12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF 12KV SF6 METAL ENCLOSED, OUTDOOR RING MAIN UNIT
(RMU) (IEC standard equipment)

1 SCOPE OF SUPPLY

This specification covers design, manufacture, shop testing, inspection, packing, delivery to site,
Supervision of erection, testing and commissioning of 12KV Metal Enclosed, panel type, Outdoor
SF6 RING MAIN UNIT (RMU) fully type tested according to IEC 62271-200 standards.

The RMU should be complete with all components necessary for its effective and trouble free
operation along with associated equipment etc. such components should be deemed to be
within the scope of supplier’s supply.

The design of the switchgear should be exclusive and specific responsibility of supplier and
should be comply with current good engineering practice, the relevant codes and
recommendation, the project specific requirements.

The RMU should be fixed type SF-6 insulated, vacuum circuit breakers with O/C & E/F relay for
the protection of the transformer. It should be maintenance free equipment, having stainless
steel robotically welded enclosure (cast resin or any other old technology is not permitted)

2 STANDARDS AND REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

2.1 Codes and Standards

The RING MAIN UNIT (RMU) should be designed, manufactured and tested according to the
latest version of:

IEC 60694 Common specifications for high-voltage switchgear and control gear
standards.
IEC 62271-100: High-Voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 100: High-Voltage alternating-current circuit-breakers
IEC 62271-102 High-Voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 102: Alternating current disconnectors (isolators) and earthing
switches
IEC 62271-105 High-Voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 105: High-voltage alternating current switch-fuse combinations
IEC 62271-200 A.C metal-enclosed switchgear and control gear for rated voltages above
1KV and up to and including 72KV and the IEC Codes herein referred.
IEC 60265-1 High-voltage switches-Part 1: Switches for rated voltages above 1kV and
less than 52 kV
IEC 60529 Degree of protection provided by Enclosures (IP code)

Any other codes recognized in the country of origin of equipment might be considered provided
that they fully comply with IEC standards.

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

The design of the switchgear should be based on safety to personnel and equipment during
operation and maintenance, reliability of service, ease of maintenance, mechanical protection of
equipment, interchangeability of equipment and ready addition of future loads.

3.0 12KV SF6 Insulated Compact Ring Main Unit (RMU)

Offered 12KV SF6 Outdoor Ring Main Unit (RMU), should comprise of 2nos. of 630A Load break
Switches & 1no. of 630 A Vacuum “T” OFF Circuit Breaker with Self Powered (3 O/C & 1E/F)
Relays.
Further single isolator and single breaker shall be available in product portfolio for extension of
RMU so as to create following combinations according to site requirement

(A) Load break switch (630A)

Load break switch should have the following
 Manually operated 12 KV, 630A Load Break switch and Earthing Switch with making capacity
 “Live Cable” LED Indicators through Capacitor Voltage Dividers mounted on the bushings
 Mechanical ON/OFF/EARTH Indication
 Anti-reflex operating handle
 Cable Testing facility without opening the cable covers and without disconnecting the Cable
terminations. Separate test bushings shall be integral part of RMU to carry out cable-testing
at Load Break Switch.
 Cable boxes suitable for 1x3Cx300 sq mm XLPE Cable with right angle Cable Termination
Protectors, situated towards side of RMU.
 Cable Door should be arc proof and interlocked with respective Earthing Switches. For safety
of operator it should not be possible to open the cable Door unless the earth Switch is ON.

(B) Circuit Breaker (630A)

Circuit Breaker should have the following:
 Manually operated 630 A Vacuum circuit breaker and Earthing Switch with making capacity
 Fault arc Interruption should be in Vacuum only.
 Auxiliary contacts 2NO and 2NC
 Anti-reflex operating handle
 “Live Cable” LED Indicators thru Capacitor Voltage Dividers mounted on the bushings.
 3O/C + 1E/F self powered relay with Low and High set for Over current and Earth Fault.
Relay should have facility to trip the breaker from remote commands without requiring
shunt trip coil.
 Mechanical ON/OFF/EARTH Indication
 Cable boxes suitable towards rear side, for 1 X 3C x 300 sq mm XLPE Cable with right angle
Cable Termination protectors

4.0 GENERAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Service Conditions

 The Ring Main unit shall be suitable for operations at a height of 1000 meters above sea
level, IEC 60120.
 The RMU shall be capable of operating normally within the following temperature
ranges:

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

o Maximum air temperature: +40 deg C (without current deration)

o Maximum value for 24 Hr mean: +35 deg C
o Minimum air temperature: - 20 deg C
 The Ring Main Unit shall be capable of being exposed to high relative humidity (max
95%) and ambient air pollution.
 The Ring Main Unit shall be capable of being operated in electrically exposed locations.

4.2 Design Parameters

4.2.1 Ring Main Unit, Electrical data

Sr.No Rated voltage KV 12 KV

1 Power frequency withstand voltage KV 38
2 Impulse withstand voltage KV 95
3 Rated frequency Hz 50
4 Rated current busbars A 630
5 Rated current (cable switch) A 630
6 Rated current (T-off) A 630

Breaking capacities
7 active load A 630
8 closed loop (cable switch) A 630
9 short circuit breaking current (T-off VCB) kA 21
10 Rated making capacity kA 52.5
11 Rated short time current 3 sec. kA 21

4.2.2 General data, enclosure and dimensions

1 Standard to which Switchgear complies IEC

2 Type of Ring Main Unit Outdoor, Metal Enclosed,
bolted type.
3 Number of phases 3
4 Whether RMU is type tested in accordance with latest IEC Yes
5 Whether facility is provided with pressure relief Yes
6 Insulating gas SF6
7 Nominal operating gas pressure 1.2 bar abs. 20° C
8 Gas leakage rate / annum % 0.1 % per annum
9 Expected operating lifetime 30 years
10 Whether facilities for gas monitoring Yes, temperature compensated
manometer shall be provided
11 Material used in tank construction Stainless steel sheet, atleast 2.5mm (cast resin
or any other old technology is not permissible)

4.2.3 No. of Operations, degree of protection and colours

1 Means of switch operation operating handle

2 Means circuit breaker operation operating handle and push buttons
3 Rated operating sequence of Circuit Breaker O –3min-CO-3min-CO
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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

4 Total opening time of Circuit Breaker approx. 60 ms

5 Closing time of Circuit Breaker approx. 70 ms
6 Mechanical operations of switch CO 1000
7 Mechanical operations of earthing switch CO 1000
8 Mechanical operations of circuit breaker CO 2000
(Note: Vacuum breaker with higher endurance shall be preferred)
9 Principle switch / earth switch 3position combined switch

4.2.4 Degree of protection:

10 High Voltage live parts, SF6 tank IP 67
11 Cable covers IP 54
12 Outdoor Enclosure IP 54
4.2.5 Colours:
14 Front Mimic RAL 7035
15 Cable cover IS 632
16 Outdoor Enclosure IS 632

4.3 General Structural and Mechanical Construction

The offered RMU should be of the fully arc proof metal enclosed, free standing, floor mounting,
flush fronted type, consisting of modules assembled into one or more units. Each unit is made of
a robotically welded sealed-for life stainless steel (SS-304 grade) tank of thickness not less than
2.5 mm filled with SF6, containing all high voltage components sealed off from the environment
with Ingress protection IP67. The enclosure should meet the ‘sealed pressure system’ criterion
in accordance with IEC 62271-200 standard. In addition, manufacturer shall confirm that
maximum leakage rate is lower than 0.1% per year. In case gas-refilling is required, same shall
be possible at site, without requiring the RMU to be sent back to factory.
The design of the units should be such that no permanent or harmful distortion occurs either
when being lifted by eyebolts or when moved into position by rollers.

Sheet metal for outdoor enclosure must be suitably treated and painted with 60-70 micron
thickness, to achieve outdoor worthiness and corrosion protection and should pass salt spray
test for not less than 500 Hours
Enclosure must be suitably ventilated for ambient conditions and shall have IP54 class of
protection.

RMU must have a pressure relief device at the top of the stainless steel housing to ensure that
in the rare case of an internal arc, the high pressure caused by the arc will be released and the
hot gases are allowed to be exhausted out so that it will not affect the operator standing in front
and lateral side of RMU. A controlled direction of flow of the hot gas should be achieved.

4.4 DIELECTRIC MEDIUM

SF6 gas shall be used for the dielectric medium for 12KV RMU’s in accordance with IEC376. It is
preferable to fit an absorption material in the tank to absorb the moisture from the SF6 gas and
to regenerate the SF6 gas following arc interruption. The SF6 insulating medium shall be
constantly monitored via a temperature compensating gas pressure indicator offering a simple
go, no-go indication. Maximum gas pressure shall be 1.2 bar absolute.
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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

4.5 Load Break Switch (630 Amp cable feeder)

It should consist of an SF6 cubicle housing a switch disconnector and an earthing switch. Bus
bars and all electrical connections are located inside the tank. The switch positions are closed –
open – earthed. The operating shafts for the switches should be have rotary seals where they
enter the SF6 cubicle. The operating mechanisms should be located outside on the front of the
SF6 tank. Cable bushings should be located on the side/rear of the SF6 cubicle in a separate
cable compartment. Front covers containing the mimic diagram and having a degree of
protection IP2X close the fronts.

4.6 Circuit Breakers (630 Amp Transformer feeder)

The 630Amp T-off circuit breaker module should consist of an SF6 cubicle housing a fixed type
vacuum circuit breaker and a series disconnector & earthing switch. Current rating less than
630Amp is not permissible. An integrated relay and related CTs is used for tripping of the circuit
breaker. Use of SF6 as Fault-interruption media is not allowed, because of safety and
environmental reasons. Bus bars and all electrical connections should be located inside the tank.
The operating shafts for the switches should be have rotary seals where they enter the SF6
cubicle. The Circuit Breaker used shall be of same make as that of RMU. Test Reports to be
submitted in this regard. The operating mechanisms are located outside on the front of the SF6
tank. Bolted type cable bushings should be located on the rear side of the SF6 cubicle in a
separate cable compartment. Front covers containing the mimic diagram having a degree of
protection IP2X seal off the fronts.

Vacuum bottles should be use as interrupters of the fault-currents. The make of vacuum bottles
should be same as that of RMU. The circuit breaker main circuit should be connected in series
with a three-position disconnector –ear thing switch. The operation between circuit breaker and
disconnector earthing must be interlocked. VCB shall use a self powered relay with low burden
trip coil. Relay shall draw the required energy from ring core CTs mounted on cable bushings.

4.7 Earthing of the Main Circuit

Each disconnector shall be provided with an integral earth switch. Earthing switches should be
rated equal to the switchgear rating. Earthing switches should be quick make type capable of
making Rated Fault Current. Earthing switch should be operated from the front of the cubicle by
means of a removable handle. The earthing switch can be operated only when the main isolator
or circuit breaker are open.
Mechanical interlocking systems shall prevent all operator errors such as closing the earth
switch when switch is closed.
The HT cables are terminated in the dedicated cable compartment at the side/rear of RMU.
An earthing bar system made of copper with a minimum cross section of 120 sqmm should be
fitted. The earthing system is connected to the tank by a copper bar, which rises up to the
connecting point of the tank.

4.8 Operating Mechanisms

All mechanisms should be situated in the mechanism compartment behind the front covers
outside the SF6-tank. The mechanism for the switch and the earthing switch is operating via
common operating handle. The mechanisms provide independent manual operation for closing
and opening of the switch, and interlocked operation of earthing switch.

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

There shall be separate mechanism for T-off switch and earthing switch, which will be suitably
interlocked with each other.

The mechanism shall be modular, high-endurance type, connected to main tank via o-rings and
is easily removable under the rear circumstances of damage due to mal-operation etc.

The mechanisms shall be stored spring energy and provide independent manual operation for
closing and opening of the switch, with complete interlocking with earthing switch.

The mechanism for the vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) and disconnector- earthing switch is
operating the VCB and the disconnector earthing switch via two separate shafts. The mechanism
for the VCB has stored spring energy and provides independent manual operation for closing
and opening of the VCB.
The VCB mechanism shall have distinct push-buttons for ON/OFF operation, while handle used
only for spring-charging/earthing operation shall be inbuilt in the mechanism.
The mechanism has a relay with related CT’s and/or remote tripping device.
The mechanism for the disconnector earthing switch provide independent manual operation for
closing and opening of the disconnector, independent closing of the earthing switch and
dependent opening of the earthing switch.
In rare case of mechanism failure, it shall be possible to replace the same at site without
requiring SF6 gas refilling.

4.9 Interlocking
The mechanism for the cable switch should be provide a built in interlocking system to prevent
operation of the switch when the earthing switch is closed, and to prevent operation of the
earthing switch when the switch is in the closed position.
The mechanism for the T-off switch should be provide a built in interlocking system to prevent
operation of the switch when the earthing switch is closed, and to prevent operation of the
earthing switch when the switch is in the closed position.

The mechanism for the VCB and the disconnector-earthing switch should have a built in
interlocking system to prevent operation of the disconnector-earthing switch when the VCB is in
the closed position.
Further is should not be possible to Open the Cable doors unless the Earthing Switch is Turned
ON. In case the Cable door is accidentally left open a positive interlock shall prevent operation of
Load Break Switch and Isolators / Breaker from any operation.

4.10 Busbars
Comprising the 3 single phases copper bus bars and the connections to the switch or circuit
breaker. The bus bar should be integrated in the cubicle Bus bars should be rated to withstand
all dynamic and thermal stresses for the full length of the switchgear.

4.11 Front Covers

The front cover contains the mimic diagram of the main circuit with the position indicators for
the switching devices. The voltage indicators are situated on the front panels. Access to the
cable bushings shall be via suitably interlocked cable compartments.

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

4.12 Position Indicators

The position indicators shall be visible through the front cover and must be directly linked to the
operating shaft of the switching devices. The operator shall be able to confirm the closing of
earth switch. Same can be accomplished either by means of true position indication duly type
tested as per IEC 62271-102 sub clause A.6.105 to verify proper functioning of position
indicating device.

4.13 Voltage Indicators

The voltage indicators are situated on the front cover, one for each module, and indicate the
voltage condition of each incoming cable. Identification of the phases is achieved with labels L1,
L2 and L3 on the front of the voltage indicators. The voltage indicator satisfies the requirements
of IEC61243.

4.14 Cable Compartment

It should be possible to terminate up to a 1x 3c x300 sqmm core HV cables in each cable
compartment. The cable compartment shall be IP-54 protected. The cable compartments shall
be accessible from side/rear and cable entry shall be from bottom. Cable bushings shall be easily
accessible by removing the cable door. For ease of cable-installation/testing, cable connection
from front shall be avoided. The access to the compartment will be possible by removing the
cable cover, hinged to the main frame only when earth switch is ON. Cable Compartments
should be Arc Proof and interlocked with respective Earth Switches. Each module has a separate
cable compartment that is segregated from each other by means of a partition wall. A partition
wall should be fitted to divide the cable compartment from the rear side of the switchgear. The
design of RMU shall be such that the cable bushings are atleast 890mm from gland-plates so as
to provide adequate space for cable-entry, trifurcation and subsequent termination. In case of
an arc inside the tank, followed by the opening of the pressure relief, the partition wall prevents
the hot gases flowing out from the pressure relief to enter the cable compartments. All covers
are removable. The ground continuity is achieved when the covers are in place by means of
hinged connections.
It should be possible to perform cable testing inside the cable boxes without disconnecting the
cables.

4.15 Padlocking Facilities

The circuit breakers, isolators and the earthing switches can be locked in open or closed position
by padlocks 6 to 8 mm in diameter.

4.16 Current Transformer

All current transformers should be complying with IEC 60185.
Current transformers should be of dry type, with ratings and ratios as required.
Cable current transformers used in circuit breaker modules should be maximum 100mm wide.
Current transformers used in metering cubicles should be having dimensions according to DIN
42600, Narrow type. CTs shall be bushing mounted and situated at same level from their
respective bushing.

4.17 Auxiliaries
The switchgear should be compatible to be provided with motor operation, auxiliary contacts
and short-circuit indicators. Necessary provision should be made in separate enclosure for
mounting RTUs, Terminal Blocks and Battery backup. Suitable 24VDC battery backup
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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

arrangement shall be provided by manufacturer for operation of motor and functioning of RTU,
if applicable. Upkeep and maintenance of batteries shall be done by user. However,
manufacturer shall share the necessary steps that can be taken to ensure longevity in life of
batteries.
Incorporation of RTU/batteries within the RMU enclosure is not recommended, as it may cause
mal operation due to vibrations of operation, and weakening of signal strength.

4.18 Fault Passage Indicators

Bidders shall quote fault passage indicator as a separate optional item. Each RMU shall contain
one Fault Passage Indicator, which is to be installed in LHS Isolator module. These shall facilitate
quick detection of faulty section of line. The fault indication may be on the basis of monitoring
fault current flow through the device. The unit should be self-contained requiring no auxiliary
power supply. The FPI shall be integral part of RMU to avoid thefts. The FPI shall have clear
display, automatic reset facility and shall have C/O contact for SCADA.

5.0 Manufacturing Facility

The manufacturer shall ensure workmanship of high quality. There shall be adequate machinery
tools and tackles such that the product shall meet the internationally accepted standards.
Facility should be certified for ISO 9001, 14001 and OHSAS 18001.The manufacturing facility
shall be equipped with the following:

 Robotic welding station for stainless steel main tank, ensuring a leak
rate of less than 0.1% per year. Manual welding or hermetic sealing of tank shall not be
accepted.
 Work benches with pneumatic adjustable work benches and torques
wrenches, giving flexibility to workmen for proper tightness of internal components of
sealed tank.
 State of the art fully automatic gas filling and leakage testing machine
for ensuring the quality of sealing and have precision to measure leak rate less than 0.1%
per year.
 High voltage testing station to have high voltage power frequency test
and partial discharge measurement.
 Computerized system to measure time travel characteristic of breaker
before sealing the tank.

6 TESTING AND CERTIFICATION.

6.1 Type Tests.

Units should be type tested in accordance with IEC standards 60056, 62271-102, 60265,
62271-200, 62271-105,60529 and 60694. The following type tests have been performed and
available if required
 Short time and peak withstand current test
 Temperature rise tests
 Dielectric tests
 Test of apparatus i.e. circuit breaker and earthing switch
 Arc fault test
 Measurement of resistance of main circuit.

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

 Mechanical endurance test.

 Duty cycle test.
 Internal arc test for HT chamber.
 Degree of protection for IP –54 for Outdoor enclosure.
 Tests to verify true position indication devices as per IEC 62271-102.

Type test reports for above type shall be submitted with the offer.

6.2 Routine tests

Routine tests should be carried out in accordance with IEC 62271-200 standards. These tests
should be ensure the reliability of the unit.

Below listed test should be performed as routine tests before the delivery of units:

 Withstand voltage at power frequency

 Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit
 Partial discharge test for the tank
 Withstand voltage on the auxiliary circuits
 Operation of functional locks, interlocks, signaling devices and auxiliary devices
 Suitability and correct operation of protections, control instruments and electrical
 connections of the circuit breaker operating mechanism
 Verification of wiring
 Visual inspection
 Time travel characteristics measurement facility for Breaker should be available with the
manufacturer to asses the quality of RMU.

7.0 DOCUMENTATION

An instruction manual should be provided with necessary information for receiving, handling,
storage, installation, operation and maintenance.
Routine test certificate should be follow each unit, and standard schematic drawings should be
delivered for Ring Main Units. Compact Switchgear should be have drawings that consist of
system single line drawings, general arrangement and schematic drawings for order specific
units.
All drawings shall confirm to International Standards Organization (ISO) “A” series of drawing
sheets/Indian Standards Specification IS : 11065. All dimensions and data shall be in ink and
suitable for microfilming. All dimensions and data shall be in S.I. Units.

7.1 List of drawings and Documents

The bidder shall furnish four sets of relevant descriptive and illustrative published
literature, pamphlets and the following drawings for preliminary study along with offer.
 General outline drawings showing dimensions and shipping weights,
quantity of
Insulating media.
 Sectional views showing the general constructional features of the
circuit breaker

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12 KV Outdoor Type Ring Main Unit

 Including operating mechanism, arcing chambers, contacts with lifting

dimensions for maintenance.
 Drawings showing control cabinets and circuit diagrams for operating
mechanism.
 Schematic diagrams of breaker offered for control and supervision
 Structural drawings for support structures.
 Foundation plan and loading data and foundation design.
 Drawings showing the complete operation cycle of the Ring Main Unit
with description.

8.0 TRAINING
Installation of the switchgear should be required no special tools. Optional product training
should be available at the manufacturer’s facility.

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