Powell Technical Brief #2

Closing and Latching Capability of Medium Voltage Power

Circuit Breakers

May 18, 1990

ANSI Standard C37.06-1987, American National Standard for Switchgear - AC High Voltage Circuit
Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis - Preferred Ratings and Related Required Capabilities,
includes a column in Table 1 headed Closing and Latching Capability. In older editions of this standard,
the current value in this column was given in rms kiloamperes, and was determined by multiplying the
maximum symmetrical interrupting capability by 1.6. In the 1987 edition, this current is expressed in crest
kiloamperes, and the value is determined by multiplying the maximum symmetrical interrupting capability
by 2.7.

Other standards had previously required the closing and latching current to have a crest value of 2.7
times the maximum symmetrical interrupting current, so the performance required of the circuit breaker
has not really changed. Only the method of stating the requirement has changed. This change was made
to bring the ANSI standard in line with the IEC standard, which also expresses closing and latching
capability in crest amperes.

Since many specification writers will be using older standards, or copying older specifications, we will
probably see both methods of specifying closing and latching current used in specifications for many
years. The following table gives both sets of values.

Rated Rated Short Closing and Latching Capability per ANSI

Maximum Nominal C37.06
Circuit Current
Voltage
MVA 1979 Edition kA, rms 1987 Edition kA, Crest
kA, rms
kV, rms
4.76 29 250 58 97
4.76 41 350 78 132
8.25 33 500 66 111
15.0 18 500 37 62
15.0 28 750 58 97
15.0 37 1000 77 130

Powell Electrical Group Tel: 713.944.6900 • Fax: 713.947.4453

Powell Electrical Systems, Inc. www.powellind.com
PO Box 12818 • Houston, TX • 77217 info@powellind.com
©2005 Powell Industries, Inc. • All rights reserved.
Powell Technical Brief #2
Closing and Latching Capability of Medium Voltage Power
Circuit Breakers
page 2

If the specified value of closing and latching current matches a value from either edition of the
standard, we can assume that a standard breaker is desired. If there is any possibility of
confusion, the specifier should be contacted to determine which basis is being used to specify
the close and latch rating.

Baldwin Bridger, P.E.

Technical Director

Powell Electrical Group Tel: 713.944.6900 • Fax: 713.947.4453

Powell Electrical Systems, Inc. www.powellind.com
PO Box 12818 • Houston, TX • 77217 info@powellind.com
©2005 Powell Industries, Inc. • All rights reserved.