Instrument Transformers

Current Transformers (CTs) and Voltage Transformers (PTs or VTs) are

the frontline guardians of any AC power supply system.

The purpose of instrument transformer is to reproduce as accurately as possible the

voltage (of PT) or current (of CT) in their primary circuit to their secondary circuit in
order to be of any use to protection devices connected to them.

1. The parameters of Instrument are grouped just as is in other types of transformer but
differ slightly when described with their inherent parameters. Exciting branch of
potential transformers are usually ignored but not in current transformers.

2. The term "burden" is used to express the load of instruments transformers which is
the impedance connected to its secondary. Burden is simply the volt-amperes delivered
to the load. Thus, when an instrument transformer delivers 5amps to a resistive load of
0.1 ohm the burden is 2.5VA at 5amps (P= I2 x R)

3. Unlike power transformers, instrument transformers are designed to carry the

calculated design load or peak load of the circuit.

4. Current transformer secondary winding currents have been standardized at 5amps in

the U.S.; in Europe, 1amp is common.

5. Electrical manufacturers following ANSI-IEEE standards design multi-ratio instrument

transformers at fixed ratios.

6. Relays and watt-meters can be an instrument transformers load, but it is

advantageous for a utility company to have a separate instrument transformers for
protection and metering.

Current Transformers

Selection of a current transformer must be based on its capability to accurately generate

the primary current in its secondary winding in terms of wave shape and its magnitude
at maximum and minimum current levels. It must have an accuracy at a burden rating
equal to or greater than the load connected to its secondary for both the maximum and
minimum current; and be able to withstand 10 up to 20 times normal load current during
a fault in order to perform its critical function in protective relaying applications.
Instrument transformers can be connected wye or delta in series or in parallel. They
have a high and a low side, and also have specific phase sequence and polarity.

Phase relationship in sensed current in the primary of instrument transformers may not
always be in phase with the load current, however they can be configured to shift the
angle by as much as 30o.
Proper study of Instrument Transformers is in order, external PDF files included in this
section will give you quick access to valuable information you might need.

Current Transformer Types

Current transformers are chosen according to its type and they are:

- Big High Voltage CTs for high voltage substations.

- The Bushing Type (Window or Donut) used in low to medium voltage switchgears and
circuit breakers.

- Wound Type, which is called the "Choicest CT". It is the preferred CT for low voltage
application up to 600Volts, because of its excellent performance under a wide variety of
operating conditions.

- Bar Type which are offered in higher insulation level.

Current transformer Burden

The burden of CTs are not computed cumulatively but individually since a single phase
to ground fault will involve only one CT to trip a breaker. For a three phase fault,
however, all three CTs will pick up the fault current and the resistance of all device
leads must be considered in the calculations.

CT burden is now quantified in terms of impedance of the load (lead wires) with its
corresponding resistance and reactance components, since this is more accurate. CT
burden must be distributed, equally as much as possible, between all the three phases
of the system. Add all the burden of of the CT in series in the secondary of the CT; In
case smaller wires will increase the burden of the CT as they cannot be made as short
as possible, use larger wire size.

Current Transformer Saturation

At very high current occurring during a fault, the magnetic circuits of CTs starts to
saturate and the impedance of the burden decreases as the secondary increases. For
this reason, the performance of CTs below C100 rating must be thoroughly evaluated. It
may be essential for you to perform calculations for the CT's burden for every value of
secondary current to determine the CT’s actual accuracy.
Current Transformer Accuracy

Accuracy class of current transformer must be high enough in order to generate a

secondary current as closely as possible with that circulating in the primary winding in
terms of its wave shape, current magnitude at both the maximum and minimum level
and with a burden rating equal or greater than the connected load. The CT must also be
capable of withstanding 10 to 20 times normal current values.

Current in the primary of a power transformer is determined by Ipri = Isec /Transformer

Ratio. It is not so in CT primary load (burden), but by the series lead wire resistance at
the CT primary to a circuit whose load current is being measured or monitored for
metering device/s or protection relays.

Ratio Correction Factor (RCF) is the term used to identify the accuracy of a current
transformer. The Accuracy Class of current transformer for a particular application must
be determined using ANSI C57.13-1993 or latest that is available, which shows a table
of standard percent error, standard metering burdens at 60Hz at 90% lagging power
factor. To determine the minimum to maximum range the CT will operate under normal
condition, the accuracy of the CT must be determined at 10% and 100% load current.

Proper study of CTs is in order, PDF files included in this section gives you quick
access to valuable CT selection information that simply cannot all be explained in this
space.

Voltage Transformers

- Voltage Transformer (VT) or Potential Transformer (PT) have both a primary and
secondary winding. Voltage transformers are connected to phases in either line-to-line
or line to ground as dictated by the system requirements of a power supply. VT or PT is
similar to the conventional transformers.

- Capacitor Voltage Transformers (CVTs) are capacitors connected in series to divide

the applied voltage in its terminal. CVTs are used in high voltage system and are
connected line to ground only. CVTs or CCPDs are use in both metering and Power
Line Carrier System applications

Safety Considerations

Safety and continuity of service of any electrical installation is the electrical engineer's
primordial concern. To achieve safety and continuity of service, however the protective
relays must also be well coordinated. The term “coordination” simply mean the proper
calibration of protective relays, both in their tripping time and the current magnitude to
which they should actuate and trip corresponding circuit breaker/s in either the
upstream or downstream level of the power supply system.
A caveat, safety and coordination are one, they simply cannot be treated as separate
items: safety is compromised without proper coordination. To achieve this, the electrical
engineer must be comfortable employing the symmetrical components, which is the
great tool for any power protection specialist to guarantee the appropriate functioning of
all systems and sub-systems. His familiarity with applicable standards and
manufacturer’s device/s documentations is likewise of equal importance, too.

Relay Coordination Studies

Voltage transformers or potential transformers (PTs) carry very small current under
normal operating parameters, thus they have small magnetic core cross-sectional area
and wound with very fine wire. The primary of voltage transformers must be fused since
they are prone to damage by transients than a power transformer. Select a fuse sized at
300% of the potential transformer primary full-load current, if it is not available, select
the next standard larger size. Relay application dictates the voltage transformer's
connection configuration that is, wye-wye or wye-delta. The ratio and phase angle
inaccuracies of voltage transformers can be neglected since they are not within
significant values if the burden is not within its thermal volt-rating danger point, i.e. so
long as its thermal volts-ampere rating is not exceeded.

Typical potential transformer have emergency rating of about 60 seconds and

magnetizing inrush current labeled 10X or 12X. If a 01 seconds set time is used as an
assumption, the emergency overvoltage of 125% of its nameplate will allow the
protective relays to operate.

7.2kV Ring Main Unit

7.2kV Ring Main Unit PTs and CTs including the protection relays for the system are
shown in this partial image capture. The RMU also have two panels for interconnecting
adjacent light railway transit system RMUs for emergency power supply in case of
supply outage in one of the adjacent stations.
View clear image here

The Art and Science of Protective Relaying

Protective relaying is an art, with the cost of protection always being balanced with
system reliability and safety. How the protection system is configured and set up all
depends on you?

Yesteryear's protection specialists concerned with providing reliable electrical service

have done their jobs so well by using just the longhand computation method. Protection
specialists of today, on the other hand, have a less tedious process and that is by
investing in advanced software that can fairly predict the outcome of a design protection
configuration parameters. You could easily understand and use these advance software
programs if you are familiar with - again - symmetrical components. Without this
very essential tool, your learning curve in the use of the software would be long
and tedious. Remember, a sharp knife does more job that a dull one.

A brief rationalization in the implementation of a well-designed protection system that

will both yield safety and coordination simply means everything is in order with the
system capable of coping the forecasted peak and off peak loads with a comforting
knowledge that serious power outages would be minimized in case of a major fault.
However, even a well-designed and properly coordinated protection system would not
operate as calculated if proper periodic maintenance/system checks are not carried out
according to schedule or, to unseen operating circumstances not earlier predicted.
Electromechanical relays still in service in old geothermal power plants, in my
opinion, is one major area of concern if the building housing them is not well
insulated against H2S gas.

34.5 kV Switchgear
34.5kV switchgear partial image. It supplies 1500KVA 34.5kV/6.6kV Auxiliary
Transformer and 2-2150KVA 34.5kV/6.6kV Rectifier Transformers. The partial SLD
image also show the CTs and PTs including the protection relays for the system. The
switchgear also has a metering cubicle for incoming 34.5kV feeder.

Electromechanical relays can be affected since they are not hermetically sealed,
or with weakened or defective seals as age sets in. This happened to one 50MW
unit of geothermal plant complex. The 50MW turbine generator blew up sending a
heavy turbine component flying and tearing off the roof and landing more than 50
meters away from the power house.

A team, to which I was a member, was formed to investigate the cause. The Team
found that a fault occurred just after the GCB that failed to trip causing the power cables
between the generator and the GCB including the GCB contacts itself to instantly melt
and weld. With the generator/turbine suddenly losing its load as the circuit opened due
to the disintegration of the power cables, the generator/turbine spun at a very high
speed because the emergency steam vent failed to work, too. Operations personnel
tried to open it manually, to no avail; and ran as fast as they could as the whole power
house started shaking violently. Luckily no one was injured in the incident.

The Sequence of Events Recorder indicated the GCB protection relay actuated, but
failed to establish a connection, since its contacts, after investigations were conducted,
revealed a contaminated contact points caused by H 2S gas. The steam emergency vent
did not open, too, and manual operation did not work because of heavy corrosion
caused by the same gas

Determination of Proper Relay Tap

The Basic CT Equation based on the minimum relay closing current.

Using equation: Relay Pickup = CT Ratio X Relay Tap

@10X the minimum relay closing current:

Assume a 1MVA load, a 4.16kV feeder protected by a 5kV circuit breaker with a 50/5
CT ratio:

I = 1000KVA/4.16 X 31/2 = 138Amps (The exponent "1/2"

is in lieu of the square root
symbol)

A 50/5 CT ratio is: 50/5 =10

138/10 = 13.8Amps. This is the current that the CT delivers to the relay. The relay must
be programmed according to your calculations. If your calculations say it must act at 10
times its minimum closing current, select a relay tap of: 13.8Amps/10 = 1.38. Choose
the relay tap closest to 1.38.
@5X the minimum relay closing current:

13.8Amps/5 = 2.76. Choose the relay tap closest to 2.76. Electromechanical relay taps
ranges from 0.5 to 2, 1.5 to 6, and 4 to 16 Amps. This is indicated in the CT nameplate.

Note:

- Programmable solid state relay taps may need different computations from the "basic"
computation above as may be recommended by its manufacturer.

- Solid State relays use smaller lead wires due to the small current used by its electronic
circuitry. Always use the current transformer manufacturer's recommendation to
determine the size of the CT based on your calculated CT burdens.

Protection Relay Considerations

The advent of programmable microprocessor-based relays (also called numeric
relays) has provided some flexibility in the use of protective relays. However, a large
part of protection relays still in use are electromechanical/or simply thermal-magnetic
relays with no electronic component at all.

Cost-wise, digital relays are much affordable than electromechanical relays. Old
protection specialists who trudged the long and rigorous path to bring us the present
state of advanced protective relaying technique consider employment of affordable
digital relay devices is not the primary concern, but how the "art of protective relaying" is
preserved with the entry of programmable microprocessor-based relays.

Microprocessor-based relays are considered a big leap for a great number of protection
specialists in big or small engineering firms. It is a big leap too, most especially for
digital relay manufacturers, since the massive investment in precision equipment
needed to build electromechanical relay components, such precision balance beams,
polarizing coils, induction disks, is no longer a big concern. All these complicated
components have all been replaced by a simple easy to manufacture printed boards
that can be mass-produced with minimum time. The advent of the digital relay has one
big disadvantage: a big number of engineers now almost always ignore symmetrical
component theory and application.

Probably the most onerous practice today is A/E firms' passing the responsibility of
short-circuit calculations and system protection to electrical contractors or testing
specialist freelance which is creating a legal liability environment. Only the protection
specialist employed or maintained by A/E firms MUST perform all the complex
calculations for the protection system.

AC Protective Devices
Device #1 - Master Element. The initiating device, such as a control
switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through such permissive
devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place equipment in or out
of operation.

Device #2 - Time-delay Starting or Closing Relay A device which

functions to give the desired amount of time delay before or after any
point of operation in a switching sequence or protective relay system,
except as specifically provided by device functions 48, 62 and 79.

Typical uses: For providing a time-delay for re-transfer back to the normal source in an
automatic transfer scheme

Device #4 - Master contactor. A device, generally controlled by device

function 1 or the equivalent and the required permissive and protective
devices, that serves to make and break the necessary control circuits to
place equipment into operation under the desired conditions and to take
it out of operation under abnormal conditions.

Device #5 - Stopping Device. The initiating device, such as a control

switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through such permissive
devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place equipment in or out
of operation. A control device used primarily to shut down equipment
and hold it out of operation. (This device may be manually or electrically
actuated, but it excludes the function of electrical lockout [see device
function 86] on abnormal conditions.)

Device #6 - Starting Circuit Breaker. A device whose principal function is

to connect a machine to its source of starting voltage.AC Protective
Relays

Device #7 - Rate of Change Relay. A relay that functions on an excessive

rate-of-rise of current.

Device #8 - Control Power Disconnecting Device. The initiating device,

such as a control switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through
such permissive devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place
equipment in or out of operation.

Device #9 - Reversing Device. The initiating device, such as a control

switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through such permissive
devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place equipment in or out
of operation. A device that is used for the purpose of reversing a
machine field or for performing any other reversing functions.

Device #10 - Unit Sequence Switch. A switch that is used to change the
sequence in which units may be placed in and out of service in multiple-
unit equipment.

Device #11 - Multifunction Device. A device that performs three or more

comparatively important functions that could only be designated by
combining several of these device function numbers. All of the
functions performed by device 11 shall be defined in the drawing legend
or device function definition list.

NOTE: If only two relatively important functions are performed by the device, it is
preferred that both function numbers be used.

Device #12 -Overspeed Device. The initiating device, such as a control

switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through such permissive
devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place equipment in or out
of operation. Usually, a direct-connected speed switch that functions on
a machine over speed.

Device #13 - Synchronous-speed Device A device such as a centrifugal-

speed switch, a slip frequency relay, a voltage relay, an undercurrent
relay, or any other type of device that operates at approximately the
synchronous speed of a machine.

Device #14 - Underspeed Device. A device that functions when the

speed of a machine falls below a predetermined value.

Device #15 - Speed or Frequency-Matching Device. A device that

functions to match and hold the speed or frequency of a machine or a
system equal to, or approximately equal to, that of another machine,
source, or system.
Device #16 - Data Communications Device. For communication system
application.

Device #17 - Shunting or Discharge Switch. A switch that serves to open

or close a shunting circuit around any piece of apparatus (except a
resistor), such as a machine field, a machine armature, a capacitor, or a
reactor.

NOTE: This excludes devices that perform such shunting operations as may be
necessary in the process of starting a machine by devices 6 or 42 (or their equivalent)
and also excludes device function 73 that serves for the switching of resistors.

Device #18 - Accelerating or Decelerating Device. A device that is used

to close or cause the closing of circuits that are used to increase or
decrease the speed of a machine.

Device #19 - Starting to Running Transition Timer. A device which

operates to initiate or cause the automatic transfer of a machine from
the starting to the running power connection.

Typical uses: Used to transfer a reduced voltage starter from starting to running.

Device #20 - Electrically Operated Valve (solenoid valve). An electrically

operated, controlled or monitored valve used in a fluid, air, gas, or
vacuum line.

Device #21 - Distance Relay. A device which functions when the circuit
admittance, impedance or reactance increases or decreases beyond
predetermined limits. It has three (3) zones of protection, Zone-1, Zone-2
and Zone-3.

Typical uses: For transmission line protection.

Device# 21G - Ground Distance

Device# 21P - Phase Distance

Device #22 - Equalizer Circuit Breaker. A breaker that serves to control

or make and break the equalizer or the current-balancing connections
for a machine field, or for regulating equipment, in a multiple-unit
installation.
Device #23 - Temperature Control Device. A device which functions to
raise or to lower the temperature of a machine or other apparatus, or of
any medium, when its temperature falls below or rises above, a
predetermined level.

Typical uses: Used thermostat control space heaters in outdoor equipment.

Device #24 - Volts per Hertz Relay. A relay that functions when the ratio
of voltage to frequency exceeds a preset value. The relay may have an
instantaneous or a time characteristic.

Device #25 - Synchronizing or synchronism check device. The initiating

device, such as a control switch, etc., that serves, either directly or
through such permissive devices as protective and time-delay relays, to
place equipment in or out of operation. A device which operates when
two AC circuits are within the desired limits of frequency, phase angle
or voltage, to permit or cause the paralleling of these two circuits.

Typical uses: In a closed transition breaker transfer, a device #25 relay is used to
ensure two-sources are synchronized before paralleling. Use for feeder protection.

Device #26 - Apparatus Thermal Device. A device that functions when

the temperature of the protected apparatus (other than the load carrying
windings of machines and transformers as covered by device function
#49 or of a liquid or other medium exceeds a predetermined value; or
when the temperature of the protected apparatus or of any medium
decreases below a predetermined value.

Device #27 - Under Voltage Relay. A device which functions on a given

value of under voltage.

Typical uses: Used to initiate an automatic transfer when a primary source of power is
lost.

Device# 27P - Phase Undervoltage

Device# 27S - DC undervoltage relay

Device# 27TN - Third Harmonic Neutral Undervoltage

Device# 27TN/59N - 100% Stator Earth Fault

Device# 27X - Auxiliary Undervoltage

Device# 27 AUX - Undervoltage Auxiliary Input

Device# 27/27X - Bus/Line Undervoltage

Device# 27/50 - Accidental Generator Energization

Device #28 - Flame Detector. A device that monitors the presence of the
pilot or main flame in such apparatus as a gas turbine or a steam boiler.

Device #29 - Isolating Contactor. A device that is used expressly for

disconnecting one circuit from another for the purposes of emergency
operation, maintenance, or test.

Device #30 - Annunciator Relay. non-automatically reset device that

gives a number of separate visual indications upon the functioning of
protective devices, and which may also be arranged to perform a
lockout function.

Typical uses: Used to remotely indicate that a protective relay has functioned, or that a
circuit breaker has tripped. Typically, a mechanical “drop” type annunciator panel is
used.

Device #31 - Separate Excitation Device. A device that connects a

circuit, such as a shunt field of a synchronous converter, to a source of
separate excitation during the starting sequence.

Device #32 - Directional Power Relay. A relay which functions on the

desired value of power flow in a given direction, or upon reverse power
resulting from arc back in the anode or cathode circuits of a power
rectifier.

Typical uses: Used to prevent reverse power from feeding an upstream fault. Often
used when primary backup generation is utilized in a facility.

Device# 32L - Low Forward Power

Device# 32N - Wattmetric Zero-Sequence Directional

Device# 32P - Directional Power

Device# 32R - Reverse Power

Device #33 - Position Switch. A device which makes or breaks contact
when the main device or piece of apparatus, which has no device
function number, reaches a given point. TYPICAL USES: Used to
indicate the position of a draw out circuit breaker (TOC switch).

Typical uses: Used to indicate the position of a draw out circuit breaker (TOC switch).

Device #34 - Master Sequence Device. A device such as a motor-

operated multi-contact switch, or the equivalent, or a programming
device, such as a computer, that establishes or determines the
operating sequence of the major devices in equipment during starting
and stopping or during other sequential switching operations.

Device #35 - Brush-operating or Slip-ring Short-circuiting Device. A

device for raising, lowering, or shifting the brushes of a machine; short-
circuiting its slip rings, or engaging or disengaging the contacts of a
mechanical rectifier.

Device #36 - Polarity or Polarizing Voltage Device. A device that

operates, or permits the operation of, another device on a
predetermined polarity only or that verifies the presence of a polarizing
voltage in equipment.

Device #37 - Undercurrent or Underpower Relay. A relay which functions

when the current or power flow decreases below a predetermined value.

Typical uses: Motor protection relay.

Device #37P – Under power

Device #38 - Bearing Protective Device. A device which functions on

excessive bearing temperature, or on other abnormal mechanical
conditions, such as undue wear, which may eventually result in
excessive bearing temperature.

Typical uses: Motor or generator protection relay.

Device #39 - Mechanical Condition Monitor. A device that functions

upon the occurrence of an abnormal mechanical condition (except that
associated with bearings as covered under device function 38), such as
excessive vibration, eccentricity, expansion, shock, tilting, or seal
failure.
Device #40 - Field Relay. A relay that functions on a given or abnormally
low value or failure of machine field current, or on an excessive value of
the reactive component of armature current in an AC machine indicating
abnormally low field excitation.

Device #41 - Field Circuit Breaker. A device which functions to apply, or

to remove, the field excitation of a machine.

Typical uses: Generator applications.

Device #42 - Running Circuit Breaker. A device whose principal function

is to connect a machine to its source of running or operating voltage.
This function may also be used for a device, such as a contactor, that is
used in series with a circuit breaker or other fault protecting means,
primarily for frequent opening and closing of the circuit.

Device #43 - Manual Transfer or Selector Device. A manually operated

device that transfers the control circuits in order to modify the plan of
operation of the switching equipment or of some of the devices.

Device #44 - Unit Sequence Starting Relay. A relay that functions to start
the next available unit in multiple-unit equipment upon the failure or
non-availability of the normally preceding unit.

Device #45 - Atmospheric Condition Monitor. A device that functions

upon the occurrence of an abnormal atmospheric condition, such as
damaging fumes, explosive mixtures, smoke, or fire.

Device #46 - Reverse-phase, or Phase Balance, Current Relay. A relay

which functions when the polyphase currents are of reverse-phase
sequence, or when the polyphase currents are unbalanced or contain
the negative phase-sequence components above a given amount.

Typical uses: Motor protection relay.

Device #47 - Phase-sequence Voltage Relay. A relay which functions

upon a predetermined value of polyphase voltage in the desired phase
sequence.

Typical uses: Feeder protection.

Device #48 - Incomplete Sequence Relay. A relay that generally returns

the equipment to the normal, or off, position and locks it out of the
normal starting, or operating or stopping sequence s not properly
completed within a predetermined amount of time. If the device is used
for alarm purposes only, it should preferably be designated as 48A
(alarm)

Device #49 - Machine, or Transformer, Thermal Relay. A relay that

functions when the temperature of a machine armature, or other load
carrying winding or element of a machine, or the temperature of a power
rectifier or power transformer (including a power rectifier transformer)
exceeds a predetermined value.

Typical uses: Motor or transformer thermal relay application.

Device #49RTD - RTD Biased Thermal Overload

Device #50 -Instantaneous Overcurrent, or Rate-of-Rise Relay. A relay

that functions instantaneously on an excessive value of current, or an
excessive rate of current rise, thus indicating a fault in the apparatus of
the circuit being protected.

Typical uses: Use for tripping circuit breakers instantaneously during a high-level short
circuit. Can trip on phase - phase (50), phase-neutral (50N), phase-ground (50G) faults.

Device #50BF - Breaker Failure

Device #50DD - Current Disturbance Detector

Device #50EF - End Fault Protection

Device #50G - Ground Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50IG - Isolated Ground Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50LR - Acceleration Time

Device #50N - Neutral Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50NBF - Neutral Instantaneous Breaker Failure

Device #50P - Phase Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50SG - Sensitive Ground Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50SP - Split Phase Instantaneous Current

Device #50Q - Negative Sequence Instantaneous Overcurrent

Device #50/27 - Accidental Energization

Device #50Ns/51Ns - Sensitive earth-fault protection

Device #50/74 - Ct Trouble

Device #50/87 - Instantaneous Differential

Device #51 - AC Time Overcurrent Relay. A relay with either a definite or

inverse time characteristic that functions when the current in an AC
circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

Typical uses:

- For tripping a circuit breaker after a time delay during a sustained overcurrent. - For
tripping a circuit breaker instantaneously during a high-level short circuit.

Device #51G - Ground Time Overcurrent

Device #51LR - AC inverse time overcurrent (locked rotor) protection

relay

Device #51N - Neutral Time Overcurrent

Device #51P - Phase Time Overcurrent

Device #51R - Locked / Stalled Rotor

Device #51V - Voltage Restrained Time Overcurrent

Device #51Q - Negative Sequence Time Overcurrent

Device #52 - AC Circuit Breaker. A device that is used to close and

interrupt an AC power circuit under normal conditions or to interrupt
this circuit under fault or emergency conditions.

Typical uses: A term applied typically to high and medium voltage circuit breakers or
low voltage power circuit breakers.
Device #52a - AC circuit breaker position (contact open when circuit
breaker open)

Device #52b - AC circuit breaker position (contact closed when circuit

breaker open)

Device #54 - Turning Gear Engaging Device. An electrically operated,

controlled or monitored device that functions to cause the turning gear
to engage (or disengage) the machine shaft.

Device #55 - Power Factor Relay. A relay that operates when the power
factor in an AC circuit rises above or below a predetermined value.

Typical uses: Under or over frequency application used in generating plants.

Device #56- Field Application Relay. A relay that automatically controls

the application of the field excitation to an AC motor at some
predetermined point in the slip cycle.

Device #57 - Short-circuiting or Grounding Device. A primary circuit

switching device that functions to short-circuit or ground a circuit in
response to automatic or manual means.

Device #58 - Rectification Failure Relay. A device that functions if a

power rectifier fails to conduct or block properly.

Device #59 - Over Voltage Relay. A relay that functions on a given value
of overvoltage.

Typical uses: Used to trip a circuit breaker, protecting downstream equipment from
sustained over voltages.

Device #59B - Bank Phase Overvoltage

Device #59P - Phase Overvoltage

Device #59N - Neutral Overvoltage

Device #59NU - Neutral Voltage Unbalance

Device #59P - Phase Overvoltage

Device #59X - Auxiliary Overvoltage

Device #59Q - Negative Sequence Overvoltage

Device #60 - Voltage or Current Balance Relay. A relay that operates on

a given difference in voltage, or current input or output of two circuits.

Device#60N - Neutral Current Unbalance

Device#60P - Phase Current Unbalance

Device #61 - Density Switch or Sensor. A device that operates on a given

value, or a given rate of change, of gas density.

Device #62 - Time-delay Stopping or Opening Relay. A time-delay relay

that serves in conjunction with the device that initiates the shutdown,
stopping, or opening operation in an automatic sequence.

Typical uses: Used in conjunction with a 27 device to delay tripping of a circuit breaker
during a brief loss of primary voltage, to prevent nuisance tripping.

Device #63 - Pressure Switch. A switch which operates on given values

or on a given rate of change of pressure.

Typical uses: Use to protect a transformer during a rapid pressure rise during a short
circuit. This device will typically act to open the protective devices above and below the
transformer. Typically used with a 63-X auxiliary relay to trip the circuit breaker.

Device #64 - Ground Protective Relay. A relay that functions on a failure

of the insulation of a machine, transformer, or of other apparatus to the
ground, or on flashover of a DC machine to the ground.

Note: This function is not applied to a device connected in the secondary circuit of
current transformers in a normally grounded power system, where other device
numbers with the suffix G or N should be used; that is, 51N for an AC time overcurrent
relay connected in the secondary neutral of the current transformers.

Typical uses: Used to detect and act on a ground-fault condition. In a pulsing high
resistance grounding system, a device #64 will initiate the alarm.

Device #64F - Field Ground Protection

Device #64R – Rotor earth fault

Device #64REF – Restricted earth fault differential

Device #64S – Stator earth fault

Device #64S - Sub-Harmonic Stator Ground Protection

Device #64TN - 100% Stator Ground

Device #65 - Governor. The assembly of fluid, electrical, or mechanical

control equipment used for regulating the flow of water, steam, or other
media to the prime mover for such purposes as starting, holding speed
or load, or stopping.

Device #66 - Notching or jogging device. A device that functions to allow

only a specified number of operations of a given device, or equipment,
or a specified number of successive operations within a given time of
each other. It also functions to energize a circuit periodically or for
fractions of specified time intervals, or that is used to permit intermittent
acceleration or jogging of a machine at low speeds for mechanical
positioning.

Typical uses: Motor protection applications.

Device #67 - AC Directional Overcurrent Relay. A relay that functions on

the desired value of AC overcurrent flowing in a predetermined
direction.

Device #67G - Ground Directional Overcurrent

Device #67N - Neutral Directional Overcurrent

Device #67Ns – Earth fault directional

Device #67P - Phase Directional Overcurrent

Device #67SG - Sensitive Ground Directional Overcurrent

Device #67Q - Negative Sequence Directional Overcurrent

Device #68 - Blocking Relay. A relay that initiates a pilot signal for
blocking of tripping on external faults in a transmission line or in other
apparatus under predetermined conditions or that cooperates with other
devices to block tripping or to block reclosing on an out-of-step
condition or on power swings.
Device #69 - Permissive Control Device. A device that is generally a two-
position manually operated switch that in one position permits the
closing of a circuit breaker or the placing of equipment into operation,
and in the other position prevents the circuit breaker to the equipment
from being operated.

Typical uses: Used as a remote-local switch for circuit breaker control.

Device #70 - Rheostat. A variable resistance device used in an electric

circuit when the device is electrically operated or has other electrical
accessories, such as auxiliary, position, or limit switches.

Device #71 - Level Switch. A switch that operates on given values, or on

a given rate of change of level.

Typical uses: Used to indicate a low liquid level within a transformer tank in order to
save transformers from loss-of-insulation failure. An alarm contact is available as a
standard option on a liquid level gauge. It is set to close before an unsafe condition
actually occurs.

Device #73 - Load-Resistor Contactor. A contactor that is used to shunt

or insert a step of load limiting, shifting, or indicating resistance in a
power circuit; to switch a space heater in a circuit, or to switch a light or
regenerative load resistor of a power rectifier or other machine in and
out of the circuit.

Device #74 - Alarm Relay. A device other than an annunciator, as

covered under device number 30, which is used to operate, or to operate
in connection with, a visible or audible alarm.

Device #75 - Position Changing Mechanism. A mechanism that is used

for moving the main device from one position to another in equipment;
for example, shifting a removable circuit breaker unit to and from the
connected, disconnected, and test positions.

Device #77 - Phase-angle Measuring or Out-of-Step Protective Relay. A

relay that functions at a predetermined phase angle between two
voltages, between two currents, or between voltage and current.

Device #78 - Master Element. The initiating device, such as a control

switch, etc., that serves, either directly or through such permissive
devices as protective and time-delay relays, to place equipment in or out
of operation.
Device #79 - AC Reclosing Relay. A relay that controls the automatic
closing and locking out of an AC circuit interrupter.

Typical uses: Used to automatically reclose a circuit breaker after a trip, assuming the
fault has been cleared after the power was removed from the circuit. The recloser will
lock-out after a predetermined amount of failed attempts to reclose.

Device #80 - Flow Switch. A switch that operates on given values, or on

a given rate of change, of flow.

Device #81 - Frequency Relay. A relay that functions on a predetermined

value of frequency either under or over, or on a normal system,
frequency or rate of change frequency. TYPICAL USES: Used to trip a
generator circuit breaker in the event the frequency drifts above or
below a given value.

Device #81O - Over Frequency

Device #81R - Rate-of-Change Frequency

Device #81U - Under Frequency

Device #83 - Automatic Selective Control or Transfer Relay. A relay that

operates to select automatically between certain sources or conditions
in equipment or that performs a transfer operation automatically.

Device #84 - Operating Mechanism. The complete electrical mechanism

or servo mechanism, including the operating motor, solenoids, position
switches, etc., for a tap changer, induction regulator, or any similar
piece of apparatus that otherwise has no device function number.

Device #85 - Carrier or Pilot-Wire Receiver Relay. A relay that is operated

or restrained by a signal used in connection with carrier current or DC
Pilot-Wire fault relaying.

Device #86 - Locking-out Relay. An electrically operated hand, or

electrically, reset relay that functions to shut down and hold an
equipment out of service on the occurrence of abnormal conditions.
Typical uses: Used in conjunction with protective relays to lock-out a circuit breaker (or multiple circuit breakers) after a trip.
Typically required to be manually reset by an operator before the breaker can be reclosed.
Device #87 - Differential protective Relay. A protective relay that
functions on a percentage or phase angle or other quantitative
difference of two currents or of some other electrical quantities.

Typical uses: Use to protect static equipment, such as cable, bus, transformers by
measuring the current differential between two points. Typically the upstream and/or
downstream circuit breaker will be incorporated into the “zone of protection”.

Device #87B - Bus Differential

Device #87G - Generator Differential

Device #87GT - Generator/Transformer Differential

Device #87L - Segregated Line Current Differential

Device #87LG - Ground Line Current Differential

Device #87M - Motor Differential

Device #87O - Overall Differential

Device #87PC - Phase Comparison

Device #87RGF - Restricted Ground Fault

Device #87S - Stator Differential

Device #87S - Percent Differential

Device #87T - Transformer Differential

Device #87V - Voltage Differential

Device #88 - Auxiliary Motor or Motor Generator. A device used for

operating auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, blowers, exciters,
rotating magnetic amplifiers, etc.

Device #89 - Line Switch. A switch used as a disconnecting, load-

interrupter, or isolating switch in an AC or dc power circuit. (This device
function number is normally not necessary unless the switch is
electrically operated or has electrical accessories, such as an auxiliary
switch, a magnetic lock, etc.)
Device #90 - Regulating Device. A device that functions to regulate a
quantity or quantities, such as voltage, current, power, speed,
frequency, temperature, and load, at a certain value or between certain
(generally close) limits for machines, tie lines, or other apparatus.

Device #91 - Voltage Directional Relay. A relay that operates when the
voltage across an open circuit breaker or contactor exceeds a given
value in a given direction.

Device #92 - Voltage and Power Directional Relay. A relay that permits or
causes the connection of two circuits when the voltage difference
between them exceeds a given value in a predetermined direction and
causes these two circuits to be disconnected from each other when the
power flowing between them exceeds a given value in the opposite
direction.

Device #93 - Field-changing Contactor. A contactor that functions to

increase or decrease, in one step, the value of field excitation on a
machine.

Device #94 - Tripping or Trip-free Relay. A relay that functions to trip a

circuit breaker, contactor, or equipment, or to permit immediate tripping
by other devices, or to prevent immediate reclosure of a circuit
interrupter, in case it should open automatically even though its closing
circuit is maintained closed.

Device #95-#99. Used only for specific applications in individual

installations if none of the functions assigned to the numbers from 1 to
94 is suitable.

DC Protective Devices
Device #53 - Exciter or DC Generator Relay. A relay that forces the dc
machine field excitation to build up during starting or that functions
when the machine voltage has built up to a given value.

Device #72 – DC Circuit Breaker. A circuit breaker that is used to close

and interrupt a dc power circuit under normal conditions or to interrupt
this circuit under fault or emergency conditions

Device #76 – DC Overcurrent Relay. A relay that functions when the

current in a dc circuit exceeds a given value.
Device #82 – DC Load-measuring Reclosing Relay. A relay that controls
the automatic closing and reclosing of a dc circuit interrupter, generally
in response to load circuit conditions.

Device #150. DC Rate of Rise Relay. An isolated current monitor and

overcurrent relay that may be used for either the positive or negative
conductors in DC power distribution networks. The device is designed
as a stand-alone relay or may be used in conjunction with a Type 82
automatic recloser relay.

B - Bus F - Field G - Ground or generator N - Neutral T - Transformer

Acronyms Description
AFD - Arc Flash Detector

CLK - Clock or Timing Source

CLP - Cold Load Pickup

DDR – Dynamic Disturbance Recorder

DFR – Digital Fault Recorder

DME – Disturbance Monitor Equipment

ENV – Environmental data

HIZ – High Impedance Fault Detector

HMI – Human Machine Interface

HST – Historian

LGC – Scheme Logic

MET – Substation Metering

PDC – Phasor Data Concentrator

PMU – Phasor Measurement Unit

PQM – Power Quality Monitor

RIO – Remote Input/Output Device

RTD - Resistance Temperature Detector

RTU – Remote Terminal Unit/Data Concentrator

SER – Sequence of Events Recorder

TCM – Trip Circuit Monitor

LRSS – Local/Remote selector switch

VTFF - Vt Fuse Fail

Suffixes Description

_1 - Positive-Sequence

_2 - Negative-Sequence

A - Alarm, Auxiliary Power

AC - Alternating Current

AN - Anode

B - Bus, Battery, or Blower

BF - Breaker Failure

BK - Brake

BL - Block (Valve)

BP - Bypass

BT - Bus Tie

BU - Backup

C - Capacitor, Condenser, Compensator, Carrier Current, Case or Compressor

CA - Cathode

CH - Check (Valve)

D - Discharge (Valve)
DC - Direct Current

DCB - Directional Comparison Blocking

DCUB - Directional Comparison Unblocking

DD - Disturbance Detector

DUTT - Direct Underreaching Transfer Trip

E - Exciter

F - Feeder, Field, Filament, Filter, or Fan

G - Ground or Generator

GC - Ground Check

H - Heater or Housing

L - Line or Logic

M - Motor or Metering

MOC - Mechanism Operated Contact

N - Neutral or Network

O - Over

P - Phase or Pump

PC - Phase Comparison

POTT - Pott: Permissive Overreaching Transfer Trip

PUTT - Putt: Permissive Underreaching Transfer Trip

R - Reactor, Rectifier, or Room

S - Synchronizing, Secondary, Strainer, Sump, or Suction (Valve)

SOTF - Switch On To Fault

T - Transformer or Thyratron
TD - Time Delay

TDC - Time-Delay Closing Contact

TDDO - Time Delayed Relay Coil Drop-Out

TDO - Time-Delay Opening Contact

TDPU - Time Delayed Relay Coil Pickup

THD - Total Harmonic Distortion

TH - Transformer (High-Voltage Side)

TL - Transformer (Low-Voltage Side)

TM - Telemeter

TT - Transformer (Tertiary-Voltage Side)

U - Under or Unit

X - Auxiliary

Z – Impedance

The Fuse Voltage Rating

The fuse voltage is a function of its capability to interrupt the flow of overload current in
the event of a fault. Generally, fuse voltage rating should be higher than the circuit
where they are used. but never lower, since the fuse voltage rating is a function of its
capability to interrupt the overload current in the event of a fault. If the voltage rating of
the fuse is much lower, say 50%, than the system voltage, the arc quenching effect of
the fuse might be impaired when the fuse element melts. A basic example: A 750mA
5kV microwave oven high voltage fuse tube has a diameter no bigger than fuses we
find in electronic circuits, but with a much longer length. The considerably longer length
enables the fuse to quench the arc when the fuse opens.

For low voltage system, fuses with 600Volts fuse rating will perform well in a 230V to
480V system. Always check the time current characteristic curve of the fuse
manufacturer since you might assume that a time delay fuse (Class K5) of a lower
ampere rating offers better protection than a higher rated non-time delay fuse (Class K1
or class J). This is a false assumption. In general, the rating of the fuse is an asymptotic
value e.g: the equation y=1/x curve: The increasing value of x towards infinity will make
the value of y getting nearer and nearer to zero and gets closer and closer to the x-axis
but never touching it). This equates to a condition where the minimum fuse melting
threshold is not met and the fuse does not open; inasmuch as the overcurrent is below
or just slightly below the fuse's melting threshold.

Current Limiting Fuses (CLFs)

The Current Limiting Fuse's peak let-through is the CLF's instantaneous value. The
I2t average let-through value is the thermal energy produced during the fuse element's
opening. The equation I2t is the square of the current multiplied by the time. It is
proportional to the energy and magnetizing forces cause by a fault, generating heat and
opening the fuse element. The I2t information of a fuse is provided by manufacturer's
data sheet for coordinating the upstream and downstream of an electrical network.

To minimize the damage to electrical equipment during a fault, use a CLF with lower let-
through current than the available short circuit current of the system.

CFLs in Series

Current Limiting Fuses limits the very high fault current to a lesser value (let-through
current) in areas where there is a substantial increase in available short circuit current
due to the addition of new reactive loads. This condition renders the circuit breaker's
interrupting rating become marginally low for the system. Instead of replacing the circuit
breaker, which entails a major investment cost, the Current Limiting Fuse is used and
installed before and in series with the circuit breaker.

400kV SF6 circuit breaker Courtesy of Wikipedia Project. Author: Sushilksk"

Available short circuit current increases through the years due to addition of motor or
other reactive loads in the facility that was not foreseen earlier. Another contributing
factor is the increased available short circuit at the utility side due to new industrial
facilities connected to them.
Another factor is the high available short circuit in the area during the design stage of a
substation or switching facility. The designer opts to use CLF instead of resorting to
impedance grounding or using expensive breakers with high interrupting ratings.

CFLs are usually applied in the incoming feeder to raise the circuit breaker's interrupting
rating; or used in conjunction with Load Break Switches or Automatic Transfer Switches
since a properly sized current limiting fuse limits the short-circuit current to within the
withstand rating of the switch contacts.

Using CFLs do not mean no damage to some electrical auxiliaries, i.e. contacts,
bimetals or other minor parts, unless they have been designed as a combo unit, rated
and tested accordingly by the manufacturer.

Non-time Delay Fuses

Fuses have different operating time. A standard fuse may require to reach 2X its rated
value to open the protected circuit in about 1 sec., while the fastblow fuse at twice its
rated value, will open the circuit in about 0.1 sec or less. Fastblow blow fuses are the
commonly used fuses. They are used in circuitry where a delay in the opening of a
protected circuit during a fault can cause considerable damage to costly electrical or
electronic equipment.

110kV, 50hz oil circuit breaker MKP-110 for 110kV/3.3kV DC Traction Substation,
Toliatti City Railway, Russia. Courtesy of Wikimedia OS Author: Vivan755 - March 2011

Slow blow fuses, or time delay fuses or anti-surge fuses, on the other hand, are
commonly used in combination with motors. Motors have high starting current; and
motors that have loads when started have starting current that can approach the "locked
rotor" current in its time-current characteristic curve.

Non-time delay fuses are referred by NEC as single element fuses. This fuse type will
not open under normal conditions as long as the inrush current of the motor (eg.,
starting current) will not exceed the fuse's rating. They are sized 300% of the Ifl of the
motor per NEC Table 450-152 with exception #2 of Art. 430-52 allowing a 400% I fl.
Low Voltage Dual Element Fuses

Low voltage dual element fuses have two series connected elements enclosed in a
single tube to provide instantaneous short circuit protection with the other providing time
delay function under normal load. The disadvantage of this fuse is the downtime that is
loss to replace it. Its advantage is it provides the motivation by operations personnel to
determine the exact cause of the fault. The type of the fuse's enclosure including
ambient temperature should also be taken into account.

Expulsion Type fuses

Fuse overload conditions have maximum operating times defined in accordance with
industry standards in terms of its time delay characteristic at a certain percentage of
overload. Lab testing of fuses establishes parameters and data that are used to
construct the fuse's time-current curves based on RMS current at 0.1 second or more. It
also establishes the fuse element's average minimum melting time to clear an overload
condition.

Pole Mounted Fuse

Courtesy of Greensburger - Wiki OS

A fuse cutout at a service drop on a single-phase overhead power distribution line

supported by insulators at the top of the pole.

Fuse Opening Time:

Fuses have different operating time. A standard fuse may require to reach 2X its rated
value to open the protected circuit in about 1 sec. while fast blow fuse, at twice its rated
value will open the circuit in about 0.1 sec or less. Fast blow fuses are the commonly
used fuses in circuits where a delay in the opening of a protected circuit during a fault
can cause considerable damage to costly electrical equipment.
Slow blow fuses, or time delay fuses or anti-surge fuses, on the other hand, are
commonly used in combination with motors. Motors have high starting current especially
those that have loads when started where starting current can approach the locked rotor
current of a motor during starting.

Temperature Derating

The fuse's operating parameters are affected by ambient temperature. As an example,

a fuse rated 10amps may allow currents 10% or 20% or more current at lower
temperature. At higher temperature, say 95°C, the fuse may open at 80% of its rated
value depending on the fuse family as provided for in manufacturer's data sheet.

Low Voltage Fuse Classes

A 115kV Fuse

Courtesy of Wtshymanski - Wiki OS

A 115 kV fuse protecting an instrument transformer at Slave Falls Generating Station,

Manitoba. The fuse element is the white tube.

Class CC

Class CC fuses are rated to interrupt a minimum of 200,000 amps and are rated for
600 volts . These small branch circuit fuses have overall dimensions of 13/32” x 1-1/2”.
They are available from 1/10 amp through 30 amps.

Class G

Class G fuses are rated for 480 volts and are rated to interrupt a minimum of 100,000
amps. The fuse diameter is 13/32” while the length varies from 1-5/16” to 2- 1/2”. These
are available in ratings from 1 amp through 60 amps.

Class H
Class H fuses are rated to interrupt a minimum of 10,000 amps. The voltage ranges
from 250 and 600 volts. These fuses can be either renewable or non-renewable. These
are available in amp ratings of 1 amp through 600 amps.

Class J

Class J fuses are labeled “Current-Limiting” and are not interchangeable with other
classes. Voltage rating is 600 volts and rated to interrupt a minimum of 200,000 amps

Summary of Protective Devices and Their Ratings

Summary of Protective Devices and Their Ratings Reference: Electric Power System
Protection and Coordination by: Michael Anthony - University of Michigan.

Class K

Class K fuses are current limiting fuses. They have interrupting ratings of 50,000,
100,000, or 200,000 amps. The fuses are listed as K-1, K-5, or K-9 fuses. Each
subclass has designated I2t and Ip maximums. They have the same dimensions as
Class H fuses. They are "current-limiting" fuses but they are not marked as so.

Class L

Labeled "Current-Limiting" Class L fuses are rated 600 volts AC. These fuses are rated
for 600A to 6,000A with interrupting capacity of 200,000 amperes AC. They are bolt
mounted.

Class L fuses may have a time-delay feature.

Class R

Class R fuses have 250Volts to 600Volts rating and are marked "Current-Limiting."
These fuses have a minimum of 200,000Amps interrupting rating. They have similar
dimension as the Class H fuse but fuses with lower interrupting capacity cannot be
mounted on the Class R mounting clips.

Interrupting Rating Vs. Interrupting Capacity

Reference: Cooper Bussmann - pdf file 2005.

Class T

Class T fuses have a time-lag characteristic, fast acting and with an interrupting rating
of 200,000Amps RMS. These are small fuses suited for limited spaces. They are rated
300Volts to 600Volts RMS (Root-Mean-Square).

High Voltage Fuses

High Voltage Current Limiting Fuses

High voltage fuses are classified under international standards as either a:

Fuse Link

These fuses interrupt current ranges from their minimum breaking current to their rated
breaking capacity as specified by the manufacturer.

General Purpose Fuse Link

These fuses will interrupt all currents from rated breaking capacity down to marginally
small but continuous overcurrent that accumulates enough heat within an hour to melt
the fuse element.

Full Range Fuse

Interrupts any current below rated breaking capacity by total melting of the fuse
element.

Recommended U.L Current Limiting Fuse Classes

Ref. - Cooper Bussmann.

Current Limiting Backup Fuses

These fuses have several series arcs and longer element strips to interrupt the high
voltage arching when the fuse element opens. The element strip for this fuse could be
as long as 1 meter and is wound around a star-shaped ceramic core with the distance
of each turn carefully taken into consideration to mitigate possible flash over between
them. The wound ceramic core is then then fitted to fuse cartridge long enough to
accommodate it.

↑Top
Non-Current Limiting Fuses

High voltage fuses have two classes classified under international standards. They
are:

1. Expulsion fuses - These fuses are for outdoor applications - only - for the protection
of high voltage transmission and distribution system. This fuse has a thin element in
series with a flexible braid in the fuse cartridge. The fuse is mechanically designed so
that the braid is under constant spring tension. When the fuse element melts under
heavy fault current, the braid is released activating a latch that will cause the fuse to
disengage and fall downward. This mechanical action causes the arc to fully extinguish
effectively preventing a restrike.

2. Liquid Fuse Link - The strip element of these fuses is fitted in a fuse cartridge filled
with high dielectric liquid with a spring or a strain wire that secures the element under
tension. The spring provides immediate separation when the fuse element melts. The
high dielectric liquid provides the immediate quenching action. These fuses are the
early type of non-current limiting fuses

Power Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers for medium and high voltage applications are:

1. Oil Circuit Breakers - Arching between the contacts of the circuit breaker is
quenched by mineral oil. Arc chambers are use to quench the arc at the shortest time
possible. Arc duration last from 0.02 - 0.05 sec.

2. Vacuum Circuit Breakers - The contacts of this circuit breaker are hermetically
sealed in a vacuum container with contacts separated by bellows. The arc is produced
by metallic vapor boiled from the electrodes and extinguished when the vapor particles
condense on solid surfaces.

3.Sulfur hexafluoride or SF6 Gas Circuit Breakers - Circuit breaker technology has
greatly changed from 1950's to current time. The SF 6 circuit breaker contacts are
separated by the SF6 gas. Arc caused by contact separation is interrupted and cooled
by the gas. The SF6 gas in the envelop should have the correct pressure in order to
achieve this. It is for this reason that SF 6 gas in the envelop should be constantly
monitored for correct pressure. Ring Main Units are good example of medium voltage
SF6 switchgears.
Circuit Breaker Interrupting Rating and Interrupting Capacity

Interrupting Rating

It is the circuit breaker’s maximum short circuit current that can be safely interrupted
under test conditions. Under test conditions simply mean it is the breaker’s tested
condition.

Properly selecting the interrupting rating of a circuit breaker can bring so many
concerns to one specifying it, since there are so many current values to evaluate and
consider. However, knowing the RMS (root mean square) symmetrical rating of the
system together with percent power factor (%pf) or, alternately X/R ratio and the circuit
breaker’s interrupting rating will suffice. Asymmetrical RMS, peak asymmetrical currents
are reliant on %pf or X/R ratio and thus can be neglected.

For more information please see Determining Power Circuit Breaker Interrupting
Ratings - Eaton

Interrupting Capacity

As defined by IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronic Terms, interrupting

capacity is the highest current at rated voltage that the device can interrupt.

Capacitor Trip Device

Typical installation of Capacitor Trip Device. Source: Time Mark Capacitor Trip
Devices .pdf

Capacitor Trip Device

Our topic on circuit breakers would be incomplete without mentioning Capacitor Trip
Devices (CTDs), which are DC voltage storage devices used to trip a medium
voltage circuit breaker when the control transformer, such as 34.5kV/240V or
4.16kV/240V, etc., connected to the AC primary power supply is loss during a fault,
unavailable, or may become lower than the normal voltage level needed to effect
tripping of the circuit breaker. CTDs provide a good alternative, since circuit breaker
tripping elements are impulse loads that require only a brief electrical pulse for it to
actuate. A CTD is composed of series resistors and half-wave rectifier diodes
connected to the secondary of a control transformer to the capacitor with the resistors
acting as charging current limiters. Capacitor type used is electrolytic type.

The voltage stored in the capacitor is maintained at about 300VDC when connected to a
220VAC secondary of a control transformer, and discharges slowly when the AC power
supply is loss. When a tripping signal is received at this stage, the capacitor stored
voltage is discharged to the circuit breaker tripping elements. To accomplish this, CTD
design must still have sufficient capacity when control voltage falls to its minimum
voltage range as defined in ANSI C37.06, and must be capable of effecting a trip 2
seconds after the power supply is removed. CTD manufacturers exceeds this
requirement by a good margin by testing their CTDs from 2 to 10 seconds. Some CTDs
now have backup batteries. CTDs are also used to actuate the breaker lockout relay
Device #86 that's also supplied by the control transformer. This, however would require
two CTDs, one for tripping the circuit breaker, and one for locking-out the circuit
breaker, since CTDs do not allow multiple loads.

The advantages of CTDs include economy of installation for small MV/LV substations in
isolated or remotely located areas where the battery becomes a costly option in terms of
initial cost and maintenance and its suitability for outdoor installation. Its disadvantages
are: no breaker status indicating lights, no DC power supply for communication
equipment; uneconomical for use in large substations; and uses limited life electrolytic
capacitors that changes in value over time. For this reason, CTD’s must be checked
from time to time, with care, by discharging the capacitor using 500ohms 5 to10 watt
resistor across its terminals.