Technical collection

Combining
protection and
measurement in
LV
Low voltage
expert guides n° 10
 YFJYVIIVGIT

6FKQHLGHU(OHFWULF )55(9$
Summary

Protection and measurement

1.1. Protection 2
1.2. Measurement 3
1.3. Combining protection and measurement 4

Energy efficiency
2.1 Main solutions destined to achieve energy efficiency 7
2.1.1. Power measurement 7
2.1.2. HVAC control 8
2.1.3. Lighting control 8
2.1.4. Power factor correction 8
2.1.5. Building automation 8
2.1.6. Energy management systems 9
2.1.6.1. Alarming and event logging 9
2.1.6.2. Asset management optimization 9
2.1.6.3. Energy tariff optimization 10
2.1.6.4. Energy usage analysis 10

Energy quality
3.1. Different types of disturbances 11
3.1.1. Voltage disturbances 11
3.1.1.1. Voltage dips and short interruptions 11
3.1.1.2. Overvoltages 13
3.1.2. Specific disturbances of multi-phase systems 15
3.1.3. Electromagnetic disturbances: emissions, radiation, electrostatic
discharge 16
3.1.4. Frequency disturbances 16
3.1.5. Harmonic disturbances 16

IEC 61557-12 standard

4.1. Scope 22
4.2. General architecture of a PMD 22
4.3. Different types of precision 24
4.4. Combining external sensors with a PMD 25
4.5. Performance classes 25
4.6. The basic current, the rated current and the maximum current 26
4.7. Reference conditions and rated conditions 26
4.8. Continuous measurement or zero blind time 27
4.9. Precisions on the most significantphysical values 27

The Schneider Electric solution

5.1. Measurement architecture with Compact NSX 28
5.2. Consistency 31
5.3. Measurement performance with Compact NSX 32
5.4. Combining measurement and protection: standard layout 33

The author thanks the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for

permission to reproduce information from its International Standard
IEC 61557-12 ed. 1.0. All such extracts are copyright of IEC, Geneva,
Switzerland. All rights reserved. Further information on the IEC are available from
www.iec.ch.
IEC has no responsibility for the placement and context in which the extracts and
contents are reproduced by the author, nor is IEC in any way responsible for the
other content or accuracy therein.


Protection and measurement
1.1. Protection
Protection of an electrical installation
is required by current standards.
Measurement of network characteristics
allows us to:
b find out the quality of the supplied
energy
b have an energy-efficient installation.
Combining both of these functions
in the same device:
b reduces installation costs
DB124986
b ensures that it works correctly,
by matching the measurement sensors
to the protection device.

Many different phenomena can disturb network operation during the life cycle
of an electrical installation and some of these phenomena require the use of special
protection measures.
Protection against electrical shocks
This protection involves people coming into contact with live energized parts of the
installation. In this case we talk about protection against direct contact or protection
against indirect contact:
b direct contact refers to a person who comes into contact with live, normally
energized parts of a piece of equipment or an electrical device. Various installation
standards (national, as in the case of NF C15-100 in France or international ones
such as IEC 60364 standard) require special measures to be taken to protect against
direct contacts (guards, insulating conductive parts, the use of very low voltage,
the use of 30 mA residual current devices, etc.).
DB124987
b indirect contact refers to a person coming into contact with a part that is not
normally live, but that has accidentally become live following an insulation fault.
Installation standards require special protection rules relative to indirect contact:
v automatic disconnection of the voltage source via protection switchgear
(e.g. circuit breakers)
v the use of class ll insulation materials
v electrical separation by the use of isolating transformers, etc.
Installation protection (conductors and loads)
against disturbances that are likely to appear on the network: short-circuits,
overloads, overvoltages, etc. This involves guaranteeing an installation the
exploitation of which is in accordance with user’s needs and complying with current
rules and standards concerning protection. In order to achieve this dual goal, several
aspects must be taken into account:
b the power required for the installation (via transformers or alternators)
b the load characteristics
b disturbances that are likely to be carried by the network.
Installation standards recommend protection measures for different types of faults
and their use is therefore compulsory.
Protection against the risk of electrical fires
The standards require certain solutions (mainly the use of residual current circuit
breakers or earth fault protection), as for other types of protection devices.
 Protection and measurement

1.2. Measurement
Energy costs are a very major item of expenditure.
There are many parameters to be taken into account to control an installation’s
costs: current, voltage, power, load curves, tripping analysis, etc.
These parameters are essential in order to understand electrical phenomena
in an installation. The number of parameters to be considered depends on
the site activity, the installation activity, performance levels, required precision, etc.
It is therefore important to correctly target requirements before any approach
DB124988

to select equipment in order for the selected measurement devices to be suited

to the requirement.
Economically, two targets are important to achieve via measurement in an electrical
installation:
b on one side, energy efficiency, in other words the supplying of energy at a given
quality, for minimum consumption, whilst meeting the installation’s energy
requirements. This efficiency parameter therefore has a direct consequence on the
installation energy bill
b on the other hand, energy quality, which implies the measuring of indicators
for the energy that supplies the installation. This particularly involves the frequency
Image of network current with harmonics. of the current or the voltage as well as their harmonic distortion level.
DB124989

Measurement of harmonic currents by Micrologic trip unit.


 Protection and measurement

1.3. Combining protection and measurement

Réseau de communication Many advantages can be gained by combining the functions of measurement
DB124990

and protection in one single device.

Alimentation Firstly, this approach leads to a reduction in equipment installation costs:
installing one single device naturally costs less than installing two. But combining
these two functions in the same unit ensures the right sizing of current sensors
eliminates cabling risks and guarantees correct operation, with the whole unit tested
in the factory.
In addition, the stated precision is given for the whole measurement chain (including
sensors) by systematic factory calibration of the electronics system with its sensors.

Example of equipment combining protection and measurement:

Compact circuit breaker with Micrologic trip unit.


Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency involves:
b reducing energy consumption
b optimizing energy costs
b improving installation reliability.
DB124991
Energy efficiency involves providing a given level of performance, cost, quality,
availability, and comfort at a minimal level of energy usage throughout the lifecycle
of a given asset or process.
In order to achieve a comprehensive energy management, three goals have
to be pursued:
b reduction of energy consumption: all energy types in all aspects of an operation
should be reduced
b optimization of energy cost: reduction of the acquisition cost of energy utilized
by an operation
b improved reliability & availability: reliable and efficient equipment operation
sustain gains, while outage risk is minimized through design and strategy.
At the same time, three main methods are used in order to effectively put into action
the efficient use of energy:
b monitoring and analyzing, improve awareness of energy consumption and
usage:
v identify benchmarks and opportunities for savings
v facilitate validation and sustained energy management
v use measurement, monitoring and management software and services.
b control and management systems enable more efficient use of energy:
v lighting and HVAC control, building management systems, automation solutions
for equipment and processes
v stand-alone controls - presence detectors, time clocks, thermostats and remote
control devices
v variable speed drives for efficient motor control.
b specialized equipment, reduces loss, damage, and outage:
v power factor correction and low loss transformers reduce losses
v power quality: filters, conditioners, harmonics suppressors, ...
v high availability designs reduce outage and damage.

Energy efficiency

HVAC

DB125053
control
Lighting
control

Power factor
correction

Building
automation

Energy
management
systems

Automation
solutions Power
metering

Solutions for Energy Efficiency in commercial buildings and industrial sites.


 Energy efficiency

2.1 Main solutions destined to achieve energy efficiency

2.1.1. Power measurement
This solution allows the field operator to know the electrical flows in the network.
The solution also offers some first analysis capability to improve energy use,
save money and improve efficiency by:
b providing raw data for electricity consumption allocation
b providing real-time power factor and helping the end-user avoid penalties
b logging peak demand (for the highest product range of this solution).

A basic power measurement solution includes a demand-side or supply-side,

DB125036

FDM121 unit display.
high-quality, three-phase, power measurement device that presents data in real time
to the field operator. The basic measurements provided include:
b current,
b voltage,
b energy,
b power,
b frequency,
b power factor.
The simplest form of this solution is a power measurement device on its own that
the end user reads or observes when he walks by. At the higher end of this
application is a system that includes several power measurement devices
(some times linked together with a gateway) and a very simple software package.

An advanced power monitoring system provides more accurate information on

electric flows to the field’s most demanding users, and it embeds advanced functions
to log and sort the main events on the electrical network. The advanced power
monitoring system consists of powerful, accurate power measurement devices
connected to power monitoring and control software using the latest communications
technologies.
DB124993

Power measurement management system.


 Energy efficiency

2.1.2. HVAC control

HVAC control applications include products, systems and services aimed
at controlling HVAC equipment in order to:
b provide required environmental conditions (temperature, air displacement speed,
moisture, CO2, etc.) for occupant’s comfort and building efficiency
b minimize energy consumption
b reduce other costs, such as operation, maintenance and repair costs.

Benefits
b HVAC can represent up to 70 % of energy consumption depending on building types
b different methods can be combined to save energy costs for HVAC in a range
of 15 % to 30 %:
v program temperature set point according to occupancy
v adapt heating or cooling production power according to real building needs
v raise temperature to comfort level when occupant presence is detected
v adapt ventilation flow according to occupancy or internal air pollution level
v recover heating or cooling energy from extracted air.

2.1.3. Lighting control

Lighting can represent up to 40 % of energy consumption in buildings depending on
bulding types. Lighting control is definitely one of the easiest ways to save energy
costs on one of the most common applications. Applying an effective lighting control
solution, users can easily save up to 50 % on their electricity bill compared
to traditional ways. In order to achieve lighting control, solutions provide automatic
means to optimize lighting based on the 3 main parameters indicated above
(time, intensity and presence), alone or combined.
The solutions can begin from very local and small solutions, such as timers, up to
very sophisticated, customized but flexible, centralized solutions as part of building
automation systems.

2.1.4. Power factor correction

DB125037

The power factor (PF) is the ratio of the active power to the apparent power
absorbed by the installation.

PF = kW / kVA

Power factor correction consists in optimizing the power factor, i.e. setting its value
close to 1 (0.92 to 0.95 being a reasonable value). A lower value means that reactive
energy must be supplied by the utility network, with consecutive increase of the line
demand current.
Power factor correction is generally managed by implementation of capacitor banks.
A power factor correction bank installed close to the load is intended to optimize the
power factor at the considered network point, and the flow of reactive power.

Benefits
b reduces the apparent load on the installation
b reduces the invoice for electrical energy
Capacitor bank for power factor correction.
b allows the optimization of the customer electrical installation, the utility network
and the power generator.

2.1.5. Building automation

BACS (Building Automation and Control Systems) cover systems and engineering
services for control, monitoring, optimization, operation and maintenance of building
services:
b mechanical and electrical equipment (heating, ventilation, air conditioning,
lighting, shutters/blinds, power distribution, etc.)
b security (access control, CCTV, etc.).

Benefits
b In buildings, about 80 % of energy consumption is in HVAC and lighting
b BACS contribute to energy savings as they can control all building services
(HVAC, lighting, blinds & shutters, power, security) and enable their crossed
optimization: savings range from 15 % to 30 % of energy costs
b Operational services enable customers to get the best energy performance from
BACS throughout their entire life cycle. This drives customers to get the best
possible energy ratings for their buildings.


Energy efficiency

2.1.6. Energy management systems

2.1.6.1. Alarming and event logging
The alarm function provides a means to alert the operator when an event
(overcrossing of fixed thresholds, overload, ground fault, etc.) occurs in the electrical
network, while the event logging function captures the event with a time-stamp and
stores it in an events database.

This information helps the electrical engineering staff to quickly identify and fix
problem areas, to analyze and troubleshoot outages and equipment malfunctions,
and to take steps to avoid future occurrences.

Possible features of the system include:

b animated graphical views of the electrical distribution system
b alarming and notification of key performance and risk indicators
b sequence of events logging
b risk and performance audit reporting to determine the cause and effect of any
incident that may harm equipment or cause downtime.

Benefits
This application allows customers to react more quickly and efficiently if a critical
event occurs on the installation, which can reduce the impact that the event has on
the installation. Furthermore, the fault auditing and system analysis tools can help
prevent similar events from happening again.

In order to achieve this function, several tools and architectures should be

considered:
b accurate, time-synchronized power measurement and fault tracking
b a communication and software architecture to evaluate electrical system
operation and to provide a method of notifying the engineer
b software tools to organize, filter and present data.

2.1.6.2. Asset management optimization

Regular maintenance and modernization of the electrical network throughout its life
cycle is required to efficiently deliver energy to the consumer. Asset management
refers to all of the activities to achieve these goals at the best cost compromise.

Benefits
Electrical asset optimization lets the user avoid costly power breakdowns
and ensures he receives the required level of power quality:
b perform the proper maintenance at the optimal time on the correct equipment
to ensure performance during the equipment’s life span
b ensure a permanent follow-up process for equipment and decide among
maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit or replacement
b adjust network architecture to meet the process/activity requirements.

Asset management improves maintenance and operational efficiency because

the data management system:
b captures a description of the installed equipment
b logs all data related to maintenance done on the equipment during its life cycle
b analyses data coming remotely from the equipment.

An electrical asset management application requires the following services:

b consulting service to assess the installation and build the plans
b maintenance (curative & preventive)
b modernization (new design study and retrofit)
b monitoring (predictive maintenance)
b management (information system).


Energy efficiency

2.1.6.3. Energy tariff optimization

Minimizing risk and maximizing value through securing stable electricity contracts is
a high priority for energy managers and executives. By negotiating the most
advantageous supply agreements, and investing in schemes to make the best use of
available tariffs, customers can optimize the cost of their consumed energy.

Benefits
b Through the analysis of electrical rate structures, the collection of electrical
consumption data, and what-if analysis energy managers can make a significant
impact on the overall financial contract with utility suppliers. Knowledge of how
a facility’s electrical energy is consumed, used and purchased, provides a huge
advantage for the purchaser in contract negotiations. Energy managers leverage
this energy procurement analysis and consolidate multiple facilities to reduce
the financial impact that electrical energy has across the entire enterprise.

b Depending on the tariffs offered by the suppliers and the loads under the control
of the customer, users can reduce energy costs in a variety of ways.

b Peak demand charges can be reduced by detecting an impending peak

and shifting non-essential loads to other periods. Peak shaving uses on-site
generation to keep loads on-line without setting a new utility peak.

b Customers may also be able to take advantage of tariffs offered by utilities which
suffer from a lack of capacity or high marginal cost of production, for example during
the hot summer months. A demand curtailment agreement allows the customer to
benefit from an attractive energy rate. In exchange, when a utility requests it, the
users will reduce their load temporarily.

b Time-of-use rates are another incentive for those customers who can distribute
loads to lower-cost times of day and thereby reduce their energy bill.

b Avoiding reactive power charges is another way to optimize cost. Inductive loads
such as transformers and motors use not only real power, but also reactive power. These
types of loads absorb energy during part of the AC cycle, stored in the device’s magnetic
or electric field. The energy is then returned to the source during the other part of the
cycle. Utilities have to provide capacity to support this reactive power, and increasingly
reactive power charges are applied on energy bills. If your tariff includes reactive power
charges, power factor correction is a way to erase this charge from the energy bill.

2.1.6.4. Energy usage analysis

Energy usage analysis provides users with the means to understand their energy
consumption based on historical data, usage trends and benchmarks.
Organizations that lack access to this type of data may miss the most relevant areas
for improving energy usage:
b energy measures that are taken may not be effective, or may be effective at first
but decline over time
b significant errors in utility bills can be overlooked
b without clear data, accountability for energy used tends to be poor, and behavior
may run against the organization’s interests.

Benefits
Strategies and actions for energy usage analysis run from the simplest to the most
sophisticated:
b basic energy measurement for all relevant utilities (water, air, gas, electricity,
steam, emissions) will allow the user to identify the most relevant areas
for improving energy usage and verify the effective impact of energy measures
b use of analytical software to perform comparative calculations and show trends
further enhances the user’s ability to identify savings areas and assess results
of actions
b cost allocation report allows the user to verify utility billing accuracy and drive
accountability in every level of his organization. By providing ownership of electricity
costs to the appropriate level in an organization, it incites energy users to wise
management, which results in lower overall energy costs
b sub-billing allows the owner of a building or facility to charge or invoice each internal
user for their effective electricity consumption, thus giving them ownership
of their electricity costs and motivation to use energy wisely. Owners can also maximize
the value of electrical and related assets used to supply tenants and ensure the cost of
providing those services is returned. An owner can reduce the overall energy usage for a
building by 8 to 10 %, by holding each tenant accountable for their energy costs.

10
Energy quality
The quality of the supplied energy
has a direct impact on:
b installation operating costs
b installation reliability and availability.
Knowing energy quality is therefore of
prime importance.
3.1. Different types of disturbances
DB125054
The increasing use of electronic equipment and loads with complex impedances as
well as constructive imperfections inherent in the electrical network, have led to an
increase in electrical network disturbances.
Measuring the quality of energy involves measuring disturbances in order to reduce
or even eliminate them. Optimizing installation operation, maintenance and
determining its electrical reliability cannot be considered unless we know the scale of
these disturbances.
This chapter deals with the main electrical disturbances and describes their causes
as well as their effects and their importance.
3.1.1. Voltage disturbances
LV networks are generally disturbed both by the normal operating of loads as well
as by abnormal events on the network, as in the case of short circuits or overloads.
In general, switchgear used in LV networks is designed to be immune relative
to these disturbances.
There are two different main causes of disturbances in voltage amplitude on a LV
network.
3.1.1.1. Voltage dips and short interruptions
Voltage dips are generally defined as an abrupt reduction in supply voltage of more
than 10 % and up to 99 %, followed by the recovery in voltage level after a short
period of between 10 ms to 1 minute. When it is greater than 99 %, we talk about
a break in voltage, which may be brief, for a duration of less than 3 minutes (typically
the case of transient faults) or long, for a time of greater than 3 minutes (e.g. for
permanent faults). Interruptions of less than 10 ms are generally due to transient
or sub-transient phenomena.
Interrupt
Voltage dip (∆v) and interruption.
European standard EN 50160 requires that 95 % of the rms voltage value, calculated
over 10 minutes under normal operating conditions, for each period in the week,
must be in a range of ±10 % of the rated voltage.
Voltage dips can have detrimental effects on the whole installation with a high
requirement for continuity of service, such as continuous production lines in
factories, hospitals, IT centers, banks, etc.
11
Energy quality

Among the most sensitive equipment to brown-outs and breaks we can mention:
b IT equipment (computers which do not have a back-up supply may reboot)
b lighting devices, typically discharge lamps (leading to lighting turning off and
turning back on at a later point after the time required for cooling, for those that
cannot be turned back on when hot)
b motors. In the case of asynchronous motors, with the torque being proportional
to the square of voltage, the voltage dip effect is amplified. If the torque drops below
the load torque, the motor stops. Quick restarting may absorb high peak values
of current, reaching up to 1.5 the start up current. These voltage dips and over-
currents can age the motor quicker but can also have detrimental consequences on
motor protection switchgear (typically contactors may be damaged or even welded).
Another risk that can affect motors is the tripping of motor protection devices should
the current come back on with the phases in opposition. A very severe transient state
is applied to a motor when reenergized after a short cut or a voltage dip. Indeed,
during the break the motor speed drops according to the load torque applied by the
load. When reenergized, the remnant electromotive force in the machine may be
opposed with the phase of the network voltage which will lead
to a peak current circulating in this circuit which may be greater than the current
peak observed on restarting.
DB125055

Speed

Break

Return
of voltage
DB125056

Current

Transient phenomena in case of immediate restarting.

There are many origins of interruptions or voltage dips and they generally involve
operating conditions or on HV, MV or LV networks faults.
Disturbances due to HV and MV network operations
These disturbances can be caused for example by:
b changing the configuration of the HV/MV network by coupling or disconnecting
of networks between one and another
b the energizing of transformers due to making currents which can last for several
hundreds of milliseconds. For example, a MV/LV transformer with an apparent rated
power S = 1000 kVA during making on the MV side will generate a peak current
value that may be 10 times greater than the rated current with a time constant
of up to 350 ms
b the energizing of different loads, e.g. motors (either on startup when the current
can reach eight times the rated current for several tens of seconds) or MV
capacitors.

12
Energy quality

Disturbances due to HV and MV network faults

These disturbances generally originate in short circuits or insulation faults in network
equipment. Lightning strokes, damage caused to underground cables, earthing of
overhead lines can also be the cause. These disturbances affect a certain area
around the fault origin and above all have an impact on MV networks.
Disturbances due to LV network operation
As in MV networks, these disturbances are generally caused by the energizing
of loads: capacitors can cause voltage dips due to the inrush current, but also
the making or re-closing of motors can be the cause.
Disturbances due to faults on the LV network
These disturbances can be caused by short circuits or by insulation faults.

With a TN earthing system, we accept that impedances upstream of the faulty feeder
can cause a voltage dip of 20 % during a distinct insulation fault (contact resistance
between the faulty conductor and earth then being virtually zero).

In the case of a two phase short circuit on a feeder, a voltage dip is seen in the
neighboring feeder. This voltage dip is perceptible on the three complex voltages
due to the circulating of the short circuit current through line impedances on the short
circuited phases.
DB124997

∆U

A two-phase short-circuit on a feeder results in a voltage dip on another feeder.

In the same way, when switching a normal circuit to a backup circuit via a source
changeover switch, a voltage dip may appear during the switchover phase itself.
This time is equal to the sum of startup durations of the active genset (which may
reach several seconds) and the interruption duration ( u 50 ms according to standard
IEC 60947-6-1).

3.1.1.2. Overvoltages
An overvoltage is the name given to any voltage applied to equipment outside
of the tolerances permitted by the standard.
Ways in which overvoltages may appear can be divided into two categories:
b differential mode overvoltages, appearing between live conductors (including
the neutral
b common mode overvoltages, which appear between live and earthing conductors
(PE or PEN in a TNC earthing system).

There are many consequences of overvoltages depending above all on the nature
of the overvoltage: their steep front, duration, repeatability, their mode - common
or differential… Electronic components are among the most sensitive to
overvoltages, above all causing dielectric strikeover. At the same time, if these
appear repeatedly, even for short durations, they can cause accelerated aging
of equipment and may lead to its destruction or to a fire in the installation.

Several reasons can be at the origin of overvoltages:

b internal faults on the network, at power frequency
Insulation faults (typically with an IT arrangement) may cause overvoltages,
the voltage between phases that are not faulty and earth may reach the complex
voltage. In the case of over-compensation of reactive energy, shunt capacitors may
increase the voltage between their installation point and the source.

Malfunctioning of load regulators on MV/LV transformer substations can also

be a cause.

13
Energy quality

b atmospheric disturbances, and typically lightning strokes

Lightning can affect the network either directly by striking the installation, or indirectly
by propagation or by increasing the earth potential. We generally consider that if
lightning falls on the MV side of an installation, less than 4 % of the overvoltage
amplitude will be found on the LV side. The LV switchgear withstand to overvoltages
due to lightning strokes is checked using tests which simulate the lightning wave.

DB125057

Lightning
overvoltage

Distance from
the lighting stroke

For a lightning stroke of 20 kA, and a ground resistivity of 1000 Ohm x m, the potential of the
earth can reach 40 kV.

Lightning Recurrent impulse

DB124999
voltage wave:
1.2 / 50 µs

Current wave:
DB125000

8 / 20 µs

Test waveforms simulating lighning effects on low voltage equipment.

b switching operations of MV and LV network

Several types of switching operations can create network overvoltages. Here are a
few examples:
v energizing of MV/LV transformers. According to the current breaking device,
voltage fluctuations may reach up to three times the rated voltage
v Interrupting the current that crosses the relays, coils, or contactors under normal
loads, which may reach almost 10 kV on a 230 V circuit.
DB125001

DB125002

Overvoltage at non-limiting circuit breaker Overvoltage at strongly limiting circuit breaker

terminals. terminals.

14
Energy quality

v the opening of a breaking device, even if it is brief, leads to an overvoltage.

This is due to the residual transient voltage and depends significantly on the limiting
capacity of the breaking device. Arcing voltages between device pole terminals,
which oppose the passing of the current, are added to network voltages
v the making and breaking of small inductive currents, which can cause multiple
overvoltages (train of impulses).

DB125003

On opening of K, voltages VAN and VBN evolve in opposition, which leads to extinguish
and re-arcing the arc, until the energy lost by the arc and the increasing distance between
contacts interrupt the phenomenon.

3.1.2. Specific disturbances of multi-phase systems

Two types of unbalances can only occur in multi-phase networks.
Current and voltage unbalances
These unbalances are mainly due:
b either to the power supply of single-phase or two-phase current consumers from
a three-phase network (since the current consumers are different, they have different
impedances between one another and therefore absorb different line currents
and lead to voltage unbalances)
b or single or two-phase faults.
In all cases, the unbalance is characterized by inverse and zero-sequence
components for current and voltage. Alternating motors are very sensitive to these
components because they cause parasite braking torques and temperature rises.
Generally, we consider that an unbalance level equal to the ratio between the
inverse voltage and the direct voltage of greater than 2 % corresponds to an
unbalanced situation.
DB125004

The various components: direct, inverse and zero-sequence in a three-phase system.

Phase unbalances
This type of unbalance is above all seen in thyristor type arrangements: indeed,
on one hand phase-controlled thyristor operation is disturbed by voltage unbalances,
and on the other hand, voltage harmonics, when passing through zero can “mislead”
the synchronizing and starting of thyristors.
DB125005

DB125007
DB125006

Effect of a voltage unbalance on a semi-controlled Graetz bridge.

15
Energy quality

3.1.3. Electromagnetic disturbances:

emissions, radiation, electrostatic discharge
All electrical switchgear is subject to electromagnetic influences induced by the
environment in which it is located. The environment depends both on the electrical
layout of the installation (including loads) as well as the supply voltage.
The switchgear must be able to:
b remain insensitive to radiation and conduction from outside sources (test defined
in the IEC 61000-4 series of standards). For example, the connecting of cables via
diaphonie remains one of the most common causes of disturbances: indeed any
variation in current or voltage in one cable induces an electromagnetic field in the
neighboring cables
b not having too great an electromagnetic influence on the environment,
the switchgear being considered as a source of radiation and conduction
(test defined in the IEC 61000-6 and CISPR 11, 14 and 22 series of standards).
A measurement device connected or otherwise to the device under test (according
to whether it is radiation or conduction that is being tested) then measures its level
of electromagnetic emission for each frequency
b resisting electrostatic discharge (test defined in standard IEC 61000-4-2).
Electronic components are among the most sensitive to these tests.

3.1.4. Frequency disturbances

These disturbances are generally of quite low amplitude. They tend to be around
standardized frequencies of 50 and 60 Hz. European standard EN 50160 stipulates
that the frequency of a network must not be different from the rated frequency
by ±1 % for 95 % of the week and in the event of a major malfunction, cannot be
different by more than [-4 %, +6 %] of the rated frequency.

3.1.5. Harmonic disturbances

Currents and voltages that are observed on alternating electrical distribution
networks are never perfectly sinusoidal due to different imperfections that occur in
the installation, or due to the intrinsic characteristics of some network components:
b some generators may generate high-ranking harmonics. Overcurrent protection
devices are particularly sensitive to this and can cause unwanted trippings.
DB125008

DB125009

Disturbances caused by an alternator. Disturbances caused by an inverter without

filtering .

b for voltages greater than their rated voltage, transformers can absorb currents full
of harmonics. In this case, saturation due to the hysteresis effect is responsible.
DB125010

B I

le
t

Ue
U

No-load current wave absorbed by a transformer.

b receivers are one of the most frequent sources of harmonic disturbances.

Due to their non-linear loads they absorb generally non-sinusoidal currents.
v capacitor banks are frequently used to reduce the inductive effect of current
created by the network in order to reduce the reactive energy consumed by loads.
However the frequency of capacitors can sometimes be resonant with the network’s
equivalent inductance. This leads to an increase in harmonics at the frequencies
in question which can be hazardous for equipment.

16
Energy quality

Indeed, considering a simplified installation layout including:

- a power supply transformer,
- linear loads,
- non-linear loads generating harmonic currents,
- capacitors for power factor correction.

DB125058

DB125012
Generator of Capacitor Linear
harmonics banks load

Ls : power supply inductance (network + transfer + line)

C : capacitor for power factor correction
R : linear load resistance
Ih : harmonic current

This gives

neglecting R

Resonance occurs when the denominator (1-Ls.C.w²) tends towards zero.

The corresponding frequency is then called the circuit’s resonant frequency.
At this frequency the impedance will have its maximum value. Major harmonic
voltages then appear and therefore there is strong voltage distortion. This voltage
distortion is accompanied by the circulation of harmonic currents in the Ls + C circuit
greater than the injected harmonic currents. The power supply network as well as
the compensation capacitors are subject to major harmonic currents and therefore
to the risk of overloading.

v fluorescent tubes, as well as discharge lamps generate harmonics over a very

wide range.
DB125013

Absorbed current shape by fluocompact lamps.

v rectifier bridges as well as static converters in general (diodes and thyristors)

in order to create continuous output currents, absorb rectangular currents on each
phase. Whereas the voltage may be subject to a fluctuation whenever semi-
conductors are switched.
In general, rectifiers create uneven rank harmonics with current amplitudes that
are inversely proportional to their rank, with a first approximation (In = Ifundamental / n).
In reality, different imprecision factors (manufacturing dissymmetry, imprecision on
thyristor opening times, etc.) can generate even rank harmonics that are much more
difficult to eliminate than those of uneven rank (above all for the rank 2 harmonic).

17
Energy quality

DB125014
Current and voltage waves distorted by a phase controlled rectifier.

DB125015

DB125016
Alternating current upstream of a Graetz rectifier bridge followed by a capacitor.
DB125017

At each strikeover of thyristors in a heating controller, a voltage dip appears followed by a voltage
drop due to inductance components and the internal power supply resistance.

v arcing furnaces, due to the asymmetrical and unstable nature of the arc, generate
harmonics over the whole range. Whether alternating or direct current, their range
is very variable according to the model and cannot be determined without using
accurate measurement.
DB116885

Range of current supplying power to an alternating current furnace.

There are many effects of harmonics. Their presence leads to:

b generally an increase in peak current and voltage values, which are above all
detrimental for electronic components. For example capacitors, whose impedance
is inversely proportional to the frequency, risk increasing in temperature due to the
harmonic currents that go through them
b an increase in the rms value of current and voltage, part of the energy transmitted
by signals being transported by the harmonics. The direct effect is the temperature
rise both of receivers (for cables by Joule effect or particularly for capacitors) as well
as sources (transformers and alternators by Joule effect and iron losses)
b an increase in the range and frequency of the signals, leading to accelerated
aging and equipment vibrations (e.g. by pulsating torque in asynchronous motor).

18
Energy quality

One of the most tricky effects of harmonics, notably of those of rank 3 and multiples
of 3, is their cumulation in the neutral conductor. Indeed, the fundamental
components of currents in the three phases mutually cancel each other out
and therefore do not appear in the neutral conductor.
However, rank 3 harmonics (and multiples of 3) combine. We can therefore have
a current in the neutral conductor with an installation that has balanced loads.

Addition of rank 3 harmonics in the neutral conductor

DB125018

3x

In addition, the neutral current can exceed the value of current in the phases
for installations absorbing strong rank 3 and multiple of 3 harmonic components.
We can prove that the maximum current value in the neutral can reach up to 3*Iph
with Iph = current in the phases. Particular attention must be given to protecting the
neutral cable, this cable being likely to recover these harmonic currents.
Several situations may occur:
b either the rank 3 harmonic current in the live conductors is low, in which case
the neutral can be designed and protected like other live conductors
b or the rank 3 harmonic current in the live conductors is high, in which case
the current flowing through the neutral conductor may be higher than the currents
in the other cables. The sizing of cables is therefore determined according to the
current likely to flow in the neutral conductor. However, using special switchgear
(e.g. the OSN trip unit in Schneider Electric Compact NSX circuit breakers), we can
design neutral and phase conductors differently, which allows considerable
economic gains to be made.

19
Energy quality

Whatever the case, it is necessary to measure the harmonic components in the

installation. Two main values define the harmonic content of signals:

b the THDi (Total harmonic distortion of the current):

fundamental component
with
h rank harmonic components of the current

b THDu (Total harmonic distortion of the voltage):

2

h=2
fundamental component
with
h rank harmonic components of the current

These two values show the importance of the part of the signal carried by
the harmonics relative to the fundamental. For example, here are a few usual THD
values for some current consumers:

Non linear loads Current wave form Range THDI

Speed controller
DB125019

DB125023

44 %

Rectifier
DB125020

DB125024

28 %

IT load
DB125021

DB125025

115 %

Fluorescent lamp
DB125022

DB125026

53 %

We consider that the effect of voltage and current harmonics depends on the
following thresholds:

Harmonic level Foreseeable effects

THDi < 10 %, THDu < 5 % -
10 % < THDi < 50 %, 5 % < THDu < 8 % Significant pollution, possible detrimental effects
THDi > 50 % THDu > 8 % Major pollution, probably detrimental effects

The impact of the THD value on the safety of equipment has led the installation
standards to impose thresholds in determining their capability to be detrimental.

20
Energy quality

Therefore the French installation standard NF C 15-100 imposes the choice of

neutral conductors cross section according to the thresholds of 15 %, 33 % and 45 %
of the level of rank 3 harmonics in the phase current (§ 524.2):
THDiH3 y 15 % 15 % < THDiH3 y 33 % THDiH3 > 33 %
SN = ½ SPh Permitted Prohibited Prohibited
Neutral protection
compulsory
SN = SPh Permitted Permitted Permitted
Neutral protection optional Current in the phases The current in the neutral
determines the cross determines the cross
section of all conductors section of all the
conductors
SN > SPh Permitted
The current in the neutral
only determines the cross
section of the neutral

For example, let us consider the case of a three-phase installation with a neutral,
supplying an IT circuit and absorbing a rated current of 150 A. If the installation was
not polluted, a protection switchgear with a rated current = 160 A would be sufficient
as well as cables with a cross section of 95 mm². Since the installation is strongly
polluted (rank 3 harmonic levels > 33 %) it is the neutral conductor that determines
the cross section of the cables. In this case, considering that the current can be
greater than 150 A rated current (may reach up to 210 A for a THDiH3 of 40 %)
a 185 mm² cross section for the 4 live conductors proves necessary as well as
protection switchgear with a rated current of 250 A. However it is also possible
to only choose cross sections of 95 mm² for phase conductors and 185 mm²
for the neutral conductor, but then the protection switchgear release must take
account of this specific feature. This choice naturally gives considerable benefits
due to the lower cross section of the phase conductors.

The international installation standard IEC 60364-5-52 (from which NF C 15-100

standard is derived) gives reduction factors to calculate harmonic currents in
conductors:
Harmonic three Reduction factor
in the phase current Choice based on the Choice based on the
(%) phase current neutral current
0 - 15 1.0 -
15 - 33 0.86 -
33 - 45 - 0.86
> 45 - 1.0

Therefore, taking the example used above for an installation with a THDiH3
of between 15 % and 33 % and a rated current of 150 A, a correction factor of 0.86
is applied; the new current is therefore 175 A which determines the cross section
of all the conductors. If the THDiH3 is situated between 33 % and 45 % (e.g. 40 %)
it is the neutral that determines the cross section of conductors: the current that must
be taken account of is then 150 x 0.4 (40 %) x 3 (since harmonic 3 in the phase
conductors are combined) = 180 A to which we apply a reduction factor 0.86.
The current will then be 180/0.86 = 210 A.

We can observe that the measurement of harmonic components in the electrical

installation is extremely important and can have serious consequences both on
the cost of the installation as well as on its safety. It is therefore a decisive factor
in measuring the power quality.

The table below summarizes the main harmonic effects on equipment in an electrical
installation:
Equipment Effects
Power Capacitors Temperature rise, premature aging (strikeover), resonance
Motors Additional losses and temperature rises
Reduction of possibilities of using at full load
Pulsating torque (vibrations, mechanical fatigue), sound
nuisance
Transformers Losses (Ohmic-iron) and additional temperature rises
Mechanical vibrations
Sound nuisance
Circuit breakers Nuisance tripping (greater current for the same active power, etc.)
Cables Additional dielectric and ohmic losses (particularly in the
neutral in the case of the presence of rank 3 harmonics)
Computers Functional disorders
Power electronics Disorders related to the wave form (switching, synchronization)

21
 IEC 61557-12 standard

Standard IEC 61557-12 gives us: It is increasingly necessary to measure the different electrical parameters in order to
check the required performance levels in electrical distribution systems and take
b a common benchmark
account of:
b an assessment of performances b changes in installation standards, e.g. measuring current in the neutral conductor
b a common specification and description in presence of harmonics
b technological changes (electrical loads, different measurement methods, etc.)
for devices intended to measure b increasing needs of customers in terms of reducing installation costs
the various electrical parameters. b dependability and continuity of service
b sustainable development in which measurement is considered as a key element
in managing energy.

Devices intended to perform this monitoring have various characteristics which

require a shared reference system. This system must allow users to make easier
choices in terms of performance levels, dependability and to interpret different
measured parameters.

IEC 61557-12 standard offers a basis on which this devices can be specified
and described and on which their performance can be assessed. It specifies
requirements for performances measuring and monitoring devices (PMD)
in electrical distribution systems.

4.1. Scope
IEC 61557-12 standard is applicable:
b to alternating or direct networks with service voltages up to 1000 V AC or
1500 V DC.
b in fixed or portable installations, indoor or outdoor usage
b generally, but not exclusively, in industrial and/or commercial installations
for the following requirements:
v energy management inside the installation
v monitoring and/or measurement of electrical parameters
v monitoring and/or measurement of power quality.

4.2. General architecture of a PMD

Communication
DB125059

protocol

Performances Measuring and Monitoring

Devices (PMD)
Communication
management

Measurement
sensors (see note) Acquisition unit Processing unit Evaluation unit Display unit

Digital I/O
management

Electrical input Input signal to Measurement Digital I/O

signals be measured results

22
IEC 61557-12 standard

IEC 61557-12 standard defines the general structure of a PMD. The electrical signal to
be measured can be acquired either directly or via measurement sensors.
This is then processed and assessed and the output is displayed (via a display unit) or
communicated using a communication protocol (e.g. such as Modbus) or even sent to
a digital I/O unit. This last option is above all used in the machine and PLC universes.

In view of the potential complexity of a PMD, the standard draws up segmentation

of different types of measurement devices according to the presence or otherwise of
measurement sensors in the unit. We can therefore distinguish between PMD’s
of type DD, SS, DS and SD.
Current measurement
Sensor operated PMD Direct connected PMD
(current sensors out of PMD (current sensors in PMD)
V PMD Sx V PMD Dx
Direct connected PMD PMD SD PMD DD
Mesure de la tension (voltage sensors (semi-direct insertion) (direct insertion)
in PMD)
V PMD x D
Sensor operated PMD PMD SS PMD DS
(voltage sensors (indirect insertion) (semi-direct insertion)
out of PMD)
V PMD xS

Therefore, a PMD for which:

b current and voltage sensors are integrated in the device is a PMD DD
b current and voltage sensors are outside of the device, is a PMD SS
b the current sensor is integrated in the device but the voltage sensor is external:
this is a PMD DS
b the voltage sensor is integrated in the device but the current sensor is external:
this is a PMD SD.
DB125060

DB125061

Acquisition and Acquisition and

processing units Current processing units
sensor

Voltage Voltage
sensor sensor

Acquisition and Acquisition and

processing units Current processing units
sensor

23
IEC 61557-12 standard

4.3. Different types of precision

The standard distinguishes between three different types of PMD precision:
b the device’s intrinsic precision, for example due to sampling uncertainty,analog-
digital and digital-analog converters of the microcontroller in the calculation unit, etc.,
under reference conditions
b the device usage precision, corresponding in addition, relative to the previous one,
to uncertainty due to influence factors during the use of the device (variations in
temperature, in the frequency of the network supplying power to the device, etc.).

The standard defines an equation to calculate this precision according to the intrinsic
precision:

operating uncertainty intrinsic uncertainty (variation due to

influence quantities)2

with N = number of influencing quantities.

b the total device precision, taking account, in addition, of all the factors influencing
the total measurement uncertainty (uncertainty and variations in precision of external
sensors, variation of cable impedances which link device sensors, etc.).

The equation for this total precision calculation is different according to the type
of PMD:
v for a PMD DD, the total precision = operating precision
v for a PMD SD, DS or SS
(PMD operating uncertainty)2
overall system uncertainty
(sensor + wirings uncertainty)2

with N =1 if there is only one single external sensor (current or voltage) therefore for a PMD SD
or a PMD DS and N = 2 if two sensors are present (current and voltage), therefore for a PMD DD.
DB125062

Overall system uncertainty

acc. to IEC 61557-12
Uncertainty and variations due
to external sensors accuracy
and to impedance of wires

Operating uncertainty
acc. to IEC 61557-1
Variations due to
influence quantities Measurement uncertainty
acc. to IEC 61000-4-30

Uncertainty under
reference conditions

Intrinsic uncertainty

Therefore the choice of external sensors (if they exist) must be made carefully
in order to achieve a certain total system performance class.

b for a PMD SS:

Performance Recommended Expected maximum

class of the PMD class sensor to performance class possible class
without external associate to the for PMD-Sx or sensor to
sensors PMD PMD-xS including associate to the
their external PMD (1)
sensor
0.1 0.1 or below 0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2 or below 0.5 0.5
0.5 0.5 or below 1 1
1 1 or below 2 2
2 2 or below 5 5
5 5 or below 10
(1) If it is not possible to use the recommended sensor class, the use of maximum possible class
sensor induces an acceptable loss of performance.

24
IEC 61557-12 standard

b for a PMD SD or DS:

Performance Recommended Expected maximum

class of the PMD class sensor to performance class possible class
without external associate to the for PMD-Sx or sensor to
sensors PMD PMD-xS including associate to the
their external PMD (1)
sensor
0.1 0.1 or below 0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2 or below 0.5 0.5
0.5 0.5 or below 1 1
1 1 or below 2 2
2 2 or below 5 5
5 5 or below 10

4.4. Combining external sensors with a PMD

A full PMD comprises the processing unit and sensors which can either be external,
or internal to the device. The overall performance class of the system depends on
the PMD precision as well as the performance class of sensors according to
the equation p. 27. However we can notice that this total system performance class
is only valid for the range of values for which the sensors have uncertainty
guaranteed by their performance class, very often much lower than the precision
range of a PMD DD. For example, current sensors in conformity with IEC 60044-1
standard have a guaranteed performance class in a range that is way below that
of a PMD DD in the same class.

Particular care must be given to measuring the power and energy due to the error in
the sensor phase: for example an error of 30’ of a degree on the phase causes an
error of more than 1.5 % on the active phase measurement for a power factor = 0.5.
For these reasons, the standard recommends the use of good quality sensors (class
0.2 S or 0.5 S) in order to carry out acceptable measure of power and energy.

4.5. Performance classes

The standard defines fixed values of performance class, for which all PMDs must
refer in order to measure various physical values:

0.02 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 5 10 20

All intermediary performance values must be declared as the closest higher value.
Therefore for example a PMD with a total performance of 0.03 will have a
performance class, according to IEC 61557-12 standard, of 0.05.

25
IEC 61557-12 standard

4.6. The basic current, the rated current and the maximum current
All the measurements are carried out with reference to the current ranges in which
they apply. The two decisive values for this current range are:
b the reference current, which is defined differently according to the type of PMD:
v Ib, or basic current for Dx type PMDs (DS or DD)
v In, or rated current for Sx type PMDs (SD or SS)
b the maximum current, Imax, which defines the upper limit of the current for which
the measurement of the respective value is carried out.

For example measurement of the active power for an installation whose power factor
is equal to 1, for a performance class equal to 1, must be measured with:
b a precision of 1 % for a current varying by 10 % of Ib up to Imax for a PMD Dx
b a precision of 1 % for a current varying by 5 % of In up to Imax for a PMD Sx.

4.7. Reference conditions and rated conditions

Measurements, such as those standardized in standard IEC 61557-12 are only valid
if certain reference conditions are complied with inside the rated operating
conditions.

Table of the main reference conditions:

Conditions Reference conditions
Operating temperature 23 °C ±2 °C or otherwise specified by manufacturer
Relative humidity 40 % à 60 % RH
Auxiliary supply voltage Rated power supply voltage ±1 %
Phases Three phases available (1)
Voltages unbalance y 0.1 % (1)
External continuous magnetic field y 40 A/m d.c.
y 3 A/m ac at 50/60 Hz
D.c. component on voltage and current None
Waveform Sinusoidal
Frequency Rated frequency (50 Hz ou 60 Hz) ±0.2 %
(1) Required only in the case of three-phase systems.

The standard defines three rated temperature class conditions, as a function

of the temperature range at which the device is operating, K55, K70 and Kx:
K55 temperature class K70 temperature class Kx (2) temperature class
of PMD of PMD of PMD
Rated operating range (with specified uncertainty) -5 °C to +55 °C -25 °C to +70 °C Above +70 °C and/or under
-25 °C (1)
Limit range of operation (no hardware failures) -5 °C to +55 °C -25 °C to +70 °C Above +70 °C and/or under
-25 °C (1)
Limit range for storage and shipping -25 °C to +70 °C -40 °C to +85 °C Acc. to manufacturer
specification (1)
(1) Limits are to be defined by manufacturer according to the application.
(2) Kx stands for extended conditions.
The standard also defines two rated operating conditions in terms of humidity
and altitude, standard conditions and extended conditions:
Standard conditions Extended conditions
Rated operating range 0 to 75 % RH (2) 0 to above 75 % RH (1)(2)
(with specified uncertainty)
Limit range of operation for 0 to 90 % RH (2)
0 to above 90 % RH (1)(2)
30 days/year
Limit range for storage 0 to 90 % RH (2) 0 to above 90 % RH (1)(2)
and shipping
Altitude 0 to 2000 m 0 to above 2000 m (1)
(1) Limits are to be defined by manufacturer according to the application.
(2) Relative humidity values are specified without condensation.

For deviations relative to these reference conditions, but still inside the rated ranges,
the standard allows extended precision ranges.

26
IEC 61557-12 standard
4.8. Continuous measurement or zero blind time
4.9. Precisions on the most significantphysical values
Specified measuring range
Value of current for Direct
connected PMD Dx
2 % Ib y I < 10 % Ib
5 % Ib y I < 10 % Ib
10 % Ib y I y Imax
The standard imposes that certain measurements (mainly power and energy
measurements) are carried out taking account of the continuous aspect of the
measurement, in other words no measurement sample is neglected. For values for
which this technique is compulsory, there is no assumption made concerning the stability
of the signal to be measured. For other values where this rule is not compulsory, the
signal is considered stable during the periods between two consecutive measurements.
Active power and energy
Power Intrinsic uncertainty limits for PMD of Unit
factor function performance class C
Value of current for Sensor for C < 1 for C u 1
operated PMD Sx
1 % In y I < 5 % In 1 ±2.0 x C No requirement %
2 % In y I < 5 % In 1 No requirement ±(1.0 x C + 0.5) %
5 % In y I y Imax 1 ±1.0 x C ±1.0 x C %
Allowed performance classes C:
b for active power: 0.1 – 0.2 – 0.5 – 1 – 2 – 2.5
b for active energy: 0.2 – 0.5 – 1 – 2
Phase current
Specified measuring range Intrinsic uncertainty Unit
Value of current for Value of current for limitsfor PMD of
Direct connected PMD Sensor operated PMD function performance
Dx Sx class C (1)(2)
20 % Ib y I y Imax 10 % In y I y Imax ±1.0 x C %
Permitted performance classes C: 0.05 – 0.1 – 0,2 – 0.5 – 1 – 2.
Current THD
Specified measuring range Intrinsic uncertainty limits for PMD of Unit
function performance class C
0 % to 100 % ±0.3 x C (3) point c
100 % to 200 % ±0.3 x C x THD / 100 (4) point c
(3) 0.3 x C is an absolute uncertainty. For example with 10 % of THD, if C = 1, the measured
value may be between 9.7 and 10.3.
(4) THD is the measured value of current THD expressed in %.
Permitted performance classes C: 1 – 2 – 5.
When measuring the THD, particular attention must be made to the measurement
units: 0.3 x C is the absolute uncertainty: e.g. for a THD of 20 % if the performance
class is 1 then the measured value can be situated between 19.7 % and 20.3 %.
IEC 61557-12 ed.1.0 Copyright © 2007 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland. www.iec.ch
27
The Schneider Electric solution

5.1. Measurement architecture with Compact NSX

Compact NSX is the only MCCB
with integrated measurement,
providing class 1 current measurement.
The measurement, functions and
communication provided by Compact NSX
are compatible with those of the
Besides providing protection functions, Compact NSX circuit breaker provides also
a whole range of measurement and alarm functions. These functionnalities are
encountered in the two new ranges of Micrologic trip units:
b Micrologic type A: destined to current measurement
b Micrologic type E: destined to enhanced measurement of different electrical
variables.

DB125038
Masterpact range.

Micrologic Type
A E
Display of protection settings
Pick-ups (A) and delays All settings can be displayed b b
Measurements
Instantaneous rms measurements
Currents (A) Phases and neutral b b
Average of phases b b
Highest current of the 3 phases b b
and neutral
Ground fault (Micrologic 6) b b
Current unbalance between phases - b
Voltages (V) Phase-to-phase - b
Phase-to-neutral - b
Average of phase-to-phase voltages - b
Average of phase-to-neutral voltages - b
Ph-Ph and Ph-N voltage unbalance - b
Phase sequence - b
Frequency (Hz) Power system - b
Power Active (kW) - b
Reactive (kVAR) - b
Apparent (kVA) - b
Power factor and cos j (fundamental) - b

Compact NSX is the only MCCB with a built-in power meter.

This feature allows Compact NSX to provide both protection and measurement
functions, at a level conform to IEC standards (IEC 61557-12).
DB125039

At the same time, Compact NSX provi des several operating assistance functions:
Personalized alarms with time stamping
The user can set up to 12 alarms, via communication with a PC.
They can be read remotely either on the FDM121 switchboard display,
or through the communication system.

28
 The Schneider Electric solution
DB125036

Histories and event tables

Time-stamped histories and event tables are always active through
the Micrologic trip unit. They are stored in a non-volatile memory that saves
them even under loss of power.
The histories and event tables can be displayed, just like the alarms, either
on the FDM121 switchboard display or through communication with a PC.

Maintenance indicators
FDM121 unit display. Several indicators are available for maintenance reasons.
They are displayed on the FDM121 switchboard display.

Micrologic 5 / 6 operating assistance functions Type

A E
Operating assistance
Personalised alarms
Settings Up to 10 alarms assigned to all A and E measurements b b
Phase lead/lag, four quadrants, phase sequence, display priority selection - b
Display Alarms and tripping b b
Remote indications Activation of two dedicated contacts on SDx module b b
Time-stamped histories
Trips Cause of tripping Ir, Isd, Ii (Micrologic 5, 6) b b
(last 17) (timestamping with ms) Ig (Micrologic 6) b b
Alarms b b
(last 10)
Operating events Event types Modification of protection setting by dial - b
(last 10) Opening of keypad lock - b
Test via keypad - b
Test via external tool - b
Time setting (date and time) - b
Reset for maximeter/minimeter and energy meter b b
Time stamping Presentation Date and time, text, status b b
Time-stamped event tables
Protection settings Setting modified (value displayed) Ir tr Isd tsd Ii Ig tg b b
Time stamping Date and time of modification b b
Previous value Value before modification b b
Min/Max Values monitored I1 I2 I3 IN b -
I1 I2 I3 IN U12 U23 U31 f - b
Time-stamping of each value Date and time of min/max record b b
Current min/max value Min/max value b b
Maintenance indicators
Counter Mechanical cycles (1) Assignable to an alarm b b
Electrical cycles (1) Assignable to an alarm b b
Trips One per type of trip b b
Alarms One for each type of alarm b b
Hours Total operating time (hours) b b
Indicator Contact wear % b b
Load profile Hours at different load levels % of hours in four current ranges: 0-49 % In, 50-79 % In, 80 - 89 % In and u 90 b b
% In

Compact NSX gives real time data:

b permanent display of the rms value of the most loaded phase. This enables the
user to have a better, immediate knowledge of the existing loads on his network
b memorization of the interrupted current value during a fault trip. Valuable
information about the trip (for instance its cause: short-circuit or overload) can thus
be gathered by the user.

Compact NSX is also able to provide the same precision of measurement

independently of network frequency. Whether it is 50 or 60Hz, no setting is
necessary – the Micrologic unit detects it and adapts the calculations by it.
This is achieved through a new calculation method using a unique sampling
frequency, and ultimately providing the user with an easier installation and operation.

29
 The Schneider Electric solution

Compact NSX provides as well “on demand” measures. The demand of a value is
equal to the average of this value over a given period of time.
DB125040

It represents the average quantity used, in the past, of this value and may serve thus
to understand its possible future need, assuming the conditions of the past are
similar to those of the future (wherefrom the term “demand”).

The calculation of current and power “demand” allows the user to:
b eliminate or minimize penalties for exceeding contract values, e.g. by load
shedding/load restoring
b give trend plots which can be used to forecast current and power demand
b check the suitability of the subscribed power contract.

Furthermore, Compact NSX provides peak and minimum demand for each
instantaneous measurement. It can be reset by the trip unit unit keypad.

Finally, Compact NSX measures energy quality indicators, by measuring THD

values (on the importance of the measurement of THD values, see above chapter
3.1.5) for both voltage and current.

Integrated measurement with Micrologic

DB125041

For any circuit breaker that wants to integrate measurement, two requirements must
be fulfilled simultaneously:
b having sufficient power to supply the trip unit for the protection function
b carrying out a precise measurement.

In order to comply with these two requirements, Compact NSX uses a new
generation current transformer. This is composed of:
b an air (Rogowski coil) current transformer, destined to measure, precisely
and on a large scale
b an iron current transformer, destined to supply power to the trip unit.

These new CT are available in every new Micrologic trip unit, thus ensuring
a consistent measurement technique among each other.

At the same time, one aspect has to be taken into account: the integrated
measurement must not compromise the reliability of the protection or vice-versa.
Several aspects have to be analyzed here, in order to ensure that the two functions
are well separated:
b EMC aspects: the electromagnetic influence of one transformer does not have to
interfere with the other
b Software aspects: the tripping unit has to clearly distinguish the protection
and the measurement functions inside the electronic device.

In the Micrologic trip unit, these considerations are taken into account, as the
measurement treatment unit is done by the built-in microprocessor, which is clearly
separated from the protection treatment unit, done by a specialized integrated circuit
(ASIC).
DB125063

Measurement

Microprocessor Communication
module

Advanced
Basic protection functions
protection (metering, analyses...)
Air

Current-
Iron dependent Power supply
power

30
 The Schneider Electric solution

Rogowski coil
Rogowski defined the principle of this sensor in 1912. It contains no ferromagnetic
materials, thus ensuring a perfect linearity in a wide current range, a linearity
unaffected by the various frequencies present in the networks where it is used.

Non-ferromagnetic support

DB125064
Support radius

Mean toroid radius

Secondary winding
(fine wiring)

I = current to be measured Output voltage

Schematic diagram of a Rogowski coil.

The output signal of a Rogowski coil is proportional to the derivate of the current.
Thus, electronically, an integrator system is installed downstream of the sensor,
in order to treat further the image of the current to be measured.

5.2. Consistency
The measuring devices integrated in the tripping units of the Schneider-Electric LV
power circuit breakers show a clear consistency in functionalities, communication
and precision.

From the functionality point of view, the new Micrologic range provides measurement
functions for MCCBs, that formerly were existing only for ACBs. Thus, it is now
possible to have the same measurement technique from 100 A up to 6300 A.
DB125033
DB125043

OK OK

Mode
Mode

EGX100.
DB125042

From the communication point of view, there is a clear consistency between

the measurement communicated by Masterpact NT/NW and Compact NSX.
This communication ensures that:
b the same measurements
b on the same registers
b with the same units
MPS100. can be transmitted via Modbus protocol to an Ethernet gateway (EGX100 or MPS100).

31
The Schneider Electric solution

Measurement is carried out with the same precision on a Masterpact NT/NW

and on a Compact NSX. Having a consistent precision enhances the advantages
of having a complete offer on ACB and MCCB, since the data provided through
measurement is understandable and can be analyzed in a consistent way be
the data treatment units.

5.3. Measurement performance with Compact NSX

The measurements made by the Compact NSX circuit breaker are compatible with
IEC 61557-12. According to this standard’s definitions, Compact NSX is a DD type
PMD with integrated voltage and current measurement sensors.
The given performances are therefore valid for the whole measurement chain,
including the sensors.

According to the standard, the three important defining criteria for measurement are
as follows in the case of the Compact NSX circuit breaker:
b the basic current Ib is equal to the circuit breaker rating:
v for a Compact NSX160 with a 40 A rating, Ib = 40 A
v for a Compact NSX630 with a 630 A rating, Ib = 630 A

b the maximum current Imax, for which measurements are guaranteed with the
given precision, is equal to 1.2xIb:
v for a Compact NSX160 with a 40 A rating, Imax = 48 A
v for a Compact NSX630 with a 630 A rating, Imax = 750 A

b the performance class, C is:

v Class 1 for current measurement
For a Compact NSX160 with a 40 A rating, phase current measurement
has a precision of 1 % in the range 8 A to 48 A.
For a Compact NSX630 with a 630 A rating, Imax = 750 A, phase current
measurement has a precision of 1 % in the range 130 A to 750 A.

v Class 2 for active energy measurement

For a Compact NSX160 with a 40 A rating, the active energy measurement
has a precision of 2.5 % in the range 2 A to 4 A and a precision of 2 % in the range
4 A to 48 A.
For a Compact NSX630 with a 630 A rating, the active energy measurement has a
precision of 2.5 % in the range 31,5 A to 63 A and a precision
of 2 % in the range 63 A to 750 A.

32
The Schneider Electric solution

5.4. Combining measurement and protection:

standard layout
Here is a typical example of a part of an electrical installation inside a switchboard,
where both measurement and protection reveal their performances, especially thanks
to their combination:

Compact

DB125065

Compact Compact
NSX100 NSX400
Micrologic 6.2 E Micrologic 6.3 E-M

Multi 9
C60 Contactor
LC1-F265

An incoming feeder is supplying several loads under the operational voltage of 380 V
phase to phase. A 160 kW motor is protected by the circuit breaker.
Compact NSX400, in coordination of type 2 according to IEC 60947-1 with
a LC1-F265 contactor. The circuit breaker is downstream of a main incoming circuit
breaker Compact NS630b, placed in the beginning of the installation, with which it is
totally selective, according to IEC 60947-2 Annex A.
The main incoming circuit breaker is further placed upstream of another feeder,
protected by a Compact NSX100, with which it is totally selective. Further
downstream, this latter is totally selective with several miniature circuit breakers
C60, that are protecting different loads: socket plugs, computer circuits, and a small
office lighting circuit.
The Compact NSX100 circuit breaker is equipped with a Micrologic 6.2 E trip unit,
while the circuit breaker Compact NSX400 is equipped with a Micrologic 6.3 E-M trip
unit, perfectly protecting for electrical distribution and motor charges, respectively.

At the same time, besides protecting, the Micrologic trip units measure the most
important electric parameters through the circuit breakers and can both display
them locally, through the LCD, or remotely, through the FDM121 display unit.

33
The Schneider Electric solution

Further, these data can be communicated, through the Modbus protocol, by the
means of the Modbus Interface (IFM), connected to each Compact NSX circuit
breaker - and from there, through the EGX100 or MPS100 Gateway, to Ethernet.
The data can then be processed and analyzed by a SCADA system:

DB125066
FDM121
unit MPS100 Gateway
display

Measurement and protection are thus combined and processed inside one unique
device, the Compact NSX circuit breaker equipped with the Micrologic trip unit.
The absence of necessary wiring between devices performing the different functions
(protection and measurement) ensures thus that no connection errors are possible.
In addition, the current and voltage transformers are perfectly matched with the
tripping unit and with the circuit breaker, since they are integrated in the whole
device.
At the same time, less connectivity means less cost. The best solution is achieved
through a built-in device, one where no costly supplementary connection
is necessary.

Furthermore, combining protection and measurement allows the user to rapidly

upgrade his installation. Indeed, a Compact NSX100 equipped with a Micrologic 2.2
trip unit (not permitting measurement) can in a very short time be upgraded to a
Compact NSX100 with a Micrologic 6.2A or E (equipped with measurement
capabilities). By construction, the trip unit change is very easy to carry out.

34
Notes

35
Notes

36
 YFJYVIIVGIT

6FKQHLGHU(OHFWULF )55(9$
 © 2009 - Schneider Electric - All rights reserved

Schneider Electric Industries SAS As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for confirmation
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