NORMAL CLAD

Air insulated MV Metal clad

switchgear 12-24-36-40.5kV
NORMAL CLAD
Air insulated MV Metal clad
switchgear 12-24-36-40.5kV
SUMMARY

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 3

MAIN COMPARTMENTS 4

GENERAL FEATURES 6

TECHNICAL DATA 8

MAIN EQUIPMENT 12

SMART EQUIPMENT 14

TYPE TESTS 16

SPECIAL APPLICATIONS 19

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 NORMAL CLAD

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Medium-Voltage Metal Clad Switchgear - STANDARDS

Normal Clad - special features up to IP65.
It is an air insulated (AIS) switchgear, fitted The switchgear and main apparatuses comply with the
with metallic segregated compartments following standards:
and withdrawable main components
IEC 60071-2 for the insulation
(circuit breaker, voltage transformers,
coordination
protection relays). It is designed for
primary distribution grids and can be IEC 60265-1 for the switch-
supplied as standard or Internal Arc- disconnectors
Classified IAC AFLR. For outdoor use IEC 60470 for the contactors
(mines, Oil & Gas) it can be design in
IEC 60529 for the degree of
special features with a protection degree
protection
up to Ingress Protection IP 65 and
configuration Duplex, Double Busbars IEC 62271-1 for general purposes
Systems. IEC 62271-100 for the circuit-breakers

IEC 62271-102 for the earthing switch

IEC 62271-200 for the switchgear

EAC and GOST certification soon available

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MAIN COMPARTMENTS

CIRCUIT-BREAKER AND EARTHING SWITCH MAIN BUSBAR COMPARTMENT

CONTROL COMPARTMENT
This compartment contains the main busbar system,
The circuit breaker compartment, together with the connected to the fixed contacts of the interrupting
related trolley and the accessories for its operation, is device envelopes. This area is protected by removable
equipped with: panels, in order to allow the maintenance and the
direct access to the busbar system. The busbar area
Fixed part of the interrupting device which creates
is extended along the length of the entire switchgear.
the physical connection with the line unit and the
busbar unit.
FEEDER, CURRENT TRANSFORMERS AND
Metallic obturators automatically operated by the EARTHING SWITCH COMPARTMENT
movement of the circuit breaker trolley.

Passage of auxiliary cables. Normal clad switchgear can be wall-standing, since

they have full access for maintenance and installation
Control of the earthing switch is carried out through a
operations. The cable area is accessible from the front
lever system which operates inside the compartment.
side through a segregation panel that is interlocked
with the earthing switch and can be removed only ./.

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 MAIN COMPARTMENTS

with the earthing switch closed. AUXILIARY COMPARTMENT

The feeder compartment can house the earthing switch
and relevant auxiliary contacts, current and voltage The auxiliary compartment consists of low-voltage and
transformers, captor drivers for signaling voltage on protection instruments. It contains protection relays for
cables, voltage indicator, toroidal current transformers the command of the protection system and it receives
on cables, cables terminals, power cable passage signals from TA and TV systems.
opening and earthing switch interlock.
The earthing switch has short-circuit making capacity.
Control of the earthing switch is from the front of the AUXILIARY CIRCUIT WIRING DUCT
switchgear with manual operation, and optionally, can
also be motor operated. The wiring duct for the auxiliary connections between
the various units and external apparatus is installed on
the top of the unit in the front part above the instrument
WITHDRAWABLE VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS cubicle. Into the duct there are wiring related to the
COMPARTMENT interpanel wiring.

The voltage transformer (VT) compartment consists of an

enclosure where a withdrawable truck is inserted, with GAS DUCT
the transformers on board and the relevant protection
fuses. The resin-insulated voltage transformers are used Normal clad can be arc-proof and supplied with a
for supplying measurement to protection devices. The duct for the evacuation of the gases produced by the
main features of the VT compartment are: arc itself. The duct is fixed on the top of the auxiliary

Isolation of the VT’s and relevant fuses is by an compartment. In specific plants, the exhaust gases
cannot normally be evacuated out of the room and
external operating handle.
therefore the gas duct must always be closed on both
When the primary VT’s are isolated the VT secondary the end-sides and equipped with top chimneys. If there
are cases when it is not possible to evacuate gases out
circuits are also isolated automatically.
of the room, the switchgear can be supplied with outlet
The truck movement is carried out through a control gas duct.
system managed by an operating handle.

Metallic obturators automatically operated by the

movement of the trolley.

The fuses can be replaced opening the door, after

VT isolation and withdrawal from the compartment.

On request, the voltage transformers can be of three

types: inserted, removable or withdrawable.

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GENERAL FEATURES

The characteristics of the switchgear are guaranteed The normal operating altitude is up to 1.000 m above
under the following operating conditions: the sea level.

T E M P E RAT U R E Normal Clad switchgear can be used for particular

applications like naval sector, mining, in presence of
Minimum ambient temperature:
high-temperatures and application in seismic zones.
-5°

Maximum ambient temperature:

+40°

AMBIE NT H U M I D I T Y

Maximum 24h average of relative humidity:

95%

Maximum monthly average of relative humidity:

90%

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 GENERAL FEATURES

PROTECTION DEGREE SWITCHGEAR CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE

The degree of protection of the Normal Clad switchgear C.R. Technology Systems counts on skilled personnel
is conform to the IEC 60529 standards and it is normally for preventive and predictive maintenance operations.
supplied with the following degree of protection: A proper maintenance limits product deterioration over
time, which can cause a loss in terms of quality and
IP4X for the enclosure (higher degree
improve the safety of the work environment and of the
on request).
people that operate it. Moreover, maintenance activity
IP2X for internal compartments. has a direct effect on the footprint impact, as the
It is possible to provide switchgear with higer degree product works longer, and energy losses are avoided.
of protection. 1. Create a checklist for routine maintenance.

2. Periodically lubricate all moving mechanical

PAINTING OF EXTERNAL SURFACES
parts.

The painting is realized with epoxy powders, suitable 3. Check the condition of the coating and the
for processes like washing, degreasing, phosphation, outer casing.
passivation and treatments with water without salts.
4. Replace the components before their
The standard colour for metallic structures and doors
obsolescence.
is RAL 7035– light grey (front doors and side sheets).
Other colours available on request. 5. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions,

The minimal thickness of the internal painting is 80µm, concerning timing and manner.

while for the external part it is 120µm. 6. Pay attention to warning signs, even if they
don’t lead to immediate functional failures.

7. Track and test data to verify the lifespan of

SAFETY EQUIPMENT the product.

8. Manually operate circuit breakers once a

Normal Clad switchgears can offer a safe performance
year, in order to keep the contacts clean and
thanks to:
help operating mechanisms move freely.
The presence of electrical and mechanical interlocks
9. Offer training courses to operators.
specially designed to prevent any potential error in
the maneuver sequence. 10. Keep updated on maintenance procedures.

Maneuvers executable only with specific key and

levers.

Electrical and mechanical interlocks installed in

order to prevent the access to components in service.

Availability of remote operations.

Possibility of equipping the cubicle with sensors for

preventive maintenance (temperature probes and
electric arc).

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TECHNICAL DATA
DATASHEET NORMAL CLAD

Related Voltage kV 12 17,5 24 36 40,5

Related Voltage insulation kV 28 38 50 70 85

(1 min)

Impulse Test Voltage (BIL) kV 75 95 125 170 200

Main busbar rated current A Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to

4.000 4.000 3.600 3.150 3.150

Main bars rated current A 1.250 1.250 1.250 1.250 1.250

2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000

2.500 2.500 2.500 2.500 2.500

3.150 3.150 3.150 3.150

3.600 3.600

4.000 4.000

Short time rated current kA (3s) Up to Up to Up to Up to Up to

50 50 40 40 40

Rated frequency Hz 50 - 60 50 - 60 50 - 60 50 - 60 50 - 60

IP Protection degree IP4X* IP4X* IP4X* IP4X* IP4X*

Loss of service continuity (LCS) LSC2B LSC2B LSC2B LSC2B LSC2B

Arc-proof version IAC AFLR kA (1s) 25 25 25 16 16

*Up to IP65, upon request

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 TECHNICAL DATA

UNIFILARS

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SWITCHGEAR TYPES

Normal Clad 12kV

Rated Width Depth Height* Estimated
current (mm) (mm) (mm) Weight (Kg)
630 A 750 1580 2380 800
1250 A 750 1580 2380 800
1600 A 750 1580 2380 850
2000 A 750 1580 2380 950
2500 A 1000 1580 2380 1000
3150 A 1000 1580 2380 1100
3600 A 1000 1580 2380 1150
4000 A 1000 1580 2380 1200

Normal Clad 24kV

Rated Width Depth Height* Estimated
current (mm) (mm) (mm) Weight (Kg)
630 A 1000 2080 2380 1000
1250 A 1000 2080 2380 1050
1600 A 1000 2080 2380 1200
2000 A 1000 2080 2380 1250
2500 A 1000 2080 2380 1300
3150 A 1000 2080 2380 1350

Normal Clad 36kV

Rated Width Depth Height* Estimated
current (mm) (mm) (mm) Weight (Kg)
630 A 1300 2680 2380 1300
1250 A 1300 2680 2380 1350
1600 A 1300 2680 2380 1400
2000 A 1300 2680 2380 1450
2500 A 1300 2680 2380 1500
3150 A 1300 2680 2380 1550

*Cubicle height std, special solutions with dedicated Gas

Exhaust channel can be supplied and studied in line with specific
site request

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 TECHNICAL DATA

SWITCHGEAR CLASS

The various Loss of Continuity Service (LSC) categories,

describe the possibility to keep the main circuit in
service, or a part of it, in the event of a failure localized
in a specific area.

Normal Clad is an LSC-2B class, meaning that, the

incoming high-voltage connections to the functional
unit may be kept energized when any other accessible
high-voltage compartment of the same unit is open.
Moreover, medium-voltage parts are compartmented
using metal partitions (PM class) which are connected
to earth and which can be divided as follow:

busbars;

withdrawable components;

MV connections, earthing switch, current sensors

and voltage transformers.

It is thus possible to access to the circuit breaker

compartment, while the other compartments and/or
functional units remain energized.

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MAIN EQUIPMENT
CIRCUIT BREAKER PROTECTION RELAYS & COMMUNICATION
PROTOCOLS
Normal Clad can host SF6 gas-insulated or vacuum-
insulated circuit breakers for short-circuit interruption The digital protection relay, or numeric relay, uses a
and for isolation of the systems connected to the panel. microprocessor to analyze power system voltages and
currents for the purpose of detecting faults in an electric
In accordance with the specific applications, circuit power system.
breakers have different voltage levels (up to 40.5kV),
rated current (up to 4000A) and breaking capacity (up Protection relays are used to protect the feeder,
to 50kA). Customized circuit breakers can be installed transformer, generator, and other equipment.
inside the switchgear. C.R. Technology Systems mostly uses protection relays
of the main brands like ABB, Schneider Electric, Alstom,
C.R. Technology Systems uses mostly circuit breakers Siemens.
of the main brands like ABB, Schneider Electric, Eaton,
Siemens. Digital protection relays have communication protocol
ports, allowing it to become an element in a SCADA
system. Communication protocol ports may include be
MEASUREMENT TRANSFORMERS AND SENSORS MODBUS TCP/IP, RS485, IEC 61850 type.

Current and voltage transformers are epoxy resin

insulated and they are used to perform measurement
for different purposes among which protection of the
plant. These transformers can have one or more poles
with performance and precision classes suited to the
functional requirements of the instruments connected to
them. Moreover, voltage transformer can be installed
on removable and withdrawable trucks. A SCADA counts with BCU/RTU modular devices
communicating with IEC 61104 and IEC 61850
Current sensors are low power measurement protocols.
transformer, used for measuring currents.
The digitalization of the plant allows to reduce
substation footprint and save up to 80% of copper
wiring. Moreover, the redundancy control system
and IED devices (Intelligent Electronic Device) grant a
high and continuous availability of the plant and save
operators onsite trips, thanks to remote operations.

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 MAIN EQUIPMENT

SURGE ARRESTERS

It is a protection device used to protect equipment

against external agents or lighting overvoltage
transients. It is usually installed and connected to wires
(power phase line, signal line, zero line) and ground
line.

In the event of a direct or indirect impulsive overvoltage

transients caused by a lightning bolt, it absorbs the
main current capacity, discharging it to the ground,
eliminating damages to persons or propetries.

INTERNAL LIGHTING

The switchgear provided by C.R Technology Systems

is equipped with a lighting system, which switches
on automatically when the low-voltage panel door
is open, in order to facilitate intervention in case of
maintenance.

SPACE HEATERS MAIN BUSBAR

Enclosure Heaters or Switchgear Space Heaters are The main busbar is formed of conductors of copper or
designed to maintain temperature and minimize aluminum, supported by insulators, that interconnects
moisture inside electrical and mechanical equipment the loads and the sources of electric power.
enclosure. On request it is possible to have the following versions
of main busbar:

Copper;
AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL TRANSFER SYSTEMS
Aluminum;

A transfer switch in an electrical switch that reconnects Bars with insulating material (resin or heat shrinkable
electric power source from its primary source to sheath);
a standby source. Switches may be manually or
Silvered copper;
automatically operated. An Automatic Transfer Switch
(ATS) is often installed where a backup generator is Tinned copper.
located, so that the generator may provide temporary
electrical power if the utility source fails. The main busbar system placed inside the busduct and
fixed by insulators can be either air or gas insulated,
or it can be insulated through heat shrinkable sheath.

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SMART EQUIPMENT
Thanks to its long experience and the research for the improvement of the product in order to satisfy the customer
requirements, C.R. Technology Systems has created two smart measurement systems for the prevention and mitigation
of phenomena linked to the overtemperature and the electrical arc.

TEMPARATURE DETECTION

Sensors used are the latest technological finding in These sensors provide internal switchgear
the field of temperature measurement inside medium- temperature and operate in presence of current.
voltage switchgears. They are wireless and batteryless These sensors have been designed specifically for
sensors. power asset monitoring, like air-insulated medium-
voltage switchgears, and feature high dielectric
Through SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) technology it strength. By design, they do not impact the electric
is possible to monitor the temperature in all its critical performance of the equipment and preserve its
points inside the switchgear in order to record an dielectric properties. They are certified according to
efficient and effective measurement plan. In this way IEC 62271 for their dielectric strength and operation
it is possible to obtain a significant technical and free of partial discharge inside the cubicle.
economic improvement of the plant.
This antenna, centered at 434 MHz, can be used
as:
The main components are the following:
- emission antenna for SAW sensors (when
connected to the transceiver/platform);
- probe for partial discharge measurements (when
connected to the transceiver/platform, with partial
discharge detection feature);
- remote sensor antenna from the measurement point/
sensitive element of the sensor (when connected to
the sensor – custom sensor design – upon request).

The Normal Clad can be equipped with a

transceiver, for the switchgear monitoring. It can be

optimized for interrogation inside metallic structures
like the switchgear cabinet enabling a license-free
use in switchgear cabinets worldwide. It features
various options for additional measurement inputs,
partial discharge detection, digital I/O and various
communication interfaces. This customizable set of
options creates a comprehensive simple and easy
to use platform, which can be either autonomous or
connected to a network.

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 SMART EQUIPMENT

ARC FAULT DETECTION

The fast recovery system uses light-wave sensors which

detect the luminescence generated by the arc to ensure
the circuit breaker intervention on the load side or the
feeder side, minimizing the duration of the electrical
arc. In this way, it is possible to limit system faults and
to isolate the fault point, thus guaranteeing a higher
service continuity and a faster and a more efficient
system restoration.

Knowing the trigger point of the arc, the reconstruction

process is more effective, and it can ensure the
improvement of the plant and its loyalty.

INSTALLATION ROOM
The installation room must be prepared according to the switchboard size and type. Compliance with the dimensions
guarantees correct operation of the apparatus. It must be possible to ventilate the installation room.

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TYPE TESTS
Type tests certifications are issued by a certifying authority and they are internationally recognized. They are carried
out in independent, duly accredited test laboratories. A certificate contains a record of a series of type tests carried out
strictly in accordance with a recognized standard. C.R. Technology Systems switchgears are tested in the prestigious
laboratory of CESI, SVEPPI and KEMA.

Short-circuit and peak withstand current test: Temperature rise test: provides verification of the
provides verification of the short-circuit ratings temperature-rise limits and measurement of the
assigned by the manufacturer, as design data resistance of the main circuits of a circuit-breaker
reviews, quality control checks and stage inspection in accordance with sub-clause 4 d) of IEC 62271–
of various power system equipment in accordance 100:2008. The certificate comprises those tests
with clause 4, items e) to p) inclusive and also s) of necessary to prove compliance with sub-clause 6.5
IEC 62271–100:2008. of IEC 62271-1:2017 and sub-clauses 6.4 and 6.5
of IEC 62271–100:2008.
Dielectric test: provides verification of the dielectric
performance of a circuit-breaker in accordance with Internal arc test: intended to verify the effectiveness
the requirements of clause 4, item b) of IEC 62271– of switchgear design in protecting personnel in case
100:2008. The certificate comprises those tests of an internal arc fault. The current valid international
necessary to prove compliance with the following standard for metal-enclosed  switchgear  from 1 kV
requirements: and up to and including 52 kV is written in the first
- industrial frequency voltage test; edition IEC 62271-200:2011. The test arrangement
- impulse voltage test; shall include fully equipped test objects. The test
- radio interference voltage tests. shall be performed in every compartment of the
switchgear and controlgear containing main circuits.

Three-phase short-circuit making and breaking

test: intended to verify the short-circuit ratings on
the main circuit and earthing circuits. To pass the
test, the two results must correspond. It is carried
out in accordance with the standard IEC 62271-
200:2011 and IEC62271-102:2003.

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 TYPE TESTS

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PAGE 18 // 21
 NORMAL CLAD

NORMAL CLAD
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

PAGE 19 // 21
 IP65 NORMAL CLAD FOR MINING APPLICATION (Up to 40.5kV)

The degree of protection of switchgear affects the Thanks to its design, Normal Clad supplied by C.R.
capacity of resisting to the heat: the higher the degree Technology Systems is able to work at over 5.000
of protection is, the less the switchgear manages meters above the sea level and in underground
to get rid of heat. For this reason, it is advisable to locations, with severe ambient conditions and dusty
use a degree of protection suitable for the installation environments.
environment.

For mines and other

dust environments, it is
recommended to employ
IP65 and IP54 switchgears.
IP6X means that the device is
fully protected against dust,
while IPX5 indicates that the
switchgear is protected against
low pressure water jets from all
directions.

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 NORMAL CLAD - SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

40,5kV NORMAL CLAD FOR STEELWORK APPLICATION

The big metal-clad switchgear 40.5kV is used for

steelwork furnace and it is mounted on an anti-vibration
system. It has an IP5X protection degree, meaning that
it can work in environments subject to pollution caused
by ferrous dust and corrosive gases. Moreover, when
increasing the capacity of production lines for industrial
applications with high ratings such as arc furnace
applications, this switchgear offers high-performance
equipment to ensure service continuity.
Thanks to its know-how and its large experience C.R.
Technology Systems is able to build sophisticated and
reliable metal-clad switchgears 40.5kV. It is a low-
maintenance solution designed to cope with high
mechanical and electrical stresses. At voltages of up to
40.5kV and load currents up to 4000A this switchgear position” and “disconnected/test position”.
ensures reliable energy supply and plant operation. The circuit-breaker sectioning can be remotely
The circuit-breaker compartment is designed to controlled, as regards the insertion and the extraction
accommodate the circuit-breaker, contactor or link of the circuit-breaker. Moreover, thanks to its high
complete of its withdrawable truck and all mechanical maneuvering number, the circuit-breaker can be
parts required for the extraction. The device is provided opened and closed 120.000 times throughout its cycle
with auxiliary switches for signaling the “connected of use.

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 DUPLEX SWITCHGEAR

The Duplex switchgear is generally used for naval interface. The internal arc-proof switchgear is equipped
applications, since its configurations allow a drastic with a duct for the evacuation of gases produced by
reduction of the occupied space, with particular regard the electric arc. Each compartment of the unit on the
to the width of the switchgear. second floor is equipped with a deflector positioned
Each panel is composed of two overlapped units that on its top. The pressure generated by the fault causes
are completely independent and identical, therefore it to open, allowing the gases to pass through the duct.
each unit consists of three independent power The gases produced by faults generated in the power
compartments that are metallically segregated from compartments of the unit located on the first floor are
each other: appliances, bars and line. However, the evacuated to the main duct by means of a dedicated
important components are identical to those used for duct, positioned on the side of the switchboard. Thanks
the units of the classic panel, therefore the same service to this solution the units controlled in the second floor
and maintenance procedures are guaranteed. are not affected by the fault.
In the central part, the panel is equipped with a
compartment for the auxiliary instrumentation of both
units, whose height allows the operator to easily

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 NORMAL CLAD - SPECIAL APPLICATIONS

DOUBLE BUSBAR SWITCHGEAR

The double busbar AIS switchgear can be supplied Free access to one busbar system during
up to 36kV. It is highly recommended where there is maintenance operation, while the other is working
the request to increase the service continuity, as in and the considered unit is out of operation
power utility companies, main substations and heavy
Circuit-breaker maintenance and testing without
industries.
feeder shutdown
Moreover, the double busbar switchgear is
recommended in the following situations: Fewer number of components and less switching
apparatus
Isolation of particular outgoing feeders from the
normal network
Each panel is made up of four independent power
Outgoing feeders balancing on two busbar systems compartments: apparatus, busbar 1, busbar 2 and
during normal operating condition cable. There is a metallic segregation between all the
compartments. On request, the double busbar system
Flexibility during inspection and maintenance
can be arc-proof version and supplied with a duct for
procedures without switchgear load interruption
the evacuation of the gases produced by an arc.

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C.R. TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS S.P.A. For further information contact us
[email protected]
Via Rossaro, 9
24047 Treviglio (BG) – Italy www.crtsgroup.com
Ph. +39036334981
Fax +390295732316
VAT 01637141001

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