Siemens AG
Power Transmission and Distribution
Medium Voltage Division
Mozartstr. 31 c
91052 Erlangen
Germany
www.siemens.com/energy
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distribution, please contact our Customer
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www.siemens.com/energy-support
The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical features, which may not always be available.
An obligation to provide the respective performance feature shall exist only if expressly agreed in the terms of contract.
Subject to change without prior notice
Order no. E50001-U229-A282-X-7600
Printed in Germany
Dispo 30403
GB 06612 101976 08064.
We are ready: IEC 62271-200
The new switchgear standard
Power Transmission and Distribution
Standards for all
Switchgear are important nodal points
in modern power distribution. Correspondingly important is their reliable
functioning, a clearly defined switching behavior according to specified
parameters as well as the protection of
personnel and protection against operational interruptions when an overload
occurs.
The International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) has taken up the
task of developing the required specifications, their worldwide standardization and further development. The
same applies to IEC 62271-200 – the
new standard for medium-voltage
switchgear.
As one of the first manufacturers,
Siemens has implemented these
requirements and already offers the
complete product range of air-insu­
lated and gas-insulated switchgear
today, type-tested according to
IEC 62271-200.
IEC 62271-200
IEC 62271-200
2
Retrospective
IEC 60298 – for four decades this abbreviation was the decisive factor for the type
testing of metal-enclosed switchgear. In
the meantime there are tens of thousands
of switchgear panels of the primary and
secondary distribution level based on this
standard in use – certified according to
the mandatory part of the standard and,
if required, according to optional tests.
The passing of the following tests was
obligatory in order to identify switchgear as
type-tested:
Dielectric test to verify the insulation
level of the switchgear (tests with rated
lightning impulse withstand voltage and
rated short-duration power frequency
withstand voltage with the specified
values depending on the respective rated
voltage).
Temperature rise tests to verify the
current carrying capacity with rated normal
currents.
Peak and short-time withstand current
tests to verify the dynamic and thermal
current carrying capacity of the main and
earth circuits; the tests are performed with
rated peak short-circuit current or rated
short-circuit making current or rated shorttime current or rated short-circuit breaking
current.
Switching capacity test to verify the
making/breaking capacity of the installed
switchgear.
Mechanical function test to verify the
mechanical functions and interlocks.
Degree of protection tests to verify the
protection against electric shock and foreign
objects.
Pressure and strength tests to verify
the gas tightness and pressure resistance for
gas-filled switchgear.
There is also the possibility of voluntarily
certifying switchgear for resistance to internal arc faults and for personal protection.
Manufacturers and operators can select the
criteria which are relevant to them from the
following six criteria and have them tested.
Criterion 1:
Doors and covers must not open.
Criterion 2:
Parts of the switchgear must not fly off.
Criterion 3:
Holes must not develop in the external parts
of the enclosure.
Criterion 4:
Vertical indicators must not ignite.
Criterion 5:
Horizontal indicators must not ignite.
Criterion 6:
Earth connections must remain effective.
In order to guarantee safe access to the
individual switchgear components, e.g.the
incoming cable, without isolating the busbar,
the IEC 60298 standard differentiates bet­
ween three types of compartmentalization
that serve exclusively as protection against
electric shock.
Metal-clad switchgear: Division of the
switchgear panel into four compartments
(busbar compartment, switching-device
compartment, connection compartment
and low-voltage compartment); partitions
between the compartments made of sheet
steel, front plate made of sheet steel or
insulating material.
Compartmented switchgear: Division of
the switchgear panel same as for metal-clad
switchgear, but with the partitions between
the individual compartments made of insulating material.
Cubicle-type switchgear: All other types
of construction that do not meet the above
features of the metal-clad or compartmented
designs.
In this context, access to the then common
minimum-oil-content circuit-breakers for
maintenance work without longer operational interruptions was of prime importance
because of the limited number of operating
cycles. Therefore, with switchgear in metalclad or compartmented design, the busbar in
the busbar compartment and the incoming cable in the connection compartment
could remain in operation. With a cubicletype design, the incoming cable had to be
isolated, but the busbar itself could remain in
operation.
3
New specifications –
new challenges
Overview of IEC 62271-200
Although the old IEC 60298 standard
was very helpful, in time it was superseded by the technological progress.
Above all, the appearance of maintenance-free vacuum circuit-breakers,
with operating cycles far exceeding
the normal number, made frequent
access to this circuit-breaker no longer
of prime importance.
The vacuum arc-quenching principle
is technologically so superior to other
arc-quenching principles that the
circuit-breaker can be fixed-mounted
again. This resulted in the first-time
use of gas insulation with the important features of climatic independence,
compactness and maintenance-free design. However, both technologies – the
vacuum arc-quenching principle and
gas insulation – were not adequately
taken into account in the existing
standard.
Therefore, at the end of the nineties, the responsible IEC committees
decided on the reformulation of the
switchgear standard, which finally
came into effect as IEC 62271-200 in
November 2003. At the same time the
old IEC 60298 standard was withdrawn
without any transition period.
Four key features are of special note with
the new IEC 62271-200 standard:
1. Changed dielectric requirements
According to IEC 60298, two disruptive
discharges were permitted in a series of
15 voltage impulses for the test with rated
lightning impulse withstand voltage. According to the new standard, the series
must be extended by another five voltage
impulses if a disruptive discharge has occurred during the first 15 impulses. This can
lead to a maximum of 25 voltage impulses,
whereas the maximum number of permissible disruptive discharges is still two.
2. Increased demands on the circuitbreaker and earthing switch
In contrast to the previous standard, the
switching capacity test of both switching
devices is no longer carried out as a pure
device test. Instead, it is now mandatory
to carry out the test in the corresponding
switchgear panel. The switching capacity
may get a negative influence from the
different arrangement of the switchgear
with contact arms, moving contacts,
conductor bars, etc.
For this reason, the test duties T100s and
T100a from the IEC 62271-100 standard
are stipulated for the test of the circuitbreaker inside the switchgear panel.
3. New partition classification
The new partition classes PM (partitions
metallic = partitions and shutters made
of metal) or PI (partitions nonmetallic =
partitions and shutters made of insulating material) now apply with respect to
the protection against electric shock during access to the individual components.
The assignment is no longer according
to the constructional description (metalclad, compartmented or cubicle-type
design), but according to operator-related
criteria (Tables 1 and 2).
4
4. Stricter internal arc classification
Significantly stricter changes have also
been implemented here. The energy flow
direction of the arc supply, the maximum
number of permissible panels with the
test in the end panel and the dependency
of the ceiling height on the respective
panel height have been redefined. In
addition, the five following new criteria
must always be completely fulfilled (no
exceptions are permitted):
1) Covers and doors remain closed.
Limited deformations are accepted.
2) No fragmentation of the enclosure,
no projection of small parts above
60 g weight.
3) No holes in the accessible sides up
to a height of 2 meters.
4) Horizontal and vertical indicators do not
ignite due to the effect of hot gases.
5) The enclosure remains connected to
its earthing parts.
For the internal arc classification of
substations with and without control
aisle, the testing of the substation with
installed switchgear is mandatory in the
new IEC 62271-202 standard. The classification of the substation is only valid
in combination with the switchgear used
for the test. The classification cannot be
transferred to a combination with another switchgear type as each switchgear
behaves differently in the case of an internal arc (pressure relief equipment with
different cross-sections and pickup pressures, different arcing conditions because
of different conductor geometries).
Table 1
Loss of service
continuity category
When an accessible compartment of
the switchgear is opened: …
Constructional design
LSC 1
… then the busbar and therefore
the complete switchgear must be
isolated.
No partitions within the panel, no
panel partition walls to adjacent
panels.
LSC 2A
… then the incoming cable must be
isolated. The busbar and the adjacent
switchgear panels can remain in
operation.
Panel partition walls and isolating
distance with compartmentalization to the busbar.
LSC 2B
… then the incoming cable, the
busbar and the adjacent switchgear
panels can remain in operation.
Panel partition walls and isolating
distance with compartmentalization to the busbar and to the cable.
LSC 2
Table 2
Type of accessibility
to a compartment
Access features
Interlock-based
Opening for normal operation and
maintenance, e.g. fuse replacement.
Access is controlled by the
construction of the switchgear,
i.e. integrated interlocks prevent
impermissible opening.
Procedure-based
Opening for normal operation and
maintenance, e.g. fuse replacement.
Access control via a suitable procedure (work instruction of the
operator) combined with a locking
device (lock).
Tool-based
Opening not for normal operation or
maintenance, e.g. cable testing.
Access only with tool for opening,
special access procedure
(instruction of the operator).
Nonaccessible
Opening not possible / not intended for operator,
opening can destroy the compartment.
This applies generally to the gas-filled compartments of gas-insulated
switchgear. As the switchgear is maintenance-free and climate-independent, access is neither required nor possible.
Overview of the characteristic values
The IAC classification describes a successful test. It results from the definition of
the degree of accessibility, the possibilities of arrangement inside a room, as
well as the test current and test time
(Table 3).
Medium-voltage switchgear in the primary and secondary distribution level is
generally classified with degree of accessibility A. This means they are intended
for use in rooms that are only accessible
to authorized personnel (closed electrical
service locations).
Switchgear that is accessible by general
public has the degree of accessibility B
(distance of indicators = 100 mm) and
polemounted switchgear has the degree
of accessibility C (indicators below a
tower in an area of 3 x 3 m).
Consequences for operators
With the new IEC 62271-200 standard,
the following conditions must be satisfied
by the switchgear operators:
Already existing switchgear can still be
operated in accordance with IEC 60298.
However, new switchgear must fulfill the
IEC 62271-200 standard in order to avoid
any resulting legal disadvantages. A situation which has a number of advantages.
For example, the comparison and evaluation of switchgear features is now more
transparent. But also from an economic
point of view, they are an investment in
the future.
Table 3
The notation IAC A FLR, I and t contains the abbreviations for the following values:
IAC
Internal Arc Classification
A
Distance between the indicators 300 mm, i.e. installation in rooms with access for
authorized personnel, closed electrical service location
FLR
Access from the front (F), from the sides (L = lateral) and from the rear (R)
I
Test current = rated short-circuit breaking current (in kA)
t
Internal arc duration (in seconds)
5
Air- and gas-insulated switchgear
from Siemens in accordance with
IEC 62271-200
We are ready – to make you ready as well
With intensive development work and
comprehensive tests, Siemens has already implemented the performance
features requested by IEC 62271-200 at
an early stage. As one of the first manufacturers, we offer the entire product
range of air- and gas-insulated switchgear for medium-voltage applications
in primary and secondary distribution
systems today – type-tested according
to the new IEC 62271-200 standard.
A greater margin for your safety
Not only that: the more stringent requirements of the dielectric type tests have
been implemented without exception.
All switching capacity tests for the various
circuit-breakers and earthing switches
were performed in installed condition,
i.e. inside the switchgear panel with the
associated arrangement of the conducting
path, contacts, etc. This means for you as
the operator: One hundred percent certainty that this combination of switchgear
and switchgear panel functions reliably.
All switchgear series were also tested for
the internal arc classification in accordance
with the new standard. The maximum
permissible number of test objects (generally two or three panels) as well as the
changed direction of energy flow of the arc
supply significantly increased the demands
on the switchgear panels. All switchgear
certified in accordance with IEC 62271200 satisfies all five criteria required for
the internal arc test without exception.
Siemens medium-voltage switchgear
therefore corresponds to the IAC A FLR
classification for short-circuit currents up
to 50 kA (depending on the system type)
and short-circuit times up to one second.
6
Ready for the future – with Siemens
With the fulfillment of the new IEC 62271200 standard, all our switchgear types
represent the latest state of development
in technology, safety and reliability.
Without exception, Siemens switchgear
fulfills the internal arc classification as vital
proof of the personal safety. Our switchgear therefore also meets the requirements of CAPIEL – the European association of national switchgear manufacturer
associations: “This is now a type test and
not anymore subject of agreement between manufacturer and user.”
An investment in the switchgear technology made by Siemens is a profitable investment in the future.
With the successfully verified internal arc
classification, IAC A FLR up to 50 kA and
one second arc duration, our switchgear
offers maximum possible personal protection. Our type-tested series also entirely
fulfill the specifications of IEC 62271-200
in all aspects. In addition, they guarantee
the highest possible degree of operational
reliability and therefore an extremely low
failure rate.
Extendable
Extendable
Nonextendable
* Maximum possible IAC classification
Airinsulated
Gasinsulated
Extendable
Airinsulated
Secondary
Extendable
Gasinsulated
Primary
Design
Insulation
Distribution
level
Overview of Siemens switchgear
PM
PM
PM
PM
LSC 2B
LSC 2A
LSC 2B
LSC 1
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
PM
PM
PM
PM
LSC 2B
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
PM
LSC 2B
PM
PM
LSC 2B
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
PM
PM
LSC 2B
PM
PM
LSC 2B
LSC 2B
PM
LSC 2B
LSC 2B
PM
LSC 2B
PM
PM
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2B
PM
Partition
class
LSC 2B (panels
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)
Loss of service continuity
IAC A FLR 20 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 21 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 21 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 21 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 16 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 31,5 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 50 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 50 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 40 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 40 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 40 kA, 1 s
IAC A FL 40 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s
IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1s
Internal arc classification*
Double
Single
Double
Single
Double
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
NXAIR
NXAIR M
NXAIR M
NXAIR P
NXAIR P
SIMOPRIME
8BT1
8BT2
8BT3
8DJ10
8DJ20
8DH10
SIMOSEC
Double
8DB10
Single
Single
8DA10
NXAIR
Single
Double
NXPLUS
Double
NXPLUS C
NXPLUS
Single
Busbar system
NXPLUS C
Switchgear
type
24
15
24
25
20
24
20
24
17,5
25
20
24
17,5
25
20
24
17,5
25
16
31,5
25
31,5
50
50
25
25
40
40
40
40
31,5
31,5
25
31,5
25
20
11,5
20
20
20
20
20
20
16
31,5
25
31,5
50
50
25
25
40
40
40
40
31,5
31,5
25
31,5
25
Short-circuit
current (kA)
1s
3s
17,5
36
36
24
17,5
15
15
24
24
12
12
40,5
40,5
36
40,5
Voltage
(kV)
1250
1250
1250
1250
630
630
630
630
1250
2500
2000
3150
4000
4000
2500
2500
3150
3150
4000
4000
2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
Rated current,
busbar (A)
1250
1250
630
630
630
630
630
630
1250
2500
2000
3150
4000
4000
2500
2500
3150
3150
2500
2500
2500
2500
1250
2500
2000
Rated current,
feeder (A)