Document No.

GIS 12-101
Applicability Group
Date 7 July 2003

Guidance on Industry Standard for

Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

GIS 12-101

BP GROUP
ENGINEERING TECHNICAL PRACTICES
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

Foreword

This is the first issue of Engineering Technical Practice (ETP) GIS 12-101. This Guidance on Industry
Standard (GIS) is based on the following heritage documents from merged BP companies:

BP RPSE
GS 112-8 Guidance for Specification 112-8 Low Voltage Switchgear and Control
Gear

Copyright  2002, BP Group. All rights reserved. The information contained in this
document is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract under which
the document was supplied to the recipient’s organization. None of the information
contained in this document shall be disclosed outside the recipient’s own organization
without the prior written permission of Manager, Standards, BP Group, unless the terms of
such agreement or contract expressly allow.
Page 2 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

Table of Contents
........................................................................................................................................ Page
Foreword ........................................................................................................................................ 2
1. Scope .................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Normative references ............................................................................................................ 4
3. Design, materials and fabrication........................................................................................... 5
3.1. General....................................................................................................................... 5
3.2. Enclosures, general construction and rating ............................................................... 5
3.3. Busbar ........................................................................................................................ 6
3.4. Provisions for external cable....................................................................................... 6
3.5. Earthing ...................................................................................................................... 7
3.6. Interlocks .................................................................................................................... 7
3.7. Locking arrangements ................................................................................................ 8
3.8. Circuit breakers .......................................................................................................... 8
3.9. Motor starters and contactor feeders .......................................................................... 9
3.10. Fuses, fuse holders and links ................................................................................... 11
3.11. Indicating instruments............................................................................................... 11
3.12. Protective relays ....................................................................................................... 11
3.13. Current transformers................................................................................................. 12
3.14. Voltage transformers ................................................................................................ 13
3.15. Isolating devices (disconnectors) .............................................................................. 13
3.16. Indicating lamps........................................................................................................ 13
3.17. Terminals and terminations....................................................................................... 14
3.18. Control devices......................................................................................................... 14
3.19. Control...................................................................................................................... 14
3.20. Internal wiring and marking....................................................................................... 15
3.21. Heaters..................................................................................................................... 16
3.22. Nameplates and labels ............................................................................................. 16
4. Testing and inspection......................................................................................................... 17
4.1. Type and routine tests .............................................................................................. 17
4.2. Test certificates ........................................................................................................ 18
5. Drawings and data requirements ......................................................................................... 18
5.1. Information to be supplied with quotations ................................................................ 18
6. Shipping .............................................................................................................................. 18

Page 3 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

1. Scope

This GIS document provides guidance on industry standard for the design, materials, fabrication,
inspection, testing, documentation, and preparation for shipment of low voltage switchgear and
controlgear.

2. Normative references

The following normative documents contain requirements that, through reference in this text,
constitute requirements of this technical practice. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this
technical practice are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of
the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the normative
document referred to applies.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

IEC 60034-11 Rotating electrical machines. Part 11: Built-in thermal protection -
Chapter 1: Rules for protection of rotating electrical machines
IEC 60034-12 Rotating electrical machines. Part 12: Starting performance of single
speed three phase cage induction motors
IEC 60044-1 Instrument transformers – Part 1: Current transformers
IEC 60044-2 Instrument transformers – Part 2: Voltage transformers
IEC 60051 Direct acting indicating analogue electrical measuring instruments and
their accessories - All Parts
IEC 60073 Basic and Safety Principles for Man-Machine Interface, Marking and
Identification
IEC 60255 Electrical relays - All Parts
IEC 60269-1 Low-Voltage Fuses - Part 1: General Requirements
IEC 60269-2 Low-Voltage Fuses Part 2: Supplementary Requirements for Fuses for
Use by Authorized Persons (Fuses Mainly for Industrial Application)
IEC 60417 Graphical symbols for use on equipment
IEC 60439-1 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies – Part 1: Type-
tested and partially type-tested assemblies.
IEC 60439-2 Factory built assemblies of low voltage switchgear and control gear.
Particular requirements of busbar trunking systems
IEC 60445 Basic safety principles for man-machine interface marking and
identification - Identification of equipment terminals of certain
designated conductors, including general rules for an alphanumeric
system.
IEC 60529 Degrees of protection provided by enclosures.
IEC 60742 Isolating transformers and safety isolating transformers
IEC 60947 Specification for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - All Parts
IEC 61892-1 Mobile and Fixed Offshore Units-Electrical Installation Part 1-General
requirements and required conditions
IEC 61892-2 Mobile and Fixed Offshore Units-Electrical Installation Part 2-Equipment

Page 4 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

3. Design, materials and fabrication

3.1. General
a. Assemblies shall be multi-cubicle type for indoor installation in accordance with
IEC 60439-1 and relevant parts of IEC 60947.
b. Assemblies for offshore installations shall comply with IEC 61892-1 and 2.

3.2. Enclosures, general construction and rating

3.2.1. General
a. Enclosures of assemblies shall provide an overall degree of protection of IP42 to
IEC 60529.
b. Assemblies shall be extendable at either end without cutting or drilling any part of
enclosure.
It is preferable to be able to erect extension panels at either end without isolating
the assembly, until it is required to connect the busbars.
c. Withdrawable equipment shall be equipped with a stop to limit withdrawal distance.
d. When a functional unit is open or withdrawn the degree of protection from the inside of
the open or withdrawn functional unit to all other compartments of the assembly shall be
at least IP 40.
1. When a functional unit is isolated and open or withdrawn the degree of protection to
any live part remaining live shall be at least IP 20 and any covers, shrouds etc.
preventing access to live parts shall be fitted with labels stating the voltage as
follows: 'Danger ..... volts'. Safety shutters may achieve this.
2. If the IP20 degree of protection cannot be fully complied with, it shall only be
possible to open or withdraw the functional unit with the use of tools. Labels shall
be fitted to the outside and inside of the functional unit stating the voltage as
follows:
'Danger .... volts, isolate elsewhere before removing covers'.
3. Exception:
Covers or shrouds not exceeding 50 mm measured along the greatest dimension,
forming part of a volume produced product, e.g. a fuse holder, do not require to be
fitted with a label, providing the cover or shroud is red or yellow.
e. Equipment shall be rated for the full load current specified, assuming 24 hour average
maximum ambient temperature with all functional units including circuit breakers
operating at their rated full load current, with no diversity.
f. Equipment shall be designed such that anti-condensation heaters are not required.
g. Test reports shall be provided confirming the switchboard capability of containing internal
arcing faults. Such reports shall cover arcing faults upstream of short circuit interrupting
devices unless it can be demonstrated that such enclosure areas can be deemed 'fault free
zones' by the use of all insulated components.

3.2.2. Partitions and shutters

a. Degree of protection provided by shutters shall be IP 3X or better as defined by IEC 60529
b. Automatic safety shutters shall cover fixed isolating contacts.
c. Shutters shall be individually operated by withdrawable part.

Page 5 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

d. Shutters shall be opened and closed by a positive mechanical drive.

e. Facilities shall be provided to padlock shutters closed.
f. Means shall be provided to facilitate testing shutters.
g. Shutters shall be coloured and labelled in accordance with Table 1.

Table 1

Equipment Shutter Colour Label Letter Colour

Busbars Red Busbars Black
Danger...Volts
Circuit Yellow Circuit Black
Danger...Volts

3.3. Busbar
a. Busbar shall be hard-drawn high conductivity copper and comply with IEC 60439-2.
b. Busbar shall have same current rating, throughout length of switchgear assembly.
c. Busbar and connections shall be insulated. Insulation materials shall be flexible and able to
withstand, without damage, effects of rated short time withstand current.
d. Busbar joints and connections shall be corrosion-protected, secured to prevent loosening
and discharge-free.
e. Means shall be provided to prevent arc propagation across bus-section switching units.
f. No wiring shall be contained within busbar compartments, other than phase and neutral
connections to incoming and outgoing main circuits.
g. Segregation barriers shall be provided along horizontal busbars, and between horizontal
and vertical busbars. The preferred spacing is 1 m.
Spacing between segregation barriers along horizontal busbars should be discussed
with the manufacturer at the time of enquiry. The intent of these barriers is to limit
the spread of debris produced by a fault from spreading throughout the switchboard.
h. Bus phasing shall be A, B, C left to right, top to bottom, and front to back viewed from
front of switchgear. Busbar insulations shall be marked red, yellow, or blue according to
the phase and black for neutral.
i. Where bus duct is used to connect two or more sections of switchgear or motor control
center, the continuous ampere rating, momentary rating, and bus bracing shall equal or
exceed similar ratings of main bus.
j. Horizontal and vertical bus shall be sized as specified on the data sheet
k. Momentary duty rating and bus bracing for motor control centers shall exceed the
maximum available fault current specified on drawings and/or data sheets.
l. Covers providing access to busbars shall carry a “caution, risk of electric shock” symbol.
m. Current rating of neutral busbars shall be at least 50% of corresponding phase busbars.

3.4. Provisions for external cable

a. Separate, IP40 minimum, terminal boxes shall be provided for main and auxiliary circuit
cables.

Page 6 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

b. Provision shall be made to support external cables at intervals not to exceed 450 mm
between cable entry and top or bottom of switchgear.
c. Main circuit cable terminals shall have means of locking connections.
d. Main and auxiliary circuits within an enclosure shall be segregated.
e. Undrilled gland plates shall be provided.
f. Gland plates shall be non-ferrous where single core cables are used.
g. Terminals carrying different voltages shall be separated.
h. Voltage shall be marked on terminals.
i. Connections to and from units incorporating circuit breakers shall be covered with solid
insulation and have a short circuit current and time rating compatible with cable ratings.
j. Connections and circuit wiring to load circuit fuses shall have a continuous current rating
compatible with largest fuse-link.

3.5. Earthing
a. Switchgear earthing-conductors shall be hard-drawn, high-conductivity copper, suitably
marked and extending the length of .the assembly.
b. Vertical earth bars shall be provided, to which each gland plate shall be bonded by
connections complying with section 7.4.3.1.7 of IEC 60439-1.
c. It shall be possible to install cabling without dismantling any earthbar
d. Provision shall be made for joints between transport units.
e. Joints in main earthing conductors shall be corrosion protected, provide good electrical
contact and be secure.
f. Earth bar ends shall have provisions for 70 mm2 copper external protective conductors.
g. Bonding between doors and frames shall be arranged to prevent damage during door
movement.
h. Within each cable box a brass stud shall be provided to connect any earth core in the
external cable.
i. Control and instrument transformer secondaries shall be earthed via a link.
j. The method by which the neutral circuit of the incoming transformer is earthed shall be
defined in the data sheet.
k. Switchgear units shall have integral facilities for earthing main circuit cable.
l. Earthing circuit breaker compartments shall be by operation of the circuit breaker. When
closed in an earthing position, all circuit breaker electrical trips shall be inoperative.
m. Integral earthing for each section of busbar shall be provided on incoming circuit breakers
and at bus-section switches.

3.6. Interlocks
a. Mandatory interlocks shall be mechanical.
b. Interlocks shall comply with IEC 60947-5-1.
c. Mechanical interlocks shall be provided to prevent:
1. Door of functional unit being opened unless functional unit is isolated,
2. A functional unit being energised unless door is closed,

Page 7 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

3. Simultaneous closure of devices that may cause a fault by simultaneous closure, for
example 'forward' and 'reverse' contactors.
4. A withdrawable unit being withdrawn unless unit is isolated. It shall not be possible
to close isolating device unless unit is in either a service or test position.
5. A withdrawable unit being placed in its service position unless isolating device is
open.
6. Closure of those isolators associated with mechanically latched contactors when
contactor is in closed position.
d. Electrical interlocks shall be “fail safe.”

3.7. Locking arrangements

Padlocking capabilities shall be:
a. Doors closed
b. Disconnectors (isolators) open
c. Safety shutters closed (separate facility for busbar and circuit shutters)
d. Earthing switches closed
e. Switching device control circuit local/remote selector switches in all positions
f. Voltage transformers in the service position.

3.8. Circuit breakers

3.8.1. General
a. Circuit breakers shall comply with IEC 60947-1 and IEC 60947-2, utilisation category B
suitable for uninterrupted duty.
b. The performance of circuit breakers as specified in IEC 60947-1 and IEC 60947-2 shall be
verified when installed within the assembly for the exact configuration supplied.
c. Circuit breakers shall be withdrawable.
d. Circuit breakers shall be of the type, duty and rating as specified in the enquiry documents.
The normal short-circuit time rating is specified as 1 second. This may need to be
increased in special circumstances, and shall require agreement with the
manufacturer at the enquiry stage.
e. Where a manufacturer proposes supplying a circuit breaker with a different rating to that in
the enquiry documentation, agreement should be confirmed with the purchaser at the
enquiry stage.
f. The short circuit breaking capacity of all circuit breakers shall be appropriate to the
specified system short circuit power factor.

3.8.2. Operating mechanism

a. Operating mechanisms shall:
1. Include an anti-pumping device
2. Incorporate a local manual trip facility fitted with a guard to preclude inadvertent
operation
3. Give positive indication of switch position.

Page 8 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

b. Circuit breakers shall have a positively driven mechanical indicating device to show
whether the circuit breaker is open or closed.
c. The type of closing mechanisms shall be agreed with the manufacturer at the enquiry
stage.
The following is a list of possible options:
1. Independent manual
2. Dependent power (d.c. solenoid).
3. Stored energy by spring, either manual or electric motor charged (a.c. or d.c. motor)
and with either manual or electric closing release.
The preferred type should be stored energy by motor charged spring and manual charging,
with manual and electric closing release.
d. Tripping mechanisms shall be provided with a mechanical tripping device and a d.c. shunt
trip coil.
e. Circuit breakers shall have trip-free operating mechanisms.
f. Spring operated, electric motor recharged mechanisms shall be provided with a means of
manually charging the spring.
g. Operating mechanisms equipped for electrical closing shall include an interlock arranged
such that closing cannot be initiated when a trip condition exists.
h. An early closing contact shall be provided in the trip circuit of circuit breakers. It shall be
arranged such that if it is attempted to close a circuit while a trip condition exists, the
breaker will trip before the main contacts close.

3.8.3. Isolating devices

a. Each CB shall be connected to the busbars and feeder circuits through plug and socket type
isolating devices.
b. Isolating devices shall be self-aligning.

3.8.4. Test facilities

It shall be possible to operate each circuit breaker in the isolated position, with all auxiliary
circuits operational.

3.8.5. Intertripping
Incoming circuit-breaker protection and tripping circuits shall be provided with facilities for 2-
way intertrip with sending end circuit breaker via appropriate master trip/intertrip relays wired
to outgoing terminals.

3.9. Motor starters and contactor feeders

3.9.1. General
a. Motor starters and contactor feeder units shall comprise fuse or Molded Case Circuit
Breaker (MCCB) protected contactors.
b. Motor starters and contactor feeders shall be swing-out or fixed panel type.
Withdrawable types shall only be considered if there is means to prevent units from being
forced out of the housing under fault conditions.
c. Co-ordination between starters or contactor feeders and associated short circuit protective
devices shall be in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1, type '2'.

Page 9 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

d. Where type '2' co-ordination is achieved by use of a fuse link of less than the maximum
capacity of the fuse holder then a label shall be provided with the following legend:
'Maximum fuse rating ______ A to maintain IEC 60947-4-1 type '2' coordination'.

3.9.2. Earth fault protection

a. Motor starters with full load current exceeding 30 A shall be provided with instantaneous
earth fault protection arranged to trip at 15% of full load current or 30 A, which ever is
smaller.
b. Contactor feeders with main fuses or MCCBs exceeding 200 A shall be provided with
earth fault protection.
c. Earth fault protection shall be either a direct connected hand reset earth leakage circuit
breaker or an instantaneous hand reset earth fault relay.

3.9.3. Control circuit

a. A.C. control supplies shall be from the circuit side of the main circuit-isolating device.
b. The preferred methods for deriving a control supply shall be:
1. 110 Vac supply stepped down from the main circuit, or
2. phase-to-neutral voltage.
When deciding on the form of control supply, the resistance of remote control
circuits needs to be considered. Generally, these should not be greater than 10
Ohms. Checks should be made to ensure that contactors could adequately tolerate
control circuit voltage drops when closing.
Interposing relays should be avoided, as they introduce a further level of
complication and increased possibility of failure.
c. Primary windings of control transformers shall be connected via a fuse for phase
connections and a link for neutral connections. One pole of the secondary winding shall be
earthed via a link and the other pole fused.
d. Where a 110 VAC control supply is provided it shall be derived from two phases of the
main circuit via a transformer in accordance with IEC 60742. A metallic inter-winding
screen shall be provided, earthed to frame of transformer.
e. Phase-to-neutral control supplies shall be connected via a fuse and link.
f. Individual control circuit supplies shall be provided for each motor starter and contactor
feeder.

3.9.4. Auxiliary contacts

The minimum requirement is for one contact closed when contactor is closed and one contact
closed when the contactor is open each be wired to outgoing terminals.

3.9.5. Types of motor starter

a. Motor starters shall comply with IEC 60947-4-1.
b. Autotransformer starters shall be suitable for Class 12 intermittent operating duty (12 starts
per hour). They shall have taps at 50%, 65% and 80% voltage. Transformers shall be
selected assuming that motors have a starting characteristic in accordance with
IEC 60034-12 design D.
c. Star delta starters shall comply with IEC 60947-4-1.
d. Rheostatic rotor starters shall comply with IEC 60947-4-1.

Page 10 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

3.10. Fuses, fuse holders and links

a. Fuses shall comply with IEC 60269-1 and 2.
It is preferable that fuse holders are self coloured black and link holders are self
coloured white.
b. Unearthed poles of supplies shall be fused. Earthed poles shall be connected via a link
holder.
c. Links used solely for earthing of control supplies and current transformers shall be of a
type readily removable for test purposes, with the use of tools if necessary.

3.11. Indicating instruments

a. Analogue instruments shall be flush mounted, complying with the relevant parts of
IEC 60051, class index 2.5. External zero adjustment shall be provided.
b. Incoming units shall be equipped with a digital or analogue means for measuring voltage in
all phases. Analogue voltmeters shall comply with IEC 60051-2 and shall be supplied with
a selector switch arranged to measure each line-to-line voltage of the incoming supply.
c. Incoming units shall be equipped with a digital or analogue means for measuring current in
all phases, and the neutral in four wire systems. Analogue ammeters shall comply with
IEC 60051-2 and shall be supplied with a selector switch arranged to measure current in
each phase and neutral of the incoming supply.
d. If specified in the enquiry documentation, incoming units shall be equipped with a 3 phase,
4 wire, unbalanced load kilowatthour meter of the digital or analogue type. Analogue
kilowatthour meters shall comply with IEC 60051-3.
e. Remote ammeters shall be fed from current transformers.
The use of current transducers should be considered for certain applications.
f. If specified in the enquiry documentation, outgoing units shall be equipped with an
ammeter and/or kilowatthour measurement device.
g. Analogue ammeters connected in motor starter main circuits shall have suppressed upper
scale readings to match the motor starting currents. If no other information is available
then a suppressed scale to at least 6 times the range of the ammeter should be selected.
h. Analogue ammeter scales shall be selected such that full load current appears between 50%
and 80% of the normal scale angular deflection.
i. Ammeters shall be fed from current transformers for full load currents exceeding 40 A.

3.12. Protective relays

a. Electrical protective relays shall comply with IEC 60255.
b. Motor overload protection shall be by 3-pole thermal overload relays incorporating single
phasing protection and ambient temperature compensation and shall comply with
IEC 60947-4-1.
c. Thermistor control units shall comply with IEC 60034-11.
d. Protective relays shall be flush-mounted and installed for easy access from floor level.
e. Protection relays shall preferably be of be microprocessor design.
f. The following features shall be provided by protection relays of microprocessor design:
1. Numeric protection relays shall utilise numerical techniques for both measurement
and logic functions,
2. Main protection functions, shall include:

Page 11 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

i. Communication
ii. Fault
iii. Event and disturbance recording
iv. Instrumentation
v. Configurable scheme logic
vi. Alternative setting groups
vii. Self-supervision facilities.
3. Configuration and setting shall be accessible locally on protection relay.
4. Security features in form of password restricted access shall be provided
5. Implement settings, configuration changes and fault record information etc shall be
available by connection to a PC, remotely through a SCADA communication link or
a dial-up modem.
6. Protection relays of microprocessor design shall be supplied with the facilities
below:
i. Identification: Protection relays shall have a unique identifier, which is
clearly visible, and software reference and issue levels shall be identified.
ii. Settings: A display of implemented settings shall be accessible on protection
relays.
iii. Indications: Protection relays shall provide indications of protection
function start, protection function trip output, and identification of faulted
phase/s.
g. Modular protection systems shall be provided to lock each withdrawable module or unit in
the "service" position.
h. Short-circuiting all associated current transformer circuits shall be required before removal
of any module.
i. Relays shall be capable of being hand-reset from outside relay case.
j. When microprocessor based protection relays are used, protection setting shall be retained
within relay without external power supply available.

3.13. Current transformers

a. Current transformers shall:
1. Comply with IEC 60044-1.
2. Have a short time current rating at least equal to that of switchgear or let-through
current of main circuit fuse.
3. Be safely accessible without de-energising the busbars.
4. Be fitted on the circuit side of switching devices.
b. Where current transformers are not readily accessible with the equipment energised,
duplicate rating plates shall be fitted in an accessible location.
c. Where appropriate, a label containing the name, type and manufacturer of the dielectric
medium used shall be attached to the current transformer to ensure ultimate safe disposal at
the end of the working life.
d. Current transformer secondaries shall be earthed at one point through a removable link.
e. Secondary windings shall be connected to terminals integral with the current transformer.

Page 12 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

f. Current transformer circuit wiring connected to external circuits shall be provided with
captive-type shorting links at outgoing terminals.
g. Accuracy classes for current transformers shall be to IEC 60044-1 as follows:
1. Measuring incoming units Class 1
2. Measuring outgoing units Class 3
3. Protective Class 10P
Class X current transformers may be provided if required for special purpose
protective applications.
Protective current transformers should preferably maintain their accuracy class up
to the prospective r.m.s. fault current detailed in the enquiry documentation..
It is preferable that current transformers for remote equipment operation be rated at
not less than 10 VA.

3.14. Voltage transformers

a. Voltage transformers shall comply with IEC 60044-2.
b. Accuracy classes for voltage transformers shall be to IEC 60044-2 as follows:
1. Measuring Class 1.0
2. Protective Class 3P
c. Where appropriate, a label containing the name, type and manufacturer of the dielectric
medium used shall be attached to the transformer to ensure ultimate safe disposal at the
end of the working life.

3.15. Isolating devices (disconnectors)

a. Isolating devices shall consist of a MCCB, disconnector-fuse or a fuse-disconnect.
b. Disconnector-fuse and fuse disconnectors shall be to IEC 60947-3 for uninterrupted duty,
AC-23B utilization category.
c. Rated fused short-circuit current of a disconnector-fuse or fuse-disconnector shall at least
be equal to the value specified in the Data Sheets.
d. The mechanism shall be of the independent manual type.
e. External circuits not deriving their supply from the unit shall be connected via auxiliary
contacts of the isolator.

3.16. Indicating lamps

a. Where motor starters and contactor feeder units are not provided with a status display
device, they shall be fitted with indication lamps indicating status of the contactor and
provide tripped indication.
b. Colours for indicating lamps shall comply with IEC 60073.
c. Indicating lamps shall be flush mounted with a fitment to ensure they cannot rotate even if
retaining nut is not fully tightened.
d. Lamp holders and lenses shall be designed to dissipate heat produced by largest lamp that
can be fitted, without deterioration or discolouration.
e. All lamps shall operate at same voltage for interchangeability.
f. Lamp voltages shall be at least 110% of nominal supply voltage.

Page 13 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

3.17. Terminals and terminations

a. Terminals for external connections shall incorporate a pressure plate.
b. Maximum of two conductors connected to a terminal.
c. Terminal blocks shall have separate terminals for internal and external connections.
d. Terminals for external connections exceeding 6 mm2 shall be suitable for straight-shanked
lug type cable terminations.
e. Main circuit terminals shall be marked with phase colours, red, yellow and blue.
f. 20% spare terminal points should be provided.

3.18. Control devices

a. Control relays, push buttons and related control switches shall comply with
IEC 60947-5-1.
1. Control relays should operate between 85% and 110% of supply voltage measured at
busbar.
2. Control relays should remain energised without chatter at 75% of supply voltage
measured at busbar.
3. Plug-in control relays are not acceptable.
b. Push-button switches, except stop switches, shall have a full shroud to prevent inadvertent
operation.
c. Units incorporating a contactor shall be fitted with an externally mounted stop push-button.
d. Stop push buttons shall be stay-put type, manually reset and coloured red.
e. Stop devices in stop position shall prevent closing of switching device.
f. Rated thermal/breaking capacities of contacts shall be rated for their application. As a
minimum these shall be:
1. 1 A at 500 VAC. and 0.3 power factor.
2. 1 A at 110 VDC inductive.
3. 2 A at 60 VDC inductive.

3.19. Control
a. Circuit breakers and contactors shall be capable of both remote and local control. The
manual trip facility local to panel shall have a padlocking facility to prevent unauthorised
use.
b. Circuit breakers with power assisted closing and contactors shall be remote controlled and
any closing device local to panel shall be inoperable when circuit breaker or contactor is in
normal operating position.
c. Circuit breakers with power assisted closing, and withdrawable type contactors shall be
provided with a means of operational testing when in test, or withdrawn isolated position.
d. Tripping and closing device local to panel shall be operable in the test position. In test
position all other remote and automatic control circuits shall be inoperable.
e. Emergency 'stop' control for motor starters shall form part of primary stop control circuit
and interposing relays should be avoided.
f. Release of any emergency 'stop' control shall not cause re-energisation of equipment
concerned.

Page 14 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

g. Manufacturer shall advise maximum control distance recommended for:

1. Interposing relays.
2. 110 VDC Control.
h. Control relays shall operate correctly between 85% and 110% supply voltage, measured at
busbar.

3.20. Internal wiring and marking

a. Internal wiring conductors shall be 7-strand, 1.5 mm2 minimum.
b. Not more than two wires shall be connected to any one terminal
c. Conductor ends shall be fitted with a crimped termination device with an insulated shank.
d. Wiring shall be fitted with interlocking numbered identification ferrules.
1. Ferrules shall be fitted at both ends of wire.
2. Ferrules shall be indelibly marked
3. Ferrules shall not be removable without disconnecting the termination.
4. Ferrules shall not be paper.
e. Preferred bus wiring methodology guide:
1. Wiring for interlocking, alarms etc. shall be routed between compartments in conduit.
2. Tripping power shall be routed between compartments in conduit separate from all
other wiring.
3. Wiring for a specific functional unit shall not be routed through another functional
unit.
f. Wiring for circuits connected to bus wired power supplies shall be protected by fuses.
g. Fuse arrangements shall ensure that an electrical circuit fault within one unit will not cause
loss of supplies to other units.
h. Control and internal wiring shall be easily identifiable and traceable throughout circuit
schematic and/or wiring diagrams.
i. Switchgear unit inter-wiring shall be in duct.
j. Solder connections are not acceptable.
k. Conductor ends shall be fitted with an insulating shank crimped terminating device.
l. Conductor insulation shall be PVC.
m. Colour coding shall be as specified in table 2.

Table 2

Type of Wiring Insulation Colour Identification Ferrule Colour

AC Black Phases: Red, Yellow and Blue
Neutral: None
DC Grey None
Earth Green/Yellow None
Circuits energised from outside
the switchgear unit Orange # None
# Colouring the insulation orange is the preferred method of identifying circuits that are energised from outside the switchgear unit.
If this cannot be achieved, then the minimum requirement is that terminals associated with externally energised wires carry
warning labels.

Page 15 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

n. Wiring shall be fitted with interlocking numbered identification ferrules. Ferrules shall be
fitted at both ends of the wire unless wire is individually routed and less than 100 mm
long.
o. Ferrules shall be indelibly marked. It shall be necessary to disconnect termination to
remove ferrules. Paper ferrules are not acceptable.
p. Wiring across door hinges shall be protected against mechanical damage, preferably by use
of flexible conduits.
q. Switchgear unit inter-wiring ducts shall be accessible without de-energising any circuits.
Sufficient space shall be left in ducts and trunks for at least an additional 10% of wires to
be installed.
r. Control, secondary, and logic-level wires shall have marker attached at each wire
termination. Markers shall be:
1. Heat shrinkable.
2. Permanent sleeve-type.
3. Made with typewritten characters.
4. Located 20 mm, minimum, to 50 mm, maximum, from lug.
5. Visible from termination.

3.21. Heaters
a. Equipment should be suitably designed for the environment so that anti-condensation
heaters are not required.
b. In exceptional onerous environments heaters may be required. In such circumstances, the
following shall apply:
1. Heaters shall be suitable for operation at the voltage specified in the enquiry
documentation.
2. Heaters shall have minimum degree of protection IP 50 to IEC 60529.
3. Heaters shall be wired to a common terminal block in each transportable assembly for
connection to an external supply. These terminals shall be easily accessible when the
assembly is packed for shipping. The heater wiring shall be arranged so that one
common circuit can be provided when the switchgear is installed.
4. The switchgear assembly common heater circuit shall be provided with a double pole
switch, fuse and link and an indicating lamp with a label engraved 'Heater Supply
On'.
5. One heater, complete with its own thermostat, should be located in every vertical
section.
6. Heaters should be wired in parallel, with one fused disconnect and power connection
block supplied per lineup.
7. Heaters should have guards to prevent personnel contact with hot surfaces.

3.22. Nameplates and labels

a. Danger labels shall comply with IEC 60417.
b. Other labels and terminal labels shall comply with IEC 60445.
c. Labels shall be in English.
d. Nameplates shall be secured with stainless steel screws.

Page 16 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

e. Switchgear shall be identified with a label at front and rear and marked with circuit
designation, rated current, description of and connected equipment number.
f. Assembly nameplate shall comply with section 5.1 of IEC 60439-1,
1. Order and item number
2. Date of order.
g. Labels shall be provided to identify components:
1. Control switch
2. Indicator lamp
3. Fuse and link
4. Selector switch positions
5. Instruments
6. Relays.
7. Heaters.
h. Where two or more components of a particular type are incorporated, each individual
component of that type shall be provided with a unique identification label.
i. Main circuit fuse-links shall have a label with:
1. Manufacturer’s designation
2. Type reference
3. Number of fuse-links per phase
4. Maximum current rating per phase

4. Testing and inspection

4.1. Type and routine tests

4.1.1. General
a. For each type and rating of switchgear offered, the manufacturer shall provide certificates
to prove that the design of switchgear has been successfully fully type-tested in accordance
with IEC 60439-1.
b. Type-test verification of dielectric properties for each individual unit as detailed in
IEC 60439-1 shall be made.
c. Type-tests shall have been undertaken by a recognised testing authority.
Testing authorities should preferably be subject to independent approval and audit,
e.g. KEMA and ASTA. However, where manufacturer's test facilities are
administered as independent organisations and are considered reputable for the
tests being undertaken, then these may also be considered to be acceptable.
d. Copies of type-test certificates shall be included with quotations.
e. Requirements for witnessing type and routine tests should be agreed with the manufacturer
at the enquiry stage.
It is recommended that the purchaser or their agent witness repeat testing of a
minimum of 10% of each test. This minimum percentage sample may be varied at the
discretion of the purchaser or their agent. If sample tests result in failure, testing
shall be continued at up to 100% at the discretion of the purchaser or their agent.

Page 17 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

4.1.2. Routine tests

a. Switchgear shall be subjected to routine tests in accordance with IEC 60439-1 at
manufacturers works.
b. Switchgear units shall require electrical functioning check under normal operating
conditions, i.e. compartment doors closed. Group testing of units is not acceptable.
c. The minimum acceptable value of insulation resistance (using a 1000 VDC. tester) shall be
10 Megohms and the actual value obtained must be recorded for each separate unit.
d. Ratio and polarity of current and voltage transformers shall be checked by primary
injection.
e. Primary injection test of protective relays shall be performed.
f. Contactors and control relays shall be checked to ensure they close without chatter at 85%
supply voltage and remain closed at 75% supply voltage. These voltages shall be measured
at the busbars.

4.2. Test certificates

a. Type test certificates shall be submitted for all tests performed on the switchgear. Test
summary sheets will not be acceptable.
b. Test certificates are to include values of results of tests, and results for any witnessed tests
shall be available for signature on day of testing.

5. Drawings and data requirements

Drawings shall show equipment as specified and ordered. Typical drawings are not acceptable.

5.1. Information to be supplied with quotations

Quotation shall include the following information :

a. Exceptions
b. Equipment or features not specified.
c. Detailed descriptions of proposed equipment, accessories, and features.
d. Equipment layout and dimensions.
e. Circuit wiring diagrams showing all connections and details
f. Interconnections diagrams
g. Identification of “third party” components, equipment and systems
h. Price and availability of recommended spare parts
i. Itemized list of unassembled equipment including shipping splits and ship loose items.
j. Example of proposed wire marking identification system
k. Cost for witness testing.
l. Installation, maintenance and operating instructions.
m. Type test certificates

6. Shipping

a. Manufacturer shall be responsible for the adequacy of the preparation for shipment.

Page 18 of 19
7 July 2003 GIS 12-101
Guidance on Industry Standard for Low Voltage Switchgear & Controlgear (IEC)

b. Components shipped separately shall be properly tagged to identify their final installation
location.
c. Components with moving parts which might be damaged in shipment, shall be securely
blocked and braced to prevent damage.

Page 19 of 19