We are ready: IEC 62271-200

The new switchgear standard

Power Transmission and Distribution

 Standards for all

Switchgear are important nodal points

in modern power distribution. Corre-
spondingly important is their reliable
functioning, a clearly defined switch-
ing behavior according to specified
parameters as well as the protection of
personnel and protection against oper-
ational interruptions when an overload
occurs.

The International Electrotechnical

Commission (IEC) has taken up the
task of developing the required speci-
fications, their worldwide standard-
ization and further development. The
same applies to IEC 62271-200 – the
new standard for medium-voltage
switchgear.

As one of the first manufacturers,

Siemens has implemented these
requirements and already offers the
complete product range of air-insu-
lated and gas-insulated switchgear
today, type-tested according to
IEC 62271-200.

IEC 62271-200
IEC 62271-2
IEC 62271-200
2
 Retrospective
IEC 60298 – for four decades this abbre-
viation was the decisive factor for the type
testing of metal-enclosed switchgear. In
the meantime there are tens of thousands
of switchgear panels of the primary and
secondary distribution level based on this
standard in use – certified according to
the mandatory part of the standard and,
if required, according to optional tests.
The passing of the following tests was
obligatory in order to identify switchgear as
type-tested:
Dielectric test to verify the insulation
level of the switchgear (tests with rated
lightning impulse withstand voltage and
rated short-duration power frequency
withstand voltage with the specified
values depending on the respective rated
voltage).
Temperature rise tests to verify the
current carrying capacity with rated normal
currents.
Peak and short-time withstand current
tests to verify the dynamic and thermal
current carrying capacity of the main and
earth circuits; the tests are performed with
rated peak short-circuit current or rated
short-circuit making current or rated short-
time current or rated short-circuit breaking
current.
Switching capacity test to verify the
making/breaking capacity of the installed
switchgear.
Mechanical function test to verify the
mechanical functions and interlocks.
Degree of protection tests to verify the
protection against electric shock and foreign
objects.
Pressure and strength tests to verify
the gas tightness and pressure resistance for
gas-filled switchgear.
00 There is also the possibility of voluntarily
certifying switchgear for resistance to inter-
nal arc faults and for personal protection.
Manufacturers and operators can select the
criteria which are relevant to them from the
following six criteria and have them tested.
Criterion 1:
Doors and covers must not open.
Criterion 2:
Parts of the switchgear must not fly off.
Criterion 3:
Holes must not develop in the external
parts of the enclosure.
Criterion 4:
Vertical indicators must not ignite.
Criterion 5:
Horizontal indicators must not ignite.
Criterion 6:
Earth connections must remain effective.
In order to guarantee safe access to the
individual switchgear components, e.g.the
incoming cable, without isolating the busbar,
the IEC 60298 standard differentiates bet-
ween three types of compartmentalization
that serve exclusively as protection against
electric shock.
Metal-clad switchgear: Division of the
switchgear panel into four compartments
(busbar compartment, switching-device
compartment, connection compartment
and low-voltage compartment); partitions
between the compartments made of sheet
steel, front plate made of sheet steel or
insulating material.
Compartmented switchgear: Division of
the switchgear panel same as for metal-clad
switchgear, but with the partitions between
the individual compartments made of insu-
lating material.
Cubicle-type switchgear: All other types
of construction that do not meet the above
features of the metal-clad or compartmented
designs.
In this context, access to the then common
minimum-oil-content circuit-breakers for
maintenance work without longer opera-
tional interruptions was of prime importance
because of the limited number of operating
cycles. Therefore, with switchgear in metal-
clad or compartmented design, the busbar
in the busbar compartment and the incom-
ing cable in the connection compartment
could remain in operation. With a cubicle-
type design, the incoming cable had to be
isolated, but the busbar itself could remain
in operation.
3
New specifications –
new challenges
Overview of IEC 62271-200
Although the old IEC 60298 standard
was very helpful, in time it was super-
seded by the technological progress.
Above all, the appearance of mainte-
nance-free vacuum circuit-breakers,
with operating cycles far exceeding
the normal number, made frequent
access to this circuit-breaker no longer
of prime importance.
The vacuum arc-quenching principle
is technologically so superior to other
arc-quenching principles that the
circuit-breaker can be fixed-mounted
again. This resulted in the first-time
use of gas insulation with the impor-
tant features of climatic independence,
compactness and maintenance-free
design. However, both technologies –
the vacuum arc-quenching principle
and gas insulation – were not ade-
quately taken into account in the exist-
ing standard.
Therefore, at the end of the nine-
ties, the responsible IEC committees
decided on the reformulation of the
switchgear standard, which finally
came into effect as IEC 62271-200 in
November 2003. At the same time the
old IEC 60298 standard was withdrawn
without any transition period.
4
Four key features are of special note with
the new IEC 62271-200 standard:
1. Changed dielectric requirements
According to IEC 60298, two disruptive
discharges were permitted in a series of
15 voltage impulses for the test with rated
lightning impulse withstand voltage. Ac-
cording to the new standard, the series
must be extended by another five voltage
impulses if a disruptive discharge has oc-
curred during the first 15 impulses. This can
lead to a maximum of 25 voltage impulses,
whereas the maximum number of permis-
sible disruptive discharges is still two.
2. Increased demands on the circuit-
breaker and earthing switch
In contrast to the previous standard, the
switching capacity test of both switching
devices is no longer carried out as a pure
device test. Instead, it is now mandatory
to carry out the test in the corresponding
switchgear panel. The switching capacity
may get a negative influence from the
different arrangement of the switchgear
with contact arms, moving contacts,
conductor bars, etc.
For this reason, the test duties T100s and
T100a from the IEC 62271-100 standard
are stipulated for the test of the circuit-
breaker inside the switchgear panel.
3. New partition classification
The new partition classes PM (partitions
metallic = partitions and shutters made
of metal) or PI (partitions nonmetallic =
partitions and shutters made of insulat-
ing material) now apply with respect to
the protection against electric shock dur-
ing access to the individual components.
The assignment is no longer according
to the constructional description (metal-
clad, compartmented or cubicle-type
design), but according to operator-related
criteria (Tables 1 and 2).
4. Stricter internal arc classification
Significantly stricter changes have also
been implemented here. The energy flow
direction of the arc supply, the maximum
number of permissible panels with the
test in the end panel and the dependency
of the ceiling height on the respective
panel height have been redefined. In
addition, the five following new criteria
must always be completely fulfilled (no
exceptions are permitted):
1) Covers and doors remain closed.
Limited deformations are accepted.
2) No fragmentation of the enclosure,
no projection of small parts above
60 g weight.
3) No holes in the accessible sides up
to a height of 2 meters.
4) Horizontal and vertical indicators do not
ignite due to the effect of hot gases.
5) The enclosure remains connected to
its earthing parts.
For the internal arc classification of
substations with and without control
aisle, the testing of the substation with
installed switchgear is mandatory in the
new IEC 62271-202 standard. The clas-
sification of the substation is only valid
in combination with the switchgear used
for the test. The classification cannot be
transferred to a combination with an-
other switchgear type as each switchgear
behaves differently in the case of an in-
ternal arc (pressure relief equipment with
different cross-sections and pickup pres-
sures, different arcing conditions because
of different conductor geometries).
 Table 1

Loss of service When an accessible compartment of Constructional design

continuity category the switchgear is opened: …

LSC 1 … then the busbar and therefore No partitions within the panel, no
the complete switchgear must be panel partition walls to adjacent
isolated. panels.

Overview of the characteristic values

LSC 2 LSC 2A … then the incoming cable must be Panel partition walls and isolating
isolated. The busbar and the adjacent distance with compartmentaliza- The IAC classification describes a success-
switchgear panels can remain in tion to the busbar. ful test. It results from the definition of
operation. the degree of accessibility, the possibili-
ties of arrangement inside a room, as
well as the test current and test time
LSC 2B … then the incoming cable, the Panel partition walls and isolating (Table 3).
busbar and the adjacent switchgear distance with compartmentaliza-
panels can remain in operation. tion to the busbar and to the cable.
Medium-voltage switchgear in the pri-
mary and secondary distribution level is
generally classified with degree of acces-
sibility A. This means they are intended
for use in rooms that are only accessible
Table 2
to authorized personnel (closed electrical
Type of accessibility Access features service locations).
to a compartment
Switchgear that is accessible by general
public has the degree of accessibility B
Interlock-based Opening for normal operation and Access is controlled by the (distance of indicators = 100 mm) and
maintenance, e.g. fuse replacement. construction of the switchgear, polemounted switchgear has the degree
i.e. integrated interlocks prevent
impermissible opening.
of accessibility C (indicators below a
tower in an area of 3 x 3 m).

Consequences for operators

Procedure-based Opening for normal operation and Access control via a suitable pro- With the new IEC 62271-200 standard,
maintenance, e.g. fuse replacement. cedure (work instruction of the the following conditions must be satisfied
operator) combined with a locking
device (lock). by the switchgear operators:

Already existing switchgear can still be

operated in accordance with IEC 60298.
Tool-based Opening not for normal operation or Access only with tool for opening,
maintenance, e.g. cable testing. special access procedure
However, new switchgear must fulfill the
(instruction of the operator). IEC 62271-200 standard in order to avoid
any resulting legal disadvantages. A situ-
ation which has a number of advantages.
For example, the comparison and evalu-
Nonaccessible Opening not possible / not intended for operator, ation of switchgear features is now more
opening can destroy the compartment. transparent. But also from an economic
This applies generally to the gas-filled compartments of gas-insulated point of view, they are an investment in
switchgear. As the switchgear is maintenance-free and climate-indepen-
the future.
dent, access is neither required nor possible.

Table 3

The notation IAC A FLR, I and t contains the abbreviations for the following values:

IAC Internal Arc Classification

Distance between the indicators 300 mm, i.e. installation in rooms with access for
A
authorized personnel, closed electrical service location

FLR Access from the front (F), from the sides (L = lateral) and from the rear (R)

I Test current = rated short-circuit breaking current (in kA)

t Internal arc duration (in seconds)

5
 Air- and gas-insulated switchgear
from Siemens in accordance with
IEC 62271-200
We are ready – to make you ready as well

With intensive development work and
comprehensive tests, Siemens has al-
ready implemented the performance
features requested by IEC 62271-200 at
an early stage. As one of the first man-
ufacturers, we offer the entire product
range of air- and gas-insulated switch-
gear for medium-voltage applications
in primary and secondary distribution
systems today – type-tested according
to the new IEC 62271-200 standard.
A greater margin for your safety
Not only that: the more stringent require-
ments of the dielectric type tests have
been implemented without exception.
All switching capacity tests for the various
circuit-breakers and earthing switches
were performed in installed condition,
i.e. inside the switchgear panel with the
associated arrangement of the conducting
path, contacts, etc. This means for you as
the operator: One hundred percent cer-
tainty that this combination of switchgear
and switchgear panel functions reliably.
All switchgear series were also tested for
the internal arc classification in accordance
with the new standard. The maximum
permissible number of test objects (gener-
ally two or three panels) as well as the
changed direction of energy flow of the arc
supply significantly increased the demands
on the switchgear panels. All switchgear
certified in accordance with IEC 62271-
200 satisfies all five criteria required for
the internal arc test without exception.
Ready for the future – with Siemens
With the fulfillment of the new IEC 62271-
200 standard, all our switchgear types
represent the latest state of development
in technology, safety and reliability.
Without exception, Siemens switchgear
fulfills the internal arc classification as vital
proof of the personal safety. Our switch-
gear therefore also meets the require-
ments of CAPIEL – the European associa-
tion of national switchgear manufacturer
associations: “This is now a type test and
not anymore subject of agreement be-
tween manufacturer and user.”
An investment in the switchgear technol-
ogy made by Siemens is a profitable invest-
ment in the future.
With the successfully verified internal arc
classification, IAC A FLR up to 50 kA and
one second arc duration, our switchgear
offers maximum possible personal protec-
tion. Our type-tested series also entirely
fulfill the specifications of IEC 62271-200
in all aspects. In addition, they guarantee
the highest possible degree of operational
reliability and therefore an extremely low
failure rate.

Siemens medium-voltage switchgear

therefore corresponds to the IAC A FLR
classification for short-circuit currents up
to 50 kA (depending on the system type)
and short-circuit times up to one second.

6
Overview of Siemens switchgear

Distribution Insula- Design Loss of service Partition Internal arc classifi- Switchgear Busbar system Voltage Short-circuit Rated current, Rated current,
level tion continuity class cation* type (kV) current (kA) busbar (A) feeder (A)
1s 3s

Primary Gas- Extendable LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1s NXPLUS C Single 15,0 31,5 31,5 2500 2500
insulated without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with 24,0 25,0 25,0 2500 2000
HV HRC fuses)

LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s NXPLUS C Double 24,0 25,0 25,0 2500 1250
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with
HV HRC fuses)

LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s NXPLUS Single 40,5 31,5 31,5 2500 2500
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s NXPLUS Double 36,0 31,5 31,5 2500 2500
LSC 2B PM IAC A FL 40 kA, 1 s 8DA10 Single 40,5 40,0 40,0 4000 2500
LSC 2B PM IAC A FL 40 kA, 1 s 8DB10 Double 40,5 40,0 40,0 4000 2500
Air- Extendable LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 40 kA, 1 s NXAIR Single 12,0 40,0 40,0 3150 3150
insulated
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 40 kA, 1 s NXAIR Double 12,0 40,0 40,0 3150 3150
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s NXAIR M Single 24,0 25,0 25,0 2500 2500
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s NXAIR M Double 24,0 25,0 25,0 2500 2500
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 50 kA, 1 s NXAIR P Single 15,0 50,0 50,0 4000 4000
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 50 kA, 1 s NXAIR P Double 15,0 50,0 50,0 4000 4000
LSC 2B PM IAC A FLR 31,5 kA, 1 s SIMOPRIME Single 17,5 31,5 31,5 3150 3150
LSC 2A PM IAC A FLR 25 kA, 1 s 8BT1 Single 24,0 25,0 25,0 2000 2000
LSC 2B PM IAC A FL 31,5 kA, 1 s 8BT2 Single 36,0 31,5 31,5 2500 2500
LSC 1 PM IAC A FL 16 kA, 1 s 8BT3 Single 36,0 16,0 16,0 1250 1250
Secondary Gas- Non- LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FL 21 kA, 1 s 8DJ10 Single 17,5 25,0 20,0 630 630
insulated extendable without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with 24,0 20,0 20,0 630 630
HV HRC fuses)

LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FL 21 kA, 1 s 8DJ20 Single 17,5 25,0 20,0 630 630
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with 24,0 20,0 20,0 630 630
HV HRC fuses)

Extendable LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FLR 21 kA, 1 s 8DH10 Single 17,5 25,0 20,0 1250 630
without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with 24,0 20,0 20,0 1250 630
HV HRC fuses)

Air- Extendable LSC 2B (panels PM IAC A FLR 20 kA, 1 s SIMOSEC Single 17,5 25,0 20,0 1250 1250
insulated without HV HRC fuses)
LSC 2A (panels with 24,0 20,0 20,0 1250 1250
HV HRC fuses)

* Maximum possible IAC classification

Siemens AG For questions on power transmission and Subject to change without prior notice
Power Transmission and Distribution distribution, please contact our Customer Order no. E50001-U229-A282-X-7600
Printed in Germany
Medium Voltage Division Support Center, 24 hours a day.
Dispo 30403
Mozartstr. 31 c Tel.: +49 180 / 524 70 00 GB 06612 101976 08064.
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Germany (Subject to charge: e.g. 12 ct/min)
E-mail: support.energy@siemens.com
www.siemens.com/energy www.siemens.com/energy-support

The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical features, which may not always be available.
An obligation to provide the respective performance feature shall exist only if expressly agreed in the terms of contract.