MEDIUM VOLTAGE

SF6 GAS INSULATED

RING MAIN UNIT
UP TO 15kV

AL-AHLEIA SWITCHGEAR CO.

K.S.C.C.

Kuwait
Driven by a vision to pioneer, ASC has risen
from its humble beginning more than 25
years ago of a sole factory for LV boards,
to an organisation boasting of 11 factories
managing LV & HV Switchgear, Transformers
and Package Sub-stations, establishing itself as
the largest power equipment manufacturer in
the region.

ASC takes pride for being the leading local

manufacturer of HV products, transformers and
package S/S. Over time, ASC products have
attained a reputation for quality, reliability as
well as sustainability which gained recognition
in the industrial sector in the Middle East.

All products have been developed inside

the walls of the factory and will continue to
improve, because progress stops once the spirit
of pioneering is lost.
 CONTENTS
1. Construction 4

2. Product Range 6

3. Technical Data 8

4. Salient Features 10

5. Optional Features 11

6. Safety Interlocks and Padlocking Provisions 14

7. Motorized Actuator and Telecontrol System 15

8. Protection of Transformer 16

9. Quality Assurance 18

3
CONSTRUCTION
Al-Ahleia make Ring Main Unit Type AR12 covers complete range of 12kV/15kV SF6 Gas Insulated
switchgear with various built-in functions. These are available in various combinations according
to customer needs. For different versions refer Table-A, B, C & D. These units are available
in non-extensible or extensible construction. Ring main units can be constructed in various
combinations with following switching functions:

Ring switch and associated cable earthing switch.

Transformer switch-fuse combination and associated earthing switch.

Vacuum Circuit Breaker and 3-Position Disconnector combination.

Ring Main Unit Type AR12 is broadly categorized into two groups as indicated below:

Ring main units with ring switches and switch-fuse unit for transformer control (versions
given in Table-A & B).

Ring main units with ring switches and Vacuum circuit breaker and 3-Position Disconnector
for transformer control (versions given in Table-C & D).

Metering unit with CT, PT and Protection devices to align with above units can also be offered.

Ring Main Units are suitable for short circuit current levels up to:

25kA-1 sec for 12kV/50Hz system

20kA-3 sec for 12kV/50Hz system

21kA-1 sec for 15kV/60Hz system

Ring Main Unit Type AR12 meets relevant International Standards IEC 60265, IEC 62271-200,
IEC 62271-100, IEC 62271-102 and IEC 62271-105.

Ring Main Units have been successfully tested for all type test duties for above mentioned ratings
including Internal Arc Fault test as per relevant IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
ensuring utmost safety of operators.

Ring Main Unit Switchgear comprises of one to four compact functional units such as: ring switch
along with associated earthing switch, transformer switch-fuse along with associated earthing
switch or circuit breaker with associated 3-Position Disconnector functions. The switching units
together with other live parts and busbars (for versions given in Table - A, C & D) are contained in
totally SF6 gas insulated gas-tight steel tank. High voltage connections are brought out through
epoxy bushings. Circuit breaker is vacuum type and switches are load-break and fault-make
type.

4
Make-break operation of ring switch and switch-fuse unit takes place in SF6 Gas (low pressure
0.05 to 0.3 Bar g). Pressure indicator is mounted on front panel of unit for ease of pressure
monitoring.

Operating mechanism of all switches and VCB are simple and highly reliable. All operating
mechanisms are located behind a front cover plate, displaying mimic diagram for various
switching and earthing devices.

Spring-assisted fast acting manual close/open mechanisms are provided for the ring switch/ring
earthing switch. Closing and opening is carried out by this fast acting mechanism. No energy is
stored in springs at final position of switches (for versions given in Table - A & B)

Switch-Fuse unit is also operated by fast acting manual operating mechanism for manual closing
operation. The fuses are normally equipped with striker pins which in the event of fault/abnormal
current will operate and trip the switch-fuse unit. Local manual tripping facility is also provided.

Earthing contact can be closed and opened manually through specific operating shaft. Hinged
lockable cover is provided for access to this shaft. A suitable common operating handle is
provided to operate all switches.

VCB is provided with independent manual close/trip mechanism for normal operations. During
conditions such as fault condition, VCB is tripped automatically with protection options described
in subsequent pages. Protection options are independent of auxiliary supply. Manual tripping
facility is also provided. 3-Position Disconnector switch connected with VCB facilitates isolation
and earthing of transformer circuit. This disconnector switch is fully interlocked with VCB.

Load break switches of ring switch and transformer switch are fully interlocked with their respective
earthing switches.

Suitable interlocks are provided for full safety of operating staff. These are described in details in
subsequent part of this catalogue.

Switch and VCB position mechanical indicators are directly attached to their respective
mechanisms, thus ensuring high degree of reliability.

Suitable weatherproof metal housings are provided to enclose SF6 gas tank, mechanisms, cable
terminations and high voltage fuses where applicable. Fuse compartment and cable termination
boxes are air insulated. Critical parts are made of stainless steel. Other parts are adequately
protected against corrosion which could have caused by atmospheric effects.

Separate L.V compartment can be provided as required.

5
PRODUCT RANGE
Table - A: RMU versions with Switch-Fuse Units - Non-Extensible
Overall Weight
Sl. Size
Description Rating SLD Mounting (kg)
No. (Width x Depth
x Height) in mm (Approx.)

12kV, 50Hz, 20kA-3sec

Free
15kV, 60Hz, 21kA-1sec
3 Way unit with standing W- 1000
- Ring Switch- 630A
1 2 Ring switches and or D- 970 450
- Transformer Switch-
1 Tr. Switch-Fuse Transformer H- 1676
200A
mounting
- Fuse- 200A

Table - B: RMU versions with Switch-Fuse Units - Extensible - Bottom Busbar

Overall Weight
Sl. Size
Description Rating SLD Mounting (kg)
No. (Width x Depth
x Height) in mm (Approx.)

W- 566
1 Way unit with Ring 12kV, 50Hz, Free
1 D- 1088 350
switch 20kA-3 sec, 630A standing
H- 1676

W- 646
1 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, Free
2 D- 1055 400
Tr. Switch-Fuse 20kA- 3sec, 200A standing
H- 1676

12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec

2 Way unit with W- 1206
- Ring Switch- 630A Free
3 Ring Switch and D- 1088 450
- Tr. Switch- 200A standing
Tr. Switch-Fuse H- 1676
- Fuse- 200A

12kV, 50Hz,20kA -3sec

4 Way unit with W- 2406
- Ring Switch - 630A Free
4 2 Ring Switches and D- 1088 1500
- Tr. Switch- 200A standing
2 Tr. Switch-Fuse H- 1676
- Fuse- 200A

Free
12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec
4 Way unit with standing W- 2326
- Ring Switch - 630A
5 3 Ring switches and or D- 1088 1450
- Tr. Switch- 200A
1 Tr. Switch-Fuse Transformer H- 1676
- Fuse- 200A
mounting

Notes:- - Fuses as required for Transformer Switch-Fuse units can be selected from Table-F.
- Unit dimensions are without actuators.
- Busbar rating as required up to 1250A.

6
 Table - C: RMU versions with Vacuum Circuit Breaker Extensible
Overall Size Weight
Sl.
Description Ratings SLD Mounting (Width x Depth x (kg)
No. Height) in mm (Approx.)

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

3 Way unit with 12KV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1344
Free
1 2 Ring switches 15KV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 650
standing
and 1 VCB - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1695
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

Free W- 1020
3 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec
2 standing D- 713 600
3 Ring switches 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec
H- 1695
- Ring Switch - 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1610
Free
3 2 Ring switches and 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 900
standing
2 VCBs - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1695
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1455
Free
4 3 Ring switches and 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 850
standing
1 VCB - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1695
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

W- 1303
4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec Free
5 D- 713 800
4 Ring switches 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec standing
H- 1685
- Ring Switch - 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

W- 637
12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec Free
6 1 Way unit with VCB D- 713 250
15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec standing
H- 1695
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

W- 440
1 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec Free
7 D- 713 200
Ring switch 15KV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec standing
H- 1695
- Ring Switch - 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec W- 590

Metering panel with Free
8 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec D- 713 -
PT and CT standing
15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec H- 1695

Notes: - Unit dimensions are without actuators.

- Busbar rating as required up to 1250A.

7
 Table - D: RMU versions with Vacuum Circuit Breaker Non-Extensible
Overall Size Weight
Sl.
Description Ratings SLD Mounting (Width x Depth x (kg)
No. Height) in mm (Approx.)

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

3 Way unit with 12KV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1344
Free
1 2 Ring switches 15KV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 650
standing
and 1 VCB - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1450
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

W- 1020
3 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec Free
2 D- 713 600
3 Ring switches 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec standing
H- 1450
- Ring Switch - 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1610
Free
3 2 Ring switches and 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 900
standing
2 VCBs - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1450
- VCB- 630A
12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec
4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec W- 1455
Free
4 3 Ring switches and 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec D- 713 850
standing
1 VCB - Ring Switch - 630A H- 1450
- VCB- 630A

12kV, 50Hz, 25kA -1sec

W- 1303
4 Way unit with 12kV, 50Hz, 20kA -3sec Free
5 D- 713 800
4 Ring switches 15kV, 60Hz, 21kA -1sec standing
H- 1450
- Ring Switch - 630A

Notes: - Unit dimensions are without actuators.

- Busbar rating as required up to 1250A.

TECHNICAL DATA
Table E
Transformer Switch-
Ring Switch Vacuum Circuit
Fuse
Ratings Unit (Load Break Switch) Breaker
(Load Break Switch)
Type: ARRS12 Type: ARTS12 Type: AH12
Rated Voltage kV 12/15 12/15 12/15
Rated Current (IEC Rating) A 630 200 630
P.F. Withstand Voltage kV 28/38 28/38 28/38
Impulse Withstand Voltage kVp 75/95 75/95 75/95
Frequency Hz 50/60 50/60 50/60
Breaking Current kA - 20/25 ** 25/20
Mainly Active Load A 630 200 -
Closed Loop Current (as per IEC 60265) A 630 - -
Cable Charging Current (as per IEC 60265) A 25 25 -
Short-time Withstand Current for 3 sec. kA 20 2.5 20
Short-time Withstand Current for 1 sec. kA 25 3.15 25
Rated Peak Withstand Current kAp 62.5 8.2 62.5
Rated Peak Making Current kAp 62.5 50/65 ** 62.5
Fuse Rating A -- Up to 160 -
Rated Busbar Current (IEC Rating) A Up to 1250
Minimum operating SF6 Gas Pressure Bar g 0.05
** Prospective value, the actual current being limited by fuse.
8
3 Way RMU Incorporating 2 Ring Switch and 1 Switch Fuse Unit (Provision for Manual Operation Only)

View with Front Door and Fuse Side View Showing Cable Terminals
Compartment Door Open
9
SALIENT FEATURES
Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor use.
Available in Extensible or Non-Extensible versions.
Free standing or Transformer mounted.
Full protection from external environment.
Low operating gas pressure.
Common operating handle for all the switches (for versions given in Table - A & B).
Gas Pressure Indicator and Gas refilling valve.
Built-in Earthing Switches for ring cables and Transformer.
Earthing switch for earthing both sides of H.T. Fuse.
Built-in cable testing provision.
No external test plugs are required. Power cable on the ring circuits can be tested without
disconnecting from terminal bushing (for versions given in Table - A, C & D).
Extension of existing RMU switchboard is possible without handling of SF6 gas (for versions
given in Table - B & C).
High degree of operator safety due to:

- Backside located Pressure relief diaphragm (Bursting Disc).

- Live parts contained within SF6 gas insulated earthed steel tank.
- Padlockable switches.
- Mimic diagram on panel front with indicators to facilitate correct operations.
- Complete interlocking facility provided for:

* Switches with respective earthing switches.

* Cable testing device with respective ring switches.
* Fuse removal with transformer switch.

Blown Fuse Indicator.

10
OPTIONAL FEATURES
Mostly required features for functions of RMU are included in standard design. However, following
additional features can be fitted to the unit on demand:

1. Voltage indication unit: This facility is in-built in cable bushing which makes it possible to
check the presence or absence of voltage in cable, through LED voltage indicators fitted on
the unit front panel.

2. Earth fault indication: This provides the indication of an earth fault current in Ring cable
system. This facilitates that location of fault can be isolated and power supply can be
restored quickly through healthy sections.

3. Short circuit indication: These are used to indicate short circuit fault in cable section. This
facilitates that location of fault can be isolated and power supply can be restored quickly
through healthy sections.

4. Motorized Linear actuator: For electrical operation from remote, motorized linear actuators
can be provided as built-in or add-on feature. For details refer Page No.15.

5. Cable test plugs: Separate cable test plugs for testing power cable can be supplied.

6. Trip coil for Transformer control: This can be provided for tripping of transformer switch-
fuse/circuit breaker.

7. Overcurrent / Earth fault protection: This can be provided where circuit breaker is used
for transformer control.

8. Phase comparator: This can be used in conjunction with voltage indicating device for
checking status of phase angle of two ring connections.

9. Anti-reflex operating handle: This facilitates the required delay in any attempt to bring the
switch to OFF condition from ON condition during making operation.

10. Pressure switch: This is used for indication/alarm of gas over pressure or low pressure at
local/remote location.

11. Cable termination kits: XLPE/PILC cable termination kits suitable for cables up to 300mm.

12. Key interlocks: Mechanical key interlocks can be provided to interlock between various
feeders of multi function RMUs.

13. Operation counter: To have a record of number of operations switches have performed,
operation counters can be provided.

14. Auxiliary intertrip relay with indication: To discriminate the tripping commands given by
the transformer integrated safety device.
11
Manual Operation of Ring Switch Fuse Replacement

View Showing Mimic

12
View with Front Door Open Manual Operation of Ring Switch

View with Front Door and Cable Compartment Door Open

13
SAFETY INTERLOCKS AND PADLOCKING PROVISIONS
All versions of Ring Main Unit Type AR12 are fully interlocked to avoid mal-operation, thus
ensuring the safety of operating persons. Following are the interlocks provided on switch
positions to prevent incorrect operations. Additional interlocks can be considered as per specific
requirements.

A) RMU with Ring switches and Transformer Switch-Fuse Unit

Ring Switch and Earthing Switch
- It is not possible to operate the ring switch directly from ON to EARTH ON and vice versa.
- It is not possible to operate the cable testing device unless the associated ring earthing switch
is in EARTH ON position.
- It is not possible to operate the ring earthing switch from EARTH ON to OFF position with
the associated cable testing device in the DISENGAGED position.

Transformer Switch-Fuse and Earthing Switch

- It is not possible to operate the transformer switch directly from ON to EARTH ON and vice
versa.
- It is not possible to open the door of the fuse compartment for getting access to H.T fuses
unless the transformer earthing switch is in EARTH ON position.
- It is not possible to operate the transformer switch or the transformer earthing switch while
fuse compartment door is open.
- It is not possible to operate the transformer switch to ON position with a blown fuse in circuit.

B) RMU with Vacuum Circuit Breaker and 3-Position Disconnector

Ring Switch and Earthing Switch
- It is not possible to operate the ring switch directly from ON to EARTH ON and vice versa.
- It is not possible to disconnect earthing link unless ring earthing switch is in earth position.
- It is not possible to operate a ring earthing switch from EARTH ON to OFF position unless
earthing link is restored.
- It is not possible to open the cable box cover unless the ring earthing switch is in EARTH ON
position.
- It is not possible to operate the ring earthing switch from EARTH ON position unless cable
box cover is closed.

Vacuum Circuit Breaker and 3-Position Disconnector

- It is not possible to operate 3-Position Disconnector switch from READY TO EARTH to ON
or vice versa unless the circuit breaker is in OFF position.
- It is not possible to open the cable box cover unless the 3-Position Disconnector is in READY
TO EARTH position.
- It is not possible to operate the 3-Position Disconnector from READY TO EARTH position
unless the cable box cover is closed.
14
- It is not possible to access/operate the VCB if handle of 3-Position Disconnector is inserted
or disconnector is in intermediate position i.e. between ON, OFF or READY TO EARTH
position.

Padlocking Provisions

For RMU with 2 Ring Switches and with 1 Transformer Switch-Fuse

Padlocking facilities are provided at 5 locations in Ring Main Unit i.e. 1 No. for unit front door
handle, 3 Nos. for switch operating shaft access covers and 1 No. for cover for gas filling valve.

For RMU with 2 Ring Switches and with 1 VCB

Padlocking facilities are provided at 5 locations in Ring Main Unit i.e. 2 Nos. for ring switch
operating shaft access covers, 1 No. for spring charging handle, 1 No. for 3-Position Disconnector
and 1 No. for cover for gas filling valve.

Additional padlocking facilities can be considered on demand.

MOTORIZED ACTUATOR AND TELECONTROL SYSTEM

Motorized Actuators can be provided for the Ring switches and Transformer switches. If required
Ring Main Units can also be supplied with switches having provision to add these actuators at a
later date at site.

The actuators will allow the switches to be controlled from remote for simple ON/OFF operations
or Automation functions by using suitable Remote Telecontrol System. Besides allowing user-
defined switching functions, Remote Telecontrol System can also perform measurement,
recording and display of necessary analog data and can indicate the status of switches at Remote
Control Stations.

The automation can be extended to hook-up several RMUs or integrate with existing SCADA
systems.
ACTUATOR FOR ACTUATOR FOR
L.H RING SWITCH R.H RING SWITCH

TRANSFORMER
SWITCH-FUSE SHAFT

RING SWITCH
SHAFT

ACTUATOR FOR
TRANSFORMER SWITCH-FUSE
CLOSING OPERATION

MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT OF ACTUATOR WITH SWITCHES.

Fig-1: Typical for 3 Way RMU of version 1 of Table-A

15
PROTECTION OF TRANSFORMER
A) When Vacuum Circuit Breaker is controlling the transformer
When short circuit protection / earth fault protection has to be provided for transformers of various
rating, two options are available. In both the options auxiliary power is not required.

Option-1: Protection with Time Limit Fuse Links (refer schematic drawing for Option-1).

Protection CTs are fitted on HT cables running between vacuum circuit breaker and transformer.
Time Limit Fuse links are mounted in LV compartment which will short the CT secondary terminals
as shown in schematic drawing. Thus current flowing through Electronic unit is negligible, under
normal healthy conditions.

In the event of abnormality (i.e. faulty conditions), fuse will blow-off and resultant current will pass
through the electronic circuit. Electronic circuit in turn will give trip command to VCB. Fuse link
characteristics selection is based on transformer rating, LV side protection and inrush current of
the transformer.

Option-2: Protection with relay (refer schematic drawing for Option-2)

In place of fuses, normally close contacts of IDMT over current/earth fault relay, short the
CT secondary giving effect as fuses. Relay characteristics selection is carried out, based on
transformer rating, inrush current, L.V side protection and short circuit withstand of transformer.

BUSBAR

3-POSITION
DISCONNECTOR

TRIP
VCB COIL

CTs (AS MOUNTED RELAY

ON CABLE)

TRANSFORMER

TRANSFORMER PROTECTION SYSTEM

Fig-2 : Scheme for Option-1 Fig-3 : Scheme for Option-2

B) When Switch-Fuse unit is controlling transformer

When transformer is to be protected by Switch-Fuse combination, fuse selection can be made in
line with relevant standards.
The rating of the fuses protecting the transformer depends among other things, on operating
voltage, transformer rating and thermal characteristics of fuses.
Under mentioned selection table gives the ratings (in Amp) of fuses (DIN standards) which can
be installed in Type AR12 Ring Main Units.
16
3 Way RMU Incorporating 2 Ring Switch and 1 VCB with Provision for Motorised Operation

View Showing Mimic and Relay

17
 Table F
Transformer rating (kVA)
Operating
Transformer
voltage
use
(kV)
25 50 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600

for -2540C 3.3 16 20 40 50 63 63 80 80 100 160 - - - - -

6.6 10 16 20 25 31.5 40 50 50 63 80 80 100 125 160 -

11 6.3 10 16 20 25 25 31.5 40 40 63 63 63 80 100 125

13.8 6.3 6.3 10 16 20 20 25 31.5 40 40 50 63 63 100 125

15 6.3 6.3 10 16 16 20 25 31.5 31.5 40 50 63 63 80 125

for 40<55C 3.3 16 20 40 50 63 63 80 100 125 160 - - - - -

6.6 10 16 20 25 31.5 40 50 50 63 80 100 125 160 - -

11 6.3 10 16 20 25 25 31.5 40 40 63 63 80 100 125 160

13.8 6.3 6.3 10 16 20 20 25 31.5 40 50 50 63 80 100 160

15 6.3 6.3 10 16 16 20 25 31.5 31.5 40 50 63 80 100 125

Notes: - Fuse ratings given above are for reference. Rating of fuse to be finalized based on specific applications.
- Fuses are with strikers for operating transformer switch through linkage.
- Fuses to other standards such as IEC can also be considered on demand.

Quality Assurance
Al-Ahleia has the unique distinction to be the first Kuwaiti Company to be awarded the prestigious
BSEN ISO 9001, Quality Management Certificate in recognition of its high quality in product /
customer services and its excellent Quality Assurance System.

Comprehensive Quality Control is carried out at every stage from incoming materials up to the
end product. Group of Engineers and skilled manpower with the help of latest testing equipments
ensure compliance to the customer requirements and IEC/BS Specification.

Al-Ahleia Ring Main Units are tested for short circuit tests at KEMA Laboratories, Netherlands.

18
3 Way RMU Incorporating 2 Ring Switch and 1 Switch Fuse Unit with Provision for Motorised Operation

View with Front Door Open View with Front Door and Fuse
Compartment Door Open
19
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All Rights Reserved 29 13 59.40 N - 48 00 59.76 E

Nov. 2010 2587 / 05