGE SIDE----------------------------------------------------24
FULL-HEIGHT FRONT DOORS-------------------------------------------------25
PADLOCK PROVISIONS----------------------------------------------------------26
REAR DOOR STOPS----------------------------------------------------------------27
REAR DOORS-------------------------------------------------------------------------29
ARC RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION-------------------------------------------31
INDOOR FLOOR PLATES---------------------------------------------------------35
SEISMIC--------------------------------------------------------------------------------37
BREAKER LIFT TRUCK----------------------------------------------------------43
GROUND BUS PLATING----------------------------------------------------------45
INDOOR DRIP PROOF CONSTRUCTION------------------------------------47
1
FORM.
INSULATOR TYPE------------------------------------------------------------------48
INTERIOR PAINT-------------------------------------------------------------------51
LEFT/RIGHT OUTDOOR AISLE EXTENSION SIZE----------------------51
OUTDOOR AISLE LESS CONSTRUCTION----------------------------------54
Bus Plating
Purpose
Plating is used to help ensure the long-term electrical and
thermal performance of the bus bars. If plating is not applied,
the copper could eventually oxidize, impacting performance.
Plating at connection points helps to ensure good performance
throughout the life of the product.
Practical Design
This specification describes the processes used in the GE
Burlington plant to plate copper parts. All copper parts require a
suffix to be ordered. The suffixes indicate the plating
requirements of the job and are noted in table 1 below. Tin
plating is the standard option. An optional plating part may have
one of 6 suffixes added:
Suffi Meaning
x
T1 0.02 mil thick Tin
F1 0.02 mil thick silver on contact surface
FS 0.02 mil thick silver on entire surface of part
RS 0.02 mil thick silver at holes specified
2
FORM.
TX For requisition engineering to specify different

thickness requirements on tin jobs.
This should be noted in the S1 – Special Sheet
FX For requisition engineering to specify different

thickness requirements on silver jobs.
Table 1
RS – This specifies that parts are to be ring silver-plated. Ring

silver is designed to improve the surface electrical connection at
a bolted joint. Only identified holes on a specific piece part
drawing should be ring-silver plated.
F1, or FX – (Dip silver or contact surface silver plate). This

specifies that parts are to be plated such that all bolted joints
have a full silver coating at the contact point. The copper piece
may be unplated in areas where no electrical connections take
place or under fluid bed epoxy coating. NO ring silver plating is
allowed under this option. This plating will fully cover the width
of a bar and extend at least 2 inches beyond the centerline of the
hole.
FS – This specifies that parts should be completely silver-plated.
T1, or TX –This specifies that parts are to be completely tin-

plated. Fluid bed epoxy, where required, shall cover the tin
plate. In special cases with the plating fluid bed epoxy process,
the plating shall cover only the bare copper surfaces.
PD – This suffix is used for parts that do not follow any typical
plating options and must be plated strictly by the description on
the part drawing. This covers some parts that have multiple
plating requirements or other complexity.
Table 2 below describes typical plating scenarios for the most

common items specified by customers.
** As a rule of thumb, moving contact points are always full silver
plated as a design requirement whether the job is tin or silver.
This design requirement will be specified by the suffix PD.
3
FORM.
Hence all primary disconnects are silver plated regardless. Bus

plating cannot be a mixture of tin and silver.
POWER/VAC
Prim
Roll-Out .
Phase Ground
Plating Type Roll-Out Finger &
Bus Bus Stab.
Stab Tips
Tips
Tin T1 T1 T1 T1 PD
Silver RS PD PD PD PD
Contact F1 F1 F1 F1 PD
Surface Silver
Plating
Full Part Silver FS FS FS FS PD
Table 2
How is this option specified in RuleStream?

This is a RuleStream Selection under Substation Summary 
Main Bus  Bus Plating
4
FORM.
Figure 1 RuleStream Selection of Bus Plating
Review
Low and medium voltage switchgear have traditionally used
plating of all electrical bus connection points. Traditional plating
materials available are either tin or silver.
Tin and Silver each have certain advantages based upon their
performance characteristics.
Plating Characteristics
Tin and Silver characteristics will be compared in four areas
1. Corrosive protection
2. Electrical performance
3. Mechanical performance
5
FORM.
4. Environmental performance
CORROSIVE PROTECTION
The following are considered corrosive agents occasionally found

in switchgear environments.
1. Hydrogen Sulfide
2. Sulfur Dioxide
3. Chlorine
4. Salt (Marine)
A comparison of corrosive performance for tin and silver-plating

with respect to each above-mentioned agent is shown on table 1
below.
Tin plating is often specified in environments with high sulfur

content. This includes applications such as pulp and paper mills.
Silver plating is often specified in high chlorine environments,

such as those found in water treatment plants and some petro-
chemical plants.
In marine environments, either plating could be used but tin

plating is specified more frequently.
Atmospheric Tin (1) Silver (2)

Contaminant
Hydrogen Sulfide Little effect up to Reacts to form black

100 C coats of silver oxide
Sulfur Dioxide Reacts with tin when Reacts to form

moist silver sulfide and
sulfate
Chlorine Reacts with Reacts with chlorine

halogens and their vapor in presence of
acids moisture.
6
FORM.
Salt (Marine) Good resistance to Solutions react with

marine silver slowly
environments
Table 3
“The corrosion Resistance of Tin and Tin Alloys,” S.C. Britton,

1952. “Silver in Industry,” Edited by L. Addicks, 1960.
ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE
Plating affects electrical performance of a bus bar by impacting

the electrical resistivity. The material used to plate is resistant to
oxidation. Oxidation increases resistance of a material, which
causes a voltage drop and temperature rises. Plating helps
prevent this.
GE has conducted tests with both tin and silver plated bus to
compare temperature effects due to plating. The results
revealed very similar performance between the two plating
options. Hence, there is no reason to prefer one type of plating
over the other simply for electrical performance.
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE
Mechanical performance becomes of interest when evaluating

sliding connection points. Sliding contact points occurs at
connections that are made and broken on regular basis.
Silver plating performs extremely well in sliding connection

points. Silver possesses a self-lubricating quality which helps
prevent wear, hence recommended for use as a sliding contact.
Tin plating has a tendency to gall and fret under repeated

motion, hence not recommended for use as a sliding contact.
E N V I R O N M E N TA L I M PA C T
Unlike tin, most popular silver plating techniques use cyanide in

the plating process. Cyanide is considered to be a hazardous
material and is regulated by the EPA.
7
FORM.
Silver is also considered to be a regulated heavy metal and is

monitored by the EPA closely. Tin is a non-priority pollutant
under the Clean Water Act of 1986, hence tin plating is the
plating of choice.
C O N C LU S I O N
The selection of plating on copper bus bars should be made

based on the application requirements where the electrical
equipment will be located.
Bus Material
Purpose
In the past this option gave customer a choice between various
types of bus material, however, GE Burlington now provides only
copper bus bars. Hence this option is always copper.
Practical Design
Copper is the standard bus material provided in GE Burlington.
In the past, GE provided Aluminum bus bars as an option.
However, aluminum has a tendency to shrink, which may make it
difficult to keep the connections tight.
Certified Test Reports

Purpose
GE’s testing standards rank amongst the highest in the industry.
The whole testing process is documented in these Certified Test
Reports. Certified Test Reports certify that the gear has been
tested and meets various testing standards. Burlington offers
this option standard.
8
FORM.
What does it look like?
9
FORM.
Figure 2 Certified Test Report

This is a RuleStream Selection under Engineering Input  Job
Data  Certified Test Report. Make sure the option is selected
by checking the box next to it. It should be checked by default as
shown below.
Figure 3 Certified Test Reports Selection
Witness Test
Purpose
Witness test must be specified on requisition. In addition to the
customer inspection outlined above, the inspector can request
several tests on breakers.
10
FORM.
1. The inspector can witness no load

operation of breakers by manual control
and by relays.
2. Power checks may be witnessed of all

relays, instruments, meters and devices in
some or all the units.
3. The inspector can witness the operation

of all breaker control circuitry at
maximum, normal and minimum voltages.
4. The inspector can inspect equipment after

painting and/or in shipping department.

Data  Witness test
Figure 4 Witness Test selection in RuleStream
11
FORM.
Insect/Rodent Proof
Purpose
This feature helps keep the gear free from insects and rodents
greater than 1 mm in diameter by adding insect proof screens.
Practical Design
This design uses flat perforated steel screens (0329B8223) to
cover the louver openings on the front doors. Figure 1 below
shows these screens.
These screens are ordered in the Screen/Filter assembly,

drawing number 0329B8218 G009 to G012.
Figure 5 Perforated Flat Screens Dr. No. 0329B8223
In cases where the gear has rear covers with 4 sets of 12

louvers. A large perforated steel screen (0329B8347) is used to
12
FORM.
cover the louver openings.
Figure 6 Screen/ Filter Assembly Dr. No. 0329B821

Mesh
Filter
Filt
Screen with filter as shown

Figure 7 Screen With Filter as shown in above drawing.
Filters go inside the screens, and then are mounted on the
doors.
13
FORM.
Figure 8 Small Screens with Filters

This is a RuleStream Selection under Engineering Input  L1
Sheet  Mechanical Options  Equipment Options, under
Ventilation. Select Insect/Rodent/Dust proof as shown below.
14
FORM.
Insect/Rodent/
Dust Proof
Figure 9 Insect/Dust Proof selection in RuleStream
Customer inspection
Purpose
This option gives the customer an opportunity to see the
switchgear prior to shipping.
It benefits the customer in the following ways

1. The customer’s inspector can check the number of units
and the arrangement to verify the equipment complies
with the specifications.
15
FORM.
2. The customer’s inspector can inspect all material,

including devices, relays, excess material and breakers
both for quality and workmanship
3. The customer’s inspector can observe the preparation and

loading of equipment for shipping.
4. Witness tests are not included, but the customer’s

inspector can obtain the certified test reports.
Considerations
When required, visual inspection by the customer must be
specified on the requisition. Customer inspection is performed
after the final test when all GE inspections have been
accomplished.

Data. Check customer Inspection.
16
FORM.
Customer
Inspection
17
Regulatory Code
Selection

FORM.
Special Regulatory Codes

Purpose
Different states have different regulatory requirements for
building switchgear. These regulation requirements are noted in
the regulatory codes: California Code, Chicago Code, New York
City Code, etc.

This is a RuleStream selection under Engineering Input  L1
Sheet  Mechanical Options  Certification.
Figure 10 Regulatory Code Selections In RuleStream
18
FORM.
Ground Bus
Purpose
The ground bus allows connections to the station ground, which
grounds the electrical system the bus is serving. It also helps
ground the equipment adequately to protect the operator from
injury when short circuits or other abnormal occurrences take
place. Moreover, the ground bus ensures that all parts of the
equipment, other than live parts, are at ground potential.
Practical Design
The ground bus is bolted to the rear of the frame near the
bottom. It is arranged so that connections to the station ground
can be made in any unit.
When the equipment is shipped in more than one group

(shipping split), the sections of the ground bus must be
connected with a splice plate provided with the equipment.
Ground bus risers are provided in each cable compartment to

provide a convenient place to ground cable armor, cable sheaths,
and shields or ground wires.
The ground bus connections are made in the lower portion of the
cable entrance compartment. A conductor having a current
carrying capacity equal to that of the switchgear ground bus
must connect the switchgear ground bus to the station ground
bus. A ground bus of ¼-inch by 2-inch copper is extended
though out the lineup with connections to each breaker
grounding contact and each cable compartment ground
terminal. All joints are made with at least two 3/8-inch plated
steel bolts per joint. Station grounDConnection points shall be
located in each end.
The ground bus is always sized to carry rated short-circuit

current (without instantaneous trips) of the largest available
breaker for one-half second.

This is a RuleStream Selection under Engineering Input 
Substation Summary  Ground/Neutral  Ground Bus. Select
600 Amp or 1200 Amp.
19
FORM.
Ground Bus
Amperage
Figure 11 Ground Bus Selection
Equipment Depth
Purpose
This feature allows the customer to select different stack depths.
20
FORM.
Practical Design
The standard stack depth is 94 inches. However, upon customer
request, the following stack depth can be provided
1. 82 inches
2. 100 inches
3. 106 inches
4. 112 inches

This is a RuleStream selection under Engineering Input 
Substation Summary, under Lineup as shown below. Just beside
the Depth is a drop down menu. Select the depth specified by
the customer.
21
FORM.
Drop Down Menu allows the

selection
of different equipment depths
Figure 12 Stack Depth Selection in RuleStream
Door Gaskets
Purpose
Door gaskets offer a seal that prevents dust and other particles
from entering the switchgear through the door edges.
22
FORM.
Door
G
Figure 13 Door Gaskets
How is this option specified in the system?

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Doors. Select Front Door
Gasket.
23
FORM.
Door Gasket
Selection
Figure 14 RuleStream selection of Door Gaskets
Front Device Door Barriers

Purpose
Device door barriers are flame resistant, thermoforming grade
covers that cover open wired contacts at the back of devices
mounted on the front door. These barriers prevent accidental
contact of live wire while operating around these devices.
California code requires this type of door barrier.
24
FORM.
Practical Design
The barriers are ordered in the drawings below
Figure 15 Drawing No. 0144D2421, Device Door Barrier
Figure 16 Device Door Barrier. This is used to comply

with California Code
25
FORM.

Sheet  Mechanical Option  Doors. Select Required under
Device Door Barriers.
Device Door
Figure 17 Device Door Barrier Selection
26
FORM.
Front Door Handle Type

Purpose
This specifies the type of handle used in the opening and latching
of the front doors. The handles can come in two versions: t-
handles and thumbscrew. T-handles are available either with key
locks or without.
Figure 18 Keyed T-Handle Figure 19 Front door

with thumbscrews

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Doors. Under front door
handles, select the handle specified by the customer.
27
FORM.
Front Door
Handles
Figure 20 RuleStream selection of Front Door Handles
Front Door Hinge Side

Purpose
This feature allows the customer to specify the direction the door
opens by having hinges on either the left or right side.

Sheet  Mechanical Option  Doors. Under Front Hinge Type,
28
FORM.
select either Left Hand or Right Hand per customer

specifications.
Hinge Type
Selection
Full-Height Front Doors

Purpose
These doors allow easy access to both the top and bottom
compartments of each stack.
29
FORM.
Full-Height
Front Doors
Figure 21 Full-height front door.
Padlock Provisions
Purpose
This feature allows the padlocking of front doors for safety and
security reasons. What does it look like?
Figure 22 Front Door Padlock Provisions

Sheet  Mechanical Option  Doors. Under Front Padlock,
check Required if the customer specifies this feature. The figure
below shows how to make this selection.
30
FORM.
Front Padlock Provisions.

Check if
required.
Figure 23 Front Door Padlock Provisions Selection
Rear Door Stops

Purpose
This feature helps keep the rear door open while operating in the
rear of the gear. It helps prevent inadvertent closing of the rear
door by forcing the user to lift a latch before closing the door.
31
FORM.
Rear Door
Stops
Lever must be lifted

before
shutting the door.
Figure 24 Rear Door stops

Sheet  Mechanical Option  Doors. Select Required under
Rear Door Stops.
32
FORM.
Rear Door
Stop
Figure 25 Rear Door Stop Selection
Rear Doors
Purpose
This feature allows entrance of the gear from the rear for
maintenance and other purposes. Rear doors can come bolted or
hinged, full-height or split.
33
FORM.
Figure 26 Rear Door split bolted. This option does not

provide hinges. In order to open the doors, they must be
unbolted.
Hinge
Figure 27 Rear Door Split-Hinged.

Sheet  Mechanical Option  Doors. Under Rear Doors, you
may select the rear door type, rear door height, rear door
handles, rear door padlocks and rear door stops.
34
FORM.
Rear Doors allow selection of Door

type,
Door Height, Door Handles, Door
Padlocks
and Doorstops. Selection should
Figure 28 Rear Door Feature Selection
Arc Resistant Construction

Purpose
This feature provides the highest possible degree of safety and
protection to operating personnel by containing the arc by-
products and venting gases in a safe manner. This construction
minimizes the spread of an arcing fault in the switchgear, and
provides added protection to people in the vicinity.
35
FORM.
Design Considerations
Energy from an arc will cause a rapid build-up of pressure within
the cubicle due to the extremely high temperatures and the
vaporization of metals. Maintaining the Arc Resistant protection
during operation requires that all doors/covers be closed and
latched/bolted while energized. Unlatching or unbolting
removes this protection.
The front door of arc-resistant gear is designed to withstand

pressure without opening or coming off. A window is provided to
view the breaker trip and close flags while the doors are closed.
The EEMAC Standard G14.1 describes three classes of Arc

Resistant Switchgear: Type A, Type B, and Type C.
1. Type A protection -provides front protection only.
2. Type B protection -provides front, back and side protection.
3. Type C protection -provides front, back and side as well as

protection against the spread of faults between compartments.
The current arc resistant switchgear design is for indoor

use only. If outdoor switchgear is required, the Arc Resistant
Switchgear must be installed in a contained outdoor building.
Due to the large volume of expelled air, gas and vapor, the area
directly above the Arc Resistant Switchgear should be free of any
non-replaceable or flammable materials up to a distance of 3
meters (9.84 feet). Design of the building or room that contains
the Arc Resistant Switchgear is normally the responsibility of the
owner or the designated consultant.
Once installed, there should be absolutely no access to the

top of the Switchgear, nor should any cables be run over the top
of the switchgear as the hot gases released during a fault may
melt the insulation and cause secondary failures.
All primary and secondary cables to Arc Resistant Switchgear

must be fed from the bottom entrance only, unless a special rear
extension is provided.
Shipping splits must be bolted together in the field. Many of the

barriers and bolted pieces have been provided with a silicone
36
FORM.
seal to prevent any gases moving between compartments (type C

only). The integrity of these seals must be maintained.
Figure 29 Arc-Resistant Switchgear line-up
37
FORM.
The front door of arc-resistant gear is

designed to withstand pressure without
opening and coming off.
Figure 30 Arc-Resistant Switchgear with Pictures of the
front door.
There should be absolutely no access to the top of the

Switchgear, nor should any cables run over the top of the
switchgear as the hot gases released under a fault may melt
the insulation and cause secondary failures.
38
FORM.
Figure 31 Top Roof

This is a RuleStream selection under L1 Sheet  Mechanical
Options  Certifications
Figure 32 RuleStream selection of Arc-Resistant

Switchgear
Indoor Floor Plates

Purpose
Indoor Floor plates are metal plates that go on the bottom of the
gear to prevent foreign objects from entering through the
bottom of the gear.
39
FORM.

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Equipment Options. Under
Indoor Floor Plates, selections can be made for either the rear or
the front and rear.
Indoor Floor
Plates
Figure 33 Indoor Floor Plate Selection
40
FORM.
41
Seismic Construction
Purpose
This type of construction ensures that the gear does not operate
abnormally in the event of seismic activity.
Practical Design
Seismic Zone 2
Selecting Seismic Zone 2 allows you to comply with the IEEE

standards for moderate seismic level, which is equal to or
exceeds UBC Zones 1 and 2. To achieve this, GE's Standard
Installation Procedures MUST be followed. This involves bolting
the equipment to the pad using 13 - ½ inch diameter bolts in
both the front and rear of the equipment. The bolts should be
compliant with ASTM, A325, Grade 5, Type 3 (Corrosion
Resistant). Welding the equipment as shown on the installation
drawings may also be used to suitably anchor the equipment to
the floor. Refer to installation drawings 0144D2307 &
0144D2309 (shown below) for both bolting and welding
information.
Figure 34 Moderate Seismic Stand Alone Installation for a
roll-in breaker
Figure 35 Moderate Seismic Installation for stand-alone

stacks
Seismic Zone 4
Zone 4 seismic allows you to meet IEEE High Seismic design for
PowerVac Metalclad Switchgear equipment, which is equal to or
exceeds UBC Zones 3 and 4. To achieve this, GE's Standard
Installation Procedures MUST be followed. These entails bolting
the equipment to the pad using 13 - ½ inch diameter bolts in
both the front and rear of the equipment. The bolts should be
compliant with ASTM, A325, Grade 5, Type 3 (Corrosion
Resistant). In addition to having these 13 bolts, GE supplied
stiffener plates for indoor equipment (shipped in XS- Excess)
must be installed. Clips are also added in the joints to make
them strong and stable. The clips are shown in figure 4 below.
This is shown in the figure below. Welding the equipment as
shown on the installation drawings may also be used to suitably
anchor the equipment to the floor. Refer to installation drawings
0144D2308 & 0144D2310 shown below for both bolting and
welding information.
Figure 36 Stiffener plate supplied in Excess
Seismic
Clips
Figure 37 Seismic Clips and Gusset
Guss
et
Figure 38 Gussets – Where the switchgear gets bolted to

the ground.
Figure 39 High Seismic Indoor Breaker Installation
Drawing No. 0144D2310. Notice the extra 2½ inch bar
that’s in the Gussets.
Figure 40 High Seismic Installation Drawings for Roll in

Breakers. Drawing No. 0144D2308
This is RuleStream selection under L1 Sheet  Mechanical
Options  Certifications
Seismic Zone
Selection
Figure 41 Seismic Selection
Seismic Review
New Seismic Construction
GE builds highly robust and reliable medium voltage switchgear
equipment in accordance with industry standards, "best
practices" and 6 Sigma Quality techniques. Extensive analysis
has been performed to ensure that GE offers seismic ratings to
accepted standards with high performance, quality, and value.
The seismic performance of GE's new seismic designs for

PowerVac Metalclad Switchgear have been determined by
analysis to be compliant with the current IEEE Standard 693-
1997, the Uniform Building Code and the California Building
Code.
In either Moderate or High Seismic levels, the use of these new

seismic designs of PowerVac Metalclad Switchgear equipment
eliminate costly field installation practices (e.g.; welding of
equipment unit steel to concrete imbedded channel and door /
pin alignment, etc). Improvements to the offering detailed
herein are effective immediately.
Please note that the floor mounting hardware and steel channels
are not furnished as standard with the equipment. The installing
contractor should provide these items.
The old Zone 4 Seismic Design included other modifications

designed to ride through an earthquake. The newer designs are
recommended especially for the ease of installation. In general
these modifications to Power/Vac included:
1. Welding gussets
2. Adding locating pins on doors
3. Adding stiffeners on doors
Old Zone 4 should be chosen only if matching existing equipment

or the customer has existing equipment on site.
Our current Power/VAC seismic design offering meets the

structural and anchoring requirements of IEEE-693:
"Recommended Practices for Seismic Design of Substations, "
Moderate and High seismic. Our qualification of design utilized
seismic analysis calculations and dynamic computer modeling.
However, IEEE-693 also has requirements for demonstration of
"functionality". This requirement can only be proven by shake
testing, in which the manufacturer demonstrates the equipment,
breakers AND components do not malfunction during a seismic
event, and remain functional after the event. We cannot provide
this compliance with our current seismic design! Our earlier
Nuclear 1E Seismic design was shake tested, and provides
demonstrated functionality of the equipment and breakers (ML-
17 only), and can be furnished at additional cost. However, we
can no longer guarantee component functionality, as the devices
and components have changed from those tested in 1977, and
most component vendors no not have seismic shake test data on
their products. Be very careful when reviewing customer
specifications regarding seismic requirements, for references to
"functionality", or "compliance to IEEE-693 as demonstrated by
test."
POWER/VAC Seismic Construction Evolution
In 1977, an enhanced seismic Power/VAC design was shake
tested at Wyle Labs, to confirm compliance with the then
proposed revisions to IEEE-344 Nuclear 1E Seismic
Qualification. This design utilized additional work to the breaker
and roll-out tracks, welding of some braces, additional studs and
pins on the doors among other small modifications from our then
"standard" seismic design for UBC zone 4. The equipment
contained electromechanical relays, analog meters, JVM PTs and
JAG-0 CTs, and ML-17 breakers. The equipment tested qualified
to IEEE-344 - 1975 and the proposed revisions, which included
no malfunctions during the event, and complete functionality
after the tests.
From 1977 until 1997, GE has offered three levels of

construction: Nuclear Seismic, Seismic and non-Seismic.
Standard construction was determined to meet UBC zones 1 &
2. Seismic construction was good for UBC 3 & 4.
In 1997-8, Mr. William Gundy was contracted to perform seismic

analysis, to confirm compliance with the new seismic standard
IEEE-693, and UBC 1-4 code. Gundy was a member of the IEEE-
693 committee and a PE in the State of California. His analysis
was by calculation and computer modeling, as allowed by IEEE-
693, based on our standard non-seismic construction, and data
from the 1977 shake table tests. The results revealed that our
standard design, with some additional “hold down” plates to
prevent bolt pull-through, and specific anchoring details, would
meet IEEE-693 High Seismic requirements. Compliance to
Moderate Seismic only has the special anchoring requirements.
Mr. Gundy also evaluated the seismic requirements of IEEE-693,

as compared to that of UBC, IBC and CBC building codes, and
confirmed that the requirements of IEEE-693 are the most
conservative of the active codes. UBC/IBC and CBC have
provisions that allow the use of other nationally recognized codes
or standards, to qualify electrical equipment, as long as they
meet the minimum load requirements of the referenced building
code. IEEE-693 is a nationally recognized standard, and
Moderate Seismic requirements exceed those of UBC Zones 1 &
2. High Seismic exceeds those of UBC Zones 3 & 4.
However, when quoting a project that references a building code

such as UBC, IBC or others, Marketing must advise the
Customer that we are quoting seismic qualification based on
IEEE-693, in lieu of the specified building code, and that IEEE-
693 meets or exceeds the requirements of the specified building
code (except for functionality – see last paragraph).
The other major issue at present is the growing customer

requirement, and code requirement, to demonstrate that the
equipment remains functional after the seismic event. Some
customers also require that the equipment, including
components, not malfunction during the event. This capability
can ONLY be demonstrated by shake table testing. At present,
we cannot comply with this requirement. While our tests in 1977
did demonstrate this capability, it is not valid for the ML-18
mechanism, or for the components, relays, etc. that the market
currently uses.
The Business is actively working to define a test program,

utilizing shake testing, to revalidate both LV and MV equipment
designs to the latest standards and codes, including
demonstration of functionality. This will place us back on a level
playing field with the competition, and position us to satisfy our
customer’s growing demand for reliable electrical equipment.
Breaker Lift Truck

Purpose
A Breaker Lift Truck provides a means of moving and lifting the
heavy breakers in order to place them in their respective
cubicles.
What do they look like?
Ground Bus Plating
Purpose
Plating protects the bus bars from corrosion and also helps
improve the electrical and thermal properties of the bus bars.
Practical Design
Tin plating is the standard offering. This specification describes
the processes used in the GE Burlington plant to plate copper
parts. All copper parts require a suffix to be ordered. The
suffixes indicate the plating requirements of the job and are
noted in table 1 below. An optional plating part may have one of
6 suffixes added:
Suffi Meaning
x
T1 0.02 mil Thick Tin
F1 0.02 mil thick silver on contact surface
FS 0.02 mil thick silver on entire surface of part
RS 0.02 mil thick silver at holes specified
TX For requisition engineering for different

thickness requirements on tin jobs.
FX For requisition engineering for different

thickness requirements on silver jobs.
Table 4
RS – This refers to parts that are will be ring silver-plated. Ring

silver is designed to improve the surface electrical connection at
a bolted joint. Only identified holes on a specific piece part
drawing should be ring-silver plated.
F1, or FX – (Dip silver or contact surface silver plate). This

refers to plating all bolted joints with a full silver coating at the
contact point. The copper piece may be unplated in areas where
no electrical connections take place or coated with fluid bed
epoxy. NO ring silver plating is allowed under this option. This
plating will fully cover the width of a bar and extend at least 2
inches beyond the centerline of the hole.
FS – Full Silver. The whole bus bar will be completely silver-

plated.
T1, or TX –This refers to parts that will be completely tin-plated.

Fluid bed epoxy, where required, shall cover the tin plate. In
special cases with the plating fluid bed epoxy process, the
plating shall cover only the bare copper surfaces.
PD – This suffix is used for parts that do not follow standard

plating options and must be plated strictly by the description on
the part drawing. This covers parts that have multiple plating
requirements or other unusual designs.
Table 2 below describes typical plating scenarios for the most

common items specified by customers.
** As a rule of thumb, moving contact points are always full silver

plated as a design requirement whether the job is tin or silver.
This design requirement will be specified by the suffix PD.
Hence all primary disconnects are silver plated regardless.
** Bus plating cannot be a mixture of tin and silver.
POWER/VAC
Pri
m.
Roll-Out
Phase Ground Roll-
Plating Type Stab
Bus Bus Out Finger &
.
Stab Tips
Tips
Tin T1 T1 T1 T1 PD
Silver RS PD PD PD PD
Contact F1 F1 F1 F1 PD
Surface Silver
Plating
Full Part Silver FS FS FS FS PD
Table 5
Figure 42 Bare copper bar - before plating
Figure 43 Silver Plated ground bar.
Figure 44 Tin- Plated Ground Bus Bar
Indoor Drip Proof Construction

Purpose
This type of design is used to prevent dripping liquids from
entering the top of the switchgear with the addition of a sloped
roof on standard indoor construction.
Practical Design
The indoor drip roof has the same design as the standard indoor
construction, but with the addition of a sloped roof. This type of
design is used to prevent dripping liquids from entering the top
of the switchgear.
A normal breaker-lifting device cannot be used with an Indoor

Drip Proof Roof, but a portable type (such as a hydro-crane) will
work.
Drip Proof
Roof
Figure 45 Drip Proof Roof used on an Indoor Gear

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Equipment Options. Under Drip
Proof Roof, select required if specified by the customer.
Drip Proof
Roof
Figure 46 Indoor Drip Roof Selection
Insulator Type
Purpose
This feature provides insulation for the bus bars from the metal
clad enclosure.
Practical Design
The standard practice is to furnish porcelain in the primary
insulation system for 13.8kV and above outdoor gear.
Equipments below 13.8kV including all indoors shall use track
resistant, flame resistant polyester glass mat laminated or
molded material. Exceptions should be noted in special cases
where the customer might request porcelain insulation on this
type of gear.
Figure 47 Polyester Insulators. It looks like plastic and is

light.
Figure 48 Porcelain Insulators. It’s heavier and is glazed

to have a shinny look.
Sheet  Mechanical Options  Equipment Options. Under
Insulator type, select the insulator type specified by the
customer.
Insulator
Type
Figure 49 Insulator Type Selection In RuleStream

Interior Paint
Purpose
Interior paint guarantees resistance to harsh indoor
environmental conditions. Standard paint finish is ANSI-61 light
gray. The primer paint process uses the superior “E-coat”, or
electro-deposition process, based on electroplating principles.
Practical design
The standard offering is gray paint as per ANSI 61. GE
Burlington also offers paint as per ANSI 24, 45, and 70. If the
customer specifies anything different from these, the
specification should be noted in the S1 – Special Sheet. GE
Burlington can apply a finish coat of the special color on the
exterior only.
Touch-up paint must be furnished with every shipment of

switchgear. For every twenty units or fraction thereof, the
factory should ship one 12 oz. Pressure spray container, or a
pint of touch up paint.
Paint Review
The “E-coat” paint system involves the “cathodic electro-
deposition” process that employs the same principles used in
electro-plating. An electrically charged object immersed in a
bath of oppositely charged particles will attract, and become
coated with, those particles. In the process, switchgear parts are
conveyed through a seven-stage washing process, where they
are thoroughly cleaned, and the surfaces are prepared, sealed
and rinsed. Next, the parts are immersed in an electro-coating
tank, where they receive between 0.7-mil and 0.8-mil thick of
epoxy coating on the entire surface. After a rinse, the parts
enter a curing oven, where the coating is baked, fusing it to the
metal and ensuring a hard, uniform finish. The resulting ANSI-
61 light gray paint finish far exceeds the requirements of UL
1558 and ANSI C37.20.1, which requires, at a minimum, passing
a 200-hour salt spray test, 2,000 hours in a humidity cabinet,
acid and alkaline resistance tests, spot and stain tests, marring
tests and finally impact and flexibility tests. These tests prove
that the switchgear can handle different severe operating
environments.
Left/Right Outdoor Aisle Extension Size
Purpose
Outdoor extension aisles provide an easy environment for
maneuvering the breaker using the lift truck. The extension
aisles allow the doors on the stack compartment to fully open
allowing the lift truck to move in and out of the protected aisle.
If this aisle weren’t present, the door would open halfway
blocking the entrance for the lift truck.
Practical Design
The design for the extension aisle is called out in drawing no.
0144D2790 shown below.
Figure 50 Extension Aisle Design

Figure 51 Outdoor Extension Aisle
Figure 52 Outdoor Extension Aisle. Assembled for ease in

shipment
Outdoor Aisleless construction
Purpose
Also known as Outdoor Non-walk-in/weatherproof gear. It is
simply indoor gear that is made weatherproof with the addition
of several features.
Practical Design
This construction offers a full height, lockable door with gaskets
on the front of the equipment to protect the door-mounted
devices.
Grounded 120-volt convenience outlets are provided on each

door that contains devices. In addition, a light socket and switch
(120-volt, 100-watt) for an incandescent lamp is mounted on the
inside of each unit.
Figure 53 Outdoor Non -Walk-in

Figure 54 Outdoor Aisleless construction. Viewed with
closed door.
Outdoor protected aisle construction
Purpose
This construction provides an enclosed space for maintenance
personnel to work in favorable conditions regardless of the
weather outside.
Practical Design
Also known as Outdoor Walk-in. This construction offers a
weatherproof aisle of 11-gauge steel in addition to the basic
weatherproofed equipment. This addition provides protected
aisle convenience.
Lockable doors with panic hardware are located at each end of

the aisle. Aisles are equipped with incandescent lights with a
three-way switch receptacle at each aisle door.
Outdoor common aisle extension

Common aisle construction has the same features as protected
aisle construction but has two lineups positioned front to front
with a common aisle between.
Figure 55 Outdoor Construction - Protected Aisle
Outdoor Standard Construction

Purpose
This gear is built to withstand a variety of weather conditions
and is suitable for outdoor use.
Practical Design
Outdoor standard construction is basically indoor equipment
with added features to make it weatherproof. These features
include adding gaskets to the front and rear covers, adding
filters to ventilation louvers, adding floor steel, and adding a
sloped weatherproof roof.
Heaters are standard offering with this design and help in

assisting convection airflow. These 240 V heaters are applied at
half voltage for long life and provide 75 watts of power for each
breaker and cable compartment (total 300 watts per vertical
section). These are to remain energized at all times (no switch
or thermostat is provided) to guard internal condensation due to
ambient temperature excursions.
Figure 56 Outdoor Standard construction/Outdoor

common aisle construction
Bus Current Rating

Purpose
This refers to the continuous current rating of the bus bars at
normal conditions. Various bus ratings give customers maximum
selectivity for specific electrical systems and application needs.
Practical Design
The current in the bus determines the size and number of bus
bars incorporated in the job. Table 1 below shows the number
and size of bus bars per amperage.
Amperage Material Quantity Size - Inches
1200A Copper 1 0.190 x 6.00

2000A Copper 1 0.250 x 6.00
3000A Copper 2 0.380 x 6.00
3500A Copper 2 0.625 x 6.00
4000A Copper 2 0.625 x 6.00
Table 6 Show the different number and size of bus bars in

different current ratings
Figure 57 Single Bus Bars
Notice the two bus bars

per phase
Figure 58 3000A Bus Bars. Each bar is ⅝" * 6" Inches
Bus Review
Bus bars are enclosed in a metal compartment with removable
front covers to provide accessibility. The bus bars are supported
and insulated by polyester supports with porcelain sleeves.
These bus bars come insulated with an applied epoxy insulation
using the fluidized bed process. Most joints are insulated with a
molded insulating boot.
The continuous ratings of connections to and from breakers are

equal to the frame size ratings of the breaker.
Bus bars continuous current rating is in accordance with ANSI

standards of temperature rise. All bus parts, including bus
joints, are tin plated with at least 2 bolts per joint.
Bus bars are braced to withstand the magnetic stresses

developed by currents equal to the main power circuit breaker
close, carry, and interrupt ratings. The bus bars are easily
accessible through removable panels.
Factors Affecting The Current Rating Of Bus Conductors On AC
1. Skin Effect
2. Proximity Effect
3. Spacing
4. Arrangement
5. Position
6. Width of Bar
7. Thickness of Bar
8. Dissipation of heat by radiation
9. Enclosures
The factors above determine the number and size of bus bars in
various current ratings. Figure 1 below shows the quantity and
number of bus bars in various current ratings.
The Main Bus compartment is completely isolated by metal

barriers. Bus bars are provided with high dielectric insulation
and pass through track-resistant polyester glass barriers
between cubicles. All of the bus bars are tin or silver plated
before applying the epoxy insulation through the fluid bed
coating process. While only the joints actually need to be plated,
for simplicity, the whole bar is plated.
Cable Boots
Purpose
Cable Boots are plastic molds that cover the bus bar joints.
These joints are typically not insulated and hence these boots
provide insulation for them. Insulating joints prevents accidental
contact with a bare live bus.
What do they look like?
Cable
Figure 59 Cable Boots

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Cable/Pull box. Under Cable
Lugs  Cable boots, select required if needed.
Cable Boots
Selection
Figure 60 RuleStream Selection of Cable Boots

Cable Lugs
Purpose
Cable lugs provide a means of connecting incoming or outgoing
cables to the main bus. They come in two different forms:
1. Clamp lugs
2. Compression lug
Cable Pull Box

Cable Pull
Figure 61 Cable Pull Box

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Cable/Pull box. Select required
under Pull Box and specify the pull box height per the customer’s
specifications.
Cable Pull Box. Pull

Box
Height has to be
Figure 62 Cable Pull Box

Cable Supports
Purpose
Cable supports support heavy cables connected to the terminal
lugs. This relieves the pressure applied by the terminal lug
adapters and prevents cables from becoming loose.
Cable
Supports
Figure 63 Cables Supports. When cables are run into the

switchgear, this bar helps support them.
Sheet  Mechanical Options  Cable/Pull box. Under Cable
lugs  Select cable supports if needed.
Cables
Supports
Figure 64 RuleStream selection of cable supports

Ground Bus Size
Purpose
The size of the ground bus is determined by the amount of
ground current specified. GE provides two types of ground bus
size; 600A ground bus and 1200A ground bus. Standard practice
is to provide a 600A ground bus.
Practical Design
The ground bus is bolted to rear of the frame near the
bottom. It is arranged so that connections to the station ground
can be made in any unit.
When the equipment is shipped in more than one group

(shipping split), the sections of the ground bus must be
connected with a splice plate furnished with the equipment.
Ground bus risers are provided in each cable compartment to

provide a convenient place to ground cable armor, cable sheaths,
and shields or ground wires.
The ground bus connections are made in the lower portion of the
cable entrance compartment. A conductor having a current
carrying capacity equal to that of the switchgear ground bus
must connect the switchgear ground bus to the station ground
bus. It is very important that the equipment be adequately
grounded to protect the operator from injury when short circuits
or other abnormal occurrences take place and to ensure that all
parts of the equipment, other than live parts, are at ground
potential.
A ground bus of ¼-inch by 2-inch copper is extended though out

the lineup with connections to each breaker grounding contact
and each cable compartment ground terminal. All joints are
made with at least two 3/8-inch plated steel bolts per joint.
Station grounDConnection points should be located in each end.
The ground bus is always sized to carry rated short-circuit

current (without instantaneous trips) of the largest available
breaker for one-half of a second.
The ground bus is not meant to carry continuous current; hence
the short circuit current rating of the switchgear determines the
size of the ground bus. It has to be able to carry the short circuit
current for a minimum of 2 seconds per ANSI standards.
Grounding
Purpose
System grounding refers to the manner in which the power
current carrying conductors are referenced to ground. In a
three-phase system, the common (neutral) point of the wye
connected windings of transformers and generators is generally
the point where the system in grounded, sometimes through
impedance, to earth directly or via building steel. The purpose of
system grounding is to control the ground fault currents, reduce
transient over voltages, and minimize shock hazards to
personnel.

The Figure below shows a picture of high resistance grounding.
Notice the coils of resistors that are seen in the rear.
High Resistance
Grounding
Figure 65 High Resistance Grounding in Medium Voltage
How is this Option Specified in RuleStream?

Substation Summary  Ground/Neutral. Under grounding
configuration, select the type of grounding specified by the
customer.
Grounding
Configuration
Figure 66 RuleStream selection of Grounding

Configuration
System Grounding Review

System grounding is separated into four different categories:
1. Ungrounded systems
2. Solidly-grounded systems
3. Low-resistance grounded systems
4. High-resistance grounded systems
Reactance grounding is occasionally used, but it is usually more

economical to use resistors.
1. Ungrounded system
The ungrounded neutral system is one in which there is no

intentional connection to ground except through the potential
indicating devices or through surge overvoltage protective
devices. In reality, the system is grounded through the
distributed phase-to-ground capacitance of generator, motor, and
transformer windings and phase conductors of the system.
Ungrounded systems have been frequently used in process

industries on low-voltage systems where the ability to avoid
immediate shutdown on the first ground fault is desired.
The ungrounded system is often avoided due to the high-

transient overvoltages that may result, and the need to comply
with NEC, Article 230-95. Ungrounded neutral systems should
be used only for balanced load and line-to-line connected loads.
2. Solidly Grounded Neutral System
The solidly grounded neutral system is characterized by

connecting the neutral point directly to ground without any
intentional impedance. This type of grounding is required for
many low-voltage, four-wire, three-phase systems, and it is used
on medium and high voltage overhead open-wire systems.
Solidly grounded systems are widely used in low-voltage

industrial and commercial systems and utility systems. The level
of ground fault current is of the same order of magnitude as the
phase-fault currents, therefore allowing the phase devices to be
used for detecting and tripping during ground faults. This
feature has made solidly grounding popular on low-voltage
systems where direct acting trips could not easily accept a
separate ground detector.
Transient overvoltages are controlled due to the fixed neutral,
but the high ground fault currents cause significant fault damage
if not cleared quickly.
3. Low-Resistance Neutral Grounding System
A low-resistance neutral grounded system is one in which a low-

value resistor has been inserted in the neutral connection to
ground. The level of ground-fault current is chosen to reduce
ground fault-point damage, but is high enough to permit
automatic detection and tripping under ground fault conditions.
Usually low resistance is considered to allow 100 Ampere or
more ground current.
The low-resistance grounded neutral system, when used with

sensitive ground fault relaying, will provide most of the benefits
of solid neutral grounding plus reduced damage at the fault
point.
The low-resistance neutral grounded system is primarily used on

2.4 to 15 kV systems. Mine power systems are the most common
low-voltage systems using low-resistance neutral grounding.
Mine power systems have special safety requirements and
restrictions on ground fault current levels. This level is usually
25 to 50 amperes on low-voltage systems. Medium voltage mine
systems must not have more than 50 ampere ground current.
For general industry, in the past, adequate, sensitive and
inexpensive ground fault detectors were not available at low
voltage, and low resistance grounding was not used. With
advances in static trip devices in low-low voltage circuit breakers
in recent years, low resistance grounding on low voltage systems
have been reconsidered, but the advantages are not as great as
at medium voltage.
4. High-Resistance Neutral Grounded System
A high-resistance neutral grounded system is one in which a high

ohmic value resistor has been inserted in the neutral connection
to ground. The ampere rating of the resistor should limit the
maximum ground fault current to approximately 1.5 times the
total system charging including the current due to surge
capacitors. The object of high-resistance grounding is to avoid
automatic tripping of the first ground fault by keeping the
ground current low and fault damage negligible. The presence
of a ground fault should be detected.
A high-resistance grounded system has the advantages of the

grounded system with improved control of transient
overvoltages.
The high-resistance grounded neutral system is used in the

process industry and other situations where the control of
transient overvoltages is desired without the need of tripping on
the first ground fault.
During a solid ground fault, the voltages on the ungrounded

phases are line-to-line voltages. This requires cable voltage
ratings higher than line-to-neutral voltage, to reduce the
possibility of unfaulted phases flashing over to ground and to
avoid excessive conductor insulation stress (due to non-removed
ground faults), which may reduce normal insulation life.
Three phase-four wire systems that use the neutral as a circuit

conductor cannot use high-resistance (or low-resistance) neutral
grounding.
Fault Locating in High Resistance Grounding
High Resistance grounding can be used with a pulsing current to

help with fault location in the first event of a ground fault.
When a ground fault occurs, the resistor limits the ground

current to a low value adjustable between 0.9 and 3.6 amperes.
The voltage appearing across the resistor will be sensed by the
voltage relay. Auxiliary contacts in the control, operated by
voltage relay are used for remote indication and detection.
Fault locating grounding systems typically come with green and

red indicating lights. The green light indicates normal conditions
while the red light indicates an occurrence of a ground fault.
The red light remains lit until the ground fault is removed.
To locate the ground fault, the operator typically turns the

selector switch to the “pulse” position. This initiates cycle
timing, alternately energizing and de-energizing a shorting
contactor at the secondary resistor, resulting in a rhythmic
fluctuation in the magnitude of the ground current.
A current transformer with an ammeter at the panel will allow
the operator to determine the current fluctuations on the system.
A portable hook-on detector is then used to trace the fluctuations
in the ground current through the system to the point of the
fault.
After the ground point has been located and removed from the
system, the operator then resets the selector switch to de-
energize the pulse cycle timing circuits, and depresses a reset
button to reset indicating lights and detectors.
Taps are provided on the resistor to adjust the magnitude of the

ground current in the range of 0.9 to 7.3A, depending on the size
of the system so that the current supplied by the resistor to a
ground fault will be slightly greater than the system’s natural
capacitance charging current.
The Table below lists some of the advantages/disadvantages of

the four most common types of grounding.
Ungroun Solidly Low High

ded Grounded Resistan Resistan
ce ce
Groundi Groundi
ng ng
Immediate No Yes Yes No

isolation
fault
No tripping Yes No No Yes

on 1st
Ground fault
Line-to- Small High Low Small

ground flash
hazard
Line-to- No Yes No No
neutral
loads (3
phase, 4
wire system)
Control of No Yes Yes Yes

transient
overvoltages
Line-to- Minor May Be Low Minor

ground arc High
fault
damage
Conductor High L-N volts L-L volts L-L volts

to ground
shock
hazard
Ground fault Detection Recommen Require Alarm

relaying Only ded d
Steady-state None Yes Partial Partial

overvoltages
control
Requires Yes Yes Yes Yes

good ground (Ground (Ground
return path wire) wire)
Requires Yes No No Yes

higher cable
insulation
Difficulty in Yes No No Yes

locating (needs
ground fault added
equipme
nt)
Maintenance High - Minimum Low High –

cost due to due to
shorter shorter
insulatio insulatio
n life and n life
ground
locating
Connect to Other Equipment
Purpose
This feature exists to allow connecting the gear to other
equipment. It helps ensure a smooth connection process by
specifically designing the gear to match the connecting
equipment.
Practical Design
The standard design is to provide gear with no matching profile
to other gear or equipment. However, upon the customer’s
specification, the following can be provided.
1. Left End Connection – The switchgear’s left side is matched

up/ connected to other equipment.
2. Right End Connection - The switchgear’s right side is

matched up/connected to other equipment.
3. Both Left and Right End Connection - Both sides of the gear
are connected to other equipment.
The customer should provide information on the equipment to be

matched-up to, which could be one of the following
1. Existing Power/Vac
2. Transformer
3. Limit-Amp Motor Control Centers.
In addition to the above, the customer should provide

information pertaining to the bus location, which could be one of
the following
1. Main Bus Location
2. Upper Tie Location
3. Lower Tie Location

Any non-standard specification associated with this feature
should result in giving detailed information in the S1 – Special
Sheet.
The above information helps determine the type, and size of the
transition stack to be used.
Mimic Bus
Purpose
Mimic bus gives an outside representation of the power flow
inside the switchgear. The mimic bus mimics the main bus, riser
bus and the breakers.
When a painted mimic bus is required an acrylic lacquer will be

used over standard E coat.
Mimic Bus
Figure 67 Mimic Bus

Sheet  Mechanical Options  Mimic Bus. Check Mimic Bus,
which allows you to specify other Mimic Bus options such as the
color and the size as seen in the figure below. The customer
should provide this information.
Once Mimic bus is selected in RuleStream, the engineer needs to

follow-up and draw out the Mimic Bus in Promis-e. The second
figure below shows the Mimic bus drawing in Promis-e.
Mimic Bus
Selection.
Specify the color,
Figure 68 RuleStream Selection on Mimic Bus

Mimic
Bus
Figure 69 Promis-e drawing showing Mimic Bus
Neutral Bus
Purpose
The neutral bus provides a return path to the source for
imbalanced current.
Neutral
Bus Neutral
Lugs
Figure 66 Neutral Bus connect to ground
How is this Option Specified in the System?
Substation Summary  Ground/Neutral. Under Neutral Bus,
specify the amperage required.
Neutral Bus
Figure 67 Neutral Bus Selection

Short Circuit Rating
Purpose
This rating determines the size of the switchgear. The primary
function of a circuit breaker is to quickly interrupt short circuit
current; hence sizing the gear effectively ensures that the
switchgear will interrupt this current without melting or
exploding. Various sizes of gear come with different sizes of
vacuum bottles, bus bars, etc.

Substation Summary under SC Rating. KA has to be checked
first under Customer Rating before making any Short Circuit
Rating selection.
Check KA first before
making any Short Circuit
Rating selection
Short Circuit Rating

Selection
Figure 68 Short Circuit Current Rating Selection
Short Circuit Review

The primary purpose or a protective device is to clear short
circuit currents, which can be extremely damaging.
Short circuit currents can be caused by many different

situations, such as the presence of rodents in equipment, voltage
surges, accumulation of moisture, deterioration of insulation, etc.
When a short circuit current happens, several things can occur:
1. Arcing and burning at the short circuit location.

2. Short circuit current flows from the various sources to the
short circuit location.
3. All components carrying the short-circuit currents are

subject to thermal and mechanical stress. This stress is
proportional to the current squared ( I2 ) and the duration
of current flow.
4. System voltage drops in proportion to the magnitude of the

short circuit current. Maximum voltage drop occurs at the
fault location (to zero for maximum fault), but all parts of
the power system will be subject to some degree of voltage
drop.
The protective devices in the gear must have the ability to

interrupt the maximum short circuit current that can flow for a
short circuit at a given device location.
The maximum value of the short circuit is directly related to the

size and capacity of the power source and is independent of the
load current of the circuit protected by the protective device.
Most short circuit currents are near always asymmetrical during

the first few cycles after the short circuit occurs. The Figure
below helps visualize how the process works:
Types of Short circuit currents:

1. Three phase bolted short circuit
2. Line to line bolted short circuit
3. Line to ground bolted short circuit
4. Arcing short circuit
T H R E E P H A S E B O LT E D S H O RT C I R C U I T
Three phase bolted short circuit describes the condition where

the three conductors are physically held together with zero
impedance between them just as if they were bolted together.
This three phase bolted circuit is the basis of short circuit

calculations performed on the system for the selection the
protective device. It is not the most frequent in occurrence,
however it generally results in the maximum short circuit
current values.
L I N E T O L I N E B O LT E D S H O RT C I R C U I T
Describes condition where the two conductors are physically

held together with zero impedance between them.
Typically, the levels of short circuit current occurs about 87% of

the three phase bolted short circuit current, hence does not
generate the maximum short circuit value.
L I N E T O G R O U N D B O LT E D S H O RT C I R C U I T
In solidly grounded systems, the line to ground bolted short

circuit is less or equal to the three phase bolted short circuit
current. Sometimes, it is significantly lower than a three phase
bolted short circuit due to the high impedance of the ground
return circuit (which is the conduit ground enclosure, grounding
conductor, and building steel).
In resistance grounded medium voltage system (2.4 – 13.8KV),

the resistor is generally selected to limit the ground fault current
to a range between 400 amperes to 2000 amperes. The resistor
generally determines the line to ground fault magnitude.
A R C I N G S H O RT C I R C U I T
Normally caused my insulation failures, loose connections,

construction accidents, rodents, debris, etc.
Energy released during an arcing fault is localized and can be so

intense that it vaporizes copper or aluminum conductors and
surrounding steel structures. This energy can also distill
destructive toxic gases from surrounding organic insulation.
Arcing fault can exhibit low current fault levels due to the
apparent impedance of the arc itself. Due to its complex nature,
arcing short circuit is a subject all to itself and is treated as such
in GET-6533
Breaker Test Box

Purpose
The breaker test box is used to test the breaker to ensure it
functions properly.
Figure 69 Test Cabinet/Box
Roll-in Breaker
Purpose
Roll-in design allows insertion of the breaker into the box frame
without the need for a lift truck. It is designed for use in the
lower compartment of indoor switchgear is available in all the
breaker ratings.
Practical Design
The roll-in feature eliminates the need for a lift truck and
reduces the required front aisle space. Upper compartments
may be left blank or used as auxiliary compartments above
1200A and 2000A breakers. For breakers above 3000A,
compartments must be left blank for ventilation. The breaker
used for this option is the same as the one used for the two-high
product, with the addition of a simple undercarriage, and can be
made interchangeable with existing or new equipment breakers.
This design calls for a platform with wheels added to the breaker.
A bottom sheet is added to the breaker compartment and
horizontal member in front of the stack is removed. Roll-in
breakers are possible only in B compartment.
Figure 71 Roll-in Breaker Path
Figure 70 Roll-in Breaker

Wire Size
Purpose
Various wire sizes have various current carrying capacities. Wire
sizes for the gear should be chosen to efficiently power and run
the control features in the gear.
Practical Design
The standard wire secondary wire size provided is #14 AWG.
Unless the customer specifies different wire size, this is what we
provide.
Wire Terminals
Purpose
Wire terminals grip wires and provide a safe and reliable way to
connect on a wire to a respective terminal. The terminals
provide a hole to screw them to the respective connection point.
Figure 72 Insulated Spade Figure 73

Insulated Ring
Practical Design
Insulated spring spade terminal with plastic grips is standard for
all control wire termination in Burlington Switchgear Operations.
Exceptions are made for CT’s where insulated ring is standard.
The crimp type terminals are the standard for all control wire
ranging from #22 to 1/0 AWG stranded or solid.
Upon customer specification, GE Burlington can provide the
following
1. Spring Spade Un-insulated
2. Ring
3. Insulated Ring
4. PIDG* Ring
5. PIDG* Spade
Figure 74 Insulated Spade with Plastic Grip Figure 75

Un-insulated Ring - Shows the Crimp
*PIDG (Pre-Insulated Diamond Grip) terminal is one that comes

with a metal grip as opposed to plastic. PIDG terminals are more
expensive and more difficult to crimp with manual tools than the
plastic grips. There are no PIDG terminals for #8 AWG wire and
larger.
All connections to ground require “Ring” terminals. Spring

Spade terminals should not be used for Ground.

Sheet  Electrical Options. Select the specified wire terminal
under wire terminals.
Wire
Figure 76 Wire Terminal Selection
Wire Sleeve Marking

Purpose
Wire sleeves cover the ends of wires and help identify the wire.
There are four types: Origin, Destination, Origin/Destination, and
Steel Mill.
Practical Design
Origin/Destination is what Burlington offers as standard. These
sleeves contain information pertaining the origin and destination
of the wire.
In some cases, the customer might specify Steel Mill sleeves.
Steel Mill sleeves provide a number for each and every wire in
the gear.
GE Burlington can also provide sleeves with Origin information

only, or Destination information only. This specification should
be noted in the S1, special sheet.
Figure 77 Wire Sleeve with details of the Origin and

Destination
How is this option specified in the System?

This is a RuleStream option under Engineering Input  L1 Sheet
 Electrical Options. Make wire sleeve selection.
Wire
Sleeves
Selection
Figure 78 Wire Sleeves Selection
Equipment Heater
Purpose
Heaters are provided to maintain a relatively higher temperature
inside of the gear than the outside. This helps to reduce the
condensation inside units. Reduced condensation results in a
reduction in corrosion and moisture absorption by insulation
material. A reduction in this moisture absorption reduces
chances of a corona forming around the conductors at the
insulated supports.
Practical Design
The standard practice is to provide heaters on outdoor
equipment. These are normally referred to as stack heaters and
mount at the rear bottom of the stack. Compartment heaters are
non-standard and have to be specified on the customer’s order
specifications.
All heaters shall be wired together and terminated at a fuse

block located in a dedicated auxiliary compartment.
Heate
r
Figure 79 Equipment Heater in the A compartment
Design Considerations
Heaters are used with indoor equipment only when called for in
the specifications on the order. Such a requirement would
usually exist only when the equipment is to be located in damp
atmospheres or in corrosive atmospheres where condensation is
anticipated.
Outdoor Comfort Heaters

When the customer requests a comfort heater for use in one of
protected aisle equipments, Burlington recommends the use of a
portable space heater or heaters. We then supply the
appropriate convenience receptacles at both ends of the aisle
with 20amp protection fuses on each circuit.
PT Type
Purpose
This feature provides the customer selectivity, and flexibility with
the PT types the customer might prefer. Some PTs come fused
while others do not.
Practical Design
Standard practice is to provide ITIW/FU PT’s which come fused;
hence no additional work is involved in adding fuses separately.
Upon the customer’s specification, the following can be provided.
1. GE PT’s - which come without fuses
2. ITI PT’s – which come without fuses.
CT Accuracy Class
Purpose
This option helps ensure the most adequate CT accuracy class
for various applications. A CT used for metering has different
accuracies than those used for relaying.
CT Accuracy Class Review

Accuracy is defined in two different types of applications;
metering and relaying. If the application involves integrating
meters, long leads, relays, or more than one instrument, the total
burden must be calculated and the metering or relaying
accuracy checked.
Metering Accuracy
Metering accuracy is expressed as a percent error at a specified
burden and load. The standard percent errors are 0.3, 0.6, 1.2,
and 2.4, and the standard burdens are 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0
ohms, 60 cycles, 0.5-power factor. The standard loads are 10%
and 100% current.
For example, a metering accuracy of 0.6 B1.0 (Burden 1.0)

means:
a. The error of the metering reading due to the CT will not

exceed  0.6% at 100% current in the primary of the CT.
b. The error in the meter reading due to the CT will not
exceed 1.2% at 10% current in the primary of the CT (the
error at 10% is always assumed to be no greater than
twice the error at 100%). The errors may be appreciably
less than the classification designates as a maximum. This
is because the CT might be very close to the next lower
classification but failed only slightly at the 100 percent or
10 percent load points. The next classification below 0.6 is
0.3; therefore the 0.6 classifications really signifies that the
errors are between 0.3 and 0.6 percent at 100 percent
current and between 0.6 and 1.2 percent at 10 percent
current.
Relaying Accuracy
All relaying accuracy classifications are based on the standard
secondary-terminal voltage a CT will deliver at 20 times rated
secondary amperes (20 * 5A = 100A), without exceeding 10
percent ratio error. Standard secondary voltage classes are: 10,
20, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 volts.
For Example, current transformers may be classified as C200 or

T200. In these classifications the letters “C” and “T” define the
manner in which the rating is established and do not define
different performance requirements to be met. The “C” stands
for “Calculate”. This type of CT performance can be very
accurately calculated. The “T” on the other hand stands for
“Test”, which means that this type of CT performance must be
verified through testing.
The number following the “C” or the “T” is the standard

secondary terminal voltage which the transformer will deliver at
20 times rating, without exceeding 10 percent ratio error.
Term See Also Definition
Cold-Load Pickup
Transient Voltages Surge Arrestors; Surge Transient voltages can come from Lightning, Physical Contact
Capacitors with a higher voltage system, Resonant effects in series inductive-
capacitive circuits, repetitive re-strikes (intermittent grounds),
and switching surges. To mitigate the effects of transient
voltages, surge arresters and where appropriate, surge
capacitors should be used.
Surge Arrestors Transient Voltages Limits the crest voltage of a voltage surge
Surge Capacitors Transient Voltages Reduce the steepness of the voltage wave which reaches the
protected equipment. Surge capacitors, to be most effective,
should be located as close to the protected equipment (usually
motors) as possible with minimum inductance connections.
Test Block Current Test Blocks; Voltage See Current Test Blocks or Voltage Test Blocks
Test Blocks
Current Test Blocks For circuits that require the provision for insertion of portable
recording meters or other similar devices, add current test
blocks. The basic current test block is wired to maintain the
circuit when the test plug is removed.
Circuit Breaker ANSI defines a circuit breaker as a mechanical switching device,

capable of making, carrying, and breaking currents under normal
circuit conditions and also, making, carrying for a specified time,
and breaking currents under specified abnormal circuit
conditions such as those of short-circuit.
1Line See One-Line
1-Line See One-Line
A-C Directional Device Function No.67 A relay that functions on a desired value of a-c over-current
Relay flowing in a predetermined direction.
A-C Re-closing Device Function No.79 Controls the automatic re-closing and locking out of an a-c circuit
Relay interrupter.
A-C Time Over- Device Function No.51 A relay with either a definite or inverse time characteristic that
current Relay functions when the current in an a-c circuit exceeds a
predetermined value.
Accelerating or Device Function No.18 A device that is used to close or to cause the closing of circuits,
Decelerating Device which are to increase or decrease the speed of a machine.
AKR Breakers AKD8 Breakers from GE’s old equipment (AKD8). They are almost
obsolete and were complicated to work with. They do not have
defined connection points for the auxiliary switches, trip coil etc,
and have to employ use of connection diagrams which specify
which contacts go to which.
Alarm Relay Device Function No.74 An alarm relay other than an annunciator, as covered under
device function 30, that is used to operate, or to operate in
connection with, a visual or audible alarm.
Amperage The amount of current the switchgear must be able to handle

safely.
Annunciator Relay Device Function No.30 A manually reset device that gives separate visual indications
upon the functioning of protective devices, and which may also be
arranged perform a lockout function.
Anode Circuit Device Function No.7 Adevice used in the anode circuits of a power rectifier for the
Breaker primary purpose interrupting the rectifier circuit if an arc-back
should occur.
Apparatus Thermal Device Function No.26 A device that functions when the temperature of the shunt field or
Device the amortisseur winding of a machine, or that of a load limiting or
load shifting device.
Arc-Resistant A feature that provides the highest possible degree of safety and
protection to operating personnel by containing the arc by-
products and venting the gases in a safe manner. It minimizes
the spread of an arcing fault in the switchgear, and provides
added protection to persons in the vicinity of the switchgear.
Arc-Resistant Type A, Type B, Type C Gear designed to contain an explosion. Drives thickness
requirements and fastening methods in metal gear. Type B
means that someone could be in a compartment and would be
protected from an explosion in an adjacent compartment. Type C
means someone could be outside of the gear and be protected
from anything inside the gear (easier standard).
Symmetrical current Asymmetrical current Describes the shape of the ac wave about the zero axis. If the
envelope of the peaks of the current waves are symmetrical along
a given it is referred to as a “symmetrical current” envelope (the
envelope is a line drawn through the peak of the waves).
Atmosphere Device Function No.45 A device that functions upon the occurrence of an abnormal
Condition Monitor atmospheric condition, such as damaging fumes, explosive
mixtures, smoke, or fire.
Automatic Selective Transfer Relay

Control Relay
Device Function No.83
Automatic Transfer Switches between 2 sources, usually a utility source and a

Switch (ATS) generator.
Auxiliary Motor or Device Function No.88 Motor generator is one used for operating auxiliary equipment,
Motor Generator such as pumps, blowers, exciters, rotating magnetic amplifiers,
etc
Bearing Protective Device Function No.38 A device that functions upon excessive bearing temperature, or
Device on other abnormal mechanical conditions associated with the
bearing that may eventually result in failure.
Blocking Relay Device Function No.68 A relay that initiates a pilot signal to block a trip signal on
external faults in a transmission line or in other devices under
predetermined conditions. Operates with other devices to block
tripping or re-closing on an out-of-step condition.
Brush-Operating or Device Function No.35 A device for raising, lowering, or shifting the brushes of a
Slip-Ring Short machine, short-circuiting its slips rings, or for engaging or
Circuiting Device disengaging the contacts of a mechanical rectifier.
Bus The copper that carries load or line current. Can be in any of 3
positions (Top, mid, Bottom). Can change within the gear. For
instance in a main tie main scheme, you would need a break in
the riser bus to make space for the tie breaker.
Bus Bracing Extra support that is given to the bus to help it withstand high
bus current (fault current). Usually a current rating is used to
specify the level of bus supports (bus bracing) that equipment will
be built to. Example: A bus bracing current of 65KA means the
equipment will not blow up or tear apart if there is 65KA of
current flowing through it. Extra hardware and ties are used to
hold the bus at high bus bracing levels.
Carrier Receiver Pilot-wire Receiver Relay A relay that is operated or restrained by a signal used in
Relay connection with carrier-current or DC pilot-wire fault directional
Device Function No.85 relaying.
Checking or Device Function No.3 A relay that operates in response to the position of a number of
Interlocking Relay other devices (or to a number of predetermined conditions) in the
equipment to allow an operating sequence to proceed or stop, or
to provide a check of the position of these devices or conditions.
Compartmentalizati Bus Design Glastic barriers that physically separate the bus compartment
on from the cable compartment. Only the cable lugs stick out into
the rear compartment.
Control Power Device Function No.8 A disconnecting device, such as a knife switch, circuit breaker, or
Disconnecting pull-out fuse block, used for the purpose of respectively
Device connecting and disconnecting the source of the control power to
and from the control bus or equipment.
Control Power Transformer Control Power Transformer provides power at fairly low voltage
Transformer (CPT) for control purpose eg for lighting, heating, running the power
meters etc
Coordination Busway, MCC, Transformer, Anytime your bolting up to other gear (MCC, transformer,
Drawing Parallel Switchgear, Transition Paralleling Switchgear, other manufacturer’s gear, etc.)
Stack,
D/O Draw out Abbreviation for Draw out Breaker
DC Circuit Breaker Device Function No.72 A DC circuit breaker is a circuit breaker that is used to close and
interrupt a DC power circuit under normal conditions or to
interrupt this circuit under fault or emergency conditions.
DC Overcurrent Device Function No.76 A relay that functions when the current in a DC circuit exceeds a
Relay given value.
DC Re-closing Relay Device Function No.82 A DC re-closing relay is a relay that controls the automatic
closing and re-closing of DC circuit interrupter, generally in
response to load circuit conditions.
Differential Device Function No.87 A protective relay that functions when the differential between
Protective Relay two currents or other electrical quantity reaches a certain
percentage or phase angle.
Directional Power Device Function No.32 Directional power relay is a device that functions on a desired
Relay value of power flow in a given direction or upon reverse power
resulting from arc-back in the anode or cathode circuits of a
power rectifier.
Distance Relay Device Function No.21 Distance relay is a relay that functions when the circuit
admittance, impedance or reactance increases of decreases
beyond predetermined limits.
End Trim 1” width on end of stack for indoor gear. 1.5” for outdoor gear.
This provides a cover for the outside of the equipment.
Equalizer Circuit Device Function No.22 Equalizer circuit breaker is a breaker that serves to control or to
Breaker make and break the equalizer or the current-balancing
connections for a machine field, or for regulating equipment, in a
multiple-unit installation.
Exciter Or DC Device Function No.52 Is a device that is used to close and interrupt an a-c power circuit
Generator Relay under normal conditions or to interrupt this circuit under fault or
emergency conditions.
Fail Safe Basler Under voltage Relay Fail safe a device that has failed but yet functioning like it’s
supposed to. This term normally refers to under voltage relays
and more specifically basler relays. The relay is normally
functioning at the energized state when there is good voltage –
(the normally open contacts stay closed and normally closed
contacts stay open). When the voltage goes down incase of a
power failure, the contacts work opposite. The normally closed
contacts are closed and normally open contacts are open. This
causes the breaker to trip, which is a desired response while the
relay has failed/de-energized. As the term says fail safe, the relay
would have failed but yet working as desired; safely.
Feeder Breakers
Field Application Device Function No.56 Is a relay that automatically controls the application of the field
Relay excitation to an a-c motor at some predetermined value.
Field Circuit Device Function No.41 Is a device that functions to apply or remove the field excitation of
Breaker a machine.
Field Relay Device Function No.40 Is a relay that functions on a given abnormally low value or
failure of machine field current, or on an excessive value of the
reactive component of armature current in an a-c machine
indicating abnormally low field excitation.
FielDChanging Device Function No.92 FielDChanging contactor is a contactor that functions to increase
Contactor or decrease, in one step, the value of field excitation on a
machine.
Finish Color
Flame Detector Device Function No.28 Flame detector is a device that monitors the presence of the pilot
or main flame in such apparatus as a gas turbine or a steam
boiler.
Folder
Frame Size
Fran Fox High Resistance Ground Provides a high resistance grounding system in ungrounded
systems. It allows the switchgear to operate as an ungrounded
system, but eliminates the dangers of high transient over-voltage
during certain types of ground faults. The scheme provides an
indication when the first phase to ground fault condition occurs.
A voltmeter relay with an adjustable set point is used to detect
the ground current through the grounding resistors. A green
normal indicating light will turn off and a red ground fault
indicating light will turn on indicating the presence of a phase to
ground fault. Alarm contacts are provided for remote indication
of this ground condition. A pulsing current is used in conjunction
with a sensitive clamp-on ammeter to help locate the faulted
feeder and remove the ground before a second phase to ground
fault causes an outage. After the fault is located and cleared, the
system is reset and ready to detect the next ground fault.
Fran Fox Circuit Ground Break
Frequency
Frequency Relay Device Function No.81 Frequency relay is a relay that functions on a predetermined
value of frequency (either under or over or on normal system
frequency) or rate of change of frequency.
Front View
Gas Flow Relay Device Function No.80 Gas flow relay is a relay that operates on a given values of liquid
or gas flow or on given rates of change on these values.
Gas Level Device Function No.71 Gas level relay is a relay that operates on given values of liquid or
gas level or on given rates of change of these values.
Generator
Governor Device Function No.65 Is the assembly of fluid, electrical, or mechanical control
equipment used for regulating the flow of water, steam, or other
medium to the prime mover for such purposes as starting,
holding speed or load, or stopping.
Ground Protective Device Function No.64 Is a relay that functions on failure of the insulation of a machine,
Relay transformer, or of other apparatus to ground, or on flashover of a
DC machine to ground.
Note: This function is assigned only to a relay that detects the

flow of current from the frame of a machine or enclosing case or
structure of a piece of apparatus to ground, or detects a ground
on a normally ungrounded winding or circuit. It is not applied to
a device connected in secondary circuit of a current transformer,
or in the secondary neutral of current transformers, connected in
a power circuit of a normally grounded system.
Incomplete Device Function No.48 Is a relay that generally returns the equipment to the normal, or
Sequence Relay off, position and locks it out if the normal starting, operating, or
stopping sequence is not properly completed within a
predetermined time. If the device is used for alarm purpose only,
it should preferably be designated as 48A (Alarm).
Instantaneous Over- Device Function No.50 Is a relay that functions instantaneously on an excessive value of
current or Rate-Of- current or on an excessive rate of current rise, thus indicating a
Rise Relay fault in the apparatus or circuit being protected.
Insulated/Isolated Bus Design Bus Bars are epoxy coated except for joints (Insulated part of
above) this is on the main bus. Joints themselves have joint caps
or boots or splice caps which are a molded insulated material.
Isolated part refers to plastic barriers that cover the risor bus in
an individual stack.
Isolating Contactor Device Function No.29 Isolating contactor is a device that is used expressly for
disconnecting one circuit from another for the purposes of
emergency operations, maintenance or test.
Line Switch Device Function No.89 Line switch is used as a disconnecting, load-interrupter, or
isolating switch in an a-c or DC power circuits, when this device
is electrically operated or has electrical accessories, such as
auxiliary switch, magnetic lock, etc.
Liquid Flow Relay Gas Flow Relay
Liquid Or Gas Device Function No.63 Is a relay that operates on given values of liquid or gas pressure
Pressure or Vacuum or on given rates of change of these values.
Relay
Liquid Relay Gas Level Relay

Load-Resistor Device Function No.73 Load-Resistor Contactor is a contactor that is used to shunt or
Contactor insert a step of load limiting, shifting, or indicating resistance in a
power circuit, or to switch a space heater in circuit, or to switch a
light or regenerative load resistor of a power rectifier or other
machine in and out of circuit.
Locking-Out Relay Device Function No.86 Locking-out relay is an electrically operated manual, or
electrically reset relay or device that functions to shut down or
hold an equipment out of service, or both, upon occurrence of
abnormal conditions.
Lockout Relay It causes the breaker to trip when they is a fault. Once it trips the
breaker, it has to be reset hence prevents the breaker on
accidentally without resetting it.
Machine or Device Function No.49 Is a relay that functions when the temperature of a machine
Transformer armature or other loaDCarrying winding or element of a machine
Thermal Relay or the temperature of a power rectifier or power transformer
(including a power rectifier transformer) exceeds a
Manual Transfer or Device Function No.43 Is a manually operated device that transfers the control circuits in
Selector Switch order to modify the plans of operation of the switching equipment
or some of the devices.
Master Contactor Device Function No.4 Is a device, generally controlled by device function 1 or the
equivalent and the required permissive and protective devices,
that serves to make and break the necessary control circuits to
place an equipment into operation under the desired conditions
and to take it out of operation under other or abnormal
conditions.
Master Element Device Function No.1 Initiating device, such as a control switch, voltage relay, float
switch, etc, which serves either directly or through such
permissive devices as protective and time-delay relays to place
equipment in or out of operation.
Master Sequence Device Function No.34 Master sequence device is a device such as a motor-operated
Device multi-contact switch, or the equivalent, or a programming device,
such as a computer, that establishes or determines the operating
sequence of the major devices in an equipment during starting
and stopping or during other sequential switching operations.
Mechanical Device Function No.39 Is a device that functions upon the occurrence of an abnormal
Condition Monitor mechanical condition (except that associated with bearings as
covered under device function 38), such as excessive vibration,
eccentricity, expansion, shock, tilting, or seal failure.
Metal Clad Everything has to be contained in a metal compartment. Breaker

cubicles are fully enclosed. The bus is contained in it’s own
compartment see bus barriers).
NEC National Electrical Code
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association
Neutral Grounding For 4 wire jobs. Solves if neutral is tied to ground in that stack.
Only bonded where you have an incoming source.
Neutral Riser Used to change level of Neutral bus from, for example, top to
bottom, within a stack. Not necessary related to change in Main
Bus. Could be driven from mechanical clearance issues.
Notching or Jogging Device Function No.66 Is a device that functions to allow only a specified number of
Device operations of a given device, or equipment, or a specified number
of successive operations within a given time of each other. It is
also a device that functions to energize a circuit periodically or
for fractions of specified time intervals, or that is used to permit
intermittent acceleration or jogging of a machine at low speeds
for mechanical positioning.
One-line See Device Function Numbers. A One-Line is a document that shows, by means of single line and
graphic symbols, the course of an electric circuit or system of
circuits and the component devices or parts used therein. When
preparing switchgear one-line diagrams, use graphic symbols in
accordance with IEEE and ANSI standards. One-line diagrams
employ device function numbers which, with appropriate suffix
letters, are used to identify the function of each device in all
types of partially automatic, fully automatic, and in many types of
manual switchgear.
Operating Device Function No.84 Operating mechanism is the complete electrical mechanism or
Mechanism servomechanism, including the operating motor, solenoids,
position switches, etc, for a tap changer, induction regulator, or
any similar piece of apparatus which otherwise has no device
function number.
Over Voltage Relay Device Function No.59 Is a relay that functions on a given value of overvoltage.
Over-Speed Device Device Function No.12 An over-speed device is usually a direct-connected speed switch,
which functions on machine over-speed.
Parallel Switchgear Multiple sources coming in to the same switchgear. Sources can
be synchronized to feed a common bus. Synchronizing modes,
Load Shedding, Load Adding features, PLC driven, could include
Automatic Transfer Switch. Eliminates a main breaker. Having
2+ types of sources into the gear with no main breaker. Switches
between sources for the feeder breakers to the load via the
automatic transfer switch (ATS). GE ZENITH makes paralleling
switchgear and ATS gear.
Paralleling Parallel Switchgear
Switchgear
Peak Shaving Parallel Switchgear, Backup Utility might call and say that they have a demand problem.
Generator Customer might say yes that they can turn their power off and as
a result, they get a reduced rate. Meanwhile, the customer might
have multiple sources (backup generators, etc.). As a result, the
customer would need some type of paralleling equipment (see
Parallel Switchgear).
Permissive Control Device Function No.69 It is generally a two-position, manually operated switch that, in
Device one position, permits the closing of a circuit breaker, or the
placing of an equipment into operation, and in the other position
prevents the circuit breaker of the equipment from being
operated.
Phase
Phase-Angle Out of phase protective relay A Phase-angle relay is a relay that functions at a predetermined
Measuring phase angle between two voltages or between two currents or
Device Function No.78 between voltage and current.
Phase-Sequence Device Function No.47 Is a relay that functions upon a predetermined value of poly-
Voltage Relay phase voltage in the desired phase sequence.
Polarity or Device Function No.36 Is a device that operates, or permits the operation of, another
Polarizing Voltage device on a predetermined polarity voltage in equipment.
Device
Position Changing Device Function No.75 A position changing mechanism is a mechanism that is used for
Mechanism moving a main device from one position to another in an
equipment; as for example, shifting a removable circuit breaker
unit to and from the connected, disconnected, and test positions.
Position Switch Device Function No.33 Position switch is a switch that makes or breaks contact when the
main device or piece of apparatus with no device function
number reaches a given position.
Potential Transformer Transform the voltage to a small enough value for metering
Transformer (PT) purpose.
Power Connector Point where Main Bus connects to the Riser.

Power Factor Relay Device Function No.55 Is a relay that operates when the power factor in an a-c circuit
rises above or falls below a predetermined value.
Programmer
Disconnect
Assembly
Pulse Transmitter Device Function No.77 A pulse transmitter is used to generate and transmit pulses over a
tele-metering or pilot-wire circuit to the remote indicating or
receiving device.
Rectification Failure Device Function No.58 Is a device that functions if one or more anodes of a power
Relay rectifier fail to fire, or to detect an arc-back or on failure of a
diode to conduct or block properly.
Regulating Device Device Function No.90 Regulating device is a device that functions to regulate a quantity,
or quantities, such as voltage, current, power, speed, frequency,
temperature, and load, at a certain value or between certain
(generally close) limits for machines, ties lines or other
apparatus.
Requisition
Reverse-Phase or Device Function No.46 Is a relay that functions when the poly-phase currents are of
Phase Current Relay reverse-phase sequence, or when the poly-phase currents are
unbalanced or contain negative phase sequence components
above a given amount.
Reversing Device Device Function No.9 A reversing device is a device that is used for the purpose of
reversing a machine field or for performing any other reversing
functions.
Rheostat Device Function No.70 Is a variable resistance device used in an electric circuit, which is
electrically operated or has other electrical accessories, such as
auxiliary, position, or limit switches.
Riser Bus ANSI rules define the amperage requirements for Riser Bus (ex.
Number of breakers in stack and their max capacity determine
the necessary max capacity of the Riser Bus). This is referred to
as de-rating the bus as theoretically you would have to have
enough capacity in the Riser Bus for the total amount of
amperage associated with the breakers in the stack (If I have 3
800A Breakers in the stack, theoretically the riser would need to
be 2400A, however in actuality, only ~1800 would need to be
required. This is referred to as de-rating the bus. There is
breakage built in to all lines. Just like in a house, the total
number of breakers might add up to 300-400A, but the main and
line bus is only 200A.
Riser Code See book of drawings. Not rev controlled. Why isn’t in database?
Everyone has own book. How do we make it more robust
process? Need to look at where is buss coming in (Top, Mid,
Bottom).
Running Circuit Device Function No.42 Is a device whose principal function is to connect a machine to its
Breaker source of running or operating voltage. This function may also be
used for a device, such as a contactor, that is used in series with a
circuit breaker or other fault protecting means, primarily for
frequent opening and closing of circuit.
S Sheet Specials Sheet, Folder
Section Barrier Bus Design Steel/glastic barrier between stacks to prevent someone from
working on another stack. To keep things isolated. Can’t get to
something live if one stack is dead.
Seismic Seismic Zone 2, Seismic Zone
4, Seismic UBC
Seismic Zone 2 Moderate Seismic
Seismic Zone 4 High Seismic
Separate Excitation Device Function No.31 Separate excitation device is a device that connects a circuit,
Device such as the shunt field of a synchronous converter, to a source of
separate excitation during the starting sequence; or one that
energizes the excitation and ignition circuits of a power rectifier.
SEPS Sourced Equipment Product Service
Shop Order Number for the drawing package that you could reference in My
Drawing Number Workplace (Drawing viewing/mailing system). Do we reuse
these? Shop orders do get reused. Actual drawing number on
prints. References the summary number on the title box.
Short Circuit It is called so because the block is used to short circuit the
Terminal Blocks Current Transformers (CT’s) to ground once having work being
performed on it and the lines being metered are hot.
Short-Circuiting Or Device Function No.57 Is a primary circuit switching device that functions to short to
Grounding Device short-circuit or to ground a circuit in response to automatic or
manual means.
Shunting or Device Function No.17 Shunting or discharge switch is a switch that serves to open or to
Discharge Switch close a shunting circuit around any piece of apparatus (except a
resistor), such as a machine field, a machine armature, a
capacitor, or a reactor.
Shutters Close as someone is racking out the breaker. Safety feature to

isolate person from stab tips.
Skin Effect Relationship between heat/temperature, geometry, and
resistance. Electricity follows the path of least resistance. The
resistance of a material changes with temperature. Resistance
goes up with temperature.
Spec
Specials Sheet S1 Sheet, Folder
Speed or Frequency Device Function No.15 Speed or frequency matching device is a device that functions to
Matching Device match and hold the speed or frequency of a machine or of a
system equal to, or approximately equal to, that of another
machine, source, or system.
Standard Factory Secondary Hi-pot of control wiring

Testing
Primary Hi-pot of primary bus
Corona Testing for PowerVac Switchgear

Starting Circuit Device Function No.6 Starting circuit breaker is a device whose principal function is to
Breaker connect a machine to its source of a starting voltage.
Starting-To-Running Device Function No.19 Starting-to-running transition contactor is a device that to initiate
Transition or cause the automatic transfer of a machine from the starting to
Contactor the running power connection.
Stopping Device Device Function No.5 Stopping device is a control device used primarily to shut down
an equipment and hold it out of operation. (This device maybe
manually of electrically actuated, but excludes the function of
electrical lockout (see device function 86) on abnormal
conditions)
Summary Number Serial number of the gear. Unique to every job. Can have
multiple lineups in the same job, they would all have the same
summary numbers. NEVER REUSED. Summary number is
referenced on the summary itself.
Swinging Fuse Swinging Panel
Panel
Swinging Panel Intermediate barrier that’s hinged between the front door and
rear barrier of the compartment (LV, specific to WP equipment)
Symmetrical current The words symmetrical current describes the shape of the ac
wave about the zero axis. If the envelops of the of peaks of the
current waves are symmetrical along a given axis, they are
referred to as “symmetrical current” envelops. The opposite is
asymmetrical.
Sync Check Relay
Synchronizing or Device Function No.25 Is a device that operates when two a-c circuits are within the
Synchronism-Check desired limits of frequency, phase angle, or voltage, to permit or
Device to cause the paralleling of these two circuits.
Synchronous-Speed Device Function No.13 Synchronous-Speed Device is a device such as a centrifugal-

Device speed switch, a slip-frequency relay, a voltage relay, an
undercurrent relay, or any type of device that operates at
approximately the synchronous speed of a machine.
Temperature Device Function No.23 Temperature control device is a device that functions to raise or
Control Device lower the temperature of a machine or other apparatus, or of any
medium, when its temperature falls below, or rises above, a
Time-delay Starting Device Function No. 2 Is a device that functions to give a desired amount of time delay
or Closing Relay before or after any point of operation in a switching sequence or
protective relay system, excepted as specifically provided by
device functions 48, 62 and 79
Time-Delay Device Function No.62 Is a time delay relay that serves in conjunction with the device
Stopping Or that initiates the shutdown, stopping, or opening operation in an
Opening Relay automatic sequence or protective relay system.
Transfer
Transfer Relay Device Function No.83 Transfer relay is a relay that operates to select automatically
between certain sources or conditions in an equipment, or
performs a transfer operations automatically.
Transformer
Transition Stack Option. My get drawings to actually mate line/source buss right
to transformer output. Need exact drawings and detail
(coordination drawings).
Trip Device
Trip Units
Tripping or Trip Device Function No.93 Trip free relay is a relay that functions to trip a circuit breaker,
Free Relay contactor, or equipment, or to permit immediate tripping by other
devices; to prevent immediate tripping by other devices; or to
prevent immediate re-closure of a circuit interrupter if it should
open automatically even though its closing circuit is maintained
closed.
TVSS Trans-Voltage Surge Suppression. Usually on one side of a main

breaker (load or source/line side). It senses the voltage on main
line and if there is a voltage spike, it siphons off excess voltage by
changing the resistance. It is a varistor, a.k.a. variable resistor.
It is a MOV. Metal Oxide Varistor.
UL Underwriter’s Laboratory
UL Device Door It is a glass plate that covers the rear of the devices mounted on
Barrier the door. It prevents accidental contact of live wires while one is
working inside the compartment???
UL Label
Undercurrent or Device Function No.37 Is a relay that functions when the current or power flow
Under-power Relay decreases beyond a predetermined value.
Under-Speed Device Function No.14 Under-speed device is a device that functions when the speed of a
Device machine falls below a predetermined value.
Under-voltage Relay Device Function No.27 Undervoltage relay that functions on a give value of
undervoltage.
Unit Sequence Device Function No.44 Is a relay that functions to start the next available unit in a
Starting Relay multiple-unit equipment upon the failure or non-availability of the
normally proceeding unit.
Unit Sequence Device Function No.10 Unit sequence switch is a switch that is used to change the
Switch sequence in which units may be placed in and out of service in
multiple-unit equipments.
Utility Metering
Stack
Valve Device Function No.20 Valve is one used in a vacuum, air, gas, oil, or similar line, when it
is electrically operated or has electrical accessories such as
auxiliary.
Visual Inspection
Voltage Directional Device Function No.91 Voltage directional relay is a relay that permits or causes the
Relay connection of two circuits when the voltage difference between
them exceeds a given value in a predetermined direction and
causes the two circuits to be disconnected from each other when
the power flowing between them exceeds a given value in the
opposite direction.
Warranty Period
Wire Tags Origin, Destination, Origin-

Destination
125

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BPD Engineering

Power/Vac Engineering Information

T1 0.02 mil thick Tin

F1 0.02 mil thick silver on contact surface

FS 0.02 mil thick silver on entire surface of part

RS 0.02 mil thick silver at holes specified

TX For requisition engineering to specify different

This should be noted in the S1 – Special Sheet

FX For requisition engineering to specify different

This should be noted in the S1 – Special Sheet

RS – This specifies that parts are to be ring silver-plated. Ring

F1, or FX – (Dip silver or contact surface silver plate). This

FS – This specifies that parts should be completely silver-plated.

T1, or TX –This specifies that parts are to be completely tin-

Table 2 below describes typical plating scenarios for the most

Hence all primary disconnects are silver plated regardless. Bus

Full Part Silver FS FS FS FS PD

How is this option specified in RuleStream?

Figure 1 RuleStream Selection of Bus Plating

The following are considered corrosive agents occasionally found

A comparison of corrosive performance for tin and silver-plating

Tin plating is often specified in environments with high sulfur

Silver plating is often specified in high chlorine environments,

In marine environments, either plating could be used but tin

Atmospheric Tin (1) Silver (2)

Hydrogen Sulfide Little effect up to Reacts to form black

Sulfur Dioxide Reacts with tin when Reacts to form

Chlorine Reacts with Reacts with chlorine

Salt (Marine) Good resistance to Solutions react with

“The corrosion Resistance of Tin and Tin Alloys,” S.C. Britton,

Plating affects electrical performance of a bus bar by impacting

Mechanical performance becomes of interest when evaluating

Silver plating performs extremely well in sliding connection

Tin plating has a tendency to gall and fret under repeated

Unlike tin, most popular silver plating techniques use cyanide in

Silver is also considered to be a regulated heavy metal and is

The selection of plating on copper bus bars should be made

Certified Test Reports

What does it look like?

Figure 2 Certified Test Report

How is this option specified in RuleStream?

Figure 3 Certified Test Reports Selection

1. The inspector can witness no load

2. Power checks may be witnessed of all

3. The inspector can witness the operation

4. The inspector can inspect equipment after

How is this option specified in RuleStream?

Figure 4 Witness Test selection in RuleStream

These screens are ordered in the Screen/Filter assembly,

Figure 5 Perforated Flat Screens Dr. No. 0329B8223

In cases where the gear has rear covers with 4 sets of 12

cover the louver openings.

Figure 6 Screen/ Filter Assembly Dr. No. 0329B821

What does it look like?

Screen with filter as shown

Figure 8 Small Screens with Filters

How is this option specified in RuleStream?

Figure 9 Insect/Dust Proof selection in RuleStream

It benefits the customer in the following ways

2. The customer’s inspector can inspect all material,

3. The customer’s inspector can observe the preparation and

4. Witness tests are not included, but the customer’s

How is this option specified in RuleStream?