The Role of Low Voltage Switchgear in an Electrical System

In LV systems, we use LV switchgear to measure, control, and regulate

electrical quantities such as voltage current, and protect the system from
faults. The reliability of the low voltage system depends a lot on LV
switchgear. The main functions of LV switchgear are:

1. Isolation: LV switchgear provides isolation to specific parts of the LV

system. This means the LV switchgear makes it possible to supply
energy to one part of the system, while leaving some other part de-
energized. This isolation capability enables the progress of work in the
isolated parts while the other energized sections work normally.

2. Protection: Mechanical and thermal protection can be ensured through

the installation of LV switchgear in a system. LV switchgear protects
the end-user from getting electrocuted in case of insulation failure and
protects devices from events such as overvoltage and overcurrent.

3. System modification via switching: The power system can be modified in

on-load condition if the LV switchgear is installed. In the case of higher
load demands, this facility turns out to be very useful. The emergency
switching, control, and maintenance operations are other modifications
that can be made in the LV system with on and off-load switchgear.

LV switchgear components
LV switchgears play a critical role in protecting electrical equipment. Their
main components are as follows:

1. LV circuit breakers: Circuit breakers are the switchgear devices used to

make and break the circuit. The LV Circuit breaker is used in electrical
systems with a voltage of less than 600V. Earth Leakage Circuit
Breaker ❲ELCB❳, Miniature Circuit Breaker ❲MCB❳, Molded Case
Circuit Breaker ❲MCCB❳, and Residual Current Circuit Breaker
❲RCCB❳ are the most common LV circuit breakers.

2. ELCB: ELCB detects any voltage leakage in equipment and protects

the operating personnel from getting an electric shock. It also identifies
 stray voltages on the casing and body of equipment, and breaks the
power to the equipment when the voltage developed is dangerously high.

3. MCB: MCB is the new replacement for the fuses. It de-energizes the
electric circuit to which it is connected under overload and short circuit
conditions. This device is installed where low breaking capacity is
required.

4. MCCB: MCCB functions like MCB but can be used in systems

requiring both high and low breaking capacity. The current rating can
go up to 1600A, and the interrupting range goes from 10 kA to 85k A.

5. RCCB: This electrical device disconnects the circuit whenever there is

a chance of electric shock or unbalanced currents in the conductors. It
trips the circuit on detection of leakage current.

6. Changeover switches: If you are depending on a local generator

whenever the main power fails, you need a changeover switch.
Changeover switches are transfer switches that facilitate the
changeover of the power connection from commercial utility to the
local generator, and vice versa. It improves the reliability of the power
supply by providing uninterruptible electricity to the circuits . 

7. Thermal overload relay: The thermal overload relay cuts the power
supply to the motor when an overcurrent flows to it for a long period.
The principle behind the magnetic overload relay is the detection of
magnetic field strength due to the motor current and is suitable for
systems where temperature rises exponentially compared to ambient.

8. Disconnectors: The electrical disconnectors are also called isolators. A

disconnector is installed to provide safe working conditions for the
crew. A disconnector should always operate after opening the
connected breaker. Disconnectors are generally equipped with:

 Auxiliary switching.
 Gear Drives.
 Push buttons.
 9. Low Voltage Fuse: LV fuses are extensively used both in residential and
industrial systems. The main advantage of using this fuse is that it
operates for currents between 1.6 times the rated current and breaking
capacity.
10. Control Relays: Control relays are used for controlling the
electronic circuits. Mostly they are employed in control of other relays.
They are used for sensing under and over voltages and current reversal.

Knowledge sharing.
 
Motor Protection – Over Current and Earth Fault:
 
Over Current Protection:
 
51- IDMT Over Current Protection
Pickup Current (I >):
                                  1.1*Full load current of Motor
                                                   CT Ratio
50 – Instantaneous Over Current Protection
Pickup Current (I>>):
                              1.3*LRA of Motor*Asymmetrical Factor
                                                   CT Ratio
 Earth Fault Protection:
 
51N- IDMT Earth fault Protection
Pickup Current (I >):
 For MV and HV System.
                              1.1* Full load current of Motor
                                                   CT Ratio
For LV System.
                              0.2* Full load current of Motor
                                                   CT Ratio
50N – Instantaneous Earth Fault Protection
Pickup Current (I>>):
                                1* Full load current of Motor
                                                   CT Ratio
Manual Calculation:
Rated Voltage: 3.3 kV
CT Ratio: 350/1A
Protection Relays: ABB REF615
Motor Full Load Current: 262.7A
Non-directional over current protection 51 (I>) REF615 relay:
Required Current Setting = FLA x 110% / CT Primary Amps
Pickup = 0.83 (290.5A)
Curve = IEC Extremely Inverse
TMS = 1.5
 Instantaneous Phase protection 50 (I>>) REF615 relay:
Required Current Setting = LRA x 130% x 1.6 / CT Primary Amps
Pickup = 10.15 (3552A)
DT = 0.02
Non-Directional Earth fault protection (51N) REF615 relay:
Required Current Setting = 10% of Load Current / CT primary amps
Pickup = 0.08 (28A)
Curve = IEC Normal Inverse
TMS = 0.1
Instantaneous Earth fault protection (50N) REF615 relay:
Required Current Setting = 100% of Load Current / CT primary amps
Pickup = 1 (350A)
DT = 0.02