AN CP0504

Application Note

BASIC CIRCUIT BREAKER TESTS

USING CPC 100

AN CP0504 Application Note

Manual Version: ANCP0504.AE.1

OMICRON electronics 2005. All rights reserved.
This Application Note is a publication of OMICRON electronics GmbH.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, e.g., photocopying, microfilming or
storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit consent of OMICRON electronics.
Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted.
This Application Note represents the technical status at the time of printing. The product information,
specifications, and all technical data contained within this Application Note are not contractually
binding. OMICRON electronics reserves the right to make changes at any time to the technology and/or
configuration without announcement. OMICRON electronics is not to be held liable for statements and
declarations given in this Application Note. The user is responsible for every application described in
this Application Note and its results. OMICRON electronics explicitly exonerates itself from all liability
for mistakes in this document.

Contents

Contents
1

Using This Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

1.1 Operator Qualifications and Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.2 Safety Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.3 Conventions and Symbols Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
1.4 Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2.1 Testing an Overcurrent Relay with ARC Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.2 Testing an Overcurrent Relay with ARC Function and Measuring the CB
Opening/Closing Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.3 Measuring the CB Opening Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
2.4 Measuring the CB Closing Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

AN CP0504 Application Note

1 Using This Document

This Application Note provides you with detailed information on how to measure
the touch voltage according to the VDE 0101/CENELEC HD 637 S1:1999 and
IEEE 80-2000, 81-1983 and 81.2-1991 international standards safely, properly
and efficiently. The AN CP0504 Application Note describes the touch voltage
measurement using the OMICRON electronics measurement setup consisting
of the CPC 100 test system, the CP CU1 coupling unit and the CP GB1
grounding box.
Reading the AN CP0504 Application Note alone does not release you from the
duty of complying with all national and international safety regulations relevant
to working with CPC 100 and CP CU1. The regulation EN 50191 "The Erection
and Operation of Electrical Test Equipment" as well as all the applicable
regulations for accident prevention in the country and at the site of operation has
to be fulfilled.

1.1 Operator Qualifications and Safety Standards

Working on overhead lines is extremely dangerous. The touch voltage
measurement described in this Application Note must be carried out only by
qualified, skilled and authorized personnel. Before starting to work, clearly
establish the responsibilities. Personnel receiving training, instructions,
directions, or education on the measurement setup must be under constant
supervision of an experienced operator while working with the equipment.
The touch voltage measurement must comply with the relevant national and
international safety standards listed below:

EN 50191 (VDE 0104) "Erection and Operation of Electrical Equipment"

EN 50110-1 (VDE 0105 Part 100) "Operation of Electrical Installations"

IEEE 510 "IEEE Recommended Practices for Safety in High-Voltage and

High-Power Testing"

LAPG 1710.6 NASA "Electrical Safety"

Moreover, additional relevant laws and internal safety standards have to be

followed.

Using This Document

1.2 Safety Measures

Before starting a measurement, read the safety rules in the CPC 100
User/Reference Manual and CP CU1 Reference Manual carefully and observe
the application specific safety instructions in this Application Note when
performing measurements to protect yourself from high-voltage hazards.

1.3 Conventions and Symbols Used

In this document, the following symbols indicate paragraphs with special safety
relevant meaning:

Symbol

Description
Equipment damage or loss of data
possible.
Personal injury or severe damage to
objects possible.

1.4 Related Documents

The following documents complete the information covered in the AN CP0504
Application Note:

Title

Description

CPC 100 User Manual

Contains information on how to use

the CPC 100 test system and
relevant safety instructions.

CPC 100 Reference Manual

Contains detailed hardware and

software information on CPC 100
including relevant safety instructions.

CP CU1 Reference Manual

Contains information on CP CU1 and

CP GB1 and provides typical
application examples.

AN CP0504 Application Note

2 Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

2.1 Testing an Overcurrent Relay with ARC
Function
This sequence of four states tests a complete autoreclosure cycle with both a
short dead time (rapid autoreclosure) and a long dead time (slow autoreclosure).
Figure 2-1:
Setup for testing an
overcurrent relay with
autoreclosure function

I>
OFF

ON

OFF

ON

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

Figure 2-2:
Sequencer test card
with parameters and
measurements of the
four states

State 1: "wait for the CB to open"

Set to output 400A until the trigger
condition "Overload" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Overload"
means: CPC 100 cannot provide the
400A any longer because of the
opening CB contact. Therefore, the
opening CB contact terminates
state 1.
The measurement table shows for
state 1 that the relay time + the CB
opening time lasted 290ms.
State 2: "wait for the CB to close"
Short dead time. Set to output 50A
until the "Overload" trigger condition
that started state 2 clears.
The measurement table shows for
state 2 that the short dead time + the
CB closing time lasted 477ms. This
time also includes the additional
time to compensate for the
debounce (see note below).

State 4: "wait for the CB to close"

The actual value for CB close equals

477ms - 100ms = 377ms.

Long dead time. Set to output 50A1 until the "Overload"

trigger condition that started state 4 clears.

Note that the r.m.s. measurement of

IOut reacts slow and therefore the
measurement table does not show
the full current.

The measurement table shows for state 4 that the long

dead time + the CB closing time lasted 3.1910s. This
time also includes the additional time to compensate
for the debounce (see note below).

State 3: "wait for the CB to open"

The actual value for CB close equals

3.1910s - 100ms = 3.0910s.

Like state 1.

Not relevant for this test.

Current values < 50A do not initiate an "Overload" when the current circuit opens. For this
reason, a nominal current value of 50A was chosen here, even though the CB is open.

Note:

For debouncing purposes, at CB closing time measurements,

CPC 100 adds a fixed time of 100ms to the measured value. In order
to determine the true CB closing time value, these 100ms need to be
deducted from the value displayed in the measurement table.

AN CP0504 Application Note

Time sequence of the four states

Figure 2-3:
Time sequence of the
four states to test the
autoreclosure cycle

fault inception: overcurrent condition occurs

CB opens

CB autoreclosure
CB opens again

100ms

state 1

*)

state 2 *)
short
dead time

100ms

state 3

state 4 *)
long dead time

States 2 and 4 include the additional 100ms CPC 100 adds to compensate for the debounce
(see note above).

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

2.2 Testing an Overcurrent Relay with ARC

Function and Measuring the CB
Opening/Closing Time
This sequence of four states tests an autoreclosure cycle with a short relay dead
time as well as the CB opening and closing times.
Figure 2-4:
Setup for testing an
autoreclosure cycle with
a short relay dead time
as well as the CB
opening and closing
times

I>
OFF

ON

ON

OFF

* = Diodes to decouple the relays auxiliary contacts ON/OFF from each other.

AN CP0504 Application Note

Figure 2-5:
Sequencer test card
with parameters and
measurements of the
four states

State 1: "wait for open command"

Set to output 400A until the trigger
condition "Binary" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Binary"
means: the overcurrent relays
auxiliary contact that activates the
CB OFF coil closes. This terminates
state 1 and starts state 2.
The measurement table shows for
state 1 that 233ms after the fault
inception the auxiliary contact for the
OFF coil closed.
State 2: "wait for the CB to open"
Set to output 400A until the
"Overload" trigger condition occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Overload"
means: CPC 100 cannot provide the
400A any longer because of the
opening CB. Therefore, the opening
CB represents the "Overload"
trigger, terminates state 2 and starts
state 3.
The measurement table shows for
state 2 that 57ms after it started the
CB opened. This time represents the
actual CB opening time.
State 3: "wait for close command"
Set to output 50A1 until the trigger
condition "Binary" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Binary"
means: the overcurrent relays
auxiliary contact that activates the
CB ON coil closes. This terminates
state 3 and starts state 4.
The measurement table shows for
state 3 that 320ms after it started,
the auxiliary contact for the ON coil
closed.

10

Not relevant for this test.

State 4: "wait for the CB to close"

Set to output 100A until the "Overload" trigger
condition occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Overload" means: due to the
closing CB, CPC 100 is able to provide the 100A. This
is regarded a "clearing overload situation". Therefore,
the closing CB represents the "Overload" trigger and
terminates state 4.
The measurement table shows for state 4 that the
overload cleared 163ms after state 4 started.
Note: This time does not represent the actual CB
closing time. It also includes the additional time to
compensate for the debounce (see note below).
Therefore, in this example the real value of the
CB closing time equals 163ms - 100ms = 63ms.
Note that the r.m.s. measurement of IOut reacts slow
and therefore the measurement table does not show
the full current.

Current values < 50A do not initiate an "Overload" when the current circuit opens. For this
reason, a nominal current value of 50A was chosen here, even though the CB is open.

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

Note:

For debouncing purposes, at CB closing time measurements,

CPC 100 adds a fixed time of 100ms to the measured value. In order
to determine the true CB closing time value, these 100ms need to be
deducted from the value displayed in the measurement table.

Time sequence of the four states

Figure 2-6:
Time sequence of the
four states to test an
autoreclosure cycle with
a short relay dead time
as well as the CB
opening and closing
times

fault inception:
overcurrent
condition
occurs

auxiliary contact for the

CB OFF coil closes.
CB opens

auxiliary contact for the

CB ON coil closes

CB closes

100ms

t
state 1

*)

state 2

state 3

state 4 *)

State 4 includes the additional 100ms CPC 100 adds to compensate for the debounce
(see note above).

11

AN CP0504 Application Note

2.3 Measuring the CB Opening Time

This sequence of two states measures the CB opening time, i.e., the time it takes
for the circuit breaker to open after a trip command was issued.
To do so, the CB coil "OFF" is activated by a switch that, at the same time, is
wired to CPC 100s binary input BinIn to act as a trigger signal (refer to
figure 2-8).
Figure 2-7:
Setup for measuring a
circuit breakers
opening time

OFF

12

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

Figure 2-8:
Sequencer test card
with parameters and
measurements of the
two states

State 1: "wait for open command"

Set to output 400A until the trigger
condition "Binary" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Binary"
means: the switch to activate the CB
coil is pressed. This switch is wired
to CPC 100s binary input BinIn, i.e.,
pressing the switch within the set
30s of time represents the "Binary"
trigger and terminates state 1.
The measurement table shows for
state 1 that the switch was pressed
2.3s after the state began, i.e., after
CPC 100s "test start/stop" pushbutton was pressed.

Not relevant for this test.

Since the CB was still closed during

that time, a current was output.
State 2: "wait for CB to open"
Set to output 400A until the trigger condition "Overload" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Overload" means: CPC 100 cannot provide the 400A any longer because of
the opening CB. Therefore, the opening CB represents the "Overload" trigger and terminates state 2.
The measurement table shows for state 2 that the CB opened 57ms after state 2 started. This time
represents the actual CB opening time.

Time sequence of the two states:

Figure 2-9:
Time sequence of the
two states to test a
circuit breakers
opening time

Switch to activate the CB coil is pressed ("Binary" trigger).

CB is open ("Overload" trigger).

t
state 1

state 2

13

AN CP0504 Application Note

2.4 Measuring the CB Closing Time

This sequence of two states measures the CB closing time, i.e., the time it takes
for the circuit breaker to close after a trip command was issued.
To do so, the CB coil "ON" is activated by a switch that, at the same time, is wired
to CPC 100s binary input BinIn to act as a trigger signal (refer to figure 11).
Figure 2-10:
Setup for measuring a
circuit breakers closing
time

ON

14

Basic Circuit Breaker Tests

Figure 11:
Sequencer test card
with parameters and
measurements of the
two states

State 1: "wait for close command"

Set to output 50A1 until the trigger
condition "Binary" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Binary"
means: the switch to activate the CB
coil is pressed. This switch is wired
to CPC 100s binary input BinIn, i.e.,
pressing the switch within the set
30s of time represents the "Binary"
trigger and terminates state 1.
The measurement table shows for
state 1 that the switch was pressed
1.7s after the state began, i.e., after
CPC 100s "test start/stop" pushbutton was pressed.

Not relevant for this test.

Since the CB was open during that

time, no current was output.
State 2: "wait for CB to close"
Set to output 100A until the trigger condition "Overload" occurs.
Here, trigger condition "Overload" means: due to the closing CB, CPC 100 is able to provide the
100A. This is regarded a "clearing overload situation". Therefore, the closing CB represents the
"Overload" trigger and terminates state 2.
The measurement table shows for state 2 that the overload cleared 163ms after state 2 started. This
time, however, does not represent the actual CB closing time. It also includes the additional time to
compensate for the debounce (see note below).
Therefore, in this example the real value of the CB closing time equals 163ms - 100ms = 63ms.
Note that the r.m.s. measurement of IOut reacts slow and therefore the measurement table does not
show the full current.

Current values < 50A do not initiate an "Overload" when the current circuit opens. For this
reason, a nominal current value of 50A was chosen here, even though the CB is open.

Note:

For debouncing purposes, at CB closing time measurements,

CPC 100 adds a fixed time of 100ms to the measured value. In order
to determine the true CB closing time value, these 100ms need to be
deducted from the value displayed in the measurement table.

15

AN CP0504 Application Note

Time sequence of the two states:

Figure 12:
Time sequence of the
two states to test a
circuit breakers closing
time

CB is closed ("Overload" trigger).

100ms

Switch to activate the CB coil is pressed ("Binary" trigger).

t
state 1

*)

16

state 2 *)

State 2 includes the additional 100ms CPC 100 adds to compensate for the debounce
(see note above).