PRESS RELEASE March 7 1997 Cost-effective motor protection by new aM-fuse New aM fuses from ABB Control meet

the latest regulations for motor protection more economically and conveniently than general purpose fuse links and circuit breakers. In the new IEC 947-4-1 standard for motor starters, co-ordination categories are defined for protection. Co-ordination type 1 allows damage to conductors and thermal overload relays after a short-circuit. The subsequent inspection of the starter is the operator's responsibility, as is the possible need to replace the apparatus. If this is not done, the circuit is not protected against overload, which can lead to motor damage and cable fire. Co-ordination type 2 guarantees that the starter is in full operation after a short-circuit. This co-ordination type is being adopted as a general requirement in many safety regulations. Protection in accordance with co-ordination type 2 is easily achieved by using fuse links, even at 690 V, whereas using circuit breakers would need a current limiting capability in order to be reliable at higher voltages. In most cases, it would also be necessary to over-dimension the contactors, and the thermal relays must be equipped with current transformers. Thus, an item of equipment that conforms with co-ordination type 2 using circuit breakers, can be 100% more expensive than one which uses fuse links. High operation voltage leads to high savings Reliable operation at higher voltages is very important as there is a tendency to move from a 400 V supply system to a 690 V supply. These higher voltages allow low voltage motors to be utilised instead of medium voltage motors, even for extremely heavy duty. Also, considerable savings are achieved in cable installation costs. For instance, in a recent electrification of a pulp factory, a 690 V supply system protected by ABB Control fuses saved US$ 2M compared to a 400 V system. Selectivity is easy to achieve using fuse protection, as fuses are selective throughout the whole current range and it can be obtained without the need for complicated calculations. This selectivity means that only the fault point will be separated from the rest of the network, avoiding the danger of a total blackout. Fuse links are very easy and quick to replace and purchase costs are much lower than for circuit breakers. Fuses also maintain a stable material quality as they are not affected by their surroundings. Their protection characteristics, therefore, remain unchanged year after year. Corrosion cannot damage the

inside of the fuse link, which can happen easily with circuit breakers. After tripping, the only action needed is to change the fuse link. Furthermore, the major benefit of fuse protection is safety. When a fuse link has been removed, there is a totally reliable, visible break point in the network./ins Captions: The new aM-fuse links introduced by ABB Control offers extremely affordable motor protection.

For further information contact: ABB Control Oy P.O. Box 622 FIN-65101 VAASA FINLAND Phone: +358 10 22 4000 Fax: +358 10 22 45708