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SUBSTATION COMMISSIONING
COURSE
MODULE FOUR
COMMISSIONING
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Written by:
Raymond Lee, Technical Trainer
Copyright ©2010
TABLE OF CONTENT
Headings Page
Introduction
This module will detail the requirements for performing electrical and
mechanical tests on the MV circuit breakers. The purpose of the test, testing
requirements and procedures are presented.
This module will introduce the NETA acceptance testing procedures for
circuit breakers comprising of mechanical and visual inspections, electrical
testing and test data analysis. General guidelines for acceptance testing will
be presented. When equipment specific instructions are required the
equipment manuals should be consulted.
Circuit breaker are used to control power flow and designed to interrupt
short circuit current with the use of protective relays. An understanding on
the theory of operations, functions, types and ratings are discussed and this
information will be useful when performing acceptance tests. The discussion
will be applicable to the medium voltage class, station type and indoor /
outdoor circuit breakers. Circuit breakers for application in Gas Insulated
Substation (GIS) and generator circuit breakers are not discussed.
It is beyond the scope of this module to discuss the details of circuit breaker
design and their arc extinguishing technologies. Any breaker design
discussions will be limited in scope.
Objective
By the end of this module the participants will have the basic skills to
perform acceptance testing on circuit breakers, conduct visual and
mechanical inspections, perform insulation resistance tests, dielectric
withstand test, contact resistance test, timing test, operational tests, control
circuit checks, power factor test and completing the inspection / test forms
and conducting an assessment of the test data.
There are no existing Canadian CSA standards for the AC high voltage
circuit breakers for rating or application guidelines / specifications.
Table 1 lists the principle standards that are applicable to AC high voltage
circuit breakers. The standards listed are not all inclusive as it excludes the
generator breakers and applications for shunt capacitor and reactor
applications. There are also other standards that are applicable to relays,
device numbers, wires and equipment or devices for use in conjunction with
circuit breakers that are not listed.
1.1 Rating
The ratings of a circuit breaker are considered to be the minimum design limits that
are expected to be met by the device operating under defined operating conditions.
This includes its operating devices and auxiliary equipment.
Rated Characteristics
• Maximum voltage; kV rms
• Voltage range factor; K
• Continuous Current, Amperes rms
• Symmetrical Interrupting current; kA rms
• % DC component (asymmetrical Interrupting current, kA peak
• Interrupting time, msec
• Maximum Permissible Tripping Time Delay; sec
• Transient recovery voltage; kV peak, μsec time to peak
• Withstand voltage, power frequency; kV rms
• Withstand voltage, BIL; kV crest
• Closing and latching current; kA peak
Table 2 and 3 shows the preferred rating for the medium voltage circuit breakers as
tabled in IEEE C37.06.
Table 2: Preferred Ratings for Indoor Circuit Breakers with Rated Voltage Range Factor K=1.0
Rated Rated Continuous Rated Short- Rated Transient Rated Maximum Rated Closing
Maximum Current circuit and Recovery Voltage Interrupting Permissible and latching
Voltage (Amperes rms) Short Time Rated Rated Time Tripping Current
(kV rms) Currents Peak Time to (ms) Time Delay Y (kA peak)
(kA rms) Voltage Peak T2 (sec)
E2
(kV peak) (μ sec)
4.76 1200, 2000 31.5 8.9 50 83 2 82
4.76 1200, 2000 40 8.9 50 83 2 104
4.76 1200, 2000, 3000 50 8.9 50 83 2 130
8.25 1200, 2000, 3000 40 15.5 60 83 2 10
15 1200, 2000 20 28 75 83 2 52
15 1200, 2000 25 28 75 83 2 65
15 1200, 2000 31.5 28 75 83 2 82
15 1200, 2000, 3000 40 28 75 83 2 104
15 1200, 2000, 3000 50 28 75 83 2 130
15 1200, 2000, 3000 63 28 75 83 2 164
27 1200 16 51 105 83 2 42
27 1200, 2000 25 51 105 83 2 65
38 1200 16 71 125 83 2 42
38 1200, 2000 25 71 125 83 2 65
38 1200, 2000, 3000 31.5 71 125 83 2 82
38 1200, 2000, 3000 40 71 125 83 2 104
Table 3: Preferred Ratings for Outdoor Circuit Breakers 72.5 kV and Below Including Circuit Breakers Applied
in Gas Insulated Substation with Rated Voltage Range Factor K=1.0
Rated Rated Continuous Rated Short- Rated Transient Rated Maximum Rated Closing
Maximum Current circuit and Recovery Voltage Interrupting Permissible and latching
Voltage (Amperes rms) Short Time Rated Rated Time Tripping Current
(kV rms) Currents Peak Time to (ms) Time Delay Y (kA peak)
(kA rms) Voltage Peak T2 (sec)
E2
(kV peak) (μ sec)
15.5 600, 1200 12.5 29 36 83 2 33
15.5 1200, 2000 20 29 36 83 2 52
15.5 1200, 2000 25 29 36 83 2 65
15.5 1200, 2000, 3000 40 29 36 83 2 104
25.8 1200, 2000 12.5 48.5 52 83 2 33
25.8 1200, 2000 25 48.5 52 83 2 65
38 1200, 2000 16 71 63 83 2 42
38 1200, 2000 20 71 63 83 2 52
38 1200, 2000 25 71 63 83 2 65
38 1200, 2000 31.5 71 63 83 2 82
38 1200, 2000, 3000 40 71 63 83 2 104
48.3 1200, 2000 20 91 80 83 2 52
48.3 1200, 2000 31.5 91 80 83 2 82
48.3 1200, 2000, 3000 40 91 80 83 2 104
72.5 1200, 2000 20 136 106 83 2 52
72.5 1200, 2000 31.5 136 106 83 2 82
72.5 1200, 2000, 3000 40 136 106 82 2 104
The following notes will present a brief explanation of the breaker ratings without
an in depth technical explanations. Technical details can be found in the referenced
standards and suggested reading section.
Maximum voltage
The rated maximum voltage is the upper limit of the system voltage for which the
breaker application is to be used on a continuous basis.
Rated maximum voltage for medium voltage class circuit breakers are:
• 4.76, 8.25, 15, 15.5, 25.8, 38 kV
Frequency
The rated North American frequency is 60 Hz. Manufacturers should be consulted
for applications at other frequencies.
Continuous Current
The rated continuous current rating sets the upper limit for the temperature rise of
the breaker operating for usual service conditions such as:
• Operating at an ambient temperature not exceeding 40 ºC
• Installed at an altitude above sea level and up to 1000m or less
• Effects of solar radiation is not significant
• Seismic loading is not significant relative to total weight (.2g x Hor, .16g x
Vert. measured at the centre of gravity)
When a circuit breaker is properly selected for continuous current operation, it may
be used for starting equipment such as motors, synchronous condensers and cold
loads. Under these conditions, the continuous current rating may be momentarily
exceeded without causing damage to the circuit breakers.
The constant current interrupting rating for circuit breakers are applicable to the
vacuum and SF6 breaker whereas air magnetic and oil circuit breakers have a
higher interrupting rating when operating at a voltage that is lower than the rated
voltage. However since the air-magnetic and oil circuit breakers are obsolete,
today’s standards are addressing the future direction of circuit breaker design and
applications.
Note: For older circuit breakers, the symmetrical interrupting capability between
the rated maximum voltage and 1/K times the rated maximum voltage is:
% DC Component
The % DC component is related to the asymmetrical interrupting capability of the
circuit breaker as defined by the symmetrical current. It is used to derive a
multiplying factor for the symmetrical current to result in the asymmetrical current
value.
%dc 2
S= 1+ 2 ×( )
100
Where:
%dc = the short circuit percent DC current breaking requirement as related t
to the breaker speed for systems with X/R = 17.
Therefore:
It = Isym x S
or
%dc 2
It = Isym x 1 + 2 ×( )
100
Interrupting Time
The rated interrupting time is the maximum allowable time between the
energization of the trip circuit at rated voltage (and rated mechanism pressure for
gas circuit breakers) and the arcing extinction time at the main contact in all poles.
Note: Oil and air magnetic circuit breakers may have interrupting time
greater than the rated interrupting time when interrupting below 25%
of the rated interrupting capability at maximum voltage.
Note: Rated interrupting time can be exceeded for extreme cold weather
condition, low control voltage, low stored energy mechanism and
certain fault types.
Figure 2 shows the various time interval for a circuit breaker with resistor contacts.
The rated power frequency dielectric withstand capability is its voltage withstand
capability with specified magnitudes and waveshapes of voltage applied under
specified conditions.
The 1 minute power frequency dielectric withstand test provides a margin of safety
for minor contamination, deterioration and voltage surges encountered during
service.
• Dry power frequency withstand for indoor circuit breakers
• Dry and wet power frequency withstand for outdoor circuit breakers
Table 4 shows the preferred factory dielectric withstand rating for dry and wet test
applied to indoor and outdoor medium voltage breakers as tabled in IEEE C37.06.
The basic purpose of all dielectric withstand test is to ensure that insulation system
to ground potential and the insulating medium across the open contacts in the
breaker poles will not fail.
The TRV rating is specified in kV peak (E2) and the time to achieve peak voltage
in μsec (T2).
Below 100 kV, E2 specified at 1.88 x rated maximum voltage and T2 varies with
rated voltage. Refer to table 2 and 3.
Note: It is beyond the scope of this module to provide a full description of all the
nameplate data. The rating structure provides a basic understanding of the rating /
nameplate data specifications of the circuit breaker.
Accessories
Nameplate of all accessories shall include identification and pertinent operating
characteristics
Note: It is beyond the scope of this module to provide a detailed description of the
various circuit breaker types, operating principles and various interrupting
technologies. Circuit breaker design information can be found in the listed
references and suggested reading section.
Circuit breakers types are classified according to their arc interrupting technology.
The circuit breaker types are:
• Air magnetic
• Oil (tank oil, minimum oil and bulk oil)
• Air Blast - Two-pressure and single pressure air blast
• SF6 - Two pressure and single pressure SF6
• Vacuum
Air Magnetic circuit breakers were older equipment used for indoor applications,
5kV – 38 kV were in dominant use until the 1975 time period. Air magnetic circuit
breakers are currently in use for low voltage applications.
Bulk oil circuit breakers were made up to 150 kV and were superseded by the
minimum oil circuit breaker in the 1930’s. Bulk oil circuit breakers ceased
production in early mid-century and the minimum oil circuit breakers ceased
production in the late 1980’s.
Air blast circuit breakers began production at the same time as the minimum oil
circuit breakers in the 1930’s and was an alternative to the minimum oil circuit
breakers. Air blast circuit breakers were used in MV to HV applications up to 500
kV. Air blast circuit breakers ceased production in the 1990’s.
The SF6 circuit breakers have their dominant position in the HV to Ultra HV
applications and also available for MV application. SF6 circuit breakers began
production in the 1960 as a two pressure SF6 circuit breaker. Advancement in
design produced the single pressure SF6 circuit breaker which appeared in late
1970’s. SF6 circuit breakers are still in production today from the MV to the Ultra
HV class.
The vacuum circuit breakers have their dominant position in the MV classs. It was
introduced in the early 1970’s after the SF6 circuit breakers appeared. Vacuum
circuit breaker are limited to use below 60 kV due to the non-linearity of the
vacuum pressure dielectric strength at higher voltages as compared to SF6 gas
dielectric property which are more linear when applied at higher gas pressures.
Note: The vacuum and SF6 circuit breakers are the two predominant types
manufactured today for use above 1000V.
3.1 Switching
Circuit breakers are used to control the flow of electrical energy in an electrical
networks by closing / tripping (or opening) its main contacts. Electrical energy is
applied to downstream circuits when the breaker is closed and removed when the
breaker is tripped.
Breaker operations can be performed locally at the breaker, from a local control
station or remotely from a central station via SCADA. Breaker operations are
accomplished by energizing the associated tripping and closing coils.
Interrupters
The interrupters are mounted on support insulators. The interrupter encloses
a set of fixed and moving contacts called the main contacts. The moving contacts
are connected to an insulated operating rod and can be drawn apart by linkages of
the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism provides the mechanical
energy for opening and closing of the main contacts at rated velocity.
Note: The testing procedures described in this module are for vacuum and SF6
circuit breakers only. Oil, air-blast and air-magnetic circuit breakers which
are obsolete and which are not encountered on new installation are not
included.
Refer to module two for safety work practice when testing with high voltages.
Refer to IEEE Standard 510 – 1983, Recommended Practice for Safety in High
Voltage & High Power Testing.
Test voltage should not exceed the manufacturer’s suggested field testing levels or
75% of the factory dielectric test voltage levels.
Circuit breaker operations typically rely on the release of stored energy devices for
its closing and tripping functions. Stored energy devices can consist of charged
springs and pneumatic pressures or hydraulic pressure from accumulator storage
systems. Circuit breaker function can also be initiated by the energization of large
operating coils where its magnetic energy provides the power to move the
operating mechanism.
CAUTION:
Do not defeat any safety interlocks that are provided for the proper operations of
the circuit breakers.
Caution: Do not handle or move the circuit breakers by the primary disconnecting
devices, as damage may occur.
2. Confirm the nameplate rating with the contract specification, bill of material list
or applicable drawings / one line diagrams / three line diagrams.
4. Confirm that the cubicles / structures are installed level and plumb.
5. Inspect the circuit breaker for signs of damage during shipping or installation.
7. Inspect the sealing compound between porcelain and the center conductor.
Manual tripping and closing are performed with the circuit breakers out of the
cubicle cell or tested in the cubicle cell in the TEST / DISCONNECTED position.
The breaker operations counter will count of the number of operating cycles that
the breaker has been subjected to. One operating cycle comprise of a Close and a
Trip operation.
2. Verify that both the OPEN and DISCHARGE indications are shown.
3. Insert the manual charging handle into the appropriate slot for charging the
ratchet drive for the closing spring.
Note: It may take several operations of the charging handle to fully charge the
closing spring.
5. Listen for an audible indication that the holding pawl has latched onto the
spring drive mechanism once the closing spring is charged.
9. Verify that both the CLOSED and DISCHARGED indications are shown.
1. Verify that the CLOSED indication and discharged indication are shown.
3. Verify that both the OPEN and DISCHARGED indications are shown.
4. Verify that the operations counter has incremented by one for mechanically
operated counters.
Note: The control power must be ON to enable the closing spring charging motor
to function.
1. Insert the breaker into the cubicle cell and rack-in into the TEST /
DISCONNECTED position.
4. Verify that the mechanical interlock had opened the main contact before the
cluster fingers engages the primary stabs.
8. Verify that the mechanical interlock prevents racking out of the breaker in the
Close position, or had opened the main contact before the cluster fingers
disengages from the primary stabs.
Timing test
The breaker timing test is a mechanical test that analyzes the speed and position of
the breaker main contacts before, during and after an operation. A contact monitor
is applied to the breaker contacts and a position transducer is attached to the
operating mechanism. The breaker is then cycled for a close and open operation.
The contact change of state is timed and the travel signature of the operating
mechanism is recorded.
The digital contact timers are used for contact timing, it measure the contact
transition time from the energization of the closing or tripping coils to the time that
the main contacts changes position.
The travel analyzer measures the operating rod velocity, total travel, over travel,
bounce back, speed / acceleration rate and the contacts operating time. The
operating rod signature can be used to evaluate the condition of mechanical parts
of the breaker, such as closing mechanism, springs and shock absorbers. Test data
are analyzed and compared to the original factory specifications.
Operating Times
There are 3 operating time parameters that assess the condition of the circuit
breaker main contacts:
• Discrepancy time (or pole spread time)
• Closing time
• Opening time
Figure 4 shows a three pole breaker motion analyzer trace showing the various
breaker times.
Figure 5 shows a simplified connection diagram for a digital timer test set with
internal trip and close coil current monitor.
2. Connect the +ve control voltage to the supply input for the trip and close
control on the circuit breaker timer test set.
3. Connect the switched Close output of the circuit breaker timer test set to the
close terminal (C) of the circuit breaker.
4. Connect the switched Trip output of the circuit breaker timer test set to the trip
terminal (T) of the circuit breaker.
5. Set the circuit breaker timer test to monitor the closing and tripping current.
7. Perform a closing and opening operation to set the travel limits of the
transducer (if required).
Note: The above value is higher than the recommended NETA insulation
resistance test level.
Note: For indoor circuit breakers, the insulation resistance tests can be combined
with the switchgear insulation resistance test with the breaker in the
connected position and the main contacts closed. Refer to module 2
The results of the test serves as a preliminary assessment of the primary insulation
system to determine if it is should be subjected to the power frequency dielectric
withstand test.
Note: Insulation resistance testing is best performed when the ambient temperature
is at 20° C.
2. For indoor circuit breaker isolate the breaker by placing the circuit breaker in
the test / disconnected position or withdraw the breaker from the cubicle cell.
5. Apply the test voltage at the test duration on phase-A terminals with the frame
and all other phases grounded.
The AC test voltage shall have a crest equal to 1.414 times the RMS value
specified in Table 4. The wave shape shall be essentially sinusoidal. The frequency
shall be within 20% of the rated power frequency. The test voltage is to be
increased gradually from zero at a rate no greater than 1000 V per second to reach
the required test value and shall be held there for 1 minute. Consult the
manufacturer’s manual for limited rate of rise at 500V per second.
Note: For SF6 circuit breakers the dielectric withstand tests are conducted on a per
phase basis with the main contacts in the opened and closed positions while
the untested phase or pole grounded.
Note: For vacuum circuit breakers, the dielectric withstand test are conducted on a
per phase basis with the main contacts closed while the untested phase or
pole grounded
2. For indoor circuit breaker isolate the breaker by placing the circuit breaker in
the test / disconnected position or withdraw the breaker from the cubicle cell.
4. Close the main contacts for vacuum and SF6 circuit breakers.
5. Apply the test voltage at the test duration on phase-A terminals with the frame
and all other phases grounded.
9. Apply the test voltage at the test duration on phase-A incoming terminal with
phase-A outgoing terminal and all other phases grounded.
11.Apply the test voltage at the test duration on phase-A outgoing terminal with
phase-A incoming terminal and all other phases grounded.
The AC test voltage shall have a crest equal to 1.414 times the RMS value
specified in Table 4. The wave shape shall be essentially sinusoidal. The frequency
shall be within 20% of the rated power frequency. The test voltage is to be
increased gradually from zero at a rate no greater than 1000 V per second to reach
the required test value. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for limited rate of rise
at 500V per second.
Note: For vacuum bottle integrity test are conducted on a per phase basis across an
opened main contact opened while the untested phase or pole grounded. This
is a 10 second test for some breaker. Consult the manual to determine the
applicable test time duration (10 sec or 1 minute).
2. For indoor circuit breaker isolate the breaker by placing the circuit breaker in
the test / disconnected position or withdraw the breaker from the cubicle cell.
5. Apply the test voltage at the test duration on phase-A incoming terminals with
the frame and all other terminals grounded.
The breaker contact resistance test should be measure across the main contacts
with the breaker in the closed position. The best lead placement using the 4 wire
method is to place the current source leads furthest from the resistance to be
measured and the voltage measuring leads closest to the resistance to be measured.
2. Connect the +ve current lead at the incoming primary terminal on phase-A and
the –ve current lead on phase-A outgoing terminal.
3. Connect the +ve voltage lead at the incoming primary terminal on phase-A and
the –ve voltage lead on phase-A outgoing terminal.
Note: Place the voltage leads between the current lead and the main contact.
Note: The control circuit wiring insulation resistance test must be completed and
the control wiring must be free of short circuits and grounds. The power
supply polarity, voltage levels and type (AC / DC) should be checked prior
to energizing the control circuits and fused properly as per specified
drawings.
Note: Circuit breaker operations should only be attempted using the designated trip
/ close push buttons, electrical trip / close control switches / relays or
designated control devices. No attempt should be me made to manually
disengage any of the mechanical latching devices to initiate a tripping or
closing operation.
Close Test
The close test will confirm the closing operation of a tripped breaker from all
designated locations. The breaker should Close and the indicators should show
Red.
Trip Test
The trip test will confirm the tripping operation of a closed breaker from all
designated locations. The breaker should Trip and the indicators should show
Green.
Trip-free Test
The trip-free test will confirm the failure of the closing operation when a
maintained trip signal is present during a Close command. Since the tripping
function overrides the closing function, the presence of a maintained trip signal
during a close operation should collapse the closing mechanism pivot point and
prevent the operating rod from completing a full closing stroke. Ideally, the main
contacts should not touch during a trip-free condition.
Note: To determine the travel motion of the operating rod, a motion analyzer
should be connected. This exercise may not be practical for circuit breaker
having minimal operating stroke.
Anti-pump Test
The anti-pump test will confirm the operation of the anti-pump circuit. The anti-
pump circuit is enabled during the Close command and prevents pumping of the
circuit breaker for a failure of the mechanical latch to hold the main contacts in the
Closed position. The circuit breaker shall make one failed closing operation
without reclosing.
Anti-slam Test
The anti-slam test will confirm the prevention of the closing mechanism to operate
when the main contacts are already in the Closed position. The anti-slam function
prevents hammering of the main contacts. This function is normally achieved by
inclusion of an “b” contact in the closing coil circuit path.
Interlock Test
The interlock test will confirm the blocking of the Close command or automatic
initiation of Trip command from the various control devices included in the circuit
design.
2. Place the breaker in the normal operating position as connected to the primary
bus. Ensure the breaker is isolated / grounded with applicable test and work
permit in place.
3. Apply control power to the breaker control circuits and associated control
circuits to be tested.
4. Perform Trip and Close command from all designated control location. The
breaker should Trip and Close from each control location.
5. With the breaker in the open position, put a maintained trip signal via any one
of the tripping devices. Initiate a maintained Close command. Verify that the
trip-free function works and anti-pump works correctly and that the breaker did
not close and did not pump.
6. With the breaker in the Close position, initiate a Close command to the breaker.
Verify that the operating mechanism did not operate and that the anti-slam
function works correctly.
7. With the breaker in the Open position, initiate each close permissive device
individually and initiate a Close command. Verify that the breaker did not
operate.
8. With the breaker in the Close position, initiate each automatic tripping devices
individually. Verify that the breaker did Tripped.
10.Initiate each alarm devices individually. Verify that each device is correctly
annunciated and properly designated. Refer to the appropriated alarm
schematics for the alarm designations.
Note: Power factor testing information has been included in this module since it
may be a required to be conducted to establish a baseline reading for future
maintenance comparison and trending. Power factor test is similar to the
power dissipation / capacitance test which is also a maintenance test, but are
not included in this module.
The first power factor test is used to establish the initial baseline reading for which
future comparison and trending are made. Normal insulation system degradation
and aging are synonymous with a gradual deteriorating test results which can take
years to develop while unexpected large sudden changes could be indicative of an
insulation system that has quickly degraded or been contaminated which could lead
to insulation system failure if not addressed.
E = test voltage
IT = total current
IC = capacitive current
IR = resistive current
CP = equivalent parallel capacitance
RP = equivalent parallel resistance
From the values of IR, IC and IT, the watts loss, power factor, capacitance and
resistance of the insulation system can be calculated. A good insulation is
characterized by a power factor approaching unity (or a cosine of 90º) as in a pure
capacitor and exhibiting a very small watts loss (or a small IR component). A
deteriorating insulation system is characterized by a decreasing power factor and
an increasing watts loss value.
E = test voltage
IT = total current
IC = capacitive current
IR = resistive current
θ = phase angle between E and IT
Bushing
Table 6 list the recommended test voltage for bushing of the medium voltage class
rated up to 10 kV. Each bushing may have a different rating than the circuit
breaker maximum voltage rating which can be found on the bushing nameplate
data.
Bushings used outdoor medium voltage class circuit breakers are typically of the
non-condenser type. Non condenser types are:
• Solid core or alternate layers of solid and liquid insulation
• Solid mass of homogeneous insulating material (such as solid porcelain)
• Gas filled
The primary insulation is contained in a porcelain housing filled with insulating oil
or SF6 gas. Some solid bushings may use oil to fill the space between the
conductor and inner wall of the porcelain housing.
The HV lead is connected to the specimen are where the HV potential is applied.
The position of the measuring circuit, relative to the LV lead or the ground lead
provides three modes of operation.
• Grounded specimen test
Grounded specimen test measure the total current to the ground lead.
Guarded specimen test does not measure the current in the LV lead.
The LV lead is guarded.
Ungrounded specimen test does not measure the current in the ground lead.
The ground lead is guarded.
Note: Power factor test set may be provided with two LV test leads which can be
selectively guarded and grounded. It is beyond the scope of this module to
discuss the connection variations and its metering implications.
Note: The power factor test is typically applied to outdoor circuit breakers
provisioned with bushing terminals but may be applied to bushingless indoor
circuit breakers if required by the customer.
For indoor circuit breakers isolate the breaker by placing the circuit breaker in
the test / disconnected position or withdraw the breaker from the cubicle cell.
2. For outdoor Circuit breakers disconnect all incoming and outgoing cables from
the breaker bushing terminal connections.
Disconnected cables should have sufficient clearance from the circuit breaker
terminals greater that the phase spacing distance. Use nylon rope to hold cable
away from incoming and outgoing terminals as required.
5. Apply the test voltage on phase-A terminals with the frame and all other phases
grounded.
9. Apply the test voltage on phase-A incoming terminal with phase-A outgoing
terminal and all other terminals grounded.
11.Apply the test voltage on phase-A outgoing terminal with phase-A incoming
terminal and all other phases grounded.
The hot collar test applies an increased voltage stress in the upper region of the
bushing below the first skirt (or top petticoat). The upper region is the most
probable location for moisture ingress or insulation deterioration.
The conducting collar is drawn tightly around the bushing to ensure intimate
contact with the surface. Collar material can be conducting rubber or metallic
For indoor circuit breakers isolate the breaker by placing the circuit breaker in
the test / disconnected position or withdraw the breaker from the cubicle cell.
2. For outdoor Circuit breakers disconnect all incoming and outgoing cables from
the breaker bushing terminal connections.
Disconnected cables should have sufficient clearance from the circuit breaker
terminals greater that the phase spacing distance. Use nylon rope to hold cable
away from incoming and outgoing terminals as required.
4. Connect the PF test set as per bushing hot collar connection diagram for phase-
A incoming terminal.
Note: The NETA circuit breaker acceptance testing procedures applicable to the
MV class has been condensed and recompiled.
4. Verify that all maintenance devices, special tools, external gauges /indicators,
manual racking handles, breaker lifting carts, umbilical cords are available for
servicing and operating the breaker.
3. Verify arcing and main contact sequence, contact wipe via slow closing if
applicable.
2. Perform gas purity and density test if sampling valve is provided. Convert
density test to reference temperature at 20°C. Consult manufacturer’s manual
for required specifications
3. Operate low pressure gas switched if isolation valve and purge / sampling valve
is provided. Confirm operating low pressure setting is as per manufacturer’s
manual.
Note: The procedure is different than those listed in the NETA standards. The
reader is urged to review the NETA standard and adopt those practices that
are applicable to their requirements.
2. Perform insulation-resistance tests for one minute on each phase with the main
contacts closed and the other phase and frame grounded.
3. Perform a dielectric withstand voltage test on each phase with the circuit
breaker closed and the phases not under test grounded. Apply voltage at 75% of
the factory power frequency withstand test level for 1 minute.
5. Perform main contacts resistance tests from pole to pole using a 100 Adc low
resistance ohm meter.
6a.Perform contact timing test and trip / close coil current monitor.
For units with solid-state components or control devices that can not tolerate the
applied voltage, follow manufacturer’s recommendation.
Note: This procedure can be achieved with the use of a suitable capacity
variable power supply source but may not always be feasible to
perform if the operating coils inrush current is very large. Step 6a coil
current monitor test results can be used to determine if portable any
portable power supply source has the capacity to deliver the inrush
current.
10.Verify that heaters and anti-condensate circuit and temperature controller are
operational.
3. Main operating rod travel and velocity curve shall be in accordance with
manufacturer’s published data.
Note: The preferred arrangement is for the counter to advance during the
opening cycle.
4. Main contacts resistance values from pole to pole shall be as per manufacturer’s
manual.
5. Breaker mechanism charge, close, open, trip, trip-free, anti-pump and anti-slam
features shall function as designed.
6. Minimum pickup voltage of the trip and close coils shall conform to the
manufacturer’s published data. In the absence of the manufacturer’s published
data, refer to Table 100.20.
of similar bushings.
IEEE C37.04-1999
Standard rating Structure for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers
Copyright © 1999 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 100-16-5997, USA
PDF: ISBN 0-7381-1781-1
Print: ISBN 0-7381-1782-X
IEEE C37.09-1999
Standard Test Procedure for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers rated on a
Symmetrical Current Basis
Copyright © 1999 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 100-16-5997, USA
PDF: ISBN 0-7381-1784-6
Print: ISBN 0-7381-1783-8
IEEE C37.010-1999
Application Guide for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical
Current Basis
Copyright © 2000 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.
3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 100-16-5997, USA
PDF: ISBN 0-7381-1828-1
Print: ISBN 0-7381-1827-1