D R I V E S &

S W I T C H G E A R

T his article looks at fixed pattern medium voltage switchgear vs. the commonly available
withdrawable switchgear in terms of the new IEC 62271-200 standard, which enables
users to request that manufacturers prove the ability of switchgear to prevent injury to
personnel as a result of an internal arc fault, and to define exactly how safe the switchgear is.

Withdrawable vs. fixed pattern

switchgear - internal arc testing
Arc faults within medium voltage by Bryan Johnson, ABB South Africa
switchgear have been potentially life
threatening for many years. In the early
1990s, users were presented with a new
same time, not compromising on the reduced fault levels require smaller
standard of safety, IEC 60298. Now
safety of the switchgear. The result is that circuit breakers for the fault breaking
users are presented with IEC 62271-
many manufacturers have developed a capacity. Smaller circuit breakers
200, which enables users to request
new generation of cost effective, fixed carrying smaller loads allow for smaller
that manufacturers prove the ability of pattern switchgear that is suitable for switchgear cubicles, smaller substations,
switchgear to prevent injury to personnel
secondary distribution. and even in some cases no brick and
as a result of an internal arc fault, and
What is secondary distribution? mortar type buildings. The substation
to define exactly how safe the switchgear
is. Arc faults happen, and are usually could be a weather-proof enclosure.
Secondary distribution is the term
caused by external factors outside commonly used for the distribution What is IEC 62271-200?
the control of the manufacturer. The network that is supplied from a primary The IEC 62271-200 standard for AC
occurrence of an arc can never be totally network. Typically, the primary network metal-enclosed switchgear and control
prevented or predicted. What can be will consist of large in-feed transformers gear for rated voltages above 1 kV
prevented, however, is the extent of the supplying the large loads of the primary
damage and injury caused by an arc. and up to and including 52 kV is the
switchgear, which is then split up into
specification that has replaced the
IEC 60298 marked the first attempt to smaller loads by the primary distribution
switchgear. This is then distributed further IEC60298 standard. Readers will notice
measure the ability of MV switchgear to
into the network, by the secondary the change in the title of this standard, in
contain the effects of an arc. However
distribution system. particular the wording “metal enclosed”,
the need for a more progressive
specification, that included fixed pattern, and not “metal-clad”.
As this secondary distribution switchgear
and gas-insulated switchgear, prompted is not situated next to the main in- In the former IEC 60298 standard, 3
the new IEC62271-200 standard. The feed transformers, but via a cable or classes were defined:
new standard allows users to specify, and overhead line system, the fault level is  metal-clad;
identify the internal arc capabilities of the reduced at the switchgear terminals.  compartmented;
switchgear, including information on the The other characteristic that is common
loss of service continuity, and the type of to this switchgear is that the loads are  cubicle.
partitioning used within the switchgear. normally significantly reduced per switch, It was considered that these classifications
Knowing this information allows users to allowing for a reduction in the current were no longer sufficient for the following
draft their working instructions safely for carrying capacity of the switchgear. A main reasons:
their applications. third characteristic of this switchgear  The former standard was written
With these requirements to meet is that it is quite often situated in areas predominately around withdrawable
arc resistant switchgear, the cost of where space is limited, within the plant pattern air-insulated enclosures.
switchgear has increased. The new or township area. Modern trends towards fixed pattern
standard has allowed manufacturers The prevalence of these characteristics and gas insulated equipment needed
more freedom in designs, while at the complements one another, as the to be represented.

May 2006 - Vector - Page 26

 Types of compartments with regard to accessibility Features  Test values: test current in kilo
amperes (kA), and duration in
Operator-accessible Interlocked-based accessible No tools for opening - Interlocking
compartment. compartment. allowing access only when HV parts seconds (s).
Intended to be opened for normal are dead and earthed.
 The designation shall be included in
operation and maintenance.
the nameplate of the switchgear.
Procedure-based accessible No tools for opening - Provision
compartment. for locking to be combined with Example 1: Metal-enclosed switchgear
Intended to be opened for normal operator procedures, to allow access tested for a fault current of 12,5 kA,
operation and maintenance. only when HV parts are dead and for 0,5 s, to be classified for public
earthed.
accessibility and tested with indicators
Special accessible Tool-based accessible compartment. Tools necessary for opening. No
compartment. Possible for user to open, but not specific provision to address access placed in front, lateral and rear, will be
intended to be for normal operation procedure. designated as follows:
and maintenance. Special procedures may be required Classification IAC BFLR Internal arc
to maintain performances.
12,5 kA 0,5 s
Non-accessible Not possible for user to open (not Opening destroys compartment
compartment. intended to be opened). or clear indication to the user. Example 2: Metal-enclosed switchgear
Accessibility not relevant. tested for 16 kA, for 1 s, to be classified
for front: public accessibility; rear:
Switchgear categories with regard to the Features restricted to operators; lateral: not
loss of service continuity when opening accessible, will be designated as
accessible compartments follows:
LSC1 Other functional units or some of them shall be
disconnected.
Classification IAC BF-AR Internal arc
16 kA 1 s.
LSC2 LSC2A Other functional units can be energized.
LSC2B Other functional units and all cable Withdrawable vs. fixed
compartments can be energized. pattern switchgear, according
to IEC62271-200
Switchgear classification with regard to the Features Withdrawable switchgear classified
nature of the barrier between live parts to the new standard as shown in
and opened accessible compartment
Ta b l e 2 i s c o m p a r e d t o t h e
PM Metallic shutters and partition betwen live parts ABB Unimix fixed pattern type
and open compartment - (metal-enclosed
condition maintained). o f s w i t c h g e a r. N o s i g n i f i c a n t
Pl Insulation-covered discontinuity in the metallic differences are observed, according
partitions/shutters between live parts and open to the new standard.
compartment.
The Unimix switchgear would therefore
provide the same loss of service capability
Switchgear classification with regard to Features to that of traditional withdrawable
mechanical, electrical and fire hazards switchgear. i.e. the busbar can remain
in case of internal arc during normal
operation. energised while a feeder or incoming
IAC No ejection of parts, no ignition of cloths,
circuit is out of service.
enclosure remains earthed. The switchgear would have metallic
Table 1. partitioning similar to metallic
shutters. This will ensure that no
magnetic fields are present inside
an isolated compartment while other
 The former standard classified The new standard addresses these points, compartments are energised. The main
switchgear on the basis of three being based on functionality rather than difference in segregation between the
designs, which provided three different on design and construction features. In switchgear types is with the segregation
levels of functionality, rather than on particular, a new classification, Loss of of the cable compartment and the
the basis of the functionality itself. Service Continuity, and a classification circuit breaker compartment, so
 The class “Cubicle” was found to related to personnel safety in case of for service continuity, there is no
cover several types of equipment internal arc, was introduced. This is difference.
each having a distinct, and current, summarised in Table 1. The switchgear is internally arc rated, for
market need in terms of required In the case where the classification, operator accessibility on all sides, up to
level of service continuity. Internal Arc Classified (IAC), is proven by 20 kA, for a fault that persists for up to
In the new standard, the classification is the tests, the metal enclosed switchgear 0,5 s, or 16 kA for 1 s. With the former
based on a particular function to do with will be designated as follows: standard classification the arc resistance
maintaining custmer supply, namely:  IAC (initials for Internal Arc capability of the sides, and rear would be
on the ability to maintain some level of Classified) unknown, as the former standard did not
service continuity of the switchgear shilst  Accessibility: A, B or C require any testing on the sides or the rear
a compartment is accessed. of the switchgear.

May 2006 - Vector - Page 28

Table 2: 1) PM applies between the busbar
and cable compartment.

Features of withdrawable
switchgear vs. fixed pattern
switchgear.
Withdrawable switchgear is designed to
meet a wide range of ratings, typically
starting from 400 A, 12,5 kA up to
3150 A,40 kA. Manufacturers have
maximised on the economies of scale,
and the lower ratings not always
available, with ratings usually starting
at 630 A, 25 kA, as it was more
economical to manufacture a common
set of components, rather than a
wide range of components of smaller
quantities. Table 3.
Fixed pattern switchgear on the other
hand is designed to meet ratings from
400 A,12,5 kA, to a maximum of
1250 A, 25 kA.
This has allowed manufacturers to
focus on the lower ratings, and look
for alternative ways of maximising cost
reduction.
Table 3 shows the main differences
between traditional withdrawable
type switchgear and ABB Unimix
switchgear.
Withdrawable or fixed pattern?
The choice of the correct type of
switchgear will depend on the ratings
and expected ratings over the life
of the switchgear. The first criterion
be seen over the total life of the
is to ensure that the current ratings
switchgear, including the initial cost,
are within the capabilities of the
installation, buildings, battery systems,
switchgear. Customers can then
and maintenance. Switchgear that
consider the circuit requirements, and
is fit for purpose should be chosen.
select the appropriate circuits from
Choosing switchgear that is suitably
the fixed pattern range, consisting of rated for the system will provide cost
circuit breakers, isolators, and fused is no longer an acceptable defence
savings, and free up resources and
isolators. in the eyes of the law. Therefore every
funds for other areas of the plant.
Secondly, customers should consider By undertaking continuous R&D specifier and potential customer of
safety to the latest IEC 62271-200 activities, including internal arc tests MV equipment assemblies should be
standard, and replace switchgear that to the latest standards, conscientious striving to use the best switchgear
has reached the end of its life with newer manufacturers are showing a available in the marketplace.
and safer switchgear. commitment to not only the life of Contact Bryan Johnson, ABB,
Thirdly, customers should consider the their products, but the lives of their Tel (011) 878-8040,
cost of the switchgear. Costs should customers. Negligence by ignorance bryan.johnson@za.abb.com ∆

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