We are ready: IEC 62271-200The new switchgear standard Power Transmission and Distribution As one of the first manufacturers.Standards for all Switchgear are important nodal points in modern power distribution. 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. Siemens has implemented these requirements and already offers the complete product range of air-insulated and gas-insulated switchgear today. 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. IEC 62271-200 IEC 62271-200 2 IEC 62271-2 . type-tested according to IEC 62271-200. Correspondingly important is their reliable functioning. There is also the possibility of voluntarily certifying switchgear for resistance to internal arc faults and for personal protection. 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). Switching capacity test to verify the making/breaking capacity of the installed switchgear. e. the busbar in the busbar compartment and the incoming cable in the connection compartment could remain in operation. according to optional tests. if required. Manufacturers and operators can select the criteria which are relevant to them from the following six criteria and have them tested. Criterion 6: Earth connections must remain effective. Temperature rise tests to verify the current carrying capacity with rated normal currents. Pressure and strength tests to verify the gas tightness and pressure resistance for gas-filled switchgear. switching-device compartment. Cubicle-type switchgear: All other types of construction that do not meet the above features of the metal-clad or compartmented designs. Criterion 4: Vertical indicators must not ignite. 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. but the busbar itself could remain in operation. Peak and short-time withstand current tests to verify the dynamic and thermal current carrying capacity of the main and earth circuits. Criterion 2: Parts of the switchgear must not fly off.the incoming cable. Criterion 1: Doors and covers must not open. with switchgear in metalclad or compartmented design. connection compartment and low-voltage compartment). With a cubicletype design. Criterion 5: Horizontal indicators must not ignite. 00 3 .g.Retrospective IEC 60298 – for four decades this abbreviation was the decisive factor for the type testing of metal-enclosed switchgear. In this context. Therefore. partitions between the compartments made of sheet steel. Degree of protection tests to verify the protection against electric shock and foreign objects. 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. Metal-clad switchgear: Division of the switchgear panel into four compartments (busbar compartment. Compartmented switchgear: Division of the switchgear panel same as for metal-clad switchgear. the incoming cable had to be isolated. the IEC 60298 standard differentiates between three types of compartmentalization that serve exclusively as protection against electric shock. but with the partitions between the individual compartments made of insulating material. front plate made of sheet steel or insulating material. Mechanical function test to verify the mechanical functions and interlocks. without isolating the busbar. In order to guarantee safe access to the individual switchgear components. 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. Criterion 3: Holes must not develop in the external parts of the enclosure. Limited deformations are accepted. which finally came into effect as IEC 62271-200 in November 2003. However. The switching capacity may get a negative influence from the different arrangement of the switchgear with contact arms. the switching capacity test of both switching devices is no longer carried out as a pure device test. the responsible IEC committees decided on the reformulation of the switchgear standard. 3) No holes in the accessible sides up to a height of 2 meters. The energy flow direction of the arc supply. The vacuum arc-quenching principle is technologically so superior to other arc-quenching principles that the circuit-breaker can be fixed-mounted again. two disruptive discharges were permitted in a series of 15 voltage impulses for the test with rated lightning impulse withstand voltage. whereas the maximum number of permissible disruptive discharges is still two. at the end of the nineties. According to the new standard. The assignment is no longer according to the constructional description (metalclad.New specifications – new challenges Overview of IEC 62271-200 Although the old IEC 60298 standard was very helpful. the appearance of maintenance-free vacuum circuit-breakers. 4. 4 . made frequent access to this circuit-breaker no longer of prime importance. At the same time the old IEC 60298 standard was withdrawn without any transition period. 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. Changed dielectric requirements According to IEC 60298. 2) No fragmentation of the enclosure. Stricter internal arc classification Significantly stricter changes have also been implemented here. compartmented or cubicle-type design). 3. the testing of the substation with installed switchgear is mandatory in the new IEC 62271-202 standard. 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. with operating cycles far exceeding the normal number. both technologies – the vacuum arc-quenching principle and gas insulation – were not adequately taken into account in the existing standard. This resulted in the first-time use of gas insulation with the important features of climatic independence. 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. conductor bars. Instead. The classification of the substation is only valid in combination with the switchgear used for the test. For this reason. but according to operator-related criteria (Tables 1 and 2). it is now mandatory to carry out the test in the corresponding switchgear panel. 4) Horizontal and vertical indicators do not ignite due to the effect of hot gases. For the internal arc classification of substations with and without control aisle. the five following new criteria must always be completely fulfilled (no exceptions are permitted): 1) Covers and doors remain closed. Four key features are of special note with the new IEC 62271-200 standard: 1. 2. different arcing conditions because of different conductor geometries). Therefore. This can lead to a maximum of 25 voltage impulses. the test duties T100s and T100a from the IEC 62271-100 standard are stipulated for the test of the circuitbreaker inside the switchgear panel. compactness and maintenance-free design. In addition. Increased demands on the circuitbreaker and earthing switch In contrast to the previous standard. no projection of small parts above 60 g weight. etc. Above all. in time it was superseded by the technological progress. 5) The enclosure remains connected to its earthing parts. moving contacts. the series must be extended by another five voltage impulses if a disruptive discharge has occurred during the first 15 impulses. from the sides (L = lateral) and from the rear (R) Test current = rated short-circuit breaking current (in kA) Internal arc duration (in seconds) 5 . new switchgear must fulfill the IEC 62271-200 standard in order to avoid any resulting legal disadvantages. Table 3 The notation IAC A FLR. the possibilities of arrangement inside a room. no panel partition walls to adjacent panels. fuse replacement. Tool-based Opening not for normal operation or maintenance. Procedure-based Opening for normal operation and maintenance. the busbar and the adjacent switchgear panels can remain in operation. I and t contains the abbreviations for the following values: IAC Internal Arc Classification Distance between the indicators 300 mm. Access control via a suitable procedure (work instruction of the operator) combined with a locking device (lock). Panel partition walls and isolating distance with compartmentalization to the busbar. the following conditions must be satisfied by the switchgear operators: Already existing switchgear can still be operated in accordance with IEC 60298.g. Nonaccessible Opening not possible / not intended for operator. installation in rooms with access for authorized personnel. LSC 2B … then the incoming cable. integrated interlocks prevent impermissible opening. LSC 2 LSC 2A … then the incoming cable must be isolated. This applies generally to the gas-filled compartments of gas-insulated switchgear. fuse replacement. special access procedure (instruction of the operator). But also from an economic point of view. i. The busbar and the adjacent switchgear panels can remain in operation. e. Overview of the characteristic values The IAC classification describes a successful test. Table 2 Type of accessibility to a compartment Access features Interlock-based Opening for normal operation and maintenance. the comparison and evaluation of switchgear features is now more transparent.e. It results from the definition of the degree of accessibility. 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). Access is controlled by the construction of the switchgear. Access only with tool for opening. As the switchgear is maintenance-free and climate-independent. Consequences for operators With the new IEC 62271-200 standard. However.e. they are an investment in the future. A situation which has a number of advantages. e. e. Medium-voltage switchgear in the primary and secondary distribution level is generally classified with degree of accessibility A.g. closed electrical service location A FLR I t Access from the front (F). This means they are intended for use in rooms that are only accessible to authorized personnel (closed electrical service locations).g. For example. Panel partition walls and isolating distance with compartmentalization to the busbar and to the cable.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. opening can destroy the compartment. as well as the test current and test time (Table 3). i. access is neither required nor possible. No partitions within the panel. cable testing. 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. A greater margin for your safety Not only that: the more stringent requirements of the dielectric type tests have been implemented without exception. As one of the first manufacturers. Our type-tested series also entirely fulfill the specifications of IEC 62271-200 in all aspects. 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. etc. With the successfully verified internal arc classification. they guarantee the highest possible degree of operational reliability and therefore an extremely low failure rate. Siemens has already implemented the performance features requested by IEC 62271-200 at an early stage. Siemens switchgear fulfills the internal arc classification as vital proof of the personal safety. i. we offer the entire product range of air. Without exception. inside the switchgear panel with the associated arrangement of the conducting path.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.e. 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. Ready for the future – with Siemens With the fulfillment of the new IEC 62271200 standard. safety and reliability.Air. all our switchgear types represent the latest state of development in technology. This means for you as the operator: One hundred percent certainty that this combination of switchgear and switchgear panel functions reliably. IAC A FLR up to 50 kA and one second arc duration. In addition.” An investment in the switchgear technology made by Siemens is a profitable investment in the future. All switching capacity tests for the various circuit-breakers and earthing switches were performed in installed condition. All switchgear series were also tested for the internal arc classification in accordance with the new standard. contacts. our switchgear offers maximum possible personal protection. 6 . All switchgear certified in accordance with IEC 62271200 satisfies all five criteria required for the internal arc test without exception.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. 1 s NXAIR M Double 24.5 IAC A FLR 31. 1 s 8BT1 Single IAC A FLR 31.5 kA.5 31.Overview of Siemens switchgear Distribution level PM 24.5 24.5 31. 1 s SIMOSEC Single 17.0 20.5 kA.0 IAC A FL 40 kA.0 20.0 25.5 16.0 1250 1250 1250 1250 LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) * Maximum possible IAC classification .0 15.5 2500 2500 Insulation Design Loss of service continuity Partition class Internal arc classification* Switchgear type Busbar system Voltage (kV) Short-circuit current (kA) 1s 3s Rated current.0 20.0 IAC A FL 40 kA.5 25.0 25.0 40. 1 s NXAIR Single 12.0 31.5 2500 2500 4000 4000 3150 3150 2500 2500 4000 4000 3150 2000 2500 1250 630 630 LSC 2B 2500 2500 2500 2500 3150 3150 2500 2500 4000 4000 3150 2000 2500 1250 630 630 LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B Airinsulated Extendable LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2B LSC 2A LSC 2B LSC 1 Secondary Gasinsulated Nonextendable LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) PM IAC A FL 21 kA. 1 s 8DA10 Single 40.0 20.0 40.0 17. 1 s NXPLUS Double 36.5 40.0 25. feeder (A) Primary Gasinsulated Extendable LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) PM IAC A FLR 25 kA.0 25.0 IAC A FLR 40 kA.0 IAC A FLR 25 kA.0 50. 1 s NXPLUS Single 40.0 25.0 50.5 16.0 31. 1 s NXAIR P Single 15.0 20.0 36. 1 s NXAIR Double 12. 1s NXPLUS C Single 15.0 50.0 20.0 25.0 40.0 2500 1250 LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM IAC A FL 21 kA.0 20. 1 s 8BT2 Single IAC A FLR 25 kA. busbar (A) Rated current.0 31.0 17. 1 s NXAIR P Double IAC A FLR 50 kA.0 20. 1 s NXPLUS C Double 24.0 IAC A FLR 40 kA.0 31.5 24.0 25.0 20.0 1250 1250 630 630 LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) PM Airinsulated Extendable IAC A FLR 20 kA.0 25.5 kA.5 24.0 25.5 40.0 630 630 630 630 LSC 2B (panels without HV HRC fuses) LSC 2A (panels with HV HRC fuses) PM IAC A FLR 21 kA.0 40.0 20.5 24.0 25.0 20.5 25. 1 s Extendable 8DH10 Single 17.0 36.0 31.0 25.5 31. 1 s SIMOPRIME Single IAC A FLR 50 kA.0 40.0 2500 2000 IAC A FLR 31.0 31.0 IAC A FLR 25 kA. 1 s 8DB10 Double 40.5 31.5 kA.0 IAC A FLR 31.0 25. 1 s NXAIR M Single 24. 1 s 8DJ10 IAC A FL 16 kA.0 20.5 24.0 40. 1 s 8BT3 Single Single IAC A FL 31.0 50.5 kA. 1 s 8DJ20 Single 17. com www.siemens. 24 hours a day.com/energy-support Subject to change without prior notice Order no.: +49 180 / 524 70 00 Fax: +49 180 / 524 24 71 (Subject to charge: e. 12 ct/min) E-mail: support.g. please contact our Customer Support Center. . The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical features.siemens.com/energy For questions on power transmission and distribution. An obligation to provide the respective performance feature shall exist only if expressly agreed in the terms of contract. 31 c 91052 Erlangen Germany www. E50001-U229-A282-X-7600 Printed in Germany Dispo 30403 GB 06612 101976 08064. Tel.Siemens AG Power Transmission and Distribution Medium Voltage Division Mozartstr.energy@siemens. which may not always be available.