Medium Voltage Switchgear

& Circuit Breaker Ratings and

Application

Jim Bowen
Aramco
How Circuit Breakers Work
Seminar

IEEE
continuing education
by Jim Bowen
Aramco
 Circuit Breaker Parts

• Current Path
& Insulators
• Interrupter
• Push Rod
• Mechanism
 Circuit
Breaker
Mechanism
 Circuit Breaker Technology
• Vacuum: 480 Vac -- 38 kV.
• SF6: 69kV & above in ANSI.
• Bulk Oil: 5 kV & above (obsolete)
• Air Magnetic: 600 Vac & below.
• Solid state: active current limiter 15kV <
 Vacuum Circuit Breakers
• Arc forms between the main contacts
• Arc plasma is controlled by the geometry
to maintain a diffused arc column
• Interruption of current flow occurs at zero
crossing
• Dielectric build up of contact gap exceeds
pole to pole voltages
 Vacuum Interrupter Design For
High Voltage
Bellows Electric Contacts

Movable

Fixed

Metal Vapor Insulating

Condensation Envelope
Shield
Arcing in a VI
 Current Interruption at Ion Level
JUST BEFORE JUST AFTER I=0
I=0

e arc e
voltage recovery
voltage
Ac arcing and interruption
phenomena in vacuum
 AC Circuit

current

arc voltage

circuit voltage

recovery voltage across contacts

Interrupting A Capacitive Circuit

V Voltage

0 t

Current

V Vb

0 t

Va-Vb 2V

0 t
Short Circuit Interruption - Success

Arc Current

•Arc Extinguished

Arc
Voltage

TRV
Rise of
Dielectric Strength in
Contact Gap
Short Circuit Interruption Dielectric
Failure (RESTRIKES)

Arc Current

Arc Voltage Arc Reignites

TRV
Arc Voltage

Arc Current
Rise of
Dielectric
Strength in
Contact Gap
Current Chop
Restrikes at zero crossings
Restrikes
Various Circuit TRV’s
 Breaker Comparison, 5kV
Purple Lines -- Old Ratings
Blue Lines -- New Ratings

60
Short Circuit Interrupting Current (kA)

50 50kA

40 41kA - 350MVA
36kA

30 29kA - 250MVA

20
0 2.3 3.85 4 4.16 4.76
Voltage (kV)
Medium Voltage Switchgear
 Breaker Compartment
TOC
(Truck
Operated
Contacts)

MOC
(Mech
Operated
Contacts)
 Metal - Clad Barriers
• Compartment for each main switching
device
• Separate compartment for feeder and
incoming power
• Internal main bus compartment barrier
• Shutters
 Metal - Clad Safety
Interlocking
• Prevent racking in/out of a closed breaker
• Prevent closing during the racking operation
• Control circuit completed before closing in
the operating position
 Metal - Clad Safety
Interlocking (Cont)
• Hold breaker in place in all positions
• Prevent disconnecting CPT primary fuses
unless secondary circuit open
• locking means for lock and tagout
• Prevent release of stored energy to close
breaker unless fully charged
Switchgear
•Ground Bus
•Shutters
•Lockout
means
•Breaker rating
interference
•Current
transformer
Mechanism Operated Cell (MOC) switch
changes state as breaker opens and closes.
One or two voltage transformer roll-out
assemblies will fit in the same space as
one circuit breaker.
When withdrawn the roll-out assembly
positively grounds the primary fuses.
 Truck Operated Cell (TOC)
Switch changes state with movement of the
breaker in and out of the cell.
Toc and MOC
 Plug and play vertical sections
• Only a
630A, 20kA
device at
this time

38
 Minimized bare
copper helps prevent
arcing fault

39
Managing the E Field

40
 Rating Structure Standards
• C37.04, C37.06 & C37.09 - MV Breakers
• C37.20.2 - Metal-Clad Switchgear
• C37.20.7 – Arc Resistant Switchgear
• C37.20.3 - MV Load Interrupter Swgr.
• C37.13, C37.16 & C37.17 - LV Breakers
• C37.20.1 - Low Voltage Switchgear
• NEMA ICS 1, ICS 2, ICS 3, and ICS 6 -
Low and Medium Voltage MCC’s
Switchgear
and Circuit
Breakers
• Dielectric
tests
• Continuous
current
• Short time
and momentary
• Racking
endurance
 Breaker
• Short Circuit
Interrupting
• Mechanical
Endurance
• Load Current
• Definite
purpose -- Cap
Switching
 New Rollout Design with CPT
• Blown Fuse
 Voltage Ratings
• Rated Voltage (Rated Maximum Voltage): highest
rms voltage
• Power frequency withstand (Hipot): indicates
health of dielectric system under ideal condition
• B.I.L.: Basic impulse voltage (1.2 x 50
microsecond wave) for coordination
• Foil Test: Test of the withstand capability of bus
insulation
• Partial Discharge indication of level of
deterioration within dielectric (not required)
• Chopped for outdoor bkr and switching impulse
for 362kV
Bus Spacing Function of BIL and
MFR
Voltage Air Clearance Surface
Clearance
Insulated Bare Insulated Bare

635V N/A 1” N/A 2”

4.76kV 2” 3 1/2” 3” 5”

15kV 3” 6” 5” 7”

27kV 6” 9” 9” 14”

38kV 7 ½” 10 ½” 11” 17”

why Insulate lugs??
Insulation
Overlap Tape Details
 Rated Dielectric Strength
Insulation Levels (kV)
Rated Normal Reference
Maximum Frequency Impulse dc
Voltage (kV Withstand Withstand Withstand
rms) (rms) 1min

MC 4.76 19 60 27
Switchgear
8.25 36 95 50
15.0 36 95 50
27.0 60 125 
38.0 80 150 
 Altitude De-rating Factors
Low Voltage
Altitude Voltage Current
<6,600ft (2000m) 1.00 1.00
8,500ft (2600m) 0.95 0.99
13,000ft (3900m) 0.80 0.96
Medium Voltage

Altitude Voltage Current

<3,300ft (1000m) 1.00 1.00
5,000ft (1500m) 0.95 0.99
10,000ft (3000m) 0.80 0.96
Typical Test Set-up
1.2 X 50 Voltage Impulse Wave
1.2 microsec to
reach impulse
voltage

50 microsec to
decay to ½
impulse voltage
Chopped Wave

2 or 3
micro
second
withstand
BIL Test
Report
3x9
 Current Ratings
• Rated continuous current: maximum current
in rms amperes at rated frequency which
can be carried continuously without
exceeding specified temperature rise.

• 65 C rise with a 40 C ambient for tinned

and silver plate joints per ANSI
 Conductor Temperature Limits
Limit of hottest spot Limit of hottest spot
Type of bus or connection temperature rise total temperature
(°C) (°C)

Buses and connections with

unplated copper to copper
30 70
Buses and connections silver
surfaced or tin surfaced
65 105
Connection to insulated cables
unplated copper to copper
30 70
Connections to insulated cables
silver surfaced or tin surfaced
45 85
Note: All aluminum buses shall have silver surfaced, tin surfaced, or equivalent connecting
joints. Welded bus connections are not considered connecting joints.
 Ampacity for same square inches
1.8
1.5
1.2
0.9
0.6
0.3
0
2 Bars Round Facing Facing
Channels Angles
 Varying Ambient Temps
• De-rating is applied
Max De-rating
for various ambient Ambient factor
• Equipment design 60 .81
does not change only a
second nameplate 50 .91
• Emergency load 40 1.0
current capability 4h =
1.12 30 1.08
• Requires inspection
Breaker Thermocouples
Continuous Current
Certification
Heat Run
Results

Three sets of
readings at 30 min
intervals with no
more than a 1
degree change to
indicate thermal
stability
Equipment Selection
 One High
with
rollouts
• 1200 and
2000 A
• All PT
hook-ups
available
 Two High

• 1200 A
• Limited cable
compartment
• MOV’s in all
classes
• Zero sequence
ct
 CT
size
std.
Burden
CTs
CT size
High
Burden
CTs
 Rear Compartment w/ Power Trough

• 40% Fill
– 3-500MCM
– 2-750MCM
• ND deep – 84”
• ND shallow –
72”
– One High cable
– 2 High (bottom
cell out bottom)
(top cell out top)
Cable Fills
Cable Entry
Stub up
space
Simple installations
 Lug Dimensions

No one hole lugs !!

Cable Termination Spacing
Zero Sequence Sizing
Zero Sequence CT’s
Physical sizing of Zero Sequence Ct
Cutaway View
Bus Drops Hole Pattern
How many lugs can we land on a
drop

BIL is left
unbooted
 Number of
lugs per drop
for one high
swgr
Lugs per drop
Cable
trough
And
Surge
arrestors
Lugs per drop for two high swgr
Lugs per Drop 2 High No Trough
Circuit Breaker Selection
 Short Circuit Current Contribution

Utility
Generator
Synchronous Motor
Induction Motor

Total Fault Current

Symmetrical Asymmetrical
 Max interrupting @
Min voltage

Old MVA
Short
Circuit
Rating
Min interrupting @
Max voltage
 System Equipment
Capability Rating
• Short Circuit at • Interrupting rating
Contact part
• X/R • %dc at contact part
• Possible asymmetrical
current

• Back-up clearing time • Short time rating

• Momentary current • Latch & Close of Breaker

• Momentary & Short Time
of Switchgear
 SC Latch & Close Ratings
• Rated Momentary Current: 135,000 A
The maximum total current
the switchgear shall be 80kA rms Asym
required to withstand; peak 50kA Sym @
of the maximum cycle Contact part
• Max current breaker can
latch and stay closed 1200 A
• New standard - in crest
amperes
• Asymmetrical clearing time
can be 0.2 cycles longer
 SC Interrupting Ratings
• Symmetrical current in rms amperes breaker
interrupt through out voltage range
• Rating is based on current at time of contacts
part
• Test assumes a min. relay time of ½ cycle
• Max relay tripping delay up to 2 sec
Breaker Short Circuit
 Bolted Fault vs. Arcing Fault
in Medium-Voltage Switchgear
• Bolted Faults
– Current I²t
– Mechanical forces
• Testing
– Interrupting capability
– Thermal capacity of bus
– Mechanical bracing of bus
 Bus
bracing
failure
3000A Main bus at 63kA sym
/ 135kA crest
 Max force from fault
L 7
F  43.2kI x10 2

s
F = force at crest for single phase fault
k = Shape factor
I = current per conductor in amps
L = length of conductor in feet
S = distance between conductor centers in inches
S Factor
Chart
Short Circuit Current

Contact Part for a 3 cycle breaker

Circuit Breaker Timing
Fault began @ t = 0
Relay tells breaker to open @ t= ½ cycle
3 cycle breaker takes 11/2 cycles before contact part
 Typical Circuit Breaker Timing
Opening time (cycles) Rated interrupting time
1.0 2 cycle
1.5 (25ms) 3 cycle
2.5 (42ms) 5 cycle
3.5 8 cycle
Contact part = opening time + ½ cycle for minimum relay time
 Trip coil
energized
3 phase
fault
Gen Ph A

current
Ph A current

Gen Ph B

Asymmetrical
current Ph B current
Gen Ph C

Ph C current

TRV
 Mechanism Speed
• Breaker Timing
– First time operation
– Latch operation
– Speed
• Breaker Trip
Current vs voltage
 Asymmetrical Capability
• Based on X/R of 17 @ 60 Hz and 14 @ 50 Hz
• Breaker ability fixed at contact part time
• Asymmetrical capability is constant for entire time up to
max tripping delay of 2 seconds
• Old S factors and new %DC

2
 % dc 
I TOTAL  I symetrical 1  2 
 100 
Short Circuit Current

Contact Part for a 3 cycle breaker

New Capability Curve

Our 3 cycle breakers 50% dc

5 cycle breaker
Changes in X/R
Short Circuit Current
Gen Bkr Close and Trip
Generator Breaker A 1st pole
to clear

C tried to
clear at this
zero crossing
Generator Bkr Interruption
Recovery Voltage
Circuit Breaker Timing
 Asymmetrical Capability
• Based on X/R of 17 @ 60 Hz and 14 @ 50 Hz
• Breaker ability fixed at contact part time
• Asymmetrical capability is constant for entire time up to
max tripping delay of 2 seconds
• Old S factors and new %DC

2
 % dc 
I TOTAL  I symetrical 1  2 
 100 
Short Circuit Current

Contact Part for a 3 cycle breaker

 Trip coil
energized
3 phase
fault
Gen Ph A

current
Ph A current

Gen Ph B

Asymmetrical
current Ph B current
Gen Ph C

Ph C current
TRV
Information for Choosing an MV
Circuit Breaker
• System operating voltage & frequency
• Continuous current of circuit
• Short-circuit current
– Close-and-latch (crest) current
– Interrupting current (rms) at contact part
• System X/R ratio
• Service conditions: altitude, ambient
temperature, solar radiation, seismic, etc...
 Choosing an MV CB
Rated Voltage
• Rated voltage of circuit breaker must equal
or exceed maximum voltage at which
system will operate
• Standard ratings are 4.76 kV, 8.25 kV, 15
kV, and 38 kV
• Higher voltage breaker may be used at
lower voltage
 Choosing an MV CB
Rated B. I. L.
• B.I.L. rating of circuit breaker should
equal or exceed system insulation
coordination.
• Standard ratings are 60 kV for 4.76 kV
breakers, 95 kV for 8.25 kV and 15 kV
breakers, and 150 kV for 38 kV breakers
• Properly applied surge arresters will
protect switchgear against surges above
B.I.L. rating
 Choosing an MV CB
Rated Frequency
• ANSI/IEEE standards specify rated
frequency of 60 Hertz
• ANSI/IEEE standards allow 60 Hz tests to
qualify breaker for 50 Hz use
• Use at other frequencies requires special
engineering consideration
– Long arcing time for low frequencies
– Overheating for higher frequencies
 Choosing an MV CB Continuous
Current
• Continuous current rating of circuit breaker
must equal or exceed maximum continuous
current of circuit
• Standard ratings are 1200 A, 2000 A, and
3000 A
• For currents over 3000 A:
– Redesign system
– Force cool breaker
– Parallel breakers
Choosing an MV CB
Short-Circuit Current
 Back of the Envelope
Short Circuit Calculations
 Choosing an MV Circuit Breaker
Short-Circuit Current

• Forget MVA! Breakers are rated in kA

• Breaker rated short-circuit current, in kArms, must equal

or exceed available fault current at breaker rated
interrupting time (3 cycle/5 cycle, or 50ms/83.3ms, per
standards).

• Use K factor on older breakers.

• Newer designs all have K of 1.

• Consider X/R Ratio

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 K=1 Circuit Breakers
• Old k factor
breaker’s
interrupting
rating
increased as
voltage went
down

• K=1 breakers
are constant
interrupting
breakers
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 Choosing an MV Circuit Breaker
X/R Considerations

• Simplified E/X method - up to 100% of breaker rating if

X/R does not exceed 15

• Simplified E/X method - up to 80% of breaker rating for

any X/R

• For currents over 80% and X/R over 15, more exact
short circuit calculations are required
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 Choosing an MV Circuit Breaker
Short Time Current
• Per ANSI Standards, rated short-time current equals
maximum symmetrical interrupting capability

• Time is 2 seconds for metal-clad switchgear and 3

seconds for breakers

• Relaying needs to ensure that backup breaker is

tripped before front-line breaker exceeds its short-time
rating
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 Choosing an MV Circuit Breaker

Momentary Current
• Momentary current equals close-and-latch current
of circuit breaker
• This rated current must exceed maximum available
on system
• Now stated as crest (peak) current or as rms
asymmetrical current
• Be sure that you compare currents stated in same
terms
• For ANSI ratings,
• 1.6X = tested asymmetrical rms
• 2.7X = tested crest
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Short Circuit Current

Latch and Close
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C37.010-1999 – Figure 2
 Short Circuit Terminology

D.C. Offset
Machine Pump-Back (R.M.S Value)

Short Circuit Momentary or

Interrupting -
Duty Name “1st Cycle”

Reactance or
(Impedance) Symbol

Short Circuit Current

Symmetrical Symmetrical
Symbol

Machine Reactance
Subtransient Transient Synchronous
Name
Fuses & LV Breakers
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 Commonly Used Per Unit Formulae

MVA BASE
(1) p.u.X = OHMS x Line and Conductor Values
(kV)2
NEW NEW MVA BASE
(2) = OLD p.u.X x Transformer and Machine Values
p.u.X OLD MVA BASE
MVA MVA BASE
(3) = Short Circuit MVA
s/c p.u.X
MVA BASE Equivalent p.u.X from known MVA
(4) p.u.X =
s/c value
MVA s/c

MVA s/c
(5) I s/c = x 1000 Short Circuit Current (A)
kV x √3

When Necessary Use:

NEW (OLD kV)2 New p.u.X based on voltage rating of

(6) = OLD p.u.X x equipment being different from study base
p.u.X (NEW kV)2 voltage
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C37.010-1999 – Table 6
 Example System - Single Line Diagram
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 Find Utility Xpu & Rpu
Assume Base of 100MVA
Convert Everything to X pu & Rpu

MVABASE
Z Utility = = 0.25 Given
MVAUtility

X
ΘUtility = arctan = arctan(7) = 81.87°
R
( )
X pu = Z Utility (sin Θ ) = 0.25sin (81.87° ) = 0.2475

Rpu = (Z Utility )(cos Θ ) = 0.25cos(81.87°) = 0.0354

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C37.010-1999 – Figure 18
 Find Motor Xpu & Rpu

MVABASE
Z Motor, pu  ZM
MVAMotor
For 480VAC assume 1HP  1kVA
1
From 6.4.1, foot note c, X  "
d
LRApu
To calculate the interrupting duty in per unit, use 3.0X "d (Table 7)
1 MVABASE 1 100
X pu 3 3  666.67
LRApu MVAMotor 6 0.075
X pu666.67
R pu    66.67
X R 10
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C37.010-1999 – Table 7
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C37.010-1999 – Table 7
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C37.010-1999 – Figure 19
 Find Generator Xpu & Rpu

MVABASE
Z Generator , pu = Z G
MVAGenerator
Given
"MVABASE 100
X pu = X d = 0.1 = 2.0
MVAGenerator 5

X pu
2.0
Rpu = = = 0.067
X R 30
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C37.010-1999 – Figure 17
 Find Transformer T1 and T2, Xpu & Rpu
MVABASE
Z XFMR, pu = Z XFMR Given
MVAXFMR

MVABASE 100
X 1 , pu = X = 0.057373 = 1.147
MVAXFMR,1 5

MVABASE 100
R1 , pu = R = 0.003825 = 0.077
MVAXFMR,1 5

MVABASE 100
X 2, pu = X = 0.059184 = 5.918
MVAXFMR,2 1

MVABASE 100
R2, pu = R = 0.009864 = .986
MVAXFMR,2 1
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 Find Feeder F1 and F2, Xpu & Rpu
MVABASE
Z Feeder , pu = Z F XΩ 1000' = 0.054 RΩ 1000' = 0.16
kV 2
#1 MVABASE 500' 100
X 1 , pu = XΩ 2
= 0.054 2
= 0.014
1000' kV 1000' 13.8
#1 MVABASE 500' 100
R1 , pu = RΩ 2
= 0.16 2
= 0.042
1000' kV 1000' 13.8
#2 MVABASE 300' 100
X 2, pu = XΩ 2
= 0.054 2
= 0.009
1000' kV 1000' 13.8
#2 MVABASE 300' 100
R2, pu = RΩ 2
= 0.16 2
= 0.025
1000' kV 1000' 13.8
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 Solve for Fault at Bus 2

ZU = 0.112+ j1.395= 1.39∠85.41°

Z M = 67.69 + j672.6 = 676∠84.25°

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Z G = 0.092+ j2.009 = 2.01∠87.37°

 Calculate 3φ Fault Current

945.71∠169.67°
ZU & M = ZU || Z M = = 1.396∠85.41° = 0.112+ j1.392
677.39∠84.26°
2.807∠172.78
Z eq = ZU & M || Z G = = 0.824∠86.21° = 0.054 + j0.822
3.406∠86.57°
100
I BASE = = 4.184kA
13.8 3
1 1
I FAULT = (I BASE )= (4.184kA) = 5.078kA
Z eq 0.824

X 0.822
= = 15.11
R 0.054
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 Calculate 3φ Fault Current

1
RWith,Motor   0.0505
1 1 1
.112 67.69 .092
1 X 0.8221
X With,Motor   0.8221   16.27
1 1 1 R 0.0505
1.395 672.59 2.009

ZWith,Motor  0.0505  j 0.8221  0.824∠86.48

Z Ignoring,Motor  0.0506  j 0.8231  0.825∠86.49

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 Short Cuts

Compare to Vector :

I FAULT Angular 
1
4.184kA  5.08kA
0.824
I FAULTIgnoring,Re sis tan ce 
1
4.184kA  5.09kA
0.822
I FAULTIgnoring,Motor 
1
4.184kA  5.07kA
0.823
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C37.010-1999 – Table 10
 Typical Circuit Breaker Timing

Opening time (cycles) Rated interrupting time

1.0 2 cycle

1.5 (25ms) 3 cycle

2.5 (42ms) 5 cycle

3.5 8 cycle

Contact part = opening time + ½ cycle for minimum relay time

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C37.010-1999 – Figure A.10

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C37.010-1999 – Figure A.11

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C37.010-1999 – Figure A.12

 Asymmetrical Capability
• Based on X/R of 17 @ 60 Hz and 14 @ 50 Hz

• Breaker ability fixed at contact part time

• Asymmetrical capability is constant for entire time up to

max tripping delay of 2 seconds

• Old S factors and new %DC

2
%dc
ITOTAL = I Symmetrical 1+2
100
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 Choosing an MV CB
Using K Factor
• K is rated voltage range factor, a ratio
between rated maximum voltage (V) and
voltage at maximum symmetrical
interrupting capability, which = V/K
• At voltages between V and V/K,
symmetrical interrupting capability is:
Isc = I*V/System Voltage
• At voltages of V/K and below, sym-metrical
interrupting capability is KI
 Choosing
Metal-Clad Switchgear
• The ratings of metal-clad switchgear in
general follow the ratings of the circuit
breaker used in the switchgear
• Main bus continuous current rating must be
specified for the switchgear
– Standard ratings are 1200 A, 2000 A, and 3000
A
– Higher ratings may be available, but designers
should attempt to use standards
SKM Model
 Choosing an MV CB
X/R Considerations
• Simplified E/X method of calculating short-
circuit current may be used up to 100% of
breaker rating if X/R does not exceed 15
• Simplified E/X method may be used up to
80% of breaker rating for any X/R
• For currents over 80% and X/R over 15,
more exact short circuit calculations are
required
SKM Model

3 cycle
breaker
 SKM Momentary
x/r greater
than 15

Mom
not RMS
anymore Crest value
 Short Circuit Interrupting
X/R greater than
15 must consider
3 cycle assym
breaker

Breaker
must be No A/C
capable of decrement
a total
current of NOT VALID
this at FOR
contact MODERN
part CKT BKR
 PowlVac Max Interrupting Obsolete Continuous Cubicle Power BIL Close and %DC Rated Short Back to Back
Breaker Voltage Symmetrical MVA Current width Frequency crest Latch Interrupting Interrupting Time Cap
Type (kV) (kA rms) Class (A) (In.) Withstand (kV) (10cycle) Current Time (3) Current Switching
Note (1) (kV) Momentary (%) (cycle/msec) (3 sec.) (Amps) (4)
(kA, crest)
05PV36SND 4.76 36 250 1200, 2000 26 19 60 97 50 3 / 50 36

05PV36STD 36 250 1200, 2000, 36 97 36

3000,
4000(2)
05PV50SND 50 350 1200, 2000 26 135 50

05PV50STD 50 350 1200, 2000, 36 135 50

3000,
4000(2)
05PV63STD 63 500 1200, 2000, 36 170 63 1640
3000,
4000(2)

15PV25STD 15 25 500 1200, 2000, 36 36 95 67 50 3 / 50 25 1640

3000,
4000(2)
15PV36STD 36 750 1200, 2000, 97 36 1640
3000,
4000(2)
15PV50STD 50 1200 1200, 2000, 135 50 1640
3000,
4000(2)
15PV63STD 63 1500 1200, 2000, 170 63 1640
3000,
4000(2)

Notes:
(1) Interrupting current constant for all voltages less than the maximum voltage. Rated voltage range factor k=1.
(2) Forced Air Cooling fans required for current in excess of 3000 amps.
(3) 5 cycle breakers available at the same %dc ratings
(4) Back to back capacitor switching rating is good for 1200, 2000, 3000, and 4000 continuous current ratings.
(5) Maximum tripping delay is 2 seconds for all circuit breaker as per the ANSI standards.
6000MVA ETAP
source
35MW
Gen
Sep
X/R
38kV 40kA circuit breaker cell
 Arc Resistant Switchgear
• Arc flash hazards: pressure wave, heat, and
shrapnel
• Accessibility: Type 1, Type 2 and Type 2b
• C37.20.7 a combined test for ½ sec
 Bolted Fault vs. Arcing Fault
in Medium-Voltage Switchgear
• Arc Faults
– Mechanical forces
and Current I²t
– Heating and burning
of conductors and
enclosure
– Radiation
– Rapid overpressure
of equipment and
surroundings
Arc Fault Energy Directed Away
from the Technician
 MV Swgr
• Long creep paths to help
eliminate tracking faults
• Minimal phase to phase
supports
• Minimize hot spots
– Conductor size
– Surface area
– Air flow rate
• Racking method
– Assure alignment
– Maintainable
177
 Contamination and Aging
• Reliability center maintenance
• Climate controlled Substation
• Anti-condensation heaters
• Long creep paths
• Thermal limits
• Mechanism aging
– Too many operation – mechanical wear
– Too few operation – mechanical freezing 178
 Visible corona across a contaminated VI

Application of Switchgear in Unusual Environments IEEE IAS PCIC 2010

 Megohms test of horizontal VI
with contamination
10000

1000 250 VDC

M
E 500 VDC
100
G
1000 VDC
O
h 10

m
s
1

Clean VI w/ Water w/ w/
Spray Gypsum Gypsum and
Dust Water
0.1

Application of Switchgear in Unusual Environments IEEE IAS PCIC 2010

Additive Effective – Surface Flashover
• Non-uniform Electrical stresses
– Localized partial discharges
• Elevated temp and ozone
– Reactions with the polymeric insulation
• Low impedance high stress areas
– Free electrons
– Less stable molecules
• Electron Avalanche
 Additive Effects - Flashover in Air
• Per design low level voltage stress limits
1” = 20kV
– Few free electrons

– No current flow

• As field strength increase or chemical bonding

– More free electrons and more collisions

• Process continues resulting in conductive path

• Resulting in electron Avalanche

Application of Switchgear in Unusual Environments IEEE IAS PCIC 2010
 Failure Mechanism – Dielectric
System
• Contamination
• Condensation

Application of Switchgear in Unusual Environments IEEE IAS PCIC 2010

 Failure Mechanisms
• Dielectric System
• Temperature
• Altitude
• Contamination
• Partial Discharge

• Mechanical System
• Temperature
• Contamination

Application of Switchgear in Unusual Environments IEEE IAS PCIC 2010

 Choosing an MV CB
Service Conditions - Other
• Environmental conditions may require
special construction or rating
• Seismic requirements
• Altitude adjustments
• Ambient
• User and vendor need to agree on
requirements
 Substation
• Climate control of substations
• Chemical filtration where
required by coupons tests
• Windowed door to allow radio
communication and door
safety

186
 ANSI Mechanical Endurance
Circuit Breaker Ratings Number of Operations
Fixed Rated Continuous Rated Short- Between No-Load Rated Inrush
Maximum Current Circuit Servicing Mechanical Continuous Amps
Voltage Amperes, rms Current (2) (6) Current
MV, rms kA, rms
Line
No. Col 1 Col 2 Col 3 Col 4 Col 5 Col 6 Col 7

Indoor Circuit Breakers

1 4.76, 15 1200, 2000 20, 25, 31.5 2000 10000 1000 750
2 4.76, 8.25,15 1200, 2000, 3000 40, 50 1000 5000 500 400
3 15 1200, 2000, 3000 63 500 5000 500 400
4 27 1200, 2000 16, 25 500 2500 200 100
5 38 1200, 2000, 3000 16, 25, 31.5, 40 250 1500 100 100

Outdoor Circuit Breakers

6 15.5 and above All All 500 2000 100 100
Mechanical Endurance Tests
Element Test Point Evaluation
Primary contacts 500 cycles Check alignment,
& Control contacts penetration, and wear
Position interlocks Every 50th Check function in withdrawn
cycle position
MOC & TOC Every 50th Check contact continuity in
cycle all positions
Shutters Every 50th Check function in the
cycle withdrawn and connected
positions
Through door racking of standard
equipment

190
•Cannon Plugs
added to the front
of the switchgear
•One control
station used to
open and close
breakers

Remote Open / Close

191
Closed Door Racking

192
How to Remote Rack a Circuit
Breaker

193
 Choosing an MV CB
Service Conditions - Other
• Environmental conditions may require
special construction or rating
• Seismic requirements
• Altitude adjustments
• Ambient temp
THE END MV SWGR
 The End

Insert Date Revision 0 Page 196

MVMCC AR
MVMCC Arc Resistant
Main Bus Configuration
 Fault location

• Line
side of
fuses
Equipment Damage
 Adjacent Cell

Note while the

section with the
fault is a mess
very little damage
in the next cubicle
Arc Fault Test 50kA 5kV MCC
 4160Voltage Measurement Fault
• Results of
using a 1000
V meter on
4160 V
 4160 Voltage measurement fault
• PPE of the
tech doing
the
measuremen
t
 Interrupting rating of Contactor
Contactor interrupting rating

• Set Time dial to

– Allow 0.3 to 0.4 sec of
max ground fault current
– If coordinating with E2
Contactor make sure
time delay required for
contactor rating included
Interrupting Capacity
 Medium Voltage Motor Control
Center
• Grounded metal overall enclosure
• Bare bus
• Switching device is electrically operated
contactor, stationary or drawout
• Line disconnect with door interlock
• Fuses provide short circuit protection.
Separate overload & ground fault
 Medium Voltage Motor Control
Center Ratings
• Max Voltage: 2500 V, 5000 V, 7200 V
• BIL: 45 kV, 60 kV, 60 kV
• Rated Continuous Current: 200 A, 400 A
700 A, 800A
• Rated Short Circuit Current: = Fuse Rating
• Rated Short Time Current: 15 x for 1 sec.
 •Applications
• System configuration
• Motors
• Transformer Feeders
• Transfer Bus
• Capacitor Switching
• Generator Breakers
 System Configuration
• Voltage levels / Load flow
• System grounding
• Reliability requirements
• Short Circuit
• Acceleration & re-acceleration
requirements
• BIL Co-ordination
 Motors
• Contactor or Circuit Breaker
• Over load protection shall not exceed the
Continuous Current by more than 15%
• Surge protection use on critical motors due
to low BIL
• Problems with interruption of an inductive
circuit (motor during Locked Rotor)
Choosing Medium Voltage Motor
Controllers and MCC’s
• Most of the information required is the
same as is required for choosing metal-clad
switchgear
• The basic ratings are the same as in metal-
clad switchgear: Voltage, current, frequency
and service conditions
• Information about motors is required:
– Full load and locked rotor currents
– Acceleration time
 Choosing Medium Voltage
Motor Control Centers
• The ratings of medium voltage motor
control centers = the ratings of the
controller
• Main bus continuous current rating must be
specified for the MVMCC
– No ratings given in applicable standards
– Typical ratings offered by manufacturers are
800 A, 1200 A, 2000 A, and 2500 A, 3000A
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Voltage Ratings
• Rated insulation voltage must equal or
exceed system voltage
– Standard ratings are 2500 V, 5000 V, and 7200 V.
– Other ratings may be available
• B.I.L. rating must coordinate with rest of
system
– Standard includes List A and List B, based on exposure.
List B is higher and is preferred
– B.I.L. ratings are 45 kV for 2001-3600 V and 60 kV for
3601-7200 V. Note variation from switchgear
Recommended Motor Voltage
Withstand Values
IMPULSE
VOLTAGE
(PU)
CIGRé
7

3
IEEE
2

0
1 2 3 4 5 6

IMPULSE RISE - TIME (S)

 Motor Surge Voltages
Operation V (pu) Vacuum SF6
Breaker Breaker
Probability Probability

Closing 3 High High

Opening a running 2 Very low Very low

motor

Opening a stalled 4-5 Medium / Low

motor High
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Continuous Current Ratings
• Full load current of motor should not
exceed continuous current rating of
controller.
– Standard enclosed ratings are 180 A, 360 A,
630 A, and 720 A
– Previous standard listed open ratings of 200 A,
400 A, 700 A, and 800 A.
– Standard includes motor horsepower table for
reference only
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Service-Limit Current Ratings
• Service-limit current rating is 115% of
continuous current rating of controller
• Ultimate-trip current rating of overload
relays should not exceed service-limit
current rating of controller
• Controller may have temperature rise
exceeding test limits when operating at
service-limit current
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Interrupting Current Ratings
• E1 controllers depend on interrupting ability
of contactor, which is very low ~ 12kA max
• E2 controllers use current limiting fuses for
interrupting faults
– Standard ratings are 40 kA and 50 kA rms
• E2 controllers usually use a fuse which has
only short-circuit protective ability
• Fuse must be coordinated with over-load
relay and contactor
MVMCC
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Service and Storage Conditions
• Standard service and storage conditions are
covered in standard ICS 1, Clause 6
• Considerations are very much like those for
switchgear
• Minimum ambient temperature is 0 C
• Altitude limit is 1 km (3,300 ft) for
equipment with power semiconductors
• Special conditions must be called to
manufacturer’s attention
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Reduced-Voltage Starters
• Reduced-voltage starting methods control
effect on the power system of starting a
large motor
• Load flow and voltage drop studies
determine need
• May use any one of several starting
methods:
– Autotransformer is most common
– Reactor is second choice; resistor is rare
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Reduced-Voltage Starters
• Reduced-voltage starters include two or
three contactors as well as the required
autotransformer or reactor.
• All of these items taken together make up
one controller
• Only one set of fuses is required for a
complete reduced-voltage starter
• Interlocking, both mechanical and
electrical, prevents false operation
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Synchronous Motor Starters
• Basic features same as for an induction
motor starter
• May be full-voltage or reduced-voltage
• A given size starter will usually handle a
unity power factor synchronous motor
larger than its induction motor or 0.8 pf
synchronous motor size limit
• Otherwise, main difference is addition of
field supply, excitation control and
protection
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Loads Other Than Motors (1)
• Contactors can be used to switch
transformers or other feeder loads
• Usually, fully-rated current limiting fuses
are used rather than motor starting fuses
• Overload protection may be omitted
• May use latched contactor , which may be
mechanically and/or electrically opened
and/or closed
Choosing MV Motor Controllers
Loads Other Than Motors (2)
• Contactors, especially vacuum contactors,
can be used to switch capacitors
• Transformer and capacitor switching ratings
are not standardized. Contact manufacturer
for information
• CAUTION! A latched contactor does not
operate like a circuit breaker. It has no
anti-pump feature and can fail if given
close and trip signals together
The End
 Clearance for switchgear
NEC table 110.26A and 110.34A
Nominal volts to Clearance Clearance
Ground Condition 2 Condition 3
0-150V .914m – 3’ .914 - 3’
151-600V 1.07m – 3.5’ 1.2m – 4’
601-2500V 1.2m – 4’ 1.5m – 5’
2501-9000V 1.5m – 5’ 1.8m – 6’
9001-25000V 1.8m – 6’ 2.8m – 9’
25,001-75kV 2.5m – 8’ 3.0m – 10’

Except. Working space not requires in back of switchgear or

control assemblies where no renewable parts such as fuses or
switches. (door swing or 30”)