CIRED

17th International Conference on Electricity Distribution

Barcelona, 12-15 May 2003

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE "METAL ENCLOSED SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR" STANDARD ARE ON THE WAY
Fulchiron Didier Schneider Electric Industries - France didier.fulchiron@mail.schneider.fr

INTRODUCTION
The metal-enclosed switchgear covers a major part of the medium voltage applications. The current revision of the relevant IEC standard is intended to ease the relationship on the market and provide more accurate definitions and characteristics. By the way, both users and manufacturers will have to change their habits and references when the new text is published and applied. This papers underlines the main points to be addressed in the way switchboards will be described and specified, as well as explanation to some of the technical modifications which are introduced.

Existing difficulties, and field situation Amongst the points that were to be addressed during the revision, one can note the following: - ensure consistency with the latest version of the "common clauses" standard IEC60694. - provide a better definition and characterisation of what is "metal-enclosed", as very little information is available in the current version. Even compliance with the basic requirements is sometimes controversial. - better cover all the solutions which are within the scope, as some of them don't fit in the current text, typically the oil immersed switchgear, the fixed patterns, and so on. - clarify the definition of the various categories, as the current text is confusing and covers solutions that provide much different service values for the customers. It has been highlighted especially that the word "metalclad" is understood in a number of significantly different ways, drifting from the basic definition written in the standard. - address some controversial points concerning the pressure compartments, and how they shall be tested. - change the internal arc test from a "to be agreed between manufacturer and user" situation towards a type test, as the requirement becomes more frequent, and the manufacturers design a large part of their product ranges as "internal arc resistant".

BACKGROUND
Scope of the standard The standard for "A.C. metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1kV and up to and including 52kV", currently known as IEC60298, is under revision and will be published under a new reference. Beyond this number change, this revision has introduced major modifications, for which the users and manufacturers have to prepare. This standard covers - defines, specifies and checks the requirements that apply to enclosures and assemblies and which are not included in the standards of individual devices. Then, it is based on the "common requirements", as defined by the current IEC60694, and also refers to the "product" standards, when applicable. As this paper is written, the technical choices have been validated by the positive vote of the CDV stage, and the next stage should only deal with editorial improvements in order to enhance the understanding. Proposed revision work The current edition was issued in 1990, and several amendments have been published. It has been considered a global revision should be wise, in order to incorporate the experience gained on the field by using the standard, as well as to update cross-references and new technologies. A decision was made during IEC general meeting in 1999 [1], and organisation of the job clarified by a Maintenance Cycle Report [2].

REVIEW OF BASIC ADJUSMENTS

Purpose of "metal enclosed" is now characterised If we consider why a customer might specify a metalenclosed switchgear, the current standard does not provide any clear answer. Neither the advantages that can be obtained from such a technology, nor the typical characterisitcs defining it, are stated. The project [3] introduces an explanation for the purpose of such a metallic enclosure, as a mean to segregate the high voltage active parts of the switchgear from influences of the surrounding, as well as to prevent the surrounding from risks linked to the high voltage parts, whilst in service. Such influences are: - electrical field effect, and the metallic nature of the enclosure is intented to provide an effective shield by means of electrical continuity and adequate earthing to provide an equipotential surface which can be touched. The effectiveness is expressed through a maximum resistance requirement

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CIRED

17th International Conference on Electricity Distribution

Barcelona, 12-15 May 2003

between any external point of the enclosure and the earthing point provided. A voltage value of 3V, while tested under a 30Adc current, is defined as the acceptable limit. This limit has been agreed on the basis of field experience from several countries and utilities, as covering the functional requirement expressed above. Nevertheless, it is clear that it does not cover the situation of touch voltage in case of a fault current flowing through the enclosure, in such situation the touch voltage is much dependant of the neutral earthing and local regulations. - segregation against direct contact is specified by means of an Index Protection (according to IEC60529), with a minimum value of IP2X applying to the enclosure. That means that fingers can't be introduced within the enclosure. More stringent requirements can be expressed by customers according to their operating conditions, but such specification is beyond compliance to the standard. Wording is now open to any technology While the scope of the current standard does not preclude use of oil as an insulation medium, the text itself is oriented towards gas - including ambient air - and solid insulation systems. The project has been reviewed in order to open all the relevant clauses to solutions using liquid as an insulating medium. That implied introducing such references as "levels" in addition to "pressure", as well as checking the relevancy of the design criteria and type test conditions.

DEFINITION OF CATEGORIES
Based on user's values After establishing that present categories - cubicle, compartimented and metalclad - are mainly defined as description of technical solutions, the choice has been made introducing a completely different classification based on customer's values, expressing that a functional requirement is fullfilled or not. In trying to identify these requirements, the question was: why should a user specify such or such category? What is he expecting from the switchgear? In order to answer such questions, one has to consider the requirements a user has to satisfy, how he is going to organise the work and what are the consequences on the electrical application. Among the operations, the most common may be: - changing a component, i.e. for changing a CT ratio - performing normal operation, i.e. changing blown fuses - performing routine maintenance, if required For these above mentionned operations, a frequent concern of the users is the loss of continuity that occurs when performing them. As these operations could be considered as normal, meaning not due to any failure within the switchboard, the expected performance is often a minimal impact on the overall installation. Generally speaking, all these operations can be defined by the required access to part of the main SCH_Fulchiron_B1 Session 1 Paper No 9

circuit, and the performance can be considered as leaving the other parts operating normally. This kind of analysis provides the guidance for determining the classes proposed in the project. When defining the need for access to various components of parts of the switchboard, it appears that reliability is often a critical point for the user. Nevetheless, this remains closely linked to the technology and is very difficult to assess on a new design. One of the historical reasons for withdrawable circuit-breakers is the need for scheduled maintenance which was part of the earlier oil or air-break technology. When considering now more recent breaking technologies, and typically all those that are sealed for life, such a need has essentially disappeared. Then, why not specify a life span, and considering as an acceptable solution a maintenance-free breaker within a fixed pattern? Whatever the reason, a customer can always request access to some part of the switchgear, but does the need justify the cost? Another point is also to which extent the switchboard can remain "metal-enclosed" while performing these operations. As the basic purpose of the enclosure has been characterised by means of electrical and mechanical segregation between live main circuit and its surrounding, these two points are considered also under user operational conditions: - the mechanical segregation is addressed by means of defining areas of the switchgear, defined as compartments, which can be accessed, providing certain conditions are fullfilled. The minimum requirement is that these volumes shall be physically limited, meaning introducing the possible need for partitions. Partitions shall comply at least with the IP requirement defined for the enclosure. - electrical segregation is also proposed under such conditions, if the customer requires it, by extending the electrical requirements of the enclosure to the partitions defining volumes to be accessed. In such case then, the partitions shall be metallic with the curent carrying capability as defined for the enclosure. Attempt to cancel technology differences When considering the large variety of switchgear already available on the market, as well as the possibilities that could be implemented with known technologies, it often appears that devices as disconnectors, or withdrawable devices, are considered as a technical answer to a much higher level requirements, implying some kind of continuity. This answer is also provided in a given technological context, i.e. GIS or air insulated. If different technologies provide the same performance level, as considered in the previous clause, they should be classified with the same designation. Further criteria, such as climatic conditions or limited footprint, will have to be considered when specifying a switchboard, but they should not alone drive the specification of the user towards one technology or the other. Situation of the project -2-

CIRED

17th International Conference on Electricity Distribution

Barcelona, 12-15 May 2003

Gas-filled compartments The revision introduced a classification based on the availability of the switchboard when accessing a compartment. This classification applies after definition of the compartments that need to be accessed during normal operation, for one of the following reasons: - normal operation, i.e. replacement of blown fuses - scheduled maintenance, as defined by the manufacturer - access requested by customer, whatever the reason Among these compartments, two access rules are defined, whether the access is interlocked, or procedure-based with pad-locking facility. Some other compartments should be possible to open using tools, but not intented to be opened unless special requirement, as switchboard extension for instance. These compartments may require a special procedure to ensure safe opening, as no dedicated device could prevent from opening a live compartment as soon as tools are used. At last, it is possible that some compartments cannot be opened at any time, unless they are returned to the factory. They are either those where opening would destroy the function the function to which they are dedicated, or some the manufacturer do not allow the user to access. Typically, the "sealed for life" compartments are in the first category. All these compartments shall be either clearly labelled, or closed in such a way that the opening would clearly be destructive. When considering which classification, all the compartments that can be accessed are considered and the class is defined for the complete switchboard. Classes are defined according to whether, during the access: - the busbar can remain live or not - the other units may cotinue operating or not - cables of the accessed unit can remain energised or not Designation of the classes is still under discussion, in order to improve understanding of the document, so it would be confusing to mention the names here. The project also defines classification regarding the partitions and wether they fulfill the requirements for electrical segregation, as defined previously, or not. If they do, the switchgear is "partition class PM" for "partition metallic"; otherwise, if some part of the partitions do not comply with the requirements, the overall switchgear is "partition class PI" for "partition insulating". That means the default situation is PI, and only when complying with all the requirements on all partitions the class becomes PM. It should be reminded that those partitions apply on the basis of accessible compartments, and that different switchgear designs could have the same class designation with a much different number of accessible compartments. As we will see further on, the first step for specifying, or estimating, a switchgear design should be evaluated for need, or presence, of accessible compartments. Only afterwards, the relevant classes can be considered. The scope of the standard limits the gas-filled compartments to a maximum design pressure of 0.3MPa. It covers all the known designs and requirements for MV switchgear. It is be noted that this limit does not preclude that some components, such as circuit-breaker poles for instances, have higher design pressures. The design rules that apply for such compartments have not been modified, and they are consistent with the existing regulations in some areas. Usually, the limited pressure, and the small volumes involved in MV metal-enclosed switchgear, place them outside of the scope of pressurevessels regulations. However, a case by case check may be nevertheless be necessary. The type test procedure to check the mechanical behaviour of these compartments, has been upgraded in order to cover all kinds of compartments. It was requested that it covers all the various technical possibilities with or without pressure relief devices, including solutions such as bursting discs or dedicated breaking areas. In case of pressure relief devices, their operation shall not be prevented but a new requirement of minimum withstand at 1.3 times the design pressure has been introduced. Otherwise, the test is conducted up to the limitation, or to three times the design pressure. This later value is also used for compartments on which no limiting device is installed. That means the testing procedure is now similar for all the gas filled compartment, and requirements are either a "mastered" limitation by the identified part, or a withstand up to 3 times the design pressure Internal arc performance, with relevant type test The present situation regarding "internal arc" is that it is a test which requires agreement between manufacturer and user. Such an agreement should clearly define all relevant information on the test sample, the test values, the test installation, the test initiation, as well as the acceptance criteria to be applied. It has been requested to introduce a more defined type test instead of this current situation. Such consideration also needed introduction of new definitions that can be used to describe the performance level to be demonstrated. In the project, the internal arc performance becomes an optional assigned characteristic. When the manufacturer chooses to assign the Internal Arc Classified category, he is obliged to provide the associated values and information. These values and information are enough to carry out the related type test, without any further agreement, since the test procedure has been now completely and accurately defined. The requested information is: - the current value - the duration value, with preferred values of 0.1, 0.5 and 1s - the accessibility class (A or B, as already existing, or C for pole mounted equipement) -3-

IMPROVEMENT OF TECHNICAL POINTS

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CIRED

17th International Conference on Electricity Distribution

Barcelona, 12-15 May 2003

- the accessibles sides: Front, Lateral, Rear - the minimum clearances for walls and ceiling - the possible need for an exhaust duct The two last points refer to information which shall be written in the installation instructions issued by the manufacturer. The other information will directly appear in the designation proposed, for example: "class IAC BFLR internal arc : 12kA 0,5s" Based on this information, the test procedure has been significantly enhanced, in order to clear all the points which are subject to agreement. It covers: - rules for determination of the test sample - simulation of the surrounding (walls, ceiling, duct), or pole installation - connection of the power supply - ignition points in the various compartments - position of all indicators - detailed acceptance criteria These points have been discussed with contributions from testing laboratories, to ensure the tests shall remain feasible. A significant challenge was also to provide generic rules, in order to cover all possible switchgear designs, but avoiding any need for interpretation. As a type test, it has to apply to all the applications of a product. Such requirement implies that the test circuit and test conditions shall cover all the kinds of networks having characteristics below the assigned values. A point which does not appear in the assigned values is the neutral earthing of the customer's network. The question arose for definition of the test conditions in the connection compartment, as the use of insulated connections has demonstrated that a three phase fault is unlikely to occur. Therefore, the test between one phase and ground at full short-circuit value, as could happen on a directly earthed network, or the test between two phases, typical of a Petersen neutral system could compete to the "most severe test". However, the proposed test procedure, with limited current to ground and test initiation between two phases, has been considered to cover all the situations. It is also consistent with the capabilities of the testing stations, where it is generally impossible to connect the neutral point of the test supply directly to earth.

provided in a annex of the revised standard. It is impossible to define equivalences between the current and new categories, as they are not based on the same concepts. The current ones refer to technological solutions, and the new one refer to the funtional values. One will discover that some solutions that are currently under the same designation will show differences when described according to the new system. But, in no case does this new description change the technical solutions. The existing ranges do not become outdated just because the standard is revised. An emblematic point is that "metalclad" switchgear, which is presently rather poorly specified by the IEC and, on another hand, very accurately described by the ANSI system. When comparing ranges that are "metalclad" designated, huge differences exist. Both can be described using the new terminology, as complying with a given category and incorporating additional features. The differences will then clearly appear, thanks to a more complete designation. Of course, the related commercial documents as leaflets, data sheets, customer's specifications, will have to change accordingly. Request for more accurate information Amongst the goals of the revision was a request for more technical accuracy and for clearing the fuzzy areas of the current standard. To achieve such a goal, many changes have been implemented but, since there is a need to differentiate the requirements, and the related solution, the amount of information requested has increased. Or at least, it seems that is the case when reading the standard. In fact, most of the information should already have been considered during the specification stage of a project or a purchasing contract. The standard, and any supporting documentation, will incorporate more accurate information will benefit in an easier job when specifying needs and comparing solutions. Some parts of information could seem unusual, as defining the need for access to components; but according to where this component is installed in a given solution, such information will lead to a requirement to an accessible compartment or another. Probably some training period will be necessary for everyone, in order to adjust the way things are seen. But it is worth spending some time and energy to get a common language and understanding between users and manufacturers.

CHANGES FOR THE MARKET

Change in usual designations

REFERENCES
Probably the most contraversial change introduced by the revision is the cancellation of the designations cublicle, compartimented and metalclad. This cancellation encourages everyone, from manufacturers and users, to refer to the actual needs and performances required, consider the way the switchgear will be operated, and the specific need for service continuity. It also requires that all existing products or ranges be described using this new terminology. For guidance, explanations and some examples have been SCH_Fulchiron_B1 Session 1 Paper No 9 [1] 17C/245/RM, 2000-02, Minutes of the IEC/SC 17C meeting held in Kyoto/Japan on October 19th and 20th 1999 [2] 17C/248/MCR, 2000-10-06, IEC Maintenance Cycle Report on IEC60298 standard "A.C. metal-enclosed -4-

CIRED

17th International Conference on Electricity Distribution

Barcelona, 12-15 May 2003

switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV" [3] 17C/283/CDV, 2002-04-12, IEC Committee Draft for Vote of IEC60298 standard "A.C. metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV"

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