PM6 Range

General description

PE50322

In industrialized countries, where there is a high level of electrification, not only is

poor electrical power supply quality not accepted by consumers, but in many
countries over recent years, compulsory regulatory standards have been drawn up
in order to guarantee the quality of electrical service that is provided.
In response to this situation, electrical utilities companies are requiring new products
and a high reliability and easily managed service focused on reducing:
b the number of power outages
b the duration of the outages
b the increase in affected zones 
We can implement a certain number of actions to reduce the above mentioned
points, such as:
b using underground power lines
b reducing the length of lines
b good maintenance of networks and their environment
b selecting and applying suitable devices on HV lines.
PM6 is Schneider Electrics best solution: installed on its customers HV lines, this
equipment enables them to achieve their target objectives to improve network
management and automation and thus increase the quality of service provided to
customers.

Presentation

PM6 is an SF6 breaking disconnector switch designed to be mounted on all types

of poles. It can be installed in rural and semi-urban overhead distribution networks,
up to 38 kV.
Although it is specially designed for remote control functions, 
it can also be controlled locally in manual mode.
The PM6 range also offers a fullt manual solution (S2D, S3D) which is very
competitively priced.

PE50309

Reference standards

PM6 is manufactured in conformity with the following international standards:

b European: IEC 60265-1, IEC 60129, IEC 60694, IEC 60529, IEC 60298,
IEC60815
b American: ANSI C37.63.
Moreover, the equipment production process is carried out in compliance with an ISO
9001 certified quality program.

PM6 Range

General characteristics
Breaking device

PE50321

This is made up of an external stainless steel enclosure, without any additional

protective coatings, to give a smooth, clean, self-cleaning and aerated surface that
is highly resistant to corrosion.
The disconnector switch breaking chambers and the SF6 gas are inside the
enclosure.
The enclosure with the SF6 has very compact dimensions and only the parts
specifically required for breaking are inside the enclosure to limit the gas volume.
The casing is connected to earth and it is therefore impossible for a dangerous
leakage current to pass between the terminals on one side and the terminals on the
other when the device is in the open position; in addition, no additional disconnectors
are necessary to guarantee the isolation distance. 
This feature is what gives the equipment its characteristics as a disconnector
switch.
All sensitive components, which may need to be fully dismantled in the event of an
external incident following transient network disturbances (ferroresonance, circuit
breaker, overheating of components, etc.), are placed outside of the SF6 enclosure,
e.g. motors, voltage transformer, current sensors, electronic components, etc.
The compact volume and the low internal SF6 pressure (0.3 bars at 20C),
considerably reduce the risk of any gas leakage. The enclosure is sealed for life and
meets pressurized sealed system criteria in conformity with standard IEC 60694,
which is why it is not necessary to check the internal pressure of the equipment.

PE50323

Version S3 / S4.

During extinction of the electrical arc, the overpressure is basically confined to the
volume between the contacts. This overpressure is very low and even if it
accidentally increases, it would be limited to 2.5 bars due to the presence of an
overpressure membrane located on the top of the enclosure.
There is very little energy dissipated in the arc due to the qualities of the gas, the
short arc length and the short arc duration; even in frequent operation, the device is
capable of breaking all load currents for 30 years without needing any servicing of
the active parts.

Key:
1 SF6 disconnector switch.
2 Electrical control mechanism.
3 MV line connections.
4 Manual control transmission.
5 Manual control mechanism.
6 Anchoring structure.
7 Support cradle.
8 Lightning arresters.
9 Voltage transformer.
10 Control unit.
11 Lever for control rod.
12 Mechanical latching.

Version S2D / S3D.

PM6 Range

General characteristics

PE50307

Electrical switching and control

mechanism

The electrical switching and control mechanisms are located inside an independent
distribution enclosure, combined with the disconnector switch breaking device.
The basic mechanism involves an opening-closing system (passing through a
neutral point), activated by a spring for switching operations to take place
independently of the operator switching speed (Tumbler system).

PE50344

With all these parts are inside an enclosure with a high protection index, we can
guarantee excellent behavior of our equipment in bad weather, as proven in the
following tests:
b resistance to salt mist for 1000 h.
b cyclic abrupt temperature variations testing (from -10C to +70C) 
at a relative humidity of 98%.
The electrical control mechanism comprises a 48 VDC motor for 
the electrical opening and closing operations, operated either from the control unit 
situated at the pole base or from a remote control center if appropriate.
A device directly linked to the disconnector switch contact position (open or
closed) makes sure it is in the right position. This device, and the position indicator
that is easily visible from the ground, comply with the fully apparent opening
criterion described in the IEC standard.

MV connections

The PM6 disconnector switch is equipped with 6 silicone connectors, enabling

connection of the HV line using a non-insulated cable.
According to the type of installation, PM6 can optionally be supplied with plug-in
terminals and an insulated cable.

Support cradle and anchoring system

The disconnector switch and control mechanism are mounted on the support cradle.
This unit is then fixed at the desired height using the anchoring system.

PE50324

PM6 Range

General characteristics
Manual control

According to requirements and market preferences, Schneider Electric can offer

two variants, according to the type of manual control required.
The relative arrangement of the switch and the fixing of the equipment to the pole is
consequently modified.
The sales reference number for the equipment varies according to the manual 
control mechanism chosen.

1. Manual control via a transmission system

PE50316

Version S3 / S4.

b reference 24 kV: PM6-S3

b reference 36 kV: PM6-S4

The manual control system comprises a transmission shaft going to the base of the
pole and an operating lever which can be mechanically padlocked in one of the three
positions:
LOCKED OPEN - REMOTE CONTROL- LOCKED CLOSED.
This type of manual operation offers the advantages of being quick and easy to 
activate in an emergency and of being easier and safer for the operator when
carrying out switching operations.

2. Manual control via a rod system

b reference 24 kV: PM6-S2D
b reference 36 kV: PM6-S3D

PE50345

Version S3 / S4.

The equipment is operated using a rod system. Mechanical locking to block the
OPEN - CLOSED positions is optional .
The main advantages of this type of operating mechanism for the equipment can be
summarized in terms of the lack of any need for manual control settings when being
installed, the total impossibility of the equipment being controlled by someone from
outside of the company and the search for harmonization relative to how most
overhead distribution equipment is operated.
Comment: whatever manual control system is chosen, the breaking device
and the accessories required for remote control of the device are idencal and
the electrical and functional characteristics are therefore the same for the
whole of the PM6 range.

Version S2D / S3D.

General characteristics 
Electrical characteristics

PM6 Range

According to standards IEC - CAT. E3M2

Version
Rated voltage (kV rms.)
Rated current (A)
Insulation level

S3/S2D
24
400 to 630
kV rms, 50 Hz/1 min
Impulse wave kV, 1.2/50 s

Breaking capacity (A)

Closing capacity
Short time withstand current

S4/S3D
36

in the earthing connection

at the isolation distance
in the earthing connection
at the isolation distance
mainly active load
ring load
no load transformer
no load line
kA (peak value)
kA (rms value) - 1 s
kA (peak value)

According to ANSI standards

Maximum rated voltage kV rms (rated voltage class: 34.5 kV rms)
Rated voltage with radiating type impulses, kV peak
Low frequency testing, kV rms: 1 min when dry/10 s wet
Rated current at 60 Hz (A)
Instant current and asymmetric closing overcurrent, kA rms
Symmetric current 1 s, kA rms
Symmetric current 10 s, A rms
Other characteristics
Temperature (C)
maximum
minimum
Mechanical strength
AC cycles
Protection index
switch enclosure
control unit
Storage energy mechanism
maximum switching time (s)
No. of short circuit closing operations (8 kA)
Internal arcing
kA (rms value) - 1 s

50
60
125
145

70
80
170
195
400 to 630
400 to 630

10
10
31.5
12.5
31.5

20
10
31.5
12.5
31.5
38
150
70/80
600
18.5
12.5
3.8

+ 50
- 25
5000
IP67
IP55
7
150
10

+ 50
- 50
5000
IP67
IP55
8
150
10

PE50341

The electrical endurance is represented on these diagrams which give us a sample

of the number of switching operations that the PM6 can carry out.

10

PM6 Range

Advantages

PE50320

The PM6 offers many benefits for your HV lines:

Low purchase costs

Since this is a highly optimized piece of equipment, the manual disconnector switch
option is highly competitive. In addition, the difference between a PM6 equipped with 
manual control or with a manual-electrical control unit is minimal (less than the cost
of this operation in the future: buying the motor, disconnecting the voltage,
guarantees for the installation, etc.). Therefore the customer can install equipment
on his network that will be easy to control remotely.

Low design costs

Since the PM6 is a disconnector switch, it is not necessary to use external

disconnectors (air insulated) in order to ensure the disconnection conditions 
on the HV line, if the equipment is in the open position.
This characteristic represents a major cost saving for utilities companies both in
terms of installation and maintenance costs for these external disconnectors.

Low installation costs

All equipment that is normally installed outdoors can be assembled on the same
structure: voltage transformers, lightning arresters, etc. 
This allows the installation time to be reduced.

Low maintenance costs

Since all of the sensitive parts (breaking device, springs, motors, etc.) are sealed in
stainless steel enclosures, the equipment can be installed in harsh environments and
withstand icing, extreme temperatures and saline or corrosive conditions, without
any need for any maintenance.
PM6 is maintenance free for 30 years under normal operating conditions.

Low cost in the case of an incident

Should it be necessary to change an accessory: motor, voltage transformer, current

transformer, etc., the operation can be carried out without dismantling the equipment.
For the control unit, the electronic modules making it up are easily dismantled circuit
boards, all of which are very easy to replace. This enables the repair times to be
reduced as well as the down time of the electricity service.

11

PM6 Range

Options
Control unit

PE50326

The flexibility of the PM6 unit allows our disconnector switch to be adapted to all
types of control unit if the equipment is to be used in remote control mode.
However, the PM6 has a dedicated control unit, the EASERGY T200P, specially
designed by Schneider Electric to carry out these functions.
Designed to be pole-mounted outdoors, it is a stainless steel casing, with all
components manufactured in conformity with EMC standards.
The unit comprises the following components:
b a cradle for all the electronic modules:
v switch connection module
v CPU and the local control indication module
v RTU communication module
v battery power supply-charger module
b a battery
b a supply transformer with its protection device
b free space to install a radio or a modem.
The main advantages of our control unit are:
b easy to install and in the case of an incident, the components are easy to replace
b local PM6 management from the control unit
b open-ended to all types of protocols and communication systems
b capable of executing automatic control functions. Disconnector function
b current and voltage measurements. Status indication
b easy to operate and handle.

PE50343

Operating principle

12

PM6 Range

Options
Control unit

Capacity
IControllable switch
ISwitch information
Additional information
Automatic control
Automatic control management

1 channel / 2 channels (option)

Open/closed orders
Latched open/closed positions
SEC - sectionalizer
ES/HS order, ES/SH Latched position

Power supply
Alternating voltage
Characteristics
Isolation
Power supply
Telecommunication
Motorization
Battery
Type
Capacity
Back-up time
Monitoring

90 to 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 120 VA

5 kV
12 V (1 A permanent, 7 A max.)
48 V DC

at 20 C

Sealed lead
12 V-38 Ah
16 h + 10 cycles O/C
Deep discharge, periodic tests

Characteristics
Dielectric
Alternating U input

IEC 255-4

Core balance CT input

IEC 255-4

Electromagnetic
Fast transients

IEC 1000-4-4

Isolation (50 Hz / 1 min): 5 kV

Impulse wave (1.2 / 50 s): 10 kV
Isolation (50 Hz / 1 min): 2 kV
impulse wave (1.2 / 50 s): 5 kV
Level 4:4 kV (sectors and sensors),
2 kV (other circuits)
Level 3: 6 kV with 8 kV contact in air
80 MHz - 1 GHz - 10 V/m

Electrostatic discharges
Radiating electromagnetic
fields
MC radio frequency
Damped oscillatory waves
Pulsed magnetic field
Impulse wave

IEC 1000-4-2
IEC 1000-4-3

Magnetic field 50 Hz
Climatic
Temperature
Relative humidity
Salt mist
Storage temperature
Mechanical
Vibrations
Dimensions
Weight
Protection

IEC 1000-4-8

0.15 MHz to 80 MHz - 10 Vrms

2.5 kV shared mode, 1 kV differential mode
1000 A/m peak
Coupling between 1 kV line cables, between
cables and earth 2 kV
30 A/m permanent at 300 A/m 1 to 3 s

IEC 68-2-3
IEC 68-2-11
IEC 68-2-14

-15 C to +55C
Less than 95% at 40 C
168 h
-40C to +70 C

IEC 1000-4-6
IEC 1000-4-12
IEC 1000-4-9
IEC 1000-4-5

IEC 68-2-6
HxLxD
IEC 60529

10 to 500 Hz; 1 g or 0.075 mn peak to peak

630 x 410 x 350 mm
40 kg
IP55

Connection
Connection cubicles
Connection type

Harting 10 pin connector

13

PM6 Range

Options
Control unit

Display
Indication
Open/closed position
ISwitch locked
Phase fault
Earthing fault
Digital input x (1 to 3)
Local
Immediate indication of AC fault
Time delayed indication of AC fault
Automatic control in action
Measurement module fault
Charger fault
Battery fault
Switch power supply OFF
Telecommunication power supply OFF
Communication fault

Reason
Open/closed position of the switch
Switch blocked
Appearance of a phase current greater than the configured threshold
Appearance of a zero sequence current greater than the configured
threshold
Digital input present
Equipment under local control
Lack of alternating U power supply
Lack of alternating U power supply after a duration that can be defined
between 1 mn and 4 h
The automatic control has functioned (opening the switch)
Incorrect functioning of the measurement and fault detection module
Battery charger output voltage too high or too low
Batteries at the end of their life cycle or charging anomalies
Switch power supply turned off
Power supply of the telecommunications output turned off
Lack of communication with the remote control supervisor (in the case of
series module communication) or with a communication module

F.A.
b
b
b (*)
b (*)
b
b

b
b
b

F.A.: front face of the Easergy T200P.

P.C.: Equipment status menu on the easergy T200P - Configuration and Diagnosis IT program,
Super.: remote supervisor,
(*): in the Control panel module, Phase fault and Earthing fault indications are grouped together on the same indicator light.

PE50340

PM6 connection - Control unit

14

PC
b
b
b
b

Super.
b
b
b
b

b
b
b
b

b
b
b
b

b
b
b
b
b
b
b

b
b
b
b
b
b
b

PM6 Range

Options 
Control unit

PE50342

Disconnector function

The control unit is equipped with the sectionalizer automatic control option 
which converts the PM6 into a disconnector switch.
In coordination with the automatic network head switch or with the
recloser units, the PM6 can differentiate between transient faults and permanent
faults in the section in which it is installed, automatically isolating the line only if there
is a permanent fault.
For this function, the PM6 must be equipped with the following functions:
b voltage detection
b current detection.

1) Network head switch operation.

2) PM6 disconnector switch operation.

Automatic opening of the PM6 disconnector switch occurs when the equipment has
detected between 1 and 4 fault currents (programmable value) and when the
following conditions are fulfilled:
b voltage is at zero (automatic switch or recloser circuit breaker situated upstream is
open)
b the PM6 is in the closed position
b the automatic control time has not expired.
This function is particularly recommended in branch lines and conflicting network
points or ones that are difficult to access, when we want to avoid transient fault
procedures and so avoid disrupting the service to other users.
Parameter
Fault detection
Phase detection threshold
Zero sequence detection
threshold

Value

Configurable from 100 to 750 3%

A by 50 A increments
Configurable from 2 to 160 A 5% from 80 to 160 A
by 1 A increments

Reaction time

Accuracy

10% from 25 to 80 A
15% from 2 to 25 A
20 ms for I = 1.2 x threshold

Configurable from 50 ms to
800 ms by 25 ms increments
Release threshold
95% of the trip
3%
threshold
Limit value hold
12.5 kA - 1 s
Deleting records of fault current Configurable
fed back from alternating U
Deleting records of currents
Configurable from 15 mn to 2 h
due to time delay
by 15 mn increments

15

PM6 Range

Options

The options described below can be supplied and installed by the customer.
However, PM6 offers the possibility of installing all of these options on the same
structure for quick and easy installation.

PE50325

Voltage transformer

In places where equipment such as PM6 is normally installed, there is no auxiliary

power supply to power the control unit charging device, including the radio, and its
electronic circuit boards... 
It is therefore necessary to install an outdoor voltage transformer to supply the power
needed for independent operation of all the equipment. A specially designed bracket
has been included on the disconnector switch cradle for this purpose.
The voltage transformer gives the necessary voltage presence and absence signals
in order to carry out the disconnector function and setting by remote control.

PE50311

Current transformers

Phase and fault current measurements are made using 3 current transformers, two
phase and one zero sequence unit, placed on the disconnector switch.
This configuration ensures the detection of all types of fault that can occur on the
line.
The transformer ratio is 500/1 A.
The zero sequence detection threshold is between 2 A - 160 A.
The phase fault detection threshold is between 100 A - 750 A.

PE50318

Lightning arresters

Three lightning arresters on each side of the disconnector switch can be placed on
an appropriate support frame to protect the equipment from overvoltages resulting
from atmospheric conditions.
These lightning arresters are of zinc oxide type.

16

The right choice

PM6 Range

MESA is the Schneider Electric Groups world-wide center of competency for the
PM6 range.

References

Since 1990, over 8000 units have been installed throughout the world 
under all types of climatic conditions.
The PM6 range is approved by major Spanish and foreign companies 
and is recognized throughout the world.
There is already an installed equipment base of 1,500 units in Spain, where we are
leaders in this field.

PE50308

Environment

PM6 units have been designed as environmentally friendly equipment: the

materials used, the insulators, the conductors... are identified and can easily be 
recycled. Moreover, the SF6 can be recovered and reused after suitable treatment.

PE50310

The environmental management system adopted by MESA has been certified in

conformity with the ISO 14001 standard.

17

General dimensions
Versions S3 / S4

PM6 Range

PE50313

S4 / 36 kV

1975
1400
830
900

2200
1700
1050
970

Fixing of lightning arresters

PE50336

S3 / 24 kV

PE50351

A
B
C
D

PE50337

PE50348

Fixing of the voltage transformer

Weight (approximate)

S3 / 24 kV

Basic equipment
127 kg
Basic equipment + VT
165 kg
Basic equipment + lightning arresters
182 kg
Basic equipment + VT + lightning arresters
220 kg
The rods, the manual control and the control unit not included.

18

S4 / 36 kV
138 kg
182 kg
238 kg
282 kg

General dimensions
Versions S2D / S3D

PM6 Range

PE50346

S2D / 24 kV

S3D / 36 kV

315
1400

370
1650

Fixing of lightning arresters

PE50349

A
B

PE50338

PE50335

Fixing of the voltage transformer

Weight (approximate)
Basic equipment
Basic equipment + VT
Basic equipment+ lightning arresters
Basic equipment + VT + lightning arresters
Control unit not included.

S2D / 24 kV

S3D / 36 kV

130 kg
170 kg
205 kg
245 kg

140 kg
180 kg
255 kg
295 kg

19

PM6 Range

M.V. devices

PE50329

Since the user has the best knowledge of the issues involved on his network and his
objectives, he will therefore basically decide how to manage the devices installed on
the network.
However, below we give a series of general guidelines which mainly focus on
optimizing M.V. overhead distribution network management in terms of safety of
people, installation costs and quality of service, all within the framework of a flexible
operating arrangement.

Main line
PE50328

Recloser or reclosing circuit breaker

Automatic switch
Three-pole / single-pole disconnector
Disconnector switch / disconnector function
Disconnector switch
Disconnector
Cut-out fuse
Fault detector

The installation of PM6 type remote controlled disconnector switches is the best
and most economic and flexible option to disconnect the main line at various points
and provide the isolation distance at these points.
They can be used for radial or open ring lines; in the second case, they will be used
as network reconfiguration components.
In the case of long radial type lines, it may be necessarty to use reclosing devices to
decentralize the protection that exists in the sub-station, whilst taking the necessary
precautions to avoid coordination problems with respect to the associated
protection devices.

Branch line

For this type of line, factors such as line length, topography, load, quality of supply,
etc. impact the choice of the installed equipment.

Lightning arrester
Remote control

Generator sets

Until now, the protection and management of these network points has been carried
out using fuses, circuit breakers or manual disconnectors.
Disconnectors are tending to replace these solutions.

PE50347

20