Basic Requirements for MVSG Selection

BASED ON IEC STANDARD

Presented by: Lowell Estrella

Power Systems Marketing

Confidential Property of Schneider Electric

Electrical Network General Overview

There are 3 key design parameters in

Electrical diagram an electric network:

TRANSMISSION
EHV/HV
69 KV to 115 kV
1) Voltage (Volts)
2) Current (Ampere)
HV consumers
3) Frequency (Utility frequency, power
HV/MV line frequency) – 50Hz
220KV to 500kV 34.5/13.8kV

Heavy Industry
+ short circuit power expressed either
in MVA or in effective kA for a given
service voltage
34.5/13.8kV
10-20kV
G MV/LV MV consumers
400V/230V Extra Low Voltage – ELV - 0 to 50V AC or 120V DC
Infra/ Industry/Commercial
GENERATION
Low Voltage – LV - >ELV to 1000V AC or 1500V DC
LV consumers
High Voltage – HV - >LV
Residential Note, Medium Voltage not defined in standards (e.g. AS3000).
DISTRIBUTION
Schneider Electric defines MV as >1000V AC & 52,000V
(52kV)
Medium Voltage Switchgear Concept
Electrical network can be isolated,
protected and controlled by using a
SWITCHGEAR :
The term “switchgear” is a generic one.
It is applied to apparatus with
mechanical contacts with their
associated measurement, protection
and control devices
The IEC Standard for MVSG
 The main standards involved in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear are:
 IEC 62271-200:AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
 IEC 62271-100: high voltage alternative- current circuit breakers
 IEC 62271-102:alternative current disconnectors and earthing switches

 Scope
 prefabricated assemblies (factory-assembled), gathering components within a
metallic enclosure
 Almost all functions currently used on MV networks are in the scope except the
air-break pole mounted switches or disconnectors
 1 to 52 kV
 AIS - GIS - OIS
 P< 300 kPa (3 bar)

 The standard includes partially the requirements of the IEC 60694 "common clauses
for high voltage switchgear and controlgear"

 It adds specific requirements specific to metal-enclosed switchgear

Why Specifying According to Standard
 General

 shared language between manufacturer and customer

-technical specification base for contract between a customer and a
supplier that simplifies discussion and have better understanding
 available offer : fast and reliable quotations and manufacturing, to cover the
main part of the market needs
 demonstrated performances: design is qualified by the type tests and
warrantied in terms of safety for the operator and environment and in terms of
suitability for use

 reproductivity of these performances: industrial production process and

validation by routine tests, result is a rationalized offer and optimized cost of
manufacturing
 A declaration of conformity to the standard can be made for lower ratings from
a type test certificate

 Pre-fabricated Assembly
 factory-assembled product (operation under the manufacturer's responsibility)

 compliance with the individual standards for integrated components and

embeded functions
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 Type Tests & Certification
 Type tests according to IEC
 The Standards specify the compulsory type tests in usual conditions to
check the performances of a given product
 The technical design is developed on switchgear samples. It is
validated in independent laboratories ,member of accredited
organisation in accordance to IEC.
 A type test report contains the record of a series of type test according
to a recognised standard
 A full compliance certificate provides the verification of all the rated
characteristics of the equipment as assigned by the manufacturer
 A declaration of conformity to the standard can be made for lower
ratings from a type test certificate
 Certification
 Procedure by which a third party written assurance that a product is
conformed to specified requirement
 The compliance to the type tests will allow the accredited organization
to produce certification to the standard
 Lab is compliant to ISO/IEC 17025 which specifies the general
ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation
of laboratories
Type Tested MV Switchgear
Type test:
Specified requirements according to IEC 62271-200
1. Dielectric withstand tests
2. Temperature rise tests
3. Measurement of the resistance of the main circuit
4. Short-time withstand current and peak withstand current tests
5. Short-circuit making and breaking tests
6. Capacitive current switching tests
7. Mechanical operation tests
8. Circuit breaker endurance tests
9. Verification of degree of protection
10. Tests on auxiliary and control circuits
11. Electromagnetic compatibility tests
12. Internal arc tests

Schneider Electric - UGLPresentation_23-[Link] 7

MVSG Selection Basics

To select medium-voltage switchgear, the following basic

parameters has to be considered

● Voltage
● Current
● Switchgear Technologies
● Types/Design of Switching Devices
● Basic Switching Functions
● Service Conditions
● Accessibility
● Partition Class
● Loss Of service continuity
● Degrees of Protection
● Internal Arc

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Switchgear Technologies RM6
(GIS)

SM6
(AIS)

AIS (Air Insulated Switchgear) - GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear)

SM6 / PixRof / F400 - RM6 / FLusarc

AIS – most common choice because GIS – tends to more expensive, being
cost effectiveness considered should there be concerns
on space and environmental issues.
RM6 – Ring Main Unit (up to 24kV)
Flusarc (Ring Main Unit -36kV)
SM6 – AIS Modular up to 36kV
The different functions and apparatus integrated in MV switchgears
Symbols Normal operation fault-circuit

Disconnector isolates, does not break must stay closed throughout

IEC 62271-102 short-circuit

earthing switch earths and does not LBSKit

IEC 62271-102 break on short-circuit

Switch makes and interrupts must stay closed throughout

IEC 62271-103/105 operating currents short-circuit

disconnecting switch isolates, makes and must stay closed throughout

IEC 62271-102 interrupts rated currents short-circuit

CVX
fixed circuit breaker protects and controls if makes and interrupts fault
IEC 62271-100 limited operation currents up to making and
breaking capacity
contactor makes and interrupts makes and interrupts rated
IEC 62271-106 rated current does not current
isolate rated current

Fuse protects 1ph (3ph if Interrupts and limits fault

IEC 60282-1 combined), does not currents except in critical zone 2- MV Fuse
isolate 5In
MV network design - chap02 – Aug 2008 16
 Circuit breaker IEC 62271-100
fixed
● Characteristics
●rated voltage Ur in kV rms
●rated current Ir in A
●short-time current I sec or 3 sec
●power frequency withstand U in kV rms 50 Hz 1 mn
●lightning impulse withstand U in kV peak 1.2/50 µs
●breaking capacity kA rms withdrawable
●making capacity k peak
●stored-energy control manual or electric
nb. of mech. operations = 10000
●rated switching sequence standard O - CO – 3 or 15mn - CO
●safety none except for functional locking
●fixed always combined with a disconnector
●withdrawable according to the type of equipment
combined with a disconnector
MV network design - chap02 – Aug 2008 17
Types Of Switching Devices
SF6 Breaking Vacuum Breaking 
i

i

RMF AMF
Auto- 
F 
expansion Puffer (Radial B (Axial 
breaking B
breaking Magnetic Magnetic
Field) Field)

SF1 Easypact EXE

GCB VCB

SF6 Gas Circuit Breaker (GCB) Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB)

- SM6 / RM6 - Flusarc / PixRof / F400
 Vacuum and SF6
What Breaking technology to choose ?

 SF6 and vacuum are the two most modern breaking techniques in the field of Medium Voltage.

o SF6 in medium voltage circuit-breakers appeared in the 70’s, in South European countries where voltages were 24kV
or 36kV, based on HV design.

o Vacuum in medium voltage circuit-breakers appeared in the 70’s in North European countries where voltage was
12kV.

 The specification for vacuum or SF6 breaking medium is made according to the application dependability
objectives.

o Both techniques are suitable for most of the cases of use. However the features of MV circuit-breaker are different
depending on the breaking technique used (SF6 or Vacuum).

o Thus, specifications for vacuum or SF6 breaking medium should be made with respect to the type of the load (cable,
transformer, ..) and the needs of the application (number of operations, continuous monitoring request, etc. )

 SF6 and Vacuum have different strong points

o SF6 breaking is smooth, producing low overvoltages when switching inductive and capacitive loads and then being
harmless in motor, transformer or capacitor banks applications

o Vacuum breaking is of a high electrical endurance, helpful in applications such as very intensive or often faulty
overhead lines of public distribution. It has to be associated with specific protection devices like surge arrestors for
other applications to avoid overvoltages occuring during switching.
Confidential Property of Schneider Electric | Page 19
Vacuum Vs SF6 Circuit Breakers
Technical parameters comparison

Vacuum SF6

Sealed for Life Yes Yes

Life Expectancy 30 years 30 years
Breaking medium checking Periodic check through Hi-pot testing Continuous monitoring through Pressure switch

Mechanical endurance Class M2: 10 000 operations Class M2: 10 000 operations
Electrical endurance IEC Class E2 beyond IEC : 50 -100 cycles at Isc IEC Class E2 beyond IEC 20 -30 cycles at Isc

Over Voltage Effects Possibility of multiple steep-fronted surges Low surge switching
Environmental Compatibility Standard end of life treatment Standard end of life treatment + SF6 recycling

Breaking in case of leakage Only load current in case of only 1 VI leaks Good capability on short-circuit is maintained

Confidential Property of Schneider Electric |

Page 20
Vacuum Vs SF6 Circuit Breakers
Comparison according to the main applications

Vacuum SF6

Cable networks
Overhead lines Possible TRV with higher rate of rise

Inductive loads:
-Transformers
Lower overvoltages
-shunt reactors
-Arc furnaces
Circuit-breaker Circuit-breaker
Motors
Contactor (better endurance) Contactor (lower overvoltages)
Capacitive applications Lower overvoltages
NB: Without specific protection
Confidential Property of Schneider Electric | Page 21
Comparison between vacuum and SF6

SF6 Vacuum

Lines, cables Suited for all performances, including Suited for all performances, including
high breaking performances (I & U) high breaking performances (I & U) and
Application very quick TRVs
Motors, furnaces, Suited for inductive and capacitive protection recommended to limit the
Capacitor banks currents. No risk of overvoltage overvoltage due to restriking.
switching

Characteristics Endurance Meet the needs for almost all Suited for special application requiring
applications high number of switching
Loss of tightness up to 80% of performance maintained
Safety at Patm.
Continuous monitoring of gas periodic dielectric checks make
pressure shutdown necessary
Maintenance Reduced to few controls of CB Reduced to few controls of CB
parameters. parameters.

Both technologies provide adequate protection level for most type of loads.
For some special applications, the needs of “soft” switching, “frequent” switching, “fast”
switching or permanent monitoring might influence the choice between SF6 and Vacuum.
IEC requirement on MV CB: operating sequence

For public network operations, the CB should have fast cycle under short
circuit conditions
Its performance is expressed by the rated operating sequence :
• O-0.3s-CO-15s-CO for CB used for auto reclosing
‒ this operating sequence covers

• O-0,3s-CO- 3mn- CO for CB used for auto reclosing

• O-3mn-CO-3mn-CO for CB not used for auto reclosing
• CO-15-CO
• other cycles are requested for fast auto reclosing
IEC requirement on MV CB: specific loads (Capacitive Currents)
For public and industrial network operations, CB should open and close with specific loads :
• Capacitive current:
‒ 2 classes concerning the switching of these currents
– C1:low probability of restrike
– C2:very low probability of restrike
‒ 4 applications:
– cable charging (mandatory )
– line charging (not compulsory in medium voltage)
– single capacitor bank (not compulsory)
– back to back capacitor bank (not compulsory)
• Inductive current (not compulsory): refer to IEC 62271-110

‒ Motor
‒ shunt reactor
remark: Switching tests for unloaded transformers are not considered in IEC62271-100
(Inductive load switching) (test on one transformer doesn’t represent behavior of other transformers)
IEC requirement on MV CB: Endurance
Mechanical without maintenance:
• M1: 2000 cycles
• M2: 10 000 cycle
Electrical:
• Class E2 CB are circuit-breaker designed so as not to require maintenance of
the interrupting parts of the main circuit during its expected operating life, and
only minimal maintenance of its other parts.
‒ E2 for network without auto-reclosing: (usually for cable network)
basic short circuit test duties achieved without maintenance is enough. No need of
additional tests
‒ E2 extended for auto reclosing duty: (usually for overhead lines)
‒ Additional tests without maintenance are required. The consists of list of breaking
test at different values comprised between 10% and 100% the Isc.
Design Of Switching Devices
Fixed Type Withdrawable

SM6 / RM6 / FLusarc - PixRof / F400

SF6 CB
Fixed
Disconnectable
Basic Switching Functions

Load Break Circuit Fuse Direct Metering

Switch Breaker Switch Cable
 Comparison of Different Switchgear Architecture (CB Function)
LSC2A LSC2A LSC2A LSC2B LSC2B
Secondary Secondary Secondary Primary Primary

630A 630A Up to 1250A Up to 2500A Up to 2000A

Up to 21kA 20kA Up to 25kA 31.5kA 31.5kA
Up to24kV 36kV Up to 36kV 17.5kV 36kV

RM6 Flusarc SM6 PIX-Rof CBGS-0

Fixed Type Fixed Type Withdrawable Fixed Type
Disconnectable

GIS RMU AIS Modular

Schneider Electric - Utility Segment GIS 28
Substation Class (Primary & Secondary)
High Voltage(HV)
69kV / 115kV

13.8/24/36kV
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 Partitioning & Nature of barrier

SM6

The nature of the partitioning class

Switchgear classification with regard to the nature of the barrier

Features
between live parts and opened accessible compartment.

Metal shutters and partitions between

PM live parts and open compartment

(metal-enclosed condition maintained).
PIX
Insulation - covered discontinuity in

PI the
metal partitions / shutters between live
parts and open compartment.

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 SM6 (LSC 2A)

PIX (LSC 2B)

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 IEC 62271-200 Loss of Service Continuity

LSC 1 LSC 2A LSC 2B

Switchgear categories with regard to Features

the loss of service continuity when
opening accessible compartments
LSC1 Other functional units or some of
them shall be disconnected
Other functional units can be
LSC2A
energized
LSC2
LSC2B Other functional units and all cable
compartments can be energized
SM6 (LSC-2A)

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 PIX (LSC 2B) - Metalclad
Withdrawable
Circuit Breaker

4
3
1

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 PIX-ROF

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 Busbar LV Compartment

SM6 (LSC 2A) – Metal-enclosed 3

2

Isolator
Switch

SF6 CB
Fixed
Disconnectable

● Isolated (PI)
●No need to cut-off compartments
energy of switchboard ●No risk to access live
while realizing any parts while realizing any
operation in one of operation in one of
compartments or cabinets compartment
(ex: cable or CB) (ex: cable or CB)

MV Network design – chapt. 05 Oct 2008 Cable Connection 39

SM6 – AIS Modular up to 36kV
 Enclosure Rating/ANSI
NEMA 3

Enclosure Rating/IEC
IP 54

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 Enclosure Rating/ANSI
NEMA 3

Enclosure Rating/IEC
IP 54

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Origins of an internal faults
● Tools forgotten after maintenance
● Very corrosive atmosphere
● Forced inter-locks
● Overvoltages due to lightning
● Faulty protection system operation
● Faulty component

Schneider Electric - UGLPresentation_23-[Link] 44

Equipment requirements for
internal arcing
● Must resist mechanical and thermal stresses

● Must protect the operator against any risk

resulting from the devastating effects of
possible internal arcing

● The cubicle design allows for arcing effects to

be contained (internal suppression,
mechanical and thermal stress):
●choice of non-flammable materials
●channelling of hot gases

Schneider Electric - UGLPresentation_23-[Link] 45

 IEC / AS
62271-200 Safety
Internal Arc Classification

IAC A-FLR
5 criterias
1: correctly secure doors and covers do not open
2: no fragmentation of the enclosure occurs within
the time specified for the test
3: arcing does not cause holes in the accessible
sides up to a height of 2m
4: indicators do not ignite due to the effect of the
hot gases
5: the enclosure remains connected to its earthing
point

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Internal arc fault & classification

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Sample Switchgear Classification(SM6)
IEC 62271-200 Standard Compliance
According to the IEC62271-200, design and function definition for SM6-36
1250A, 25kA/1s, 36kV, 70kV PF, 170kV BIL, AIS Type IP3x

Compartmented Factory-Built Cubicles

Circuit
Compartment List Busbar
Breaker
SF6 GCB
Design Removable
Fixed
Accessibility With an
Locks
instrument
Partition Isolation material

Classification :
5 cubicle compartments:
1 – Switching component
 LSC2A
2 – Busbars  PI
3 – Connection and switching
component  3 sides A FL 16kA 1s
4 – Operating mechanism (Internal arc withstand IAC classification)
5 – LV compartment

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Sample Switchgear Classification(RM6)
IEC 62271-200 Standard Compliance
According to the IEC62271-200, design and function definition for RM6-24
630A, 21kA/1s, 17.5kV, 38kV PF, 95kV BIL, GIS Type IP67/2x

 Maintenance-free, for all compartments except fuses

Classification :
 LSC2A
 PM
 4 sides AFLR up to 20kA 1s
(Internal arc withstand IAC classification)

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Confidential Property of Schneider Electric | Page 50
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