Professional Documents
Culture Documents
51-2003
Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage
AC Power Circuit Breaker
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Switchgear Assemblies—
Conformance Test Procedures
Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage
AC Power Circuit Breaker
Switchgear Assemblies—
Conformance Test Procedures
Secretariat:
The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons
engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus
does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the
development of this document.
NEMA standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are
developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together
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in its standards and guideline publications.
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Caution Notice: This American National Standard may be revised or
withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National
Standards Institute require that action be taken periodically to reaffirm,
revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National
Standards may receive current information on all standards by calling or
writing the American National Standards Institute.
Published by
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.
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ANSI C37.51-2003
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ANSI C37.51-2003
CONTENTS
Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................... v
Section 1 SCOPE..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Control and instrumentation components—protection requirements........................................... 1
1.2 Installations not covered............................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 1
Section 2 REFERENCED STANDARDS ................................................................................................ 2
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iv
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This standard has been developed to describe selected tests and procedures to demonstrate
conformance in accordance with Section 6, Tests, of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002 Metal-Enclosed Low-
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Voltage AC Power Circuit Breaker Switchgear. It is published separately from ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002
to facilitate its use and to permit timely revisions based on experience.
Revisions have been made to this edition to coordinate with revisions made to ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1.
This standard is one of several in a series of test procedures for conformance testing of switchgear
products. While this standard is written for general guidance, performance criteria are established so that
this standard can be adopted as the basis for certification of metal-enclosed low-voltage alternating
current power circuit breaker switchgear for use in non-utility installations subject to regulation by public
authorities and similar agencies concerned with laws, ordinances, regulations, administrative orders, and
similar instruments.
This standard has been prepared by a Working Group sponsored by the Power Switchgear Assemblies
Technical Committee of the Switchgear Section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association
(NEMA 8-SG-V). During the course of its preparation, coordination has been maintained with the
Switchgear Committee of the Power Engineering Society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers.
This standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by Accredited Standards Committee on
Power Switchgear C37. Committee approval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all
committee members voted for its approval. At the time of its approval, the C37 Committee had the
following members:
T. Olsen, Chair
J. Collins, Secretary
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R. W. Long
T. W. Olsen
G. J. Sakats
D. Stone
D. Swindler
E. Byron (Alt)
The following members of the NEMA Power Switchgear Assemblies Technical Committee worked on this
standard prior to its publication:
T. W. Olsen, Chair
J. Collins, Secretary
C. Ball
P. Dwyer
H. Hirz
W. Long
T. Olsen
G. Sakats
S. Slattery
J. Wiseman
vi
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1 Scope
This Standard is a conformance testing standard optionally applicable to all metal-enclosed low-
voltage ac power circuit breaker switchgear assemblies designed, tested, and manufactured in
accordance with ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002, Metal-Enclosed Low-Voltage AC Power Circuit
Breaker Switchgear. This standard covers selected tests to demonstrate conformance of the
basic switchgear section (which includes the structure, circuit breaker compartments, instrument
compartments, buses, and internal connections) with Section 6, Tests, of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-
2002. See ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002 for assigned ratings and usual service conditions.
NOTE—In this standard, the use of the term "LV switchgear" shall be considered to mean "metal-enclosed low-voltage
alternating current power circuit breaker switchgear assemblies." The use of the term "circuit breaker" shall be considered
to mean "low voltage alternating current power circuit breaker," unless qualified by other descriptive terms.
NOTE—An electric utility is an entity that is overseen by a public utility commission, a public service commission, or other
regulatory agency having jurisdiction for such installations.
1.3 PURPOSE
This standard specifies the tests that shall be performed to demonstrate that the LV switchgear
being tested conforms with the ratings assigned to it and meets the mechanical and electrical
performance requirements specified in ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002.
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Section 2
REFERENCED STANDARDS
When there is a conflict between this standard and these referenced standards, this standard
shall apply. This standard is intended to be used in conjunction with the following American
National Standards. When these referenced standards are superseded by a revision approved
by the American National Standards Institute, Inc., the revisions shall apply.
ANSI C37.16-2000, Switchgear - Low-Voltage Power Circuit Breakers and AC Power Circuit
Protectors - Preferred Ratings, Related Requirements, and Application Recommendations
ANSI/IEEE C37.26-2003, Standard Guide for Methods of Power Factor Measurement for Low-
Voltage Inductive Test Circuits
ANSI/ IEEE Std 4-1995, Standard Techniques for High Voltage Testing, including ANSI/IEEE
Standard 4a-2001, Amendment to IEEE Standard Techniques for High-Voltage Testing
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Section 3
DEFINITIONS
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The definitions of terms contained in this standard, or in other standards referred to in this
standard, are not intended to embrace all legitimate meanings of the terms. They are applicable
only to the subject treated in this standard.
If a term is not defined in this standard, the definition in ANSI/IEEE C37.100-1992 applies. An
asterisk (*) following a definition indicates that the definition in this standard is not contained in
ANSI/IEEE C37.100-1992, while a dagger (†) indicates that the definition differs from that in
ANSI/IEEE C37.100-1992.
NOTE—
Conformance tests may, or may not, be similar to certain design tests. Demonstration of margin (capabilities) beyond the
standards is not required.
NOTES—
1 Design tests are made on representative apparatus or prototypes to verify the validity of design analysis and calculation
methods and to substantiate the ratings assigned to all other apparatus of basically the same design. These tests are not
intended to be made on every design or to be used as part of normal production. The applicable portion of these design
tests may also be used to evaluate modifications of a previous design and to assure that performance has not been
adversely affected. Test data from previous similar designs may also be used for current designs, where appropriate.
Once made, the tests need not be repeated unless the design is changed so as to modify performance.
NOTES—
1 Certain quality assurance tests on identified critical parts of repetitive high-production devices may be tested on a
planned statistical sampling basis.
2 "Production Tests" are sometimes called "routine tests".
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Section 4
GENERAL TEST CONDITIONS
a. All circuits supplied from external sources (alternating current or direct current) shall have
short-circuit protection within the control source incoming section. This may be provided by a
single set of short-circuit protective devices.
b. All circuits supplied from internal sources (alternating current or direct current) shall have
short-circuit protection within the same section as the supply source. If these circuits are
supplied by a control power transformer, this protection may be in the primary circuit only.
c. Overcurrent protection of voltage circuits may be provided in addition to the required
short-circuit protection.
d. Voltage transformers, current transformers, or other suitable means, shall be used for all
instruments, meters, and relays connected to AC circuits over 254 V in order to reduce the
voltage on instrument wiring to 254 V or less. Wiring feeding such devices and connected
directly to the bus at greater than 254 V shall be as short as is practicable and shall be
grouped separately from other components and wiring.
e. Other circuits supplying loads, such as heaters, lights, or receptacles, shall have
overload and short-circuit protection.
f. Overcurrent protection is not permitted in current transformer secondary circuits.
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Table 4-1
Control Power Transformer Short-Circuit Protection
*Due to inrush currents, certain types of current-limiting fuses may require larger
ratings than those shown, but the ratings shall not exceed 20 A.
Voltage transformers shall be protected in the primary circuit with current-limiting fuses not larger
than 10 A.
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Section 5
CONFORMANCE TEST REQUIREMENTS
5.1 GENERAL
Tests are made on representative test arrangements of LV switchgear as described in 5.3 to
demonstrate the capability of the LV switchgear design to meet its assigned ratings and to
operate under normal service conditions as outlined in clause 4 of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002.
The circuit breaker designs utilized shall have been previously qualified in accordance with ANSI
C37.50-1989 or shall be tested to those requirements simultaneously with the requirements of
this standard.
The test specimen shall have been subjected to production tests in accordance with clause 7
prior to initiation of conformance tests.
indoor vertical section of circuit breaker compartments plus an additional representative structure
(to simulate actual installation of two adjacent sections), so that the main bus extends through
both sections and includes a main bus splice.
Other than as modified in 5.3.3, the tests specified in 5.4 through 5.7 shall be conducted on each
of the following test arrangements:
Test arrangement 1: one 600A frame circuit breaker with 1600A main bus
Test arrangement 2: one 800A frame circuit breaker with 1600A main bus
Test arrangement 3: one 1600A frame circuit breaker with 1600A main bus
Test arrangement 4: one 2000A frame circuit breaker with 2000A main bus
Test arrangement 5: one 3000A frame circuit breaker with 3000A main bus
Test arrangement 6: one 3200A frame circuit breaker with 3200A main bus
Test arrangement 7: one 4000A frame circuit breaker with 4000A main bus
Test arrangement 8: one 5000A frame circuit breaker with 5000A main bus
For frame and bus ratings not covered above, the test arrangement will include a circuit breaker
of the frame size to be tested. The main bus shall be of equal ampacity.
The Mechanical Performance Tests specified in 5.8 shall be conducted in any representative
housing intended to receive the circuit breaker frame size under test. This is permitted to be, but
not required to be, one of the compartments in the above test arrangements.
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For the tests specified in 5.5 through 5.7, the section (riser) bus shall be the minimum size
furnished by the manufacturer for the frame size of the circuit breaker used in the test
arrangement. The intent is to perform the continuous current and short-circuit current tests with
the smallest bus configuration.
For the tests specified in 5.4 and 5.8, the circuit breaker may be in any compartment.
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Tests specified in 5.5 shall be conducted with a single circuit breaker in the uppermost circuit
breaker compartment of any arrangement used by the manufacturer for the rating being tested,
with all other compartments in that vertical section bused to receive circuit breakers, but with
circuit breakers, if installed in these compartments, disconnected for the test.
Tests specified in 5.6 and 5.7 shall be made with a circuit breaker in the uppermost compartment,
unless it is determined that circuit breakers need not be included in the short-time and short-
circuit withstand current tests.
Voltage transformers, control power transformers, and associated disconnecting means and
fuses are not required for the tests specified in 5.5 through 5.7. If they are present in the sample,
they should not have any effect on the test and need not be removed. Such devices are
permitted to be disconnected during the dielectric tests (see 5.4).
5.3.3 Representation
If the switchgear is manufactured in both stationary and drawout designs and the bus design is
identical for both, the stationary design may be qualified by testing only the drawout design. The
tests specified in 5.8 apply only to the drawout design.
If any of the test arrangements shown in 5.3.1 has the same construction as another, tests on
one arrangement are permitted to represent the other arrangement under the following
conditions:
a. Continuous current tests (5.5) are to be run on the arrangement having the higher ampere
rating and the greatest current density.
b. Short-time withstand current tests (5.6) and short-circuit withstand current tests (5.7) are
to be conducted on the arrangement having the smallest bus configuration for the current
level involved.
Incoming bus structure used in LV switchgear and other busing required for customization shall
be considered as meeting the short-circuit current requirements if its construction is physically
equivalent to that of the main bus structure that was tested and found to meet the short-circuit
current and short-time current requirements. If the construction is not physically equivalent, this
busing shall be tested in a manner that will subject it to the requirements of those tests.
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The test voltage shall be essentially sinusoidal and applied with a minimum crest value equal to
1.414 times the specified values. The frequency of the test voltage shall be within ±20 percent of
the rated power frequency of the LV switchgear being tested. If a test transformer of less than
500 volt-amperes is used, a suitable voltmeter shall be provided to measure the applied output
voltage directly.
A dielectric test voltage of 2200 volts shall be applied for a period of 1 min to the primary circuit of
the LV switchgear in the following manner:
a. For equipment with stationary devices and for equipment with drawout-mounted devices
with the removable elements in the connected position, apply the test voltage between the
primary circuit and ground, as follows:
1. With the circuit breaker contacts closed – between each phase of the switchgear
assembly individually with the frame and the other phases and the neutral bus (if present)
grounded
2. With the circuit breaker contacts open – between each terminal of the switchgear
assembly with the frame and all other terminals grounded
b. With the drawout circuit breaker in the test position and with its contacts closed, apply the
test voltage between the primary circuit and ground, as follows:
1. Simultaneously to all the incoming terminals of the switchgear assembly with the frame
and outgoing terminals grounded.
2. Simultaneously to all the outgoing terminals of the switchgear assembly with the frame
and incoming terminals grounded.
c. For equipment having a neutral bus, apply test voltage between neutral and ground,
except at 1800V instead of 2200V.
Except for the main switching or interrupting device, other devices such as voltage transformers
that are mounted in the LV switchgear assemblies may be disconnected during the dielectric test.
Such devices are individually tested in accordance with the standards applying to them.
The LV switchgear test arrangement shall be tested using a three-phase source of power of any
convenient voltage at a test frequency no less than rated frequency. Each individual phase
current shall be maintained at no less than the rated continuous current. A single-phase source of
power (all phases in series with flow of current reversed with adjacent phases) may be used at
the option of the manufacturer.
If testing in accordance with ANSI C37.50-1989 clearly demonstrates that either the fused or
unfused terminal connections have higher temperature rises, continuous current testing of the
unit with the lower temperature rises is not required.
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period, with readings being taken at not greater than 30-min intervals. If the temperature rise at
the end of the second interval is equal to the established limits and if the temperature rise has
increased since the previous reading, the test shall be continued.
All temperature-measuring devices shall be placed 30 cm from the structure, not in front of
ventilators, and in locations unaffected by drafts caused by the structure or appreciable radiation
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from the equipment. When the ambient air temperature is subject to variations that might result
in errors in measuring the temperature rise, the temperature-measuring devices should be
immersed in suitable liquid, such as oil, in a suitable container, or reliably attached to a suitable
mass of metal.
NOTE—A convenient form for such a container consists of a metal cylinder with a hole drilled partly through it. This is
filled with liquid and the temperature measuring device placed therein. The size of the container should be at least 2.5 cm
in diameter and 5 cm high.
Thermocouples used for measuring the temperature of the circuit breaker primary disconnecting
devices shall be located on the current-carrying member approximately 13 mm to the housing
side of the primary disconnecting devices. For cable terminations, the thermocouples shall be
located at the junction of the conductor and its insulation.
Thermocouples shall be held in intimate contact with the conductor surface by such methods as
welding, drilling and peening, or cementing.
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Table 5-1
Copper Conductors for Connection to the Main Bus
for Use in Continuous Current Tests
in. mm
1600 2 0.25 x 3 6.4 x 76.2
2000 2 0.25 x 4 6.4 x 102
3000 3 0.25 x 5 6.4 x 127
3200 3 0.25 x 5 6.4 x 127
d
4000 4 0.25 x 5 6.4 x 127
d
5000 5 0.25 x 6 6.4 x 152
d
5000 6 0.25 x 5 6.4 x 127
a
Where multiple bus bars are used, they are to be spaced 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) apart.
b
Vertical or horizontal configuration shall be the option of the manufacturer.
c
Bus sizes (and the spacing in note a) are expressed in trade sizes (in.), with approximate metric
conversion.
d
For LV ac switchgear, the 4000 and 5000A groups are to be two sets of two or three bars with not more
than 102 mm between pair centers.
Table 5-2
Copper Conductors for Connection to Feeder Circuit Breaker
Outgoing Terminals or Extensions for Use in Continuous Current Tests
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5.5.5 Performance
The LV switchgear test arrangement shall be considered as having passed this test if
temperature rises specified in Table 3 and Table 4 of ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002 and Table 2 of
ANSI/IEEE C37.13-1990 are not exceeded. The terminal connection limit of 55°C rise in Table 2
of ANSI/IEEE C37.13-1990 is not applicable.
The results of previous design tests may be used to establish points of temperature
measurement and the phase with the greatest temperature rise. The temperature rises of that
phase only and the hot spot of the other phases shall be measured.
5.6.1.1 Circuit breaker compartment represented by the circuit breaker test enclosure
When the circuit breaker compartment in the LV switchgear is physically equivalent to the test
enclosure used during the circuit breaker evaluation (as required by ANSI C37.50-1989), no
additional withstand current testing of the circuit breaker, circuit breaker compartment, or
associated conductors is required. For the withstand current tests in this situation, the uppermost
circuit breaker compartment incoming terminals shall be connected together by a shorting bar or
bars, effectively eliminating the circuit breaker compartment from the test.
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5.6.1.2 Circuit breaker compartment NOT represented by the circuit breaker test
enclosure
If the circuit breaker compartment is not physically equivalent to the circuit breaker test
enclosure, the withstand current tests shall include a circuit breaker and compartment. The test
shall be made under the same conditions that resulted in the highest let-through current during
the circuit breaker short-circuit current tests described in ANSI C37.50-1989. The circuit breaker
shall be of a type that has previously met the design test performance requirements as specified
in ANSI C37.50-1989, and shall be one of the following:
The circuit breaker shall be located in the uppermost compartment, and for the tests, the circuit
breaker compartment outgoing terminals shall be connected together by a shorting bar or bars.
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current will be determined by calibrating the test circuit with a short circuit placed directly across
the bus connection at the incoming switchgear terminals.
Two test configurations are required. The main bus terminals shall be connected to the test
circuit power source, and three-phase tests shall be made with a short at the following locations:
a. At the end of the main bus opposite from the terminals, to cause a short-circuit current to
pass through the main bus and splice.
b. At the circuit breaker compartment terminals as covered in 5.6.1.1 or 5.6.1.2, as is
appropriate to the construction.
Insofar as possible, the connections shall not add intentional bracing to the bus structure being
tested.
If the test circuit current path includes primary disconnect devices, the circuit resistance shall be
measured prior to the test as a baseline for performance evaluation. This measurement shall be
made with a DC current of at least 100 A flowing.
The alternating component of the current at the end of each 0.5 s period (or 1 s period if
manufacturer elects to use 1 s duration) shall be no less than 80% of the alternating component
measured at one-half cycle after the initiation of the current.
5.6.2.7 Performance
After the test, the switchgear shall have:
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d. the removable element shall be capable of moving from the connected to the
disconnected position and back to the connected position via its intended means
e. no signs of pitting or welding of primary disconnect devices
If the switchgear has not met the requirements of item b) at the conclusion of the test, the
dielectric tests described in 5.4 shall be repeated. The switchgear shall be considered to have
passed this portion of the short-time withstand current test if it successfully passes the dielectric
tests.
If the switchgear has not met the requirements of item e) at the conclusion of the test, a DC
resistance test across the tested circuit shall be made with a minimum of 100 A flowing through
the circuit. The switchgear shall be considered to have passed this portion of the short-time
withstand current test if the DC resistance of the equipment after the short-time withstand current
test does not exceed 200% of the circuit resistance of the circuit prior to the test.
5.6.3 Neutral bus and connections (if design includes a neutral bus)
A single-phase short-time withstand current test shall be made on the neutral bus. The test
parameters shall be as described in 5.6.2.1 through 5.6.2.6, except that
a. The test voltage is to be applied between the neutral and nearest phase bus. (Incoming
connection shall be made from the neutral bus to one phase of the source and from the
nearest phase bus to another phase of the source.)
b. The voltage shall be at least rated maximum voltage divided by 3 .
c. The short-circuit connection shall be made between the ends of the main and neutral bus
bars at the end opposite the test source connection, using bolted bars of minimum length and
having cross section equal to the bus being tested. Insofar as possible, the connections shall
not add intentional bracing to the bus structure being tested.
If the test circuit current path includes primary disconnect devices, the circuit resistance shall be
measured prior to the test as a baseline for performance evaluation. This measurement shall be
made with a DC current of at least 100 A flowing.
5.6.3.1 Performance
After the test, the switchgear shall have
If the switchgear has not met the requirements of item b) at the conclusion of the test, the
dielectric tests described in 5.4 shall be repeated. The switchgear shall be considered to have
passed this portion of the short-time withstand current test if it successfully passes the dielectric
tests.
If the switchgear has not met the requirements of item e) at the conclusion of the test, a DC
resistance test across the tested circuit shall be made with a minimum of 100 A flowing through
the circuit. The switchgear shall be considered to have passed this portion of the short-time
withstand current test if the DC resistance of the equipment after the short-time withstand current
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test does not exceed 200% of the circuit resistance of the circuit prior to the test.
NOTE—d) and e) are applicable only to assemblies that may include four-pole power circuit breakers.
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a. The test voltage is to be applied between the ground bus and nearest phase bus.
(Incoming connection shall be made from the ground bus to one phase of the source and
from the nearest phase bus to another phase of the source.)
b. The test voltage shall be at least rated maximum voltage.
c. The short-circuit connection shall be made between the ends of the main and ground bus
bars at the end opposite the test source connection, using bolted bars of minimum length and
having cross section equal to the bus being tested. Insofar as possible, the connections shall
not add intentional bracing to the bus structure being tested.
d. Only a single 1/2 second test current period is required.
The circuit resistance shall be measured with a DC current of at least 100 A flowing prior to the
test as a baseline for performance evaluation.
5.6.4.1 Performance
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After the test, the ground bus, joints, and connections shall have
A DC resistance test across the tested circuit shall be made with a minimum of 100 A flowing
through the circuit. The DC resistance of the circuit after the short-time withstand current test
shall not exceed 200% of the circuit resistance prior to the short-time withstand current test.
If the switchgear has not met the requirements of item b) at the conclusion of the test, the
dielectric tests described in 5.4 shall be repeated. The switchgear shall be considered to have
passed this portion of the short-time withstand current test if it successfully passes the dielectric
tests.
5.7.1.1 Short-time withstand current test may cover short-circuit withstand current test
When the current and voltage level of the short-time and short-circuit tests are the same, and the
test circuit characteristics meet the requirements for each test, satisfactory completion of the
short-time withstand current test also covers the need for a short-circuit withstand current test.
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For fused circuit breakers, if it can be demonstrated that the maximum peak let-through current of
the fuse for a given frame size is less than the peak let-through current for which the LV
switchgear has been tested, then testing with fused circuit breakers of that frame size is not
required. When it is necessary to test fused circuit breaker compartments, the short-circuit
current connections shall be made on the outgoing side of the fused circuit breaker. The fuses
shall be the maximum current rating supplied by the manufacturer for the circuit breaker frame
size.
a. At the end of the main bus opposite from the terminals, to cause a short-circuit current to
pass through the main bus and splice.
b. At the circuit breaker compartment terminals as covered in 5.6.1.1 or 5.6.1.2, as is
appropriate to the construction.
Insofar as possible, the connections shall not add intentional bracing to the bus structure being
tested.
NOTE—Four cycles is the maximum duration of short-circuit current when circuit breakers with instantaneous trip devices
are installed on 600-volt alternating current systems.
The rms value of the alternating component of current at the end of three cycles shall be not less
than 90 percent of the value measured at one-half cycle after initiation of the current.
5.7.2.5 Performance
Performance shall be in accordance with 5.6.2.7
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ANSI C37.51-2003
Single-phase tests shall be made to prove the strength of the ground bus and the neutral bus
with respect to the nearest phase bus. Other than the current level, which shall be based upon
the short-circuit withstand current rating, these tests shall be in accordance with 5.6.3 (neutral
bus) and 5.6.4 (ground bus). Performance shall be in accordance with 5.6.3.1 (neutral bus) and
5.6.4.1 (ground bus).
The tests shall be performed either with an electrically operated circuit breaker or with a manually
operated circuit breaker having a stored-energy closing mechanism and equipped with secondary
disconnecting devices, if the design of the drawout mechanism and the interlocks are the same
for both. If they are not the same, both manually and electrically operated designs shall be tested.
Mechanical performance tests of fused circuit breakers are not required when the drawout
mechanisms, including primary and secondary disconnecting devices, are of equivalent design
on fused and unfused circuit breakers.
Proper operation of structure-mounted breaker position switches (TOC) and auxiliary switches
mounted on stationary structure (MOC) shall be verified during the tests by monitoring the
contact position of these switches as applicable.
At the beginning of the test, the circuit breaker shall be open and in the disconnected position
with the stored-energy mechanism discharged. Primary and secondary disconnecting devices
shall be lubricated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Step 1. Move the breaker from the disconnected position to the test position and, if required,
install a secondary test coupler.
a. Close the circuit breaker.
b. Check to assure that the circuit breaker cannot be moved to the connected position while
closed.
c. Open the circuit breaker.
16
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
ANSI C37.51-2003
Step 2. Move the circuit breaker to a position approximately midway between the test and
connected positions or as close to a mid-position as the removable secondary test coupler (if
required) will permit. Check to assure that the circuit breaker cannot be closed, either electrically
or mechanically.
Step 3. Remove the secondary test coupler if present, and move the circuit breaker to the
connected position.
a. Close the circuit breaker.
b. Check to assure that the circuit breaker cannot be moved out of the connected position
while closed.
c. Open the circuit breaker.
Step 4. Move the circuit breaker to a position approximately midway between the test and
disconnected positions or as close as possible to a midpoint position as the removable secondary
test coupler (if required) will permit. If required, install a secondary test coupler. Check to assure
that the circuit breaker cannot be closed, either electrically or mechanically.
Step 6. Remove the secondary test coupler, if present, and move the circuit breaker to the
disconnected position.
Step 7. Check to assure that, when the mechanism is in the fully charged condition, the closing
function is blocked or the interlocks ensure mechanism discharge before or during withdrawal of
the circuit breaker from the housing. (Automatic discharge is a commonly accepted method.)
NOTE—This step is not required if the stored-energy mechanism and contact assembly are fully enclosed within the
breaker element and access for service is not possible.
5.8.3 Performance
At the completion of these tests:
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ANSI C37.51-2003
Section 6
TREATMENT OF NONCONFORMING RESULTS
When nonconforming results occur during testing, the nonconformance shall be evaluated and
corrected, and the equipment shall be retested. A design change made to the LV switchgear to
correct a nonconformance shall be evaluated for its effect on preceding tests.
When analysis indicates that a particular corrective action would not have affected results
obtained in previous tests, it shall be permitted to take the corrective action without repeating the
previously completed tests.
When analysis indicates that a particular corrective action may have caused a nonconformance
in tests previously completed, only those potentially affected tests shall be repeated on the LV
switchgear to which the corrective action has been applied. In deciding whether or not to repeat
a previous test, it is important that the decision be based on the corrective action taken and not
on the nonconformance that occurred.
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Copyright National Electrical Manufacturers Association
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No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
ANSI C37.51-2003
Section 7
PRODUCTION TESTS
7.1 GENERAL
Unless otherwise specified, all production tests shall be made by the manufacturer at the factory
on the complete LV switchgear or its component parts for the purpose of checking the
correctness of manufacturing operations and materials (See ANSI/IEEE C37.20.1-2002).
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Drawout circuit breakers need not be tested in the assembly if they are tested separately.
19
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ANSI C37.51-2003
used to short-circuit voltage sensitive components such as coil windings and electronic devices.
At the option of the manufacturer, switchgear-mounted devices that have been individually tested
may be disconnected during the test.
This sequence test need not include remote equipment controlled by the LV switchgear
assembly. However, this equipment may be simulated, where necessary.
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Section 8
RETESTING
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Retesting is not required if the design has not changed. A design change made to the LV
switchgear shall be evaluated for its effect on rated performance. If it is determined that
performance may be affected by the change, the relevant conformance tests shall be repeated.
21
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Provided by IHS under license with NEMA
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale