Substation Switching Schemes
This technical article is intended to provide description and comparison of single line options for a DESN substation. The goal is to provide an analytical comparison for all options so that one can select the optimum solution considering cost, reliability,… Read more
Jun 26, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Circuit breakers classified by interrupting medium
A circuit breaker is defined as “a mechanical switching device capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying and breaking for a specified time, and breaking currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such… Read more
Jun 20, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
MCB – Miniature Circuit Breaker Construction
The miniature circuit breaker (MCB) plays an important role in providing overcurrent protection and a disconnect means in electrical networks. Recent advancements in circuit breaker technology has increased breaker performance and protection. A breaker is a device designed to isolate a circuit… Read more
Jun 07, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Fundamental Characteristics of Circuit Breaker
The fundamental characteristics of a circuit breaker are: Its rated voltage Ue Its rated current In Its tripping current level adjustment ranges for overload protection (Ir or Irth) and for short circuit protection (Im) Current-level setting values which refer to the… Read more
Jun 05, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Sizing of power cables for circuit breaker controlled feeders (part 1)
The following three criteria apply for the sizing of cables for circuit breaker controlled feeders: [fancy_header]I. Short circuit current withstand capacity[/fancy_header] This criteria is applied to determine the minimum cross section area of the cable, so that cable can withstand… Read more
May 10, 2012 | By Asif Eqbal
Types of Residual Current Devices (RCD)
For domestic applications only the first five of the below listed residual current devices (RCD) need to be considered. For industrial and commercial buildings all of the classifications need to be considered. Table below aims to identify where each type… Read more
May 03, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Glossary of Medium Voltage Switchgear Terms
This glossary was published originally by Schneider Electric and it is intended to cover the meaning of many common words and phrases used in association with medium voltage switchgear. Many terms will also be applicable to low voltage switchgear as… Read more
Jan 25, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Anti Pumping And Lockout Relays
What is ANSI code for Antipumping relay? ANSI codes 94 or even 52 can be used. Relays can be divided into six functional categories shown below: Detect defective lines, defective apparatus, or other dangerous or intolerable conditions. These relays generally… Read more
Jan 23, 2012 | By Asif Eqbal
ABB MV Switchgear – Single Busbar Or Double Busbar?
Most switchgear installations used in industry with normal service conditions are based on single busbar arrangements. Compared to double busbar switchgear, single busbar switchgear is definitely easier to use, readily understood by operators, requires less space, and the total cost of installation… Read more
Jan 03, 2012 | By Edvard Csanyi
Internal arc testing of MV switchgear – IEC 62271-200 (part three)
Continued from: Internal arc testing of MV switchgear – IEC 62271-200 (part two) The following chapter describes the development of a new gas-insulated switchgear generation GHA [4] for primary distribution for internal arc testing according to IEC 62271-200. All tests… Read more
Dec 16, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Medium voltage circuit breaker operating sequence
Rated switching sequence according to IEC, O – t – CO – t’ – CO. (cf. opposite diagram): O – Represents opening operation CO – Represents closing operation followed immediately by an opening operation Slow: O – 3 min –… Read more
Nov 10, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
Working Principle of Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) and Residual Current Device (RCD)
The operation of an earth leakage circuit breaker (or shorten ELCB) is based on the fact that the algebraic sum of the currents in any healthy single phase, three phase and three phase and neutral system is zero. This simply… Read more
Nov 07, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
Retro perspective 30 years ago: Metal-Clad or Metal-Enclosed MV Switchgear? What to choose?
There are two types of switchgear commonly applied today for switching and protection of in-plant medium voltage (4.16 kV through 34.5 kV) power distribution systems. One is metal-clad switchgear using draw-out air-magnetic or vacuum circuit breakers and relays for both load… Read more
Oct 31, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
What is the difference between MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB
This technical article briefly describes the most common breaker-related protection devices in low-voltage applications: MCB, MCCB, ELCB, and RCCB. We’ll describe their main characteristics and limitations and try to solve some misunderstandings and differences that many young engineers mix up…. Read more
Oct 25, 2011 | By Jignesh Parmar
How Low-Voltage Air Circuit Breaker Works?
A low-voltage circuit breaker is one which is suited for circuits rated at 600 volts or lower. One of the most commonly used low-voltage air circuit breakers is the molded case circuit breaker (picture above). A circuit can be connected… Read more
Oct 23, 2011 | By Edvard Csanyi
