Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Asif Eqbal
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Area of application
Leading manufacturers
Business size of LV Switchgear Industry
LV CABLE
Sizing criteria
INTRODUCTION
Area of Application
All Industrial LV load distribution
LV Motor (up to 200kW) For pump, grinder, crushers etc..
VFD For application requiring speed control
Why use VFD?
Auxiliary & control supply of control & protection equipments
Commercial consumers
Printer & Xerox machine Vending machines
Scanner Baggage handling system
Elevators and escalators Fire detection and alarm system
Public address system Illumination
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Governing standards
Switchgear A general term covering switching devices and their combination with
associated control, measuring, protective and regulating equipments
enclosed inside a enclosure.
Any switchboard directly connected to transformer and which usually feeds other
PCC & downstream switchboards is technically called PCC (power control center).
MCC A switchboard, which does not feed any downstream boards and directly feeds to motor or
other loads, is MCC (Motor control center).
A switchboard which feeds both downstream boards and motor loads or one incomer
connected to emergency DG than they are called PMCC.
As per ANSI/IEEE:
Metal Completely enclosed on all sides and top with sheet metal except for ventilating opening.
enclosed & In addition to above requirement if the main switching and interrupting device is draw
out. Metal clad is applicable term for medium voltage. For LV application metal enclosed
Metal clad + compartmentalized is metal clad
Check point:
Specification needs to
be checked if it contains
the term metal clad
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
System Parameters
Why non
Design Ambient 50C condensing?
Why
Altitude <1000MtrMSLD
humidity?
Humidity <100%RHnoncondensing
Main system/Frequency
3Ph,4W,50Hz
Rated operational voltage 415V 10%
Power frequency
withstand voltage dry 2.5kVforpowercircuit
Semi-draw-out type In this design the incoming and outgoing power contacts
are of the draw-out type, but the control terminals are the plug-in type. The
control terminals are to be disengaged manually first, when the trolley is to be
drawn out.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Construction
Fully draw-out type In this construction the control terminals are of the
sliding
type. The moving contacts are mounted on the trolley while the fixed matching
contacts are mounted on the panel frame. These contacts engage or disengage
automatically when the trolley is racked-in or racked-out of the module
respectively.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Construction
Common
horizont
al bus
Maintenance on horizontal bus can be done by
opening top cover or door of bus bar
compartment
Point on vertical bus where male contact of bus
meets with female contact is most vulnerable to
fault and same can maintained through
breaker compartment or cable alley
A busbar alley is required after every feeder to
access the vertical busbar
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Construction
Summary
Older enclosure specifications are sometimes seen with an optional third IP digit
denoting impact resistance. German standard DIN 400509 extends the IEC
60529 rating systems with an IPK rating. Newer products are likely to be given
an IK rating instead.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Construction
NEMA Rating (enclosures)
The NEMA Standard for Enclosures for Electrical Equipment does test for
environmental conditions such as corrosion, rust, icing, oil, and coolants.
Step-2: Minimum
cross section where
requirement as per S =cross sectional area,
fault level I=fault level,
t=fault withstanding time,
k=constant.
For formula reference &
value of constant k refer IS
3043 or INDAL Al BUSBAR
HAND BOOK
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components
2
Step-3: Finding ampacity of
minimum cross section area Heat generated in
electrical terms
1 2
Where
Q = Heat dissipated in thermodynamic terms as per Stephen
Ambient as per Boltzmanns law
IEC 60694 is Q1 Heat generated by radiation 36.8 x 1012 x Emissivity Factor x Final
40oC. If project
specific Temperature 4 Ambient Temperature 4
ambient is
used than no 2
temperature
derating 0.0022 x Air Pressure 0.5 x Temperature Rise above new
required at ambient 1.25 / Height of cross section of busbar mounted along
later stage thickness 0.25
Is Q2 in still
air?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components
Can this current Derate the busbar as per the derating factor, K which is
value be used for product of 6 other factors k1, K2, k3, k4, k5
selection of bus bar? Hence k = k1xk2xk3xk4xk5
Insulator
yp
type?
Coefficient k4 is a function of where the bars are installed:
Calm indoor atmosphere: k4 = 1 Check point:
Calm outdoor atmosphere: k4 = 1.2 Insulator type is a
bars in non-ventilated ducting: k4 = 0.80 specification check
points
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components
SMC (Sheet molding compounds) for the busbar mounting supports.
They are basically fiber- or glass-reinforced thermosetting plastics (FRP or GRP) and possess good physical and thermal
stability, high mechanical strength and excellent. The improved properties, particularly its strength, over DMC is a result
of reduced degradation of the glass and the ability to use longer fiber. In DMC, this is usually 6-25 mm, while in
SMC it is about 25-50 mm.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components
Mechanical criteria to be
checked:
We have to check if the selected bus bars can withstand the
Why electrodynamic forces
mechanical The electrodynamic forces following a short-circuit current
check? are given by the equation: What is peak
F1 = (2 L/d) x Idyn x 10
2 -8
value?
F1 : Force expressed in daN
Idyn : is the peak value of short-circuit expressed in A
L : distance between insulators on the same phase cm
d : phase to phase distance cm
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components
Mechanical criteria to be
checked:
Mechanical criteria to be
checked:
Since bus bar are rigidly fixed to insulator and insulator has sufficient cantilever strength
to resist the deflection so bus bar will be subjected to bending moment whose resultant
strain is:
= F1xLxn/12
is Resultant strain
F1 is Electrodynamic force
L is distance between insulators on the same phase
n is modulus of inertia of given bus bar size and arrangement arrangement
should be Permissible strain of bus bar material
To save time and avoid the multiple repetition of above process a very
approximate starting point is to assume an average current density of 2 A/mm in
still air for Copper and iterate either up or down. The more popular thumb rule
being followed in India is to assume current density of 1.0 Amps / Sq.mm for
Aluminium and 1.6 Amps for Copper for any standard rectangular conductor
profile.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: Forms of separation inside switchboard
There are several reasons for partitioning a switchboard:
Partitioning rules are defined in standard IEC 61439-2. This definition is subject to agreement between
the switchboard manufacturer and the end user.
Form 2: Partition of
bus bars and functional
unit inside switchboard
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: Forms of separation inside switchboard
Form 3: Each
functional unit
is partitioned
from another.
Draw-out type
boards possible
with form 3
and higher
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: Forms of separation inside switchboard
Form 4: Each
functional unit as
well as there
terminal connecters
is partitioned from
another. Draw-out
type boards with
cable alley is
possible with form
4
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: Sleeving or bare
Bus bars can be bare or sleeved. For safety to personnel during maintenance and to protect the live system
from lizards and rodents the busbars may be covered with PVC tape or heat shrinkable PVC sleeve.
The joints and the tap-offs can be protected through FRP shrouds as shown in picture.
ACB:
Air Circuit Breakers are Circuit breakers where air is used as the medium of extinguishing the arc.
When a live circuit is interrupted, an arc is formed between the parting contacts. the intensity
and magnitude of which would depend upon the quantum and the quality (p.f.) of the current
being interrupted.
The insulating material ( may be fluid or air) used in circuit breaker should serve two
important functions. It should provide sufficient insulation between the contacts when
circuit breaker opens. It should extinguish the arc occurring between the contacts when
circuit breaker opens
At low voltage level di electric strength of air provides sufficient insulation between the
contacts as well as arc quenching medium
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB:
Air Circuit Breakers are Circuit breakers where air is used as the medium of extinguishing the arc.
During interruption, the arc is formed producing N2 (80%) and O2 (20%) and metallic vapors
High resistance
method.
Low resistance
method or zero
interruption method.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB:
In high resistance method we can increase the electrical resistance many times to such a high value that it
forces the current to reach to zero and thus restricting the possibility of arc being restruck. Proper steps
must be taken in order to ensure that the rate at which the resistance is increased or decreased is not
abnormal because it may lead to generation of harmful induced voltages in the system. The arc resistance
can be increased by various methods like lengthening or cooling of the arc etc.
Recovery voltage: It is the normal frequency (50 Hz) r.m.s voltage that appears across the contacts
of the circuit breaker after final arc extinction.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB:
Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage (RRRV): It is defined as the ratio of peak value of restriking
voltage to time taken to reach to peak value. It is one of the most important parameter as if the rate at
which the dielectric strength developed between the contacts is greater than RRRV, then the arc will be
extinguishes.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB:
Low resistance method is applicable only for ac circuit and it is possible there because of presence of
natural zero of current. The arc gets extinguished at the natural zero of the ac wave and is prevented from
restricting again by rapid building of dielectric strength of the contact space.
There are two theories which explains the phenomenon of arc extinction:
Energy Balance Theory: When the contact of circuit breaker are about to open, hence generated
heat would be zero and when the contacts are fully open there is no production of heat. So
maximum generated heat is lying between these two cases, this theory is based on the fact that the
rate of generation of heat between the contacts of circuit breaker is lower than the rate at which
heat between the contact is dissipated. Thus if it is possible to remove the generated heat at a high
rate than the generation, than arc can be extinguished.
Voltage Race Theory : The arc is due to the ionization of the gap between the contact of the
circuit breaker. As the contact separates the resistance starts increasing. If we remove ions at the
initial stage either by recombining them into neutral molecules or inserting insulation at a rate
faster than the rate of ionization, the arc can be interrupted.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Rating & Sizing
The rated currents of the circuit-breakers, the cross-sectional areas of cables, the transformer
power and the various other characteristic quantities of electrical equipment are represented
by a series of numbers 10, 12.5, 16, 20, 25, 32, ...630, 800 not immediately understandable.
French army engineer Charles Renard invented Renard series which are geometric progressions with
common difference n
Start with 100. Multiply that by 1.2589. Rating is 125.89. Round that to
125.
Multiply that by 1.2589. rating is 158.48. Round that to 160.
Multiply that by 1.2589. Rating is 199.52. Round that to 200.
Multiply that by 1.2589. Rating is 251.19 Round that to 250
And so on.
User wants a fine production in order to find
always the product suitable for his own
requirements, whereas the manufacturer
tends to rationalize the production in a
discrete way. Renard invented his series to
Charles Renard (1847-1905), a French meet both the requirements.
army engineer
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
What is
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB,thermal
ELCB
current?
ACB: Rating & Sizing
As per IS 13947 part-1, clause number 4.3.2.2, the value of the conventional enclosed thermal current
shall be at least equal to the maximum value of the rated operational current of the enclosed equipment
in eight-hour duty. The conventional enclosed thermal current is the value of current stated by the
manufacturer to be used for the temperature-rise tests of the equipment when mounted in a specified
enclosure.
Further IS 13947 part-1 clause number 4.3.2.2 says that this current (Thermal current) is
not a rating and is not mandatorily marked on the equipment.
As per clause number 4.3.2.3 of IS 13947 part-2, Rated current for circuit-breakers, is the
rated uninterrupted current and is equal to the conventional free-air thermal current
(Ith).
Ics - Service short-circuit breaking capacity. Ics is subject to an O-t-CO-t-CO sequence. The breaker
is then subject to both dielectric withstand and temperature rise tests.
This means that the breaker can break its rated service short circuit breaking current three times
within a gap of 6 minutes. And, even after this, the breaker can be used as a switch, capable of
making, carrying & breaking its normal rated continuous current and overload currents. Only, it
would not be able to break any further short circuit currents. As such, the breaker can be continued
in service, albeit, with a short circuit protective device back-up, until the replacement arrives.
Icw - Rated short-time withstand current. Circuit breakers may be subject to through fault which they
are not intended to clear. While not clearing these faults, the breaker will still need to withstand the
thermal and mechanical stress imposed by the fault current.
The more Icw, that switchgear has got, the more co-ordination interval that one has got.
Many switchgear may have breaking capacities of, say, 50kA, but their one-minute Icw may be lower
say, 35kA only. So, this point must be paid attention to, while specifying switchboard.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Rating & Sizing, Icu, Ics & Icw
The Ics rating of all LV circuit breakers should at least be equal to short circuit current at the point of
installation. This will ensure that in worst case, the breaker is able to clear the full magnitude of fault
current (full 3 phase bolted short circuits at the CB terminals, which is rare of the rarest fault) three
times and remains operational.
Majority of faults tend to be towards the load end and cable impedance substantially reduce the fault
level. The faults are more likely to be a single phase rather than a three phase thereby reducing the
fault further.
R Y B R Y B N R Y B N
Specification check
point: What type of CB
TP TPN 4P is asked in specification?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Rating & Sizing, TP, TPN & 4P CB
Where to use 4 Pole CB instead of TPN CB
In case of parallel operation of DG (For DG and mains or two DG: IS 3043 clause number 23.2.2)
In case of multiple incomer to a switchboard:
DG and transformer
Two transformer
If one DG is failed and other DG sets are in running condition to feed the loads, and there is some
unbalance in loads then depending on degree of unbalance, there will be flow of current through
neutral. During this time, if any technician is attending on failed DG incomer and if he touches the
neutral conductors (which is earthed) he will get electric shock depending on the potential rise in
common neutral due to flow of current through neutral conductor.
This problem will also be there if there is standby DG with transformer and their location is different.
Three pole breaker with direct neutral earthed at their respective end will cause hazard during
maintenance being done at any one of them with other in running condition.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Rating & Sizing, TP, TPN & 4P CB What is unrestricted
Where to use 4 Pole CB instead of TPN CB earth fault protection?
3. If unrestricted ground fault protection is fitted to the transformer neutral, then the bus section circuit
breaker should have 4-poles and preferably incomer circuit breakers should also have 4-poles.
Ground fault located at the load side of a feeder have two return
paths. As shown above, a ground fault on a feeder at the bus section
A will have a current return path in both the incomers, thus tripping
both Bus. The sensitivity of the unrestricted ground fault relay is
reduced due to the split current paths.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Auxiliary supply
ACB Spring charge motor : 240V AC, Source - Internally tapped from incomer before breaker
ACB Closing & tripping & relays : 220V DC, Source - External
Panel illumination & space heater : 240V AC, Source - Internally tapped from incomer before breaker
Meters & Transducers : 240V AC, Source - Internally tapped from incomer before breaker
Control circuit of O/G feeders : 240V AC, Source - Internally tapped from incomer before breaker
Motor space heater : 240V AC, Source tapped from respective feeder after breaker
Selection of control and auxiliary supply inside switchboard should be done carefully as it
will have direct impact on:
1. Size of battery and chargers
2. Amount of cabling
3. Requirement of control transformer
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ACB: Protection through relay or integral release
Protection in LV network can either be achieved through external protection relays or integral releases in
CB
There are two types of release:
1. Thermal Magnetic Release - Thermal element for over current and magnetic element for short
circuit.
2. Microprocessor Release - The Microprocessor release works on monitoring of current True R.M.S
value. It is simulated and calculated from peak values, which installed microprocessor, can detect.
What is an MCCB?
Same definition as given in ACB in slide no-43 than what is the difference?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCCB
MCCB differs with ACB on account of following:
Governing standards- For ACB: 60947 & For MCCB: IEC 60898, BS EN 60 947-1 General Rules,
BS EN 60 947-2 Circuit Breakers & BS EN 60 947-3 Switch Disconnector
MCCB Load
Discrimination
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCCB
Selection between ACB & MCCB?
Category A
This is for MCCBs with no intentional time delay and are therefore not specifically intended for high
selectivity applications, which tend to be a thermal magnetic MCCB. These MCCBs would not have a
Icw rating.
Category B
These MCCBs have a time delay which makes them more suited to applications that demand higher
selectivity .The majority (but not all) of microprocessor MCCBs have a short time withstand Icw
rating. For example a 1250A MCCB may have an Icw of 15ka rms for 300msec
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCCB
The two contact arms are positioned parallel to each other as shown.
Because the current flow in one arm is opposite in direction to the current flow in
the other arm, the two magnetic fields oppose each other.
During normal current conditions, the magnetic field is not strong enough to
force the contacts apart.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCCB: Contacts
When a fault develops, current increases which increases the
strength of the magnetic field.
The increased strength of the opposing magnetic fields open the
contacts faster by forcing them apart.
Electromechanical Electronics
Thermal Difference
Static between digital &
magnetic
numerical?
Digital p
Magnetic
based
Cl 7.5 off Al
Alstom
t
network protection
Numerical & automation
guide
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCCB: Type of Trip Unit
Is it possible transmit metering data like current, voltage and kW from a numerical or
digital release MCCB? Or Can any MCCB display metering data and save external MFM?
Option-1 Option-2 Option-3
Individual meter Common HMI in B/C Door display through Schneider
compartment FDM 121 or L&T MTX3.0
Release
Most cost effective Cost effective compared to Cost effective for ACB feeders
for non ACB feeders individual HMI however not
used in switchgears mostly
in UPS or process plant
switchboard
Interchangeable Trip - The user does not have access to the trip unit on some
Circuit Breakers. This means the trip unit cannot be changed with another.
Interchangeable trip is a design feature that is available on some thermal-magnetic
and solid state breakers. The advantage of a breaker with an interchangeable trip
unit is that the user can change the continuous current rating of the breaker
without replacing the breaker. This is done by replacing the trip unit with one of a
different rating.
GE Frame Sizes: three basic frame sizes up-to 800A. First frame covers 3.2A to
160 A, Second in 200 / 250 / 400A and third in 400 / 630 / 800A.
Specification check point:
Interchangeable trip units
asked in specification or
not?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
MCCB
guides\Guides\MCCB Tech details\L&T MCCB_Technical details.xlsx
guides\Guides\MCCB Tech details\Schneider MCCB_Technical details.xlsx
Fuse based system:
In this system MCB & MCCB is not used at all. Till 630 Ampere fuse is used and above 630
Ampere ACB is used.
In any switchgear with two incomer and buscoupler, If fuse is used than changeover has to be manual,
because with fuse you cannot attain automatic changeover. where as if MCCB is used you can attain
automatic changeover.
Whenever we say fuse it means we are supposed to use SFU or SDF that is switch fuse unit or switch
disconnect fuse.
In case of MCCB you get spare contacts for remote indications and if you use MCCB with shunt trip coil
you can even use it for remote tripping and operation with relays. Same is exactly not possible with fuse
In case of SFU of say 132 Ampere please note that the rating should be indicated as 132/132 or 132/150
ampere where numerator indicates fuse rating and denominator denotes switch rating. Generally switch
rating is next higher side to fuse rating but even if it is same no issues, it should be left to vendor as
different manufacturer have different standards.
Comparison between Fuse based and fuse less system:
Broadly because of following advantages fuse based system is preferred:
Fuse has high rupturing capacity.
Fuse has shortest operating time.
Because of quick operating time of fuse we do not need to check the SC criteria at all for LT power cables
Thermel magnetic MCCB is to be used below 160 Ampere which has operational history of nuisance
tripping.
Only disadvantage of fuse is that once blown it has to be replaced so spare should be available.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MCB
Construction wise MCB is similar to MCCB with exception that it is
available in lower kA rating hence it is of small frame size and hence
the name miniature circuit breaker
As practice used up-to a rating of 125A
Motorized operation not possible because of small size hence not
available with shunt trip coils for remote operation
Available with auxiliary contacts
Trippin Application
g class
B Fast Acting. Instantaneous trip response
of 3 - 5X rated current (In). Used for sensitive
equipment and purely resistive loads.
C Normal acting. Instantaneous trip response of 5 - 10x
rated current (In). Used for control circuits and mixed
loads
D Slow Acting. Instantaneous trip response of 10 - 20x
rated current (In). Used for motor, transformer and
solenoid applications.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
MPCB
This can match closely the thermal characteristics of a motor. In this case one MPCB will be
sufficient to replace the HRC fuses and the thermal relay and a separate OCR may not be necessary.
Protection against direct contact electric shock is based on normal common sense
measures such as insulation of live parts, use of barriers or enclosures, protection by
obstacles or protection by placing live parts out of reach. As a result, under normal
conditions it is not possible to touch the live parts of the installation or equipment
inadvertently.
IS 732 says that protection against direct contact electric shock:
By preventing the current from passing through the body. Live parts shall be inside
enclosures or behind barriers providing at least the degree of protection IP 2X
Limiting the body current to a safe value
ELCB
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
IS 732 says that protection against indirect contact electric shock:
By preventing the current from passing through the body
Limiting the body current to a safe value
Automatic disconnection from the supply mains (by RCD). The basis of RCD protection is
to ensure that any voltage, exceeding 50V that arises due to earth leakage currents, is
immediately disconnected. This is calculated by using a simple formula given in BS 7671
Regulation 411.5.3.
Range
16A - 63A
Sensitivity
30mA, 100mA, 300mA
Execution
Double Pole (2P)
Four Pole (4P)
Specification
IEC 61008-1/IS 12640 - 1:2000 / EN
61008-1
IEC 61008/ IS 12640 part 1: Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker without Integral
Overcurrent Protection (RCCBs)
IEC 61009 / IS 12640 Part 2: Residual Current Operated Circuit Breaker with Integral
Overcurrent Protection (RCBOs)
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ELCB
RCDs may be distinguished by their technology, as follows.
Voltage Independent RCDs. These RCDs rely on the energy of the residual current to activate the RCD.
These devices are sometimes referred to as Electromechanical RCDs, and are voltage-independent in
operation.
Voltage Dependent RCDs. These RCDs use the mains supply voltage to power an electronic circuit and
the tripping mechanism to activate the RCD. These devices are sometimes referred to as Electronic RCDs
and are voltage-dependent in operation.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ELCB
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ELCB
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ELCB
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Bus bars and other components: ACB, MCCB, MPCB, MCB, ELCB
ELCB
Specification check
point: IS ELCB or
leakage protection asked
in wiring installation?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders
Different terminology in schemes
Power circuit: It consists of power equipments for switching and protection of the downstream
equipment e.g. ACB, MCCB, fuse switch, power contactor, relays, CTs, etc. Power circuit is generally
indicated by the use of thick lines in the scheme drawing. Such that, it can be easily differentiated from
the control circuit.
Control circuit: The control circuit consists of metering, protection and indication devices with
necessary switches and interlocks. It includes the coil circuit of contactors, ACBs, their auxiliary contacts,
shunt trips of MCCBs and all indicating lamp circuits. The supply for control circuit is either tapped from
one of the phases and neutral of the feeder directly (or through a control transformer) or from external
supplies. Control fuses are used for protection of control circuit. The rating of control fuses is selected
according to the equipments connected in the control circuit.
Cross-reference: For reading convenience, the drawing page on which scheme is drawn is divided into
equal parts. The scheme drawing consists of various different equipments like contactors, relays, ACBs,
MCCBs, etc. These devices consist of power contacts & auxiliary contacts. A specific tag number denotes
each device & its terminals used in the scheme. The family of a device along with its contacts & terminals
are drawn in one of the sections of the drawing page & the section where each terminal is used is also
written alongside. Now the section in which a specified terminal is used also bears a notation alongside,
which indicates the section in which the family of that specified terminal exists & the number of the
device to which the terminal belongs.guides\Guides\MCCB Tech details\DOL Reference Scheme.pdf
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Specification check
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders point: Wiring size for
CT, PT, Annunciation
Different terminology in schemes and control circuit?
Contacts / Push Buttons: The push buttons are the switches, which can close or open the circuit
whenever it is pressed. The contact is a part which is actually responsible for opening or closing of the
circuit. The contacts are basically of two types. power contacts & the auxiliary contacts. The power
contacts act in the power circuit, whereas the auxiliary contacts act in the control circuit.
NO/NC contacts: The auxiliary contacts are further classified into two parts, namely NO (Normally
Open) & NC (Normally Closed). This implies that these contacts are opened or closed respectively when
the coil is de-energised or is in the OFF condition.
Stay-put Push Button: This type is a special version of push buttons. As its name suggests these
buttons once pressed stay or remain in the same position. Turning the button in the clockwise direction
can open these buttons. Another version of this button can be turned to open only by using its own
specific key to prevent any unauthorized use of it.
This image cannot currently be display ed.
a low air pressure when the tank was empty, a medium pressure when
the tank was partially full, and a high pressure when the tank was
completely full. This is pneumatic signaling system where air pressure
signals are transmitted using tubes, easily measured (with mechanical
pressure gauges), and are easily manipulated by mechanical devices
using bellows, diaphragms, valves, and other pneumatic devices.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders
Different terminology in schemes
Concept of DI/DO/AI/AO/RO
DI: Digital Input- is potential free contact from any other control circuit. (Hard wired)
DO: Digital output- is potential free output from controller (Hard wired)
AI: Analog input- 4-20mAmp (by paired cable) or any other continuous signal like Voltage,
kVA, Current etcinto controller (Hard wired)
AO: Analog output- 4-20mAmp (By paired cable) or any other continuous signal like
Voltage, kVA, Current etcas output of controller (Hard wired)
RO: Relay output- Hardwired voltage driven signal with some current rating. Usually 240V
AC, 10Amp. Potential free relay outputs are also available.
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders
Basic Schemes 1: DOL Feeder
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders
Basic Schemes 2: DOL Feeder with local remote selection and remote
This image cannot currently be display ed.
start
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Wiring Schemes & type of feeders
Basic Schemes 3: DOL Feeder with star delta starter
Basic Schemes 4: DOL Feeder with Local remote selector switch + Auto
manual selector switch
Basic scheme 5: RDOL Feeder with Local remote selection + Auto manual
selection
Process for scheme preparation
Based on type of
control & Signal
Identification of exchanges Field and DCS I/O
type of drives, list finalization
Motorized valve, Drive control Logic diagram for
pumps etc. philosophy respective breaker
operation
Specification check
point: Drive control
philosophy, I/O list
should be checked in
specification?
LOW VOLTAGE SWITCGEAR
Layout aspect
Clearance criteria:
This image cannot currently be display ed.
1. Section 51 of IE rule
2. CPWD norms
3. NEC rule 10
4. TNEB guidelines
5. Tariff advisory committee guidelines
6. CEA guidelines
Points to check:
1. Bus duct entry or cable entry
2. Bottom entry or top entry of bus duct
3. Single front or double front panel
4. Fixed type or draw out type
5. Future space required or not
6. Phase sequence of transformer and switchgear incomer to be checked.
7. In case of space constrained possibility of making L shaped panel or placing two single front back to
back can be checked
8. There should not be any doorway or cupboard behind the switch board. Board should not block the
doorway.
LOW VOLTAGE CABLES
SIZING CRITERIA
The following three criteria apply for the sizing of cables for circuit breaker
controlled feeders:
I. SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT WITHSTAND CAPACITY
This criteria is applied to determine the minimum cross section area of the cable, so that cable can
withstand the short circuit current.
II. CONTINUOUS CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY
This criteria is applied so that cross section of the cable can carry the required load current
continuously at the designed ambient temperature and laying condition.
III. STARTING AND RUNNING VOLTAGE DROPS IN CABLE
This criteria is applied to make sure that the cross sectional area of the cable is sufficient to keep the
voltage drop (due to impedance of cable conductor) within the specified limit so that the equipment
which is being supplied power through that cable gets at least the minimum required voltage at its
power supply input terminal during starting and running condition both.
LOW VOLTAGE CABLES
SIZING CRITERIA
Specification check
point: Any short circuit
withstand time given in
specification?
LOW VOLTAGE CABLES
SIZING CRITERIA
Standard ampacity tables are available for a variety of cable types and cable
installation methods and can be used for determining the current carrying
capacity of a cable for a particular application.
K = K1 X K2 X K3 X K4
When voltage
tolerance is 10% why
allowable drop is 5%? Specification check
point: Any voltage drop
criteria mentioned in
specification?
LOW VOLTAGE CABLES
SIZING CRITERIA
X component of voltage drop:
= Vdx = AE = AD + DE = AD + BG
= IRCos + IX Sin (Equation-1)
Y Component of voltage drop:
= Vdy = CE = CG-EG
= CG-BD
= IXCos IRSin (Equation-2)
X component of VS:
VSx = OE = (OC2 CE2)
VSx = VS2 Vdy2 (Equation-3)