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There are a number of differences between All ratings are subject to agreement between
power systems in IEC and ANSI / IEEE network. user and manufacturer; although only the IEC
Obvious differences are in power frequency (50 standards explicitly state so. (ANSI / IEEE
vs 60Hz), voltage levels, standard current ratings standards are voluntary).
and system kA interrupting levels. It is common
for IEC designers to keep continuous currents
and kA levels lower by increasing the system There is a lot of pressure to work towards global
voltage and allowing system impedance to be harmonization of standards. It is important for
higher. In ANSI / IEEE, the opposite theory us to understand what the differences are, so
seems to be often (but not always) applied. we can make intelligent decisions. This
Application Note discusses the differences
between the two series of standards as they
Standards are also written differently. IEC apply to switchgear assemblies. It is intended to
standards often include a large number of ratings, be non-judgmental, a listing of the main
leaving it up to the manufacturer to decide what differences between the standards. To keep it
to offer. This proliferation of ratings offers both simple, the comparisons will be presented in
great flexibility but also confusion. It is common table format, with similar topics grouped
that one physical product design may be together.
rebadged into two or three different products
just to offer a wide range. On the other hand,
ANSI / IEEE standards often have a very limited The comparison chart is created for engineers,
number of ratings, and often clearly specify which in good faith, as a guide highlighting major
combinations are acceptable. This can lead to standards difference based on ABB Australia
some odd occurrences, such as a 1200A products UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
minimum rating in switchgear where many loads customized design engineering, manufacturing
are under 200A. and factory standards.
THE BASICS
Standards
IEC 62271-200 : AC metal- ANSI / IEEE C37.20.2 IEEE Designed, manufactured and type
enclosed switchgear and Standard for metal-clad and tested to IEC Standards.
controlgear for rated voltages station-type cubicle switchgear Enhancements to most ANSI /
above 1kV and up to and including IEEE requirements are possible.
52kV
Scope
Both standards require a full = ditto = Comply with both standards.
external metal enclosure with
intention to ground it.
IEC requires metal-clad switchgear ANSI/IEEE has more detail Comply with both standards.
to have grounded metal barriers concerning compartmentalization
(partition class PM) creating of components.
separate compartments for certain
components.
The main switching device can be The main switching device must be Comply with both standards.
fixed or withdrawable. withdrawable.
Busbar may be insulated or bare Busbar shall be insulated. Comply with both standards. All
bus conductors and connections
can be insulated.
Voltage rating
Rated voltage is the upper limit of Rated maximum voltage is the Comply with both standards.
the highest voltage of systems for highest rms voltage for which the Product ratings selection
which the switchgear is intended. equipment is designed, and the necessary.
See Table 2 for comparison. upper limit for operation. See Table
2 for comparison
Power Frequency Withstand see = ditto = Comply with both standards.
Table 2 for comparison Product ratings selection
necessary.
Impulse Withstand see Table 2 = ditto = Comply with both standards.
for comparison Product ratings selection
necessary.
Isolating gap required to be Isolating gap required to be Comply with both standards.
higher than the rated impulse and higher than the rated impulse and Product ratings selection
power frequency levels per IEC power frequency levels by a flat necessary.
62271-1. Approximately 15 to 20% 10%.
higher than the rated levels.
1
Internal note for ABB Australia sales product selection and engineering design
Sh.2
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Current rating
Continuous current ratings are Continuous current ratings are Comply with both standards.
defined in IEC 62271-1. Some defined in the text of C37.20.2. The Product ratings selection
circuits are allowed to have continuous current rating of the necessary.
different ratings. No reference to individual main switching device
the ratings of the switching and compartment shall be equal to the
interrupting devices are made. IEC ratings of the switching and
allows 200, 400, 630, 1250, 1600, interrupting devices used except
2000, 2500, 3150 and 4000A as modified by lower ratings of
ratings. fuses, current transformers etc.
ANSI / IEEE allows 1200, 2000,
3000 and 4000A ratings for circuit
breakers. ANSI / IEEE allows 400,
800A ratings for contactors and
switches.
Momentary current refers to IEC Momentary current the rms value Comply with both standards.
IEC 62271-1 for the peak including the DC component at the Standard UniGear ZVC complies
withstand current (closest rating to major peak of the maximum cycle with 2.7 times the rated short
the ANSI momentary current), which the switchgear shall circuit current. Selection of
which is defined as 2.5 times the withstand for a minimum of 10 UniGear ZS1 and GenCB ratings
rated short time current of the cycles. It must numerically match selection necessary.
switchgear. the close and latch rating of the
switching device. In ANSI/IEEE,
the close and latch has long been
defined as 2.7 times the rated
short circuit current of the
switching device. This was one of
the significant differences between
the two standards. ANSI has now
lowered the 2.7 figure to 2.6 to
more closely match practical
system conditions.
Short time current refers to IEC Short time current the average Comply with both standards.
IEC 62271-1. Defined as the rms rms current the equipment is
value of the current that a capable of carrying for a period of
mechanical switching device must 2 seconds. The short time current
withstand in the closed position. rating of individual components is
The standard duration is 1 second, equal to the short time current
with an alternate time of 3 seconds rating of the main switching device
possible. used.
Frequency
IEC lists standard rating ANSI/IEEE defines rated frequency Comply with both standards.
frequencies of either 50 or 60Hz, of an assembly or device as the
but also lists additional frequencies frequency for which it is designed.
of 16 2/3 and 25 Hertz (commonly All ratings are based on 60 Hertz
used for electric railway systems) only.
Temperature limits
Maximum +40C (average +35C Ambient temperature between Comply with both standards.
in 24h), or +55C in special -30C and 40C depending on Product ratings selection
application. indoor and outdoor installation. necessary.
Both standards base temperature
Minimum of -5C, -15C, or -25C.
rise on a maximum 40C ambient.
Differences in allowable
temperature rises.
Sh.3
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
1 or 5A secondaries are allowed Normally only 5A secondaries are Comply with both standards.
(1A is the most common) used
DESIGN TESTS
Dielectric tests
General Information
Refers to IEC 62271, which relies Covered by C37.20.2 clause 5.2.1, Comply with both standards; but
on the high voltage testing which relies on the high voltage ANSI / IEEE type tests not
standard IEC 60 testing standard ANSI / IEEE 4. performed.
ANSI/IEEE 4 states in its forward
that it closely conforms to the IEC
60 standard.
Standard atmospheric conditions Standard atmospheric conditions Comply with both standards; but
shall be achieved as close as shall be met or correction factors ANSI / IEEE type tests not
possible. shall be applied as indicated. It is performed. Product ratings
difficult to always meet all the selection necessary.
standard conditions so the ANSI /
IEEE rules are much easier for
manufacturers to apply.
Testing with the switching device in Voltage to be applied to each Comply with both standards; but
the open position only required if terminal with the other five ANSI / IEEE type tests not
less favourable electric field terminals and the frame grounded, performed. Product ratings
conditions result in the open or with the switching device in the selection necessary.
removed condition. connected position and closed
Not required. With the switching device Comply with both standards; but
withdrawn and closed, voltage ANSI / IEEE type tests not
shall be applied to the three performed. Product ratings
incoming terminals simultaneously selection necessary.
with the outgoing terminals and the
frame grounded, then to the
outgoing terminals with the
incoming and frame grounded.
A higher than normal voltage shall A higher than normal voltage shall Comply with both standards; but
be applied across the isolating be applied between incoming and ANSI / IEEE type tests not
distance. outgoing terminals performed. Product ratings
selection necessary.
Sh.4
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Impulse withstand
1.2 x 50 ms full wave waveform = ditto = Comply with both standards.
used, positive and negative polarity
Fifteen impulses of each polarity to Three applications of each polarity Comply with both standards; but
each test configuration. A to each test configuration. If all ANSI / IEEE type tests not
maximum of two flashovers are three good, then pass. If there is performed. Product ratings
allowed for a successful test. one failure, nine more shots to be selection necessary.
applied. If all nine pass, first failure
judged to be random
Busbar insulation
Insulated busbars not required by Low frequency 1 minute test at Comply with both standards; but
IEC, so no test specified maximum rated voltage to ground. ANSI / IEEE type tests not
performed. Product ratings
selection necessary.
Sh.5
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Allowable temperature rises are Permits somewhat lower Comply with both standards; but
different. In general IEC allows temperature rises than IEC. ANSI / IEEE type tests not
somewhat higher temperature performed.
rises.
Thermocouples or thermometers Thermocouples shall be used Comply with both standards; but
allowed ANSI / IEEE type tests not
performed.
Test frequency to be not less than Test frequency to be generallly Comply with both standards; but
rated. IEC 62271-1 allowable 60Hz. Allowance is made for ANSI / IEEE type tests not
frequencies 50, 60, 16 2/3 and special consideration of other performed.
25Hz. frequencies although most ratings
are only provided for 60Hz.
Test can be terminated if no test Test can be terminated if no test Comply with both standards; but
point increases in temperature rise point increases in temperature rise ANSI / IEEE type tests not
more than 1 AC in a one hour more than 1 AC in each of two performed.
period. successive half hour intervals.
Test arrangement shall reproduce Not addressed by ANSI/IEEE Comply with both standards; but
the most severe conditions of use C37.20.2, but is addressed ANSI / IEEE type tests not
by loading adjacent components or partially by C37.55 (does not performed.
by adding heat sources to simulate require loading of adjacent cells)
them.
Covers temperature rise testing of Does not address. Comply with both standards.
auxiliary equipment.
Usually combined with the Is permitted to be combined with Comply with both standards; but
Momentary Current test, but can the Momentary Current test. The ANSI / IEEE type tests not
be performed separately. The test test shall be withstood without performed.
shall be withstood without damage physical damage.
which would impair good operation
of the main circuit.
Sh.6
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Momentary current
The main circuits shall withstand a The main circuits shall withstand a Comply with both standards; but
peak current equal to the peak current equal to the ANSI / IEEE type tests not
momentary current rating. May be momentary current rating. May be performed.
combined with the Short time test. combined with the Short time test.
If performed separately, shall be at If performed separately, shall be at
least 0.3 seconds duration. The least 10 cycles duration. Shall be
test shall be withstood without no permanent deformation of the
damage which would impair good bus bars, or if there is that the
operation of the main circuit. dielectric requirements can still be
met.
Short time and peak withstand No specific requirement, but Comply with both standards; but
tests shall be made on grounding C37.20.2 clause 6.1.2 requires that ANSI / IEEE type tests not
conductors, grounding connections the ground bus withstand the rated performed.
and grounding devices in a similar short time current of the switchgear
fashion to the tests on the main for 2 seconds.
circuit.
Mechanical endurance
IEC 62271 requires 50 operations C37.20.2 clause 5.2.5 specifies Comply with both standards; but
of switching devices and 25 mechanical endurance tests ANSI / IEEE type tests not
insertion-withdrawal cycles of consisting of 100 insertion- performed.
removable devices. Interlocks that withdrawal cycles with checking of
control the removal of removable interlocks every 10 cycles. No
parts must withstand 25 attempts requirement for switching device
to remove the parts. operation.
Paint
No requirements. Salt spray test required. Comply with both standards; but
ANSI / IEEE type tests not
performed.
Sh.7
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
PRODUCTION TESTING
Dielectric tests
Normal power frequency tests to = ditto = Comply with both standards
be applied under the same
conditions and in the same way as
the Type tests, except no
requirement for higher than normal
testing of the isolation gap, and
only a test of each phase with the
other phases and to ground is
required.
Sh.8
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Polarity verification
No requirements Requires tests to prove that Comply with both standards
connections between instrument
transformers and meters and
relays are connected with the
proper polarities, and that all
pointers move in the right direction.
Sequence tests
Requires tests on auxiliary Devices that are intended to Comply with both standards
electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic operate in sequence function
devices, operating correctly five properly and in the sequence
times in succession, with the most intended. Does not explicitly state
unfavourable limit values of this is required on both power and
auxiliary supply. They must be in auxiliary devices.
satisfactory condition after this test.
No specific requirement exists for
sequential tests on power devices.
Commissioning tests
Required to check correct C37.20.2 clause 5.5 covers field Comply with both standards
operation after the switchgear has dielectric testing and specifies
been erected on site. A voltage testing at a 75% level.
test at 80% of the factory power
frequency level is recommended.
Sh.9
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
Once the configuration of busbars Clearances between busbars are ANSI / IEEE clearance cannot be
is tested, the clearances do not defined in ANSI / IEEE. met. IEC standard type tested
matter. design offered, safety guaranteed.
Grounding (earthing)
Require a ground bus connecting = ditto = Comply with both standards
all sections of a switchgear, and
having provision to connect to the
station ground.
Ground bus shall have a cross Ground bus shall carry the rated Comply with both standards.
section such that the current short time current for 2 seconds Suitable ANSI / IEEE ground bus
density does not exceed minimum conductors can be supplied.
200A/mm2 for the specified ground
fault conditions.
Normally grounded parts of Normally grounded parts of Comply with both standards
removable elements to be removable elements to be
grounded before insertion into the grounded before insertion into the
connected position. Shall remain connected position. Shall remain
grounded in the test and grounded until the primary circuit is
disconnected positions. disconnected and the removable
element is removed to a safe
distance
Switchgear manufactured to IEC ANSI / IEEE has no similar Comply with both standards.
standards require that all parts of requirements. However, when External ground and test devices
the main circuit where access is grounding is required, a separate can be supplied.
required or provided shall be ground and test device is
grounded before becoming commonly used. Ground and test
accessible. This typically requires devices may have fault making
the use of permanently installed and/or breaking capability, and
grounding switches which meet the may be designed to allow voltage
short time and momentary ratings tests to be performed on the
of the switchgear. switchgear.
Sh.10
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
No comparable information to Provides numerous details of Comply with both standards. ANSI
ANSI but does cover contact control wiring including wire sizes, / IEEE wiring rules can be
ratings and operation in IEC 62271 wire types, terminals, terminal provided.
which ANSI does not. blocks, designation of auxiliary
contacts, device function numbers,
voltage supply limits, polarities etc.
Nameplates
Nameplates are required to be Nameplates are required to be Comply with both standards.
attached to the switchgear. IEC attached to the switchgear.
requires the number of the ANSI/IEEE requires the
standard used. Both standards IEC manufacturers address.
and ANSI / IEEE require the
manufacturer name, type
designation and any other
designation and the appropriate
ratings.
There shall be separate ANSI / IEEE requires more Comply with both standards.
compartments for each main extensive use of barriers. In Barrier for adjacent vertical
switching device, components addition to those listed to the left sections can be provided, i.e.
connected to one side of a main under IEC, there shall also be busbar partition plate.
switching device, components barriers between primary sections
connected to the other side of a of adjacent vertical sections,
main switching device. Where including the main bus in each
more than one set of busbars is vertical section.
provided, each shall be in a
separate compartment.
Sh.11
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Interlocks
Required to prevent removable = ditto = Comply with both standards.
elements from being inserted or
withdrawn unless the switching
device is in the open condition and
to prevent closing the switching
device unless it is in the
disconnected, test or connected
position. The control circuit must
be connected before the switching
device can be closed in the
connected position
It shall not be possible for the Circuit breakers equipped with Comply with both standards.
contacts to move from the open stored energy mechanisms shall These two requirements while
position unless there is sufficient only allow the release of stored worded differently achieve the
energy to permit proper closing to energy if the mechanism has been same basic goal.
take place, including making the fully charged.
short circuit making current rating.
Preference given to mechanical Preference given to key interlocks Comply with both standards.
interlocks Provide key locks when specified.
Sh.12
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
Enclosures
Enclosures shall be metallic. No 1) Enclosures shall be metallic. 1) Comply with both standards
specific material thickness is
2) ANSI / IEEE specifies a certain 2) ANSI / IEEE minimum total
required. No requirement for paint,
minimum thickness in certain parts thickness of barriers of no less
paint finish or labeling.
of the enclosures and interior than 0.1196 (3 mm) cannot be
barriers. met. Average 2 mm provided.
3) ANSI specifies some 3) Comply with both standards
requirements for the paint finish
including a preferred paint colour.
4) Some requirements for 4) Comply with both standards
precautionary labeling is included.
IEC specifies the degree of Differentiation between : Comply with both standards.
protection to be provided by the
1) enclosure opening 0.125 (3.2
enclosure. Minimum requirements :
mm) or 0.5 (12.7 mm)
1) IP2X (12.5 mm) for external and
2) ventilation opening 0.5 (12.7
internal enclosure
mm) or 0.75 (19.1 mm)
2) Same IP code for ventilating
openings and vent outlets
Discusses indoor and outdoor Discusses outdoor enclosures with Comply with both standards.
enclosures protection against and without an operating and Customized ANSI / IEEE outdoor
foreign bodies and water. maintenance aisle. Requirements enclosures can be provided. Refer
for doors, door stops, heaters etc. Table 3.
are provided.
GENERAL FEATURES
Application guidelines
IEC does not address application ANSI / IEEE include information on Comply with both standards.
guidelines in any detail. There are usual and unusual service Switchgear offered should be
recommendations for unusual conditions. Addressed are topics offered suitable for installation
service conditions, but usually to such as use at high altitudes, high environment.
the extent that the switchgear shall ambient temperatures, severe
be designed for the specified environments (fumes, corrosive
conditions and the manufacturer gases or dust, high humidity,
shall be consulted. vibration, tilting, shock, seismic
environments), and operation at
currents above the rated
continuous current.
Sh.13
IEC ANSI / IEEE UniGear ZVC, ZS1 and GenCB
kV kV kV
3.6 - 10 - 40 -
- 4.76 - 19 - 60
7.2 8.25 20 36 60 95
12 - 28 - 75 -
17.5 15 38 36 95 95
24 27 50 60 125 125
IP10 1
IP11 2
IP54 3
IP14 3R
IP54 3S
IP56 4 and 4X
IP52 5
IP67 6 and 6P
IP54 13
Sh.14