copertine 2004 21-02-2004 12:16 Pagina 1

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Electrical installation handbook

Volume 1 Protection and
nd
2 edition control devices

1SDC008001D0202

Protection and control devices

02/04
1SDC008001D0202
Printed in Italy

Due to possible developments of standards as well as of

materials, the characteristics and dimensions specified in
this document may only be considered binding after
confirmation by ABB SACE.

ABB SACE S.p.A.

An ABB Group Company
L.V. Breakers
Via Baioni, 35
24123 Bergamo - Italy ABB SACE
Tel.: +39 035.395.111 - Telefax: +39 035.395.306-433
http://www.abb.com

Colori compositi
 Electrical installation handbook

Volume 1

Protection and control devices

2nd edition
February 2004
La presente pubblicazione
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© Copyright 2004 by ABB SACE

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 Index

Introduction .............................................................................................. 2

1 Standards
1.1 General aspects .............................................................................. 3
1.2 IEC Standards for electrical installation .......................................... 15
2 Protection and control devices
2.1 Circuit-breaker nameplates ........................................................... 22
2.2 Main definitions ............................................................................. 25
2.3 Types of releases .......................................................................... 28
3 General characteristics
3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit breakers ................................... 38
3.2 Trip curves .................................................................................... 49
3.3 Limitation curves ......................................................................... 107
3.4 Specific let-through energy curves .............................................. 134
3.5 Temperature derating .................................................................. 160
3.6 Altitude derating .......................................................................... 175
3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors ........................ 176
4 Protection coordination
4.1 Protection coordination ............................................................... 182
4.2 Discrimination tables ................................................................... 189
4.3 Back-up tables ........................................................................... 214
4.4 Coordination tables between circuit breakers and
switch disconnectors .................................................................. 218
5 Special applications
5.1 Direct current networks ............................................................... 222
5.2 Networks at particular frequencies; 400 Hz and 16 2/3 Hz .......... 233
5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks .............................................. 250
5.4 Automatic Transfer Switches ....................................................... 262
6 Switchboards
6.1 Electrical switchboards ............................................................... 271
6.2 MNS switchboards ..................................................................... 279
6.3 ArTu distribution switchboards .................................................... 280
Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects inside
low-voltage switchboards .................................................. 283
Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation
according to IEC 60890 ....................................................... 292

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 1

 Introduction
Scope and objectives
The scope of this electrical installation handbook is to provide the designer and
user of electrical plants with a quick reference, immediate-use working tool.
This is not intended to be a theoretical document, nor a technical catalogue,
but, in addition to the latter, aims to be of help in the correct definition of
equipment, in numerous practical installation situations.

The dimensioning of an electrical plant requires knowledge of different factors

relating to, for example, installation utilities, the electrical conductors and other
components; this knowledge leads the design engineer to consult numerous
documents and technical catalogues. This electrical installation handbook,
however, aims to supply, in a single document, tables for the quick definition of
the main parameters of the components of an electrical plant and for the selection
of the protection devices for a wide range of installations. Some application
examples are included to aid comprehension of the selection tables.

Electrical installation handbook users

The electrical installation handbook is a tool which is suitable for all those who
are interested in electrical plants: useful for installers and maintenance technicians
through brief yet important electrotechnical references, and for sales engineers
through quick reference selection tables.

Validity of the electrical installation handbook

Some tables show approximate values due to the generalization of the selection
process, for example those regarding the constructional characteristics of
electrical machinery. In every case, where possible, correction factors are given
for actual conditions which may differ from the assumed ones. The tables are
always drawn up conservatively, in favour of safety; for more accurate
calculations, the use of DOCWin software is recommended for the dimensioning
of electrical installations.

2 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1 Standards

1.1 General aspects

In each technical field, and in particular in the electrical sector, a condition
sufficient (even if not necessary) for the realization of plants according to the
“status of the art” and a requirement essential to properly meet the demands
of customers and of the community, is the respect of all the relevant laws and
technical standards.
Therefore, a precise knowledge of the standards is the fundamental premise
for a correct approach to the problems of the electrical plants which shall be
designed in order to guarantee that “acceptable safety level” which is never
absolute.

Juridical Standards
These are all the standards from which derive rules of behavior for the juridical
persons who are under the sovereignty of that State.

Technical Standards
These standards are the whole of the prescriptions on the basis of which
machines, apparatus, materials and the installations should be designed,
manufactured and tested so that efficiency and function safety are ensured.
The technical standards, published by national and international bodies, are
circumstantially drawn up and can have legal force when this is attributed by a
legislative measure.

Application fields
Electrotechnics and Mechanics, Ergonomics
Telecommunications
Electronics and Safety
International Body IEC ITU ISO
European Body CENELEC ETSI CEN
This technical collection takes into consideration only the bodies dealing with electrical and electronic
technologies.

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was officially founded in
1906, with the aim of securing the international co-operation as regards
standardization and certification in electrical and electronic technologies. This
association is formed by the International Committees of over 40 countries all
over the world.
The IEC publishes international standards, technical guides and reports which
are the bases or, in any case, a reference of utmost importance for any national
and European standardization activity.
IEC Standards are generally issued in two languages: English and French.
In 1991 the IEC has ratified co-operation agreements with CENELEC (European
standardization body), for a common planning of new standardization activities
and for parallel voting on standard drafts.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 3

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) was
set up in 1973. Presently it comprises 27 countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom) and cooperates with 8 affiliates (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine) which have first maintained
the national documents side by side with the CENELEC ones and then replaced
them with the Harmonized Documents (HD). CENELEC hopes and expects
Cyprus to become the 28th members before May 2004.
There is a difference between EN Standards and Harmonization Documents
(HD): while the first ones have to be accepted at any level and without additions
or modifications in the different countries, the second ones can be amended to
meet particular national requirements.
EN Standards are generally issued in three languages: English, French and
German.
From 1991 CENELEC cooperates with the IEC to accelerate the standards
preparation process of International Standards.
CENELEC deals with specific subjects, for which standardization is urgently
required.
When the study of a specific subject has already been started by the IEC, the
European standardization body (CENELEC) can decide to accept or, whenever
necessary, to amend the works already approved by the International
standardization body.

EC DIRECTIVES FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Among its institutional roles, the European Community has the task of
promulgating directives which must be adopted by the different member states
and then transposed into national law.
Once adopted, these directives come into juridical force and become a reference
for manufacturers, installers, and dealers who must fulfill the duties prescribed
by law.
Directives are based on the following principles:
• harmonization is limited to essential requirements;
• only the products which comply with the essential requirements specified by
the directives can be marketed and put into service;
• the harmonized standards, whose reference numbers are published in the
Official Journal of the European Communities and which are transposed into
the national standards, are considered in compliance with the essential
requirements;
• the applicability of the harmonized standards or of other technical specifications
is facultative and manufacturers are free to choose other technical solutions
which ensure compliance with the essential requirements;
• a manufacturer can choose among the different conformity evaluation proce-
dure provided by the applicable directive.
The scope of each directive is to make manufacturers take all the necessary
steps and measures so that the product does not affect the safety and health

4 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
of persons, animals and property.
“Low Voltage” Directive 73/23/CEE – 93/68/CEE
The Low Voltage Directive refers to any electrical equipment designed for use
at a rated voltage from 50 to 1000 V for alternating current and from 75 to 1500 V for
direct current.
In particular, it is applicable to any apparatus used for production, conversion,
transmission, distribution and use of electrical power, such as machines,
transformers, devices, measuring instruments, protection devices and wiring
materials.
The following categories are outside the scope of this Directive:
• electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere;
• electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes;
• electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts;
• electrical energy meters;
• plugs and socket outlets for domestic use;
• electric fence controllers;
• radio-electrical interference;
• specialized electrical equipment, for use on ships, aircraft or railways, which
complies with the safety provisions drawn up by international bodies in which
the Member States participate.

Directive EMC 89/336/EEC (“Electromagnetic Compatibility”)

The Directive on electromagnetic compatibility regards all the electrical and
electronic apparatus as well as systems and installations containing electrical
and/or electronic components. In particular, the apparatus covered by this
Directive are divided into the following categories according to their
characteristics:
• domestic radio and TV receivers;
• industrial manufacturing equipment;
• mobile radio equipment;
• mobile radio and commercial radio telephone equipment;
• medical and scientific apparatus;
• information technology equipment (ITE);
• domestic appliances and household electronic equipment;
• aeronautical and marine radio apparatus;
• educational electronic equipment;
• telecommunications networks and apparatus;
• radio and television broadcast transmitters;
• lights and fluorescent lamps.
The apparatus shall be so constructed that:
a) the electromagnetic disturbance it generates does not exceed a level allowing
radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate
as intended;
b) the apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic
disturbance to enable it to operate as intended.
An apparatus is declared in conformity to the provisions at points a) and b)
when the apparatus complies with the harmonized standards relevant to its
product family or, in case there aren’t any, with the general standards.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 5

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
CE conformity marking
The CE conformity marking shall indicate conformity to all the obligations
imposed on the manufacturer, as regards his products, by virtue of the European
Community directives providing for the affixing of the CE marking.

When the CE marking is affixed on a product, it represents a declaration of the

manufacturer or of his authorized representative that the product in question
conforms to all the applicable provisions including the conformity assessment
procedures. This prevents the Member States from limiting the marketing and
putting into service of products bearing the CE marking, unless this measure is
justified by the proved non-conformity of the product.

Flow diagram for the conformity assessment procedures established by the Directive
73/23/EEC on electrical equipment designed for use within particular voltage range:

EC declaration of
Technical file conformity
The manufacturer The manufacturer
draw up the technical guarantees and declares
Manufacturer documentation that his products are in

ASDC008045F0201
covering the design, conformity to the technical
manufacture and documentation and to the
operation of the directive requirements
product

Naval type approval

The environmental conditions which characterize the use of circuit breakers for
on-board installations can be different from the service conditions in standard
industrial environments; as a matter of fact, marine applications can require
installation under particular conditions, such as:
- environments characterized by high temperature and humidity, including salt-
mist atmosphere (damp-heat, salt-mist environment);
- on board environments (engine room) where the apparatus operate in the
presence of vibrations characterized by considerable amplitude and duration.

In order to ensure the proper function in such environments, the shipping

registers require that the apparatus has to be tested according to specific type
approval tests, the most significant of which are vibration, dynamic inclination,
humidity and dry-heat tests.

6 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
ABB SACE circuit-breakers (Isomax-Tmax-Emax) are approved by the following
shipping registers:

• RINA Registro Italiano Navale Italian shipping register

• DNV Det Norske Veritas Norwegian shipping register
• BV Bureau Veritas French shipping register
• GL Germanischer Lloyd German shipping register
• LRs Lloyd’s Register of Shipping British shipping register
• ABS American Bureau of Shipping American shipping register

It is always advisable to ask ABB SACE as regards the typologies and the
performances of the certified circuit-breakers or to consult the section certificates
in the website http://bol.it.abb.com.

Marks of conformity to the relevant national and

international Standards
The international and national marks of conformity are reported in the following
table, for information only:

COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

EUROPE – Mark of compliance with the

harmonized European standards
listed in the ENEC Agreement.

AUSTRALIA AS Mark Electrical and non-electrical

products.
It guarantees compliance with
SAA (Standard Association of
Australia).

AUSTRALIA S.A.A. Mark Standards Association of

Australia (S.A.A.).
The Electricity Authority of New
South Wales Sydney Australia

AUSTRIA Austrian Test Mark Installation equipment and

materials

OVE

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 7

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
AUSTRIA ÖVE Identification Cables
Thread

BELGIUM CEBEC Mark Installation materials and electrical

appliances

BELGIUM CEBEC Mark Conduits and ducts, conductors

and flexible cords

BELGIUM Certification of Installation material and electrical

Conformity appliances (in case there are no
equivalent national standards or
criteria)

CANADA CSA Mark Electrical and non-electrical

products.
This mark guarantees compliance
with CSA (Canadian Standard
Association)

CHINA CCEE Mark Great Wall Mark Commission for

Certification of Electrical
Equipment

Czech Republic EZU’ Mark Electrotechnical Testing Institute

Slovakia Electrotechnical Research and

Republic EVPU’ Mark Design Institute

8 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
CROATIA KONKAR Electrical Engineering Institute

DENMARK DEMKO Low voltage materials.

Approval Mark This mark guarantees the
compliance of the product with
the requirements (safety) of the
“Heavy Current Regulations”

FINLAND Safety Mark Low voltage material.

of the Elektriska This mark guarantees the
Inspektoratet compliance of the product with
the requirements (safety) of the
“Heavy Current Regulations”

FRANCE ESC Mark Household appliances

FRANCE NF Mark Conductors and cables –

Conduits and ducting –
Installation materials

FRANCE NF Identification Cables

Thread

FRANCE NF Mark Portable motor-operated tools

FRANCE NF Mark Household appliances

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 9

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
GERMANY VDE Mark For appliances and technical
equipment, installation accessories
such as plugs, sockets, fuses,
wires and cables, as well as other
components (capacitors, earthing
systems, lamp holders and
electronic devices)
GERMANY VDE
Identification Thread Cables and cords

GERMANY VDE Cable Mark For cables, insulated cords,

installation conduits and ducts

GERMANY VDE-GS Mark Safety mark for technical equipment

for technical to be affixed after the product has
been tested and certified by the VDE
equipment Test Laboratory in Offenbach; the
geprüfte
conformity mark is the mark VDE,
Sicherheit
which is granted both to be used
alone as well as in combination with
the mark GS
HUNGARY Hungarian Institute for Testing and
MEEI Certification of Electrical Equipment

JAPAN JIS Mark Mark which guarantees

compliance with the relevant
Japanese Industrial Standard(s).

IRELAND IIRS Mark Electrical equipment

IRELAND CO N F IIRS Mark Electrical equipment

OF O
R
K

MI
MAR

TY

I . I. R . S .

10 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

ITALY IMQ Mark Mark to be affixed on electrical

material for non-skilled users; it
certifies compliance with the
European Standard(s).

NORWAY Norwegian Approval Mandatory safety approval for low

Mark voltage material and equipment

NETHERLANDS KEMA-KEUR General for all equipment

KEUR

POLAND KWE Electrical products

B
RUSSIA Certification of Electrical and non-electrical
Conformity products. It guarantees complance
with national standard
(Gosstandard of Russia)

SINGAPORE SISIR Electrical and non-electrical

O
SIN
GAPO
R products
R O V ED T

E
STA N D AR
PP

A D

SLOVENIA SIQ Slovenian Institute of Quality and

Metrology

SPAIN AEE Electrical products.

R M I DA D A The mark is under the control of
FO
C A DE CON

NO

the Asociación Electrotécnica

R MA S U N

Española(Spanish Electrotechnical
Association)
AR

M E

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 11

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

SPAIN AENOR Asociación Española de

Normalización y Certificación.
(Spanish Standarization and
Certification Association)

SWEDEN SEMKO Mandatory safety approval for low

Mark voltage material and equipment.

SWITZERLAND Safety Mark Swiss low voltage material subject

to mandatory approval (safety).

SWITZERLAND – Cables subject to mandatory

approval

SWITZERLAND SEV Safety Mark Low voltage material subject to

mandatory approval

UNITED ASTA Mark Mark which guarantees

KINGDOM compliance with the relevant
N

TR
IO

AD
AT

“British Standards”
C

E
FI

M
TI

AR
ER

K
C

UNITED BASEC Mark Mark which guarantees

KINGDOM compliance with the “British
Standards” for conductors, cables
and ancillary products.

UNITED BASEC Cables

KINGDOM Identification Thread

12 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

UNITED Compliance with the “British

BEAB
KINGDOM Standards” for household
Safety Mark
appliances

UNITED BSI Compliance with the “British

KINGDOM Safety Mark Standards”

B R IT I S
UNITED TO H BEAB Compliance with the relevant
ROVED

ST

KINGDOM Kitemark “British Standards” regarding

A N D AR

safety and performances

PP

A D

DENT LA B
EN OR
EP
ND

AT
OR
AN I

U.S.A. Electrical and non-electrical

Y

UNDERWRITERS
TES

Y
ET

products
TI

LABORATORIES
AF

G
N

FO S
R P U B L IC

Mark
L I S T E D
(Product Name)
(Control Number)

U.S.A. UNDERWRITERS Electrical and non-electrical

LABORATORIES products
Mark

U.S.A. UL Recognition Electrical and non-electrical

products

CEN CEN Mark Mark issued by the European

Committee for Standardization
(CEN): it guarantees compliance
with the European Standards.

CENELEC Mark Cables

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 13

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards

COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

CENELEC Certification mark providing

Harmonization Mark assurance that the harmonized
cable complies with the relevant
harmonized CENELEC Standards
– identification thread

EC Mark assuring the compliance

Ex EUROPEA Mark with the relevant European
Standards of the products to be
used in environments with
explosion hazards

CEEel Mark which is applicable to some

CEEel Mark household appliances (shavers,
electric clocks, etc).

EC - Declaration of Conformity
The EC Declaration of Conformity is the statement of the manufacturer, who
declares under his own responsibility that all the equipment, procedures or
services refer and comply with specific standards (directives) or other normative
documents.
The EC Declaration of Conformity should contain the following information:
• name and address of the manufacturer or by its European representative;
• description of the product;
• reference to the harmonized standards and directives involved;
• any reference to the technical specifications of conformity;
• the two last digits of the year of affixing of the CE marking;
• identification of the signer.
A copy of the EC Declaration of Conformity shall be kept by the manufacturer
or by his representative together with the technical documentation.

14 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 1 Standards

1.2 IEC Standards for electrical

installation
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60027-1 1992 Letter symbols to be used in electrical
technology - Part 1: General

IEC 60034-1 1999 Rotating electrical machines - Part 1:

Rating and performance
IEC 60617-DB-12M 2001 Graphical symbols for diagrams - 12-
month subscription to online database
comprising parts 2 to 11 of IEC 60617
IEC 61082-1 1991 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 61082-2 1993 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 2: Function-
oriented diagrams
IEC 61082-3 1993 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 3: Connection
diagrams, tables and lists
IEC 61082-4 1996 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 4: Location and
installation documents
IEC 60038 1983 IEC standard voltages
IEC 60664-1 2000 Insulation coordination for equipment
within low-voltage systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60909-0 2001 Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c.
systems - Part 0: Calculation of currents
IEC 60865-1 1993 Short-circuit currents - Calculation of
effects - Part 1: Definitions and
calculation methods
IEC 60781 1989 Application guide for calculation of short-
circuit currents in low-voltage radial
systems
IEC 60076-1 2000 Power transformers - Part 1: General
IEC 60076-2 1993 Power transformers - Part 2: Temperature
rise
IEC 60076-3 2000 Power transformers - Part 3: Insulation
levels, dielectric tests and external
clearances in air
IEC 60076-5 2000 Power transformers - Part 5: Ability to
withstand short circuit
IEC/TR 60616 1978 Terminal and tapping markings for power
transformers
IEC 60726 1982 Dry-type power transformers
IEC 60445 1999 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification - Identification of
equipment terminals and of terminations
of certain designated conductors,
including general rules for an
alphanumeric system

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 15

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60073 1996 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification – Coding for indication
devices and actuators
IEC 60446 1999 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification - Identification of
conductors by colours or numerals
IEC 60447 1993 Man-machine-interface (MMI) - Actuating
principles
IEC 60947-1 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-2 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-3 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-
disconnectors and fuse-combination
units
IEC 60947-4-1 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-starters –
Electromechanical contactors and motor-
starters
IEC 60947-4-2 2002 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-2: Contactors and motor-starters –
AC semiconductor motor controllers and
starters
IEC 60947-4-3 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-3: Contactors and motor-starters –
AC semiconductor controllers and
contactors for non-motor loads
IEC 60947-5-1 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and
switching elements - Electromechanical
control circuit devices
IEC 60947-5-2 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Proximity switches
IEC 60947-5-3 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-3: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Requirements for
proximity devices with defined behaviour
under fault conditions
IEC 60947-5-4 1996 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Section 4: Method
of assessing the performance of low
energy contacts. Special tests
IEC 60947-5-5 1997 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and
switching elements - Electrical
emergency stop device with mechanical
latching function

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 16

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60947-5-6 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-6: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – DC interface for
proximity sensors and switching
amplifiers (NAMUR)
IEC 60947-6-1 1998 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 6-1: Multiple function equipment –
Automatic transfer switching equipment

IEC 60947-6-2 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -

Part 6-2: Multiple function equipment -
Control and protective switching devices
(or equipment) (CPS)
IEC 60947-7-1 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 7: Ancillary equipment - Section 1:
Terminal blocks
IEC 60947-7-2 1995 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 7: Ancillary equipment - Section 2:
Protective conductor terminal blocks for
copper conductors
IEC 60439-1 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 1: Type-tested and
partially type-tested assemblies
IEC 60439-2 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 2: Particular
requirements for busbar trunking systems
(busways)
IEC 60439-3 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 60439-4 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 60439-5 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 61095 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 17

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60890 1987 A method of temperature-rise assessment
by extrapolation for partially type-tested
assemblies (PTTA) of low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear
IEC 61117 1992 A method for assessing the short-circuit
withstand strength of partially type-tested
assemblies (PTTA)
IEC 60092-303 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 303:
Equipment - Transformers for power and
lighting
IEC 60092-301 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 301:
Equipment - Generators and motors
IEC 60092-101 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 101:
Definitions and general requirements
IEC 60092-401 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 401:
Installation and test of completed
installation
IEC 60092-201 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 201:
System design - General
IEC 60092-202 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 202:
System design - Protection
IEC 60092-302 1997 Electrical installations in ships - Part 302:
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies
IEC 60092-350 2001 Electrical installations in ships - Part 350:
Shipboard power cables - General
construction and test requirements
IEC 60092-352 1997 Electrical installations in ships - Part 352:
Choice and installation of cables for low-
voltage power systems
IEC 60364-5-52 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part
5-52: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment – Wiring systems
IEC 60227 Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of
rated voltages up to and including 450/
750 V
1998 Part 1: General requirements
1997 Part 2: Test methods
1997 Part 3: Non-sheathed cables for fixed
wiring
1997 Part 4: Sheathed cables for fixed wiring
1998 Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
2001 Part 6: Lift cables and cables for flexible
connections
1995 Part 7: Flexible cables screened and
unscreened with two or more conductors
IEC 60228 1978 Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245 Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages
up to and including 450/750 V
1998 Part 1: General requirements
1998 Part 2: Test methods
1994 Part 3: Heat resistant silicone insulated
cables

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 18

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
1994 Part 5: Lift cables
1994 Part 6: Arc welding electrode cables
1994 Part 7: Heat resistant ethylene-vinyl
acetate rubber insulated cables
1998 Part 8: Cords for applications requiring
high flexibility
IEC 60309-2 1999 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for
industrial purposes - Part 2: Dimensional
interchangeability requirements for pin
and contact-tube accessories
IEC 61008-1 1996 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCBs) -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 61008-2-1 1990 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCB’s).
Part 2-1: Applicability of the general rules
to RCCB’s functionally independent of
line voltage
IEC 61008-2-2 1990 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCB’s).
Part 2-2: Applicability of the general rules
to RCCB’s functionally dependent on line
voltage
IEC 61009-1 1996 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBOs) -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 61009-2-1 1991 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBO’s)
Part 2-1: Applicability of the general rules
to RCBO’s functionally independent of
line voltage
IEC 61009-2-2 1991 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBO’s) -
Part 2-2: Applicability of the general rules
to RCBO’s functionally
dependent on line voltage
IEC 60670 1989 General requirements for enclosures for
accessories for household and similar
fixed electrical installations
IEC 60669-2-1 2000 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2-1:
Particular requirements – Electronic
switches
IEC 60669-2-2 2000 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2: Particular
requirements – Section 2: Remote-control
switches (RCS)
IEC 606692-3 1997 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2-3:
Particular requirements – Time-delay
switches (TDS)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 19

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60079-10 1995 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 10: Classification of
hazardous areas
IEC 60079-14 1996 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 14: Electrical
installations in hazardous areas (other
than mines)
IEC 60079-17 1996 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 17: Inspection and
maintenance of electrical installations in
hazardous areas (other than mines)
IEC 60269-1 1998 Low-voltage fuses - Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60269-2 1986 Low-voltage fuses. Part 2: Supplementary
requirements for fuses for use by
authorized persons (fuses mainly for
industrial application)
IEC 60269-3-1 2000 Low-voltage fuses - Part 3-1:
Supplementary requirements for fuses for
use by unskilled persons (fuses mainly for
household and similar applications) -
Sections I to IV
IEC 60127-1/10 Miniature fuses -
1999 Part 1: Definitions for miniature fuses and
general requirements for miniature fuse-links
1989 Part 2: Cartridge fuse-links
1988 Part 3: Sub-miniature fuse-links
1996 Part 4: Universal Modular Fuse-Links
(UMF)
1988 Part 5: Guidelines for quality assessment
of miniature fuse-links
1994 Part 6: Fuse-holders for miniature
cartridge fuse-links
2001 Part 10: User guide for miniature fuses
IEC 60730-2-7 1990 Automatic electrical controls for
household and similar use. Part 2:
Particular requirements for timers and
time switches
IEC 60364-1 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 1:
Fundamental principles, assessment of
general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60364-4 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 4:
Protection for safety
IEC 60364-5 2001…2002 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 5:
Selection and erection of electrical equipment
IEC 60364-6 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 6:
Verification
IEC 60364-7 1983…2002 Electrical installations of buildings. Part 7:
Requirements for special installations or
locations
IEC 60529 2001 Degrees of protection provided by
enclosures (IP Code)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 20

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by
enclosures - Probes for verification
IEC 61000-1-1 1992 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1: General - Section 1: Application
and interpretation of fundamental
definitions and terms
IEC 61000-1-2 2001 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1-2: General - Methodology for the
achievement of the functional safety of
electrical and electronic equipment with
regard to electromagnetic phenomena
IEC 61000-1-3 2002 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1-3: General - The effects of high-
altitude EMP (HEMP) on civil equipment
and systems

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 21

 2 Protection and control devices

2.1 Circuit-breaker nameplates

Moulded-case circuit-breaker: Tmax

CIRCUIT-BREAKER TYPE
Series Size Rated ultimate short-circuit Rated
T 1 breaking capacity at 415 Vac uninterrupted
2 B = 16 kA current
3 C = 25 kA 160 A
4 N = 36 kA 250 A
5 S = 50 kA 320 A
H = 70 kA 400 A
L = 85 kA (for T2) 630 A
L = 120 kA (for T4-T5)
V = 200 kA

Rated insulation
Rated uninterrupted voltage Ui; i.e. the
current Iu maximum r.m.s. value
of voltage which the
circuit-breaker is
Rated operational capable of
voltage Ue withstanding at the
supply frequency
under specified test
conditions.

Rated impulse
withstand voltage
Uimp; i.e. the peak
Tmax T2L160 Iu=160A Ue=690V Ui=800V Uimp=8kV IEC 60947-2 value of impulse
Ue (V) 230 400/415 440 500 690 250 500
voltage which the
Made in Italy
circuit-breaker can
Icu (kA) 150 85 75 50 10 85 85 by ABB SACE
withstand under
Ics (% Icu) 75 75 75 75 75 75 75 specified test
Cat A 50-60Hz 2P 3P conditions.
in series

Rated ultimate short- According to the CE marking affixed on Compliance with the
circuit breaking capacity international Standard ABB circuit-breakers to international
(Icu) and rated service IEC 60947-2, the circuit indicate compliance Standard
short-circuit breaking breakers can be divided with the following CE IEC 60947-2:
capacity (Ics) at into Category A, i.e. directives: “Low-Voltage
different voltage values. without a specified “Low Voltage Directive” switchgear and
short-time withstand (LVD) no. 73/23 EEC controlgear-Circuit-
ASDC008046F0201

current rating, or “Electromagnetic breakers”.

Category B, i.e. with a Compatibility Directive”
specified short-time (EMC) no. 89/336 EEC.
withstand current rating.

22 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.1 Circuit-breaker nameplates

2 Protection and control devices

Moulded-case circuit-breaker: Isomax

CIRCUIT-BREAKER TYPE
Series Size Rated ultimate short-circuit
S 6 breaking capacity at 415 Vac
7
8 N = 35 kA
S = 50 kA
H = 65 kA (for S6-S7)
H = 85 kA (for S8)
L = 100 kA
V = 120 kA

Rated uninterrupted
current Iu
Rated operational
voltage Ue
Compliance with national and
international product Standards.

Rated ultimate short-

circuit breaking
capacity (Icu) at
different voltage values.
SACE S6L Iu=800A Ue=690V IEC 947-2 CEI EN 60947-2
Ics = 75% Icu
Ue (V) 230 400/415 440 500 690
(50% Icu 690V)
Icu 50-60 Hz (kA) 200 100 80 65 35 Cat B

According to the According to the international CE marking affixed on

international Standard IEC 60947-2, the ABB circuit-breakers to
Standard circuit-breakers can be divided indicate compliance
IEC 60947-2: into Category A, i.e. without with the following CE
“Low-Voltage a specified short-time directives:
ASDC008047F0201

switchgear and withstand current rating, or “Low Voltage Directive”

controlgear- Category B, i.e. with a (LVD) no. 73/23 EEC
Circuit-breakers”. specified short-time withstand “Electromagnetic
current rating. Compatibility Directive”
(EMC) no. 89/336 EEC.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 23

 2.1 Circuit-breaker nameplates

2 Protection and control devices

Air circuit-breaker: Emax

CIRCUIT-BREAKER TYPE
Series Size Rated ultimate short-circuit Rated
E 1 breaking capacity at 415 Vac uninterrupted
2 current
3 B = 42 kA 08 800 A
4 N = 65 kA (50 kA E1) 12 1250 A
6 S = 75 kA 16 1600 A
H = 100 kA 20 2000 A
L = 130 kA 25 2500 A
V = 150 kA 32 3200 A
40 4000 A
50 5000 A
63 6300 A

Rated uninterrupted
current Iu

Rated operational
voltage Ue Rated short-time
withstand current Icw;
i.e. the maximum
current that
the circuit-breaker can
Iu=3200A Ue=690V carry during a
SACE E3N 32 Icw=65kA x 1 specified time.
Cat B 50-60 Hz CEI EN 60947
Ue (V) 230 415 440 500 690 250 IEC 947-2
Icu (kA) 65 65 65 65 65 65
Ics (kA) 65 65 65 65 65 65

According to the Rated ultimate CE marking affixed on Compliance with the

international Standard short-circuit ABB circuit-breakers to international Standard
IEC 60947-2, the circuit- breaking capacity indicate compliance IEC 60947-2:
breakers can be divided (Icu) and rated with the following CE “Low-Voltage
ASDC008048F0201

into Category A, i.e. service short- directives: switchgear and

without a specified short- circuit breaking “Low Voltage Directive” controlgear-Circuit-
time withstand current capacity (Ics) at (LVD) no. 73/23 EEC breakers”.
rating, or Category B, i.e. different voltage “Electromagnetic
with a specified short-time values. Compatibility Directive”
withstand current rating. (EMC) no. 89/336 EEC.

24 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2 Protection and control devices

2.2 Main definitions

The main definitions regarding LV switchgear and controlgear are included in
the international Standards IEC 60947-1, IEC 60947-2 and IEC 60947-3.

Main characteristics
Circuit-breaker
A mechanical switching device, capable of making, carrying and breaking
currents under normal circuit conditions and also making, carrying for a specified
time and breaking currents under specified abnormal circuit conditions such as
those of short-circuit.
Current-limiting circuit-breaker
A circuit-breaker with a break-time short enough to prevent the short-circuit
current reaching its otherwise attainable peak value.
Plug-in circuit-breaker
A circuit-breaker which, in addition to its interrupting contacts, has a set of
contacts which enable the circuit-breaker to be removed.
Withdrawable circuit-breaker
A circuit-breaker which, in addition to its interrupting contacts, has a set of
isolating contacts which enable the circuit-breaker to be disconnected from
the main circuit, in the withdrawn position, to achieve an isolating distance in
accordance with specified requirements.
Moulded-case circuit-breaker
A circuit-breaker having a supporting housing of moulded insulating material
forming an integral part of the circuit-breaker.
Disconnector
A mechanical switching device which, in the open position, complies with the
requirements specified for the isolating function.
Release
A device, mechanically connected to a mechanical switching device, which
releases the holding means and permits the opening or the closing of the
switching device.

Fault types and currents

Overload
Operating conditions in an electrically undamaged circuit which cause an over-
current.
Short-circuit
The accidental or intentional connection, by a relatively low resistance or
impedance, of two or more points in a circuit which are normally at different
voltages.
Residual current (I∆)
It is the vectorial sum of the currents flowing in the main circuit of the circuit-
breaker.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 25

 2.2 Main definitions

2 Protection and control devices

Rated performances
Voltages and frequencies

Rated operational voltage (Ue)

A rated operational voltage of an equipment is a value of voltage which,
combined with a rated operational current, determines the application of the
equipment and to which the relevant tests and the utilization categories are
referred to.
Rated insulation voltage (Ui)
The rated insulation voltage of an equipment is the value of voltage to which
dielectric tests voltage and creepage distances are referred. In no case the
maximum value of the rated operational voltage shall exceed that of the rated
insulation voltage.
Rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp)
The peak value of an impulse voltage of prescribed form and polarity which the
equipment is capable of withstanding without failure under specified conditions
of test and to which the values of the clearances are referred.
Rated frequency
The supply frequency for which an equipment is designed and to which the
other characteristic values correspond.

Currents

Rated uninterrupted current (Iu)

The rated uninterrupted current of an equipment is a value of current, stated by
the manufacturer, which the equipment can carry in uninterrupted duty.
Rated residual operating current (I∆n)
It is the r.m.s. value of a sinusoidal residual operating current assigned to the
CBR by the manufacturer, at which the CBR shall operate under specified
conditions.

Performances under short-circuit conditions

Rated making capacity
The rated making capacity of an equipment is a value of current, stated by the
manufacturer, which the equipment can satisfactorily make under specified
making conditions.
Rated breaking capacity
The rated breaking of an equipment is a value of current, stated by the
manufacturer, which the equipment can satisfactorily break, under specified
breaking conditions.

26 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.2 Main definitions

2 Protection and control devices

Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity (Icu)

The rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity of a circuit-breaker is the
maximum short-circuit current value which the circuit-breaker can break twice
(in accordance with the sequence O – t – CO), at the corresponding rated
operational voltage. After the opening and closing sequence the circuit-breaker
is not required to carry its rated current.
Rated service short-circuit breaking capacity (Ics)
The rated service short-circuit breaking capacity of a circuit-breaker is the
maximum short-circuit current value which the circuit-breaker can break three
times in accordance with a sequence of opening and closing operations (O - t
- CO - t – CO) at a defined rated operational voltage (Ue) and at a defined
power factor. After this sequence the circuit-breaker is required to carry its
rated current.
Rated short-time withstand current (Icw)
The rated short-time withstand current is the current that the circuit-breaker in
the closed position can carry during a specified short time under prescribed
conditions of use and behaviour; the circuit-breaker shall be able to carry this
current during the associated short-time delay in order to ensure discrimination
between the circuit-breakers in series.
Rated short-circuit making capacity (Icm)
The rated short-circuit making capacity of an equipment is the value of short-
circuit making capacity assigned to that equipment by the manufacturer for the
rated operational voltage, at rated frequency, and at a specified power-factor
for ac.

Utilization categories
The utilization category of a circuit-breaker shall be stated with reference to
whether or not it is specifically intended for selectivity by means of an intentional
time delay with respect to other circuit-breakers in series on the load side,
under short-circuit conditions (Table 4 IEC 60947-2).

Category A - Circuit-breakers not specifically intended for selectivity under

short-circuit conditions with respect to other short-circuit protective devices in
series on the load side, i.e. without a short-time withstand current rating.

Category B - Circuit-breakers specifically intended for selectivity under short-

circuit conditions with respect to other short-circuit protective devices in series
on the load side, i.e. with and intentional short-time delay provided for selectivity
under short-circuit conditions. Such circuit-breakers have a short-time withstand
current rating.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 27

 2.2 Main definitions

2 Protection and control devices

A circuit-breaker is classified in category B if its Icw is higher than (Table 3 IEC
60947-2):

12·In or 5 kA, whichever is the greater for In ≤ 2500A

30 kA for In > 2500A

Electrical and mechanical durability

Mechanical durability
The mechanical durability of an apparatus is expressed by the number of no-
load operating cycles (each operating cycle consists of one closing and opening
operation) which can be effected before it becomes necessary to service or
replace any of its mechanical parts (however, normal maintenance may be
permitted).
Electrical durability
The electrical durability of an apparatus is expressed by the number of on-load
operating cycles and gives the contact resistance to electrical wear under the
service conditions stated in the relevant product Standard.

2.3 Types of releases

A circuit-breaker must control and protect, in case of faults or malfunctioning,
the connected elements of a plant. In order to perform this function, after
detection of an anomalous condition, the release intervenes in a definite time
by opening the interrupting part.
The protection releases fitted with ABB SACE moulded-case and air circuit-
breakers can control and protect any plant, from the simplest ones to those

Circuit-breaker In [A] → 1 1.6 2 2.5 3.2 4 5 6.3 8 8.5 10 11 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 52 63

Magnetic type Thermal [A]→MO 1.1-1.6 1.4-2 1.8-2.5 2.2-3.2 2.8-4 3.5-5 4.4-6.3 5.6-8 MO 7-10 MO 8.8-12.5 11-16 14-20 18-25 22-32 28-40 35-50 MO 44-63
T1 10xIn 500 500 500 500 500 500 630
T2 10xIn 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 500 500 500 500 500 500 630
(MO*)13xIn 13 21 26 33 42 52 65 84 110 145 163
(MO*)6-12xIn 120-240 192-384 314-624
T3 10xIn 630
3xIn 400
(MO*)6-12xIn
T4 10xIn I3 [A] 320 320 500
5-10xIn
(MO*)6-14xIn 60-140 150-350 314-728
T5 5-10xIn
2.5-5xIn
S6 5-10xIn

*Note: MO Magnetic only

28 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

with particular requirements, thanks to their wide setting possibilities of both
thresholds and tripping times.
Among the devices sensitive to overcurrents, the following can be considered:

• thermomagnetic releases and magnetic only releases;

• microprocessor-based releases;
• residual current devices.

The choice and adjusting of protection releases are based both on the
requirements of the part of plant to be protected, as well as on the coordination
with other devices; in general, discriminating factors for the selection are the
required threshold, time and curve characteristic.

2.3.1 THERMOMAGNETIC RELEASES AND MAGNETIC ONLY RELEASES

The thermomagnetic releases use a bimetal and an electromagnet to detect

overloads and short-circuits; they are suitable to protect both alternating and
direct current networks.

The following table shows the available rated currents and the relevant magnetic
settings.

20 25 32 40 50 52 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800
6 14-20 18-25 22-32 28-40 35-50 MO 44-63 56-80 70-100 88-125 112-160 140-200 175-250 224-320 280-400 350-500 441-630 560-800
500 500 500 500 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600
500 500 500 500 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600

120-240 192-384 314-624 480-960 600-1200

630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500
400 400 400 400 480 600 750
600-1200 750-1500 960-1920 1200-2400
320 320 500
400-800 500-1000 625-1250 800-1600 1000-2000 1250-2500 1600-3200
150-350 314-728 480-1120 600-1400 750-1750 960-2240 1200-2800
1600-3200 2000-4000 2500-5000 3150-6300
800-1600 1000-2000 1250-2500 1600-3200
4000-8000

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 29

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

For example, a circuit-breaker type T2, with rated current In equal to 2.5 A, is
available in two versions:
- thermomagnetic with adjustable thermal current I1 from 1.8 up to 2.5 A and
fixed magnetic current I3 equal to 25 A;
- magnetic only (MO) with fixed magnetic current I3 equal to 33 A.

2.3.2 ELECTRONIC RELEASES

These releases are connected with current transformers (three or four

according to the number of conductors to be protected), which are positioned
inside the circuit-breaker and have the double functions of supplying the
power necessary to the proper functioning of the release (self-supply) and of
detecting the value of the current flowing inside the live conductors; therefore
they are compatible with alternating current networks only.
The signal coming from the transformers and from the Rogowsky coils is
processed by the electronic component (microprocessor) which compares
it with the set thresholds. When the signal exceeds the thresholds, the trip of
the circuit-breaker is operated through an opening solenoid which directly
acts on the circuit-breaker operating mechanism.
In case of auxiliary power supply in addition to self-supply from the current
transformers, the voltage shall be 24 Vdc ± 20%.

Rated Current In [A] → 10 25 63 100 160 200 250 320 400

PR221 4-10 10-25 25-63 40-100 64-160 100-250 128-320 160-400 2
PR222 40-100 64-160 100-250 128-320 160-400 2
L PR211/PR212 3
Function PR222/MP 40-100 64-160 80-200 128-320 160-400
PR212/MP 2
S PR221(1) 10-100 25-250 63-630 100-1000 160-1600 250-2500 320-3200 400-4000 63
Function PR222 60-1000 96-1600 150-2500 192-3200 240-4000 37
PR211/PR212
PR221(1) 10-100 25-250 63-630 100-1000 160-1600 250-2500 320-3200 400-4000 63
I PR222 150-1200 240-1920 375-3000 480-3200* 600-4800 94
Function PR211/PR212
PR222/MP 600-1300 960-2080 1200-2600 1920-4160 2400-5200
PR212/MP 37
(1)
For T2 only: S function is in alternative to I function
* For T5 480-3840

30 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

Besides the standard protection functions, releases provide:
- measurements of the main characteristics of the plant: voltage, frequency,
power, energy and harmonics (PR112-PR113);
- serial communication with remote control for a complete management of the
plant (PR212-PR222-PR112-PR113, equipped with dialogue unit).

CURRENT TRANSFORMER SIZE

Rated Current In [A] → 10 25 63 100 160 250 320 400 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200
Circuit- breaker Iu[A]
T2 160
T4 250
320
T5 400
630
S6 800
S7 1250
1600
S8 2000
2500
3200

50 320 400 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200
-250 128-320 160-400 252-630
-250 128-320 160-400 252-630
320-800 400-1000 500-1250 640-1600 800-2000 1000-2500 1280-3200
128-320 160-400
252-630 400-1000
2500 320-3200 400-4000 630-6300
2500 192-3200 240-4000 378-6300
800-8000 1000-10000 1250-12500 1600-1600 2000-20000 2500-25000 3200-32000
2500 320-3200 400-4000 630-6300
3000 480-3200* 600-4800 945-6300
1200-9600 1500-12000 2875-15000 2400-19200 3000-24000 3750-30000 4800-38400
1920-4160 2400-5200
3780-8190 6000-13000

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 31

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

CURRENT TRANSFORMER SIZE
Rated Current In [A] → 250 400 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 4000 5000 6300
Circuit- breaker Iu[A]
E1B 800
E1N 1250
E2B 1600
2000
E2N 1250
1600
2000
E2L 1250
1600
E3N 2500
3200
E3S 1250
E3H 1600
2000
2500
3200
E3L 2000
2500
E4S 4000
E4H 3200
4000
E4S/f 4000
E6H 5000
6300
E6H/f 5000
6300
E6V 3200
4000
5000
6300

Rated Current In [A] → 250 400 800 1000 1250 1600 20

L PR111
100÷250 160÷400 320÷800 400÷1000 500÷1250 640÷1600 800÷
Function PR112/PR113
S PR111 250÷2500 400÷4000 800÷8000 1000÷10000 1250÷12500 1600÷16000 2000÷
Function PR112/PR113 150÷2500 240÷4000 480÷8000 600÷10000 750÷12500 960÷16000 1200÷
I PR111 375÷3000 600÷4800 1200÷9600 1500÷12000 1875÷15000 2400÷19200 3000÷
Function PR112/PR113 375÷3750 600÷6000 1200÷12000 1500÷15000 1875÷18750 2400÷24000 3000÷

32 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

2.3.2.1 PROTECTION FUNCTIONS OF ELECTRONIC RELEASES

The protection functions available for the electronic releases are:

L - Overload protection with inverse long time delay

Function of protection against overloads with inverse long time delay and
constant specific let-through energy; it cannot be excluded.
L - Overload protection in compliance with Std. IEC 60255-3
Function of protection against overloads with inverse long time delay and trip
curves complying with IEC 60255-3; applicable in the coordination with fuses
and with medium voltage protections.
S - Short-circuit protection with adjustable delay
Function of protection against short-circuit currents with adjustable delay; thanks
to the adjustable delay, this protection is particularly useful when it is necessary
to obtain selective coordination between different devices.
D - Directional short-circuit protection with adjustable delay
The directional protection, which is similar to function S, can intervene in a
different way according to the direction of the short-circuit current; particularly
suitable in meshed networks or with multiple supply lines in parallel.
I - Short-circuit protection with instantaneous trip
Function for the instantaneous protection against short-circuit.
G - Earth fault protection with adjustable delay
Function protecting the plant against earth faults.
U - Phase unbalance protection
Protection function which intervenes when an excessive unbalance between
the currents of the single phases protected by the circuit-breaker is detected.
OT - Self-protection against overtemperature
Protection function controlling the opening of the circuit-breaker when the tem-
perature inside the release can jeopardize its functioning.
UV - Undervoltage protection
Protection function which intervenes when the phase voltage drops below the
preset threshold.

1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 4000 5000 6300

00 500÷1250 640÷1600 800÷2000 1000÷2500 1280÷3200 1600÷4000 2000÷5000 2520÷6300

000 1250÷12500 1600÷16000 2000÷20000 2500÷25000 3200÷32000 4000÷40000 5000÷50000 6300÷63000

000 750÷12500 960÷16000 1200÷20000 1500÷25000 1920÷32000 2400÷40000 3000÷50000 3780÷63000
000 1875÷15000 2400÷19200 3000÷24000 3750÷30000 4800÷38400 6000÷48000 7500÷60000 9450÷75600
000 1875÷18750 2400÷24000 3000÷30000 3750÷37500 4800÷48000 6000÷60000 7500÷75000 9450÷94500

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 33

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

OV - Overvoltage protection
Protection function which intervenes when the phase voltage exceeds the preset
threshold.
RV - Residual voltage protection
Protection which identifies anomalous voltages on the neutral conductor.
RP - Reverse power protection
Protection which intervenes when the direction of the active power is opposite
to normal operation.
R - Protection against rotor blockage
Function intervening as soon as conditions are detected, which could lead to
the block of the rotor of the protected motor during operation.
Iinst - Very fast instantaneous protection against short-circuit
This particular protection function has the aim of maintaining the integrity of
the circuit-breaker and of the plant in case of high currents requiring delays
lower than those guaranteed by the protection against instantaneous short-
circuit. This protection must be set exclusively by ABB SACE and cannot be
excluded.

The following table summarizes the types of electronic release and the functions
they implement:
SERIES SIZE RELEASE PROTECTION FUNCTION
Tmax T2 PR221DS LS L-S or L-I
PR221DS I I
T4-T5 PR221DS LS/I L-S-I
PR222DS/P LSI L-S-I
PR222DS/P LSIG L-S-I-G
PR222MP LRIU L-R-I-U
Isomax S6-S7 PR211/P LI L-I
PR211/P I I
S6-S7-S8 PR212/P LSI L-S-I
PR212/P LSIG L-S-I-G
S6-S7 PR212/MP LRIU L-R-I-U
Emax E1-E2-E3-E4-E6 PR111/P LI L-I
PR111/P LSI L-S-I
PR111/P LSIG L-S-I-G
PR112/P LSI L-S-I-OT
PR112/P LSIG L-S-I-G-OT
PR113/P LSIG L-S-I-G-D-UV-OV-RV-U-RP-OT
The settings and curves of the single protection functions are reported in the chapter 3.2.2

2.3.3 RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES

The residual current releases are associated with the circuit-breaker in order to
obtain two main functions in a single device:
- protection against overloads and short-circuits;
- protection against indirect contacts (presence of voltage on exposed
conductive parts due to loss of insulation).
Besides, they can guarantee an additional protection against the risk of fire
deriving from the evolution of small fault or leakage currents which are not
detected by the standard protections against overload.
Residual current devices having a rated residual current not exceeding 30 mA
are also used as a means for additional protection against direct contact in
case of failure of the relevant protective means.
Their logic is based on the detection of the vectorial sum of the line currents
through an internal or external toroid.
This sum is zero under service conditions or equal to the earth fault current (I∆)
in case of earth fault.
34 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices
 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

When the release detects a residual current different from zero, it opens the
circuit-breaker through an opening solenoid.

As we can see in the picture the protection conductor or the equipotential

conductor have to be installed outside the eventual external toroid.

Generic distribution system (IT, TT, TN)

L1
L2
L3
N
PE
Circuit-breaker

Opening
solenoid
Protective conductor

ASDC008002F0201
Load

The operating principle of the residual current release makes it suitable for the
distribution systems TT, IT (even if paying particular attention to the latter) and
TN-S, but not in the systems TN-C. In fact, in these systems, the neutral is
used also as protective conductor and therefore the detection of the residual
current would not be possible if the neutral passes through the toroid, since the
vectorial sum of the currents would always be equal to zero.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 35

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

One of the main characteristics of a residual current release is its minimum
rated residual current I∆n. This represents the sensitivity of the release.
According to their sensitivity to the fault current, the residual current circuit-
breakers are classified as:
- type AC: a residual current device for which tripping is ensured in case of
residual sinusoidal alternating current, in the absence of a dc component whether
suddenly applied or slowly rising;
- type A: a residual current device for which tripping is ensured for residual
sinusoidal alternating currents in the presence of specified residual pulsating
direct currents, whether suddenly applied or slowly rising.
- type B residual current device for which tripping is ensured for residual
sinusoidal alternating currents in presence of specified residual pulsanting
direct currents whether suddenly applied or slowy rising, for residual directs
may result from rectifying circuits.

Form of residual Correct functioning of residual

current current devices
Type
AC A B

Sinusoidal ac suddenly applied

+ + +
slowly rising

suddenly applied

with or without 0,006A + +

Pulsating dc

slowly rising
ASDC008003F0201

Smooth dc +

In presence of electrical apparatuses with electronic components (computers,

photocopiers, fax etc.) the earth fault current might assume a non sinusoidal
shape but a type of a pulsating unidirectional dc shape. In these cases it is
necessary to use a residual current release classified as type A.
In presence of rectifying circuits (i.e. single phase connection with capacitive
load causing smooth direct current, three pulse star connection or six pulse
bridge connection, two pulse connection line-to-line) the earth fault current
might assume a unidirectional dc shape.

36 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 2.3 Types of releases

2 Protection and control devices

In these case it is necessary to use a residual current release classified as type B.
The following table shows the main characteristics of ABB SACE residual current
devices; they can be mounted both on circuit-breakers as well as on switch
disconnectors (in case of fault currents to earth lower than the apparatus
breaking capacity), are type A devices and they do not need auxiliary supply
since they are self-supplied.
RC221 RC222
Suitable for circuit-breaker type T1-T2-T3 T1-T2-T3 T4 T5
T1D-T3D T1D-T3D T4D T5D
Primary service voltage [V] 85-500 85-500 85-500 85-500
Rated service current [A] 250 250 250 400
Rated residual current trip I∆n [A] 0.03-0.1-0.3- 0.03-0.05-0.1- 0.03-0.05-0.1- 0.03-0.05-0.1-
0.5-1-3 0.3-0.5-1 0.3-0.5-1 0.3-0.5-1
3-5-10 3-5-10 3-5-10
Time limit for non-trip (at 2x I∆n) [s] Instantaneous Inst.-0.1-0.2- Inst.-0.1-0.2- Inst.-0.1-0.2-
0.3-0.5-1-2-3 0.3-0.5-1-2-3 0.3-0.5-1-2-3
Tolerance over Trip times [%] ± 20 ± 20 ± 20
Note: for detailed information, please consult the relevant technical catalogues.
Along with the family of residual current releases illustrated previously, ABB
SACE is developing the RC223 (B type) residual current release, which can
only be combined with the Tmax T4 four-pole circuit-breaker in the fixed or
plug-in version. It is characterized by the same types of reference as the RC222
(S and AE type) release, but can also boast conformity with type B operation,
which guarantees sensitivity to residual fault currents with alternating, alternating
pulsating and direct current components.
Apart from the signals and settings typical of the RC222 residual current release,
the RC223 also allows selection of the maximum threshold of sensitivity
to the residual fault frequency (3 steps: 400 – 700 –1000 Hz). It is therefore
possible to adapt the residual current device to the different requirements
of the industrial plant according to the prospective fault frequencies generated
on the load side of the release.
ABB SACE moulded-case circuit-breakers series Isomax1 and Tmax and air
circuit-breakers series Emax1 can be combined with the switchboard residual
current relay type RCQ, type A, with separate toroid (to be installed externally
on the line conductors).
1
up to 2000 A rated currents

RCQ
Power supply voltage ac [V] 80 ÷ 500
dc [V] 48÷125
Trip threshold adjustements I∆n
1st range of adjustements [A] 0.03 – 0.05 - 0.1 - 0.3 – 0.5
2nd range of adjustements [A] 1 – 3 – 5 – 10 - 30
Trip time adjustement [s] 0 - 0.1 - 0.2 - 0.3 - 0.5 -
0.7 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 5
Tolerance over Trip times [%] ± 20
Note: for detailed information, please consult the relevant technical catalogues.

The versions with adjustable trip times allow to obtain a residual current
protection system coordinated from a discrimination point of view, from the
main switchboard up to the ultimate load.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 37

 3 General characteristics

3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

Tmax moulded-case Tmax T1 1P Tmax T1 Tmax
Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A] [A] 160 160 160
Poles
No. Poles [No.] 1 3/4 3/4
Rated operational voltage, Ue (ac) 50-60 Hz [V] 240 690 690
(dc) [V] 125 500 500
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV] 8 8 8
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V] 500 800 800
Test
Test voltage
voltage at
at industrial
industrial frequency
frequency for
for 11 min.
min. [V] 3000 3000 3000
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity, Icu B B C N N S
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [kA] 25 (*) 25 40 50 65 85
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [kA] – 16 25 36 36 50
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [kA] – 10 15 22 30 45
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [kA] – 8 10 15 25 30
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [kA] – 3 4 6 6 7
(dc) 250 V - 2 poles in series [kA] 25 (at 125 V) 16 25 36 36 50
(dc) 250 V - 3 poles in series [kA] – 20 30 40 40 55
(dc) 500 V - 2 poles in series [kA] – – – – – –
(dc) 500 V - 3 poles in series [kA] – 16 25 36 36 50
(dc) 750 V - 3 poles in series [kA] – – – – – –
Rated service short-circuit breaking capacity, Ics
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [%Icu] 75% 100% 75% 75% 100% 100% 1
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [%Icu] – 100% 100% 50% (25 kA) 100% 100% 1
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [%Icu] – 100% 75% 50% 100% 100% 1
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [%Icu] – 100% 75% 50% 100% 100% 1
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [%Icu] – 100% 75% 50% 100% 100% 1
Rated short-circuit making capacity, Icm
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [kA] 52.5 52.5 84 105 143 187
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [kA] – 32 52.5 75.6 75.6 105
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [kA] – 17 30 46.2 63 94.5
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [kA] – 13.6 17 30 52.5 63
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [kA] – 4.3 5.9 9.2 9.2 11.9
Opening
Opening timetime (415
(415 V)
V) [ms] 7 7 6 5 3 3
Utilization category (EN 60947-2) A A A
Isolation behaviour ■ ■ ■
Reference standard IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947
Releases: thermomagnetic
T fixed, M fixed TMF ■ – –
T adjustable, M fixed TMD – ■ ■
T adjustable, M adjustable (5…10 x In) TMA – – –
T adjustable, M fixed (3 x In) TMG – – –
T adjustable, M adjustable (2.5…5 x In) TMG – – –
magnetic only MA – – ■ (MF up to In
electronic PR221DS-LS/I – – ■
PR221DS-I – – ■
PR222DS/P-LSI – – –
PR222DS/P-LSIG – – –
PR222DS/PD-LSI – – –
PR222DS/PD-LSIG – – –
PR222MP – – –
Interchangeability – – –
Versions F F F-P
Terminals fixed FC Cu FC Cu-EF-FC CuAl -HR F-FC Cu-FC CuA
plug-in – – F-FC Cu-FC CuA
withdrawable – – –
Fixing on DIN rail – DIN EN 50022 DIN EN 50
Mechanical life [No. operations] 25000 25000 25000
[No. hourly operations] 240 240 240
Electrical life @ 415 V ac [No. operations] 8000 8000 8000
[No. hourly operations] 120 120 120
Basic dimensions - fixed version L [mm] 25.4 (1 pole) 76 90
4 poles L [mm] – 102 120
D [mm] 70 70 70
H [mm] 130 130 130
Weight fixed 3/4 poles [kg] 0.4 (1 pole) 0.9/1.2 1.1/1.5
plug-in 3/4 poles [kg] – – 1.5/1.9
withdrawable 3/4 poles [kg] – – –
TERMINAL CAPTION EF = Front extended FC Cu = Front for copper cables R = Rear orientated VR = Rear in vertical flat bar F = Fixed circuit-breakers
F = Front ES = Front extended spread FC CuAl = Front for CuAl cables HR = Rear in horizontal flat bar MC = Multicable P = Plug-in circuit-breake

38 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit breakers

3 General characteristics

Tmax T1 Tmax T2 Tmax T3 Tmax T4 Tmax T5

160 160 250 250/320 400/630
3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4
690 690 690 690 690
500 500 500 750 750
8 8 8 8 8
800 800 800 1000 1000
3000 3000 3000 3500 3500
B C N N S H L N S N S H L V N S H L V
25 40 50 65 85 100 120 50 85 70 85 100 200 200 70 85 100 200 200
16 25 36 36 50 70 85 36 50 36 50 70 120 200 36 50 70 120 200
10 15 22 30 45 55 75 25 40 30 40 65 100 180 30 40 65 100 180
8 10 15 25 30 36 50 20 30 25 30 50 85 150 25 30 50 85 150
3 4 6 6 7 8 10 5 8 20 25 40 70 80 20 25 40 70 80
16 25 36 36 50 70 85 36 50 36 50 70 100 100 36 50 70 100 100
20 30 40 40 55 85 100 40 55 – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – 25 36 50 70 100 25 36 50 70 100
16 25 36 36 50 70 85 36 50 – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – 16 25 36 50 70 16 25 36 50 70

00% 75% 75% 100% 100% 100% 100% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
00% 100% 50% (25 kA) 100% 100% 100% 75% (70 kA) 75% 50% (27 kA) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
00% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
00% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%(1) 100%(2)
00% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%(1) 100%(2) 100%(2)

2.5 84 105 143 187 220 264 105 187 154 187 220 440 660 154 187 220 440 660
32 52.5 75.6 75.6 105 154 187 75.6 105 75.6 105 154 264 440 75.6 105 154 264 440
17 30 46.2 63 94.5 121 165 52.5 84 63 84 143 220 396 63 84 143 220 396
3.6 17 30 52.5 63 75.6 105 40 63 52.5 63 105 187 330 52.5 63 105 187 330
4.3 5.9 9.2 9.2 11.9 13.6 17 7.7 13.6 40 52.5 84 154 176 40 52.5 84 154 176
7 6 5 3 3 3 3 7 6 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
A A A A A (630 A) - B (400 A)(3)
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2

– – – – –
■ ■ ■ ■ (up to 50 A) –
– – – ■ ■
– – ■ – –
– – – – ■
– ■ (MF up to In 12.5 A) ■ ■ –
– ■ – ■ ■
– ■ – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
– – – ■ ■
F F-P F-P F-P-W F-P-W
FC Cu-EF-FC CuAl -HR F-FC Cu-FC CuAl-EF-ES-R F-FC Cu-FC Cu Al-EF-ES-R F-FC Cu-FC CuAl-EF-ES-R-MC F-FC Cu-FC CuAl-EF-ES-R
– F-FC Cu-FC CuAl-EF-ES-R F-FC Cu-FC Cu Al-EF-ES-R EF-ES-HR-VR-FC Cu-FC CuAl EF-ES-HR-VR-FC Cu-FC CuAl
– – – EF-ES-HR-VR-FC Cu-FC CuAl EF-ES-HR-VR-FC Cu-FC CuAl
DIN EN 50022 DIN EN 50022 DIN EN 50022 – –
25000 25000 25000 20000 20000
240 240 240 240 120
8000 8000 8000 8000 (250 A) - 6000 (320 A) 7000 (400 A) - 5000 (630 A)
120 120 120 120 60
76 90 105 105 140
102 120 140 140 184
70 70 70 103.5 103.5
130 130 150 205 205
0.9/1.2 1.1/1.5 2.1/3 2.35/3.05 3.25/4.15
– 1.5/1.9 2.7/3.7 3.6/4.65 5.15/6.65
– – – 3.85/4.9 5.4/6.9
(1)
VR = Rear in vertical flat bar F = Fixed circuit-breakers W = Withdrawable circuit-breakers (*) The breaking capacity for settings 75% for T5 630 Notes: in the plug-in version of T2
(2)
MC = Multicable P = Plug-in circuit-breakers In=16 A and In= 20 A is 16 kA 50% for T5 630 and T3 the maximum setting
(3)
Icw = 5 kA is derated by 10% at 40 °C

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 39

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics
SACE Isomax moulded-case circuit-breakers
Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A]
Poles No.
Rated operational voltage, Ue (ac) 50-60Hz [V]
(dc) [V]
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV]
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V]
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 min. [V]
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity, Icu
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [kA]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [kA]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [kA]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [kA]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [kA]
(dc) 250 V - 2 poles in series [kA]
(dc) 500 V - 2 poles in series [kA]
(dc) 500 V - 3 poles in series [kA]
(dc) 750 V - 3 poles in series [kA]
Rated short-circuit service
breaking capacity, Ics (2) [%Icu]
Rated short-circuit making capacity (415 V) Icm [kA]
Opening time (415V at Icu) [ms]
Rated short-time withstand current for 1 s, Icw [kA]
Utilization category (EN 60947-2)
Isolation behaviour
IEC 60947-2, EN 60947-2
Releases: thermomagnetic T adjustable, M adjustable TMA
T adjustable, M fixed 2,5 In TMG
with microprocessor PR211/P (I-LI)
PR212/P (LSI-LSIG)
Interchangeability
Versions
Terminals fixed

plug-in
withdrawable (3)
Mechanical life [No. operations / operations per hours]
Electrical life (at 415 V) [No. operations / operations per hours]

Basic dimensions, fixed 3/4 poles L [mm]

D [mm]
H [mm]
Weights fixed 3/4 poles [kg]
plug-in 3/4 poles [kg]
withdrawable 3/4 poles [kg]
(1) All the versions with Icu=35kA are certified at 36kA (3) The withdrawable version circuit-breakers must be fitted with the
(2) For S6 N/S/H circuit-breakers the performance front flange for the lever operating mechanism or with its
percentage of Ics at 690V is reduced by 25%. alternative accessories, such as the rotary handle or the motor
operator

40 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics

S6 S7 S8
800 1250 - 1600 2000 - 2500 - 3200
3-4 3-4 3-4
690 690 690
750 - -
8 8 8
800 800 690
3000 3000 2500
N S H L S H L H V
65 85 100 200 85 100 200 85 120
35 (1) 50 65 100 50 65 100 85 120
30 45 50 80 40 55 80 70 100
25 35 40 65 35 45 70 50 70
20 22 25 30 20 25 35 40 50
35 50 65 100 - - - - -
20 35 50 65 - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
16 20 35 50 - - - - -

100% 100% 100% 75% 100% 75% 50% 50% 50%

74 105 143 220 105 143 220 187 264
10 9 8 7 22 22 22 20 20
10 15 (1250A) - 20 (1600A) 35
B B B

- -
- - - - -
-

-
F-W F-W F
F - EF - ES - FC CuAl F - EF - ES - F (2000-2500A) - VR
RC - R FC CuAl (1250A)
HR - VR
- - -
EF - HR - VR EF - HR - VR -
20000/120 10000/120 10000/20
7000(1250A)- 2500(2500A)/20-
5000/60 5000(1600A)/20 1500(3200A)/10
210/280 210/280 406/556
103.5 138.5 242
268 406 400
9.5 / 12 17 / 22 57/76
- - -
12.1 / 15.1 21.8 / 29.2 -
KEY TO VERSIONS KEY TO TERMINALS FC CuAl = Front for copper or aluminium cables VR = Rear vertical flat bar
F = Fixed F = Front R = Rear threaded
P = Plug-in EF = Extended front RC = Rear for copper or aluminium cables
W = Withdrawable ES = Extended spreaded front HR = Rear horizontal flat bar

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 41

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics
Tmax moulded-case circuit-breakers for motor
protection
Tmax T2 Tma
Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A] 160 25
Rated current, In [A] 1…100 100…
Poles [No.] 3 3
Rated operational voltage,Ue (ac) 50-60 Hz [V] 690 69
(dc) [V] 500 50
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV] 8 8
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V] 800 80
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 min. [V] 3000 30
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity, Icu N S H L N
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [kA] 65 85 100 120 50
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [kA] 36 50 70 85 36
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [kA] 30 45 55 75 25
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [kA] 25 30 36 50 20
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [kA] 6 7 8 10 5
Rated short-circuit service breaking capacity, Ics [%Icu]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [%Icu] 100% 100% 100% 100% 75%
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [%Icu] 100% 100% 100% 75% (70 kA) 75% 5
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [%Icu] 100% 100% 100% 75% 75%
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [%Icu] 100% 100% 100% 75% 75%
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [%Icu] 100% 100% 100% 75% 75%
Rated short-circuit making capacity, Icm [kA]
(ac) 50-60 Hz 220/230 V [kA] 143 187 220 264 105
(ac) 50-60 Hz 380/415 V [kA] 75.6 105 154 187 75.6
(ac) 50-60 Hz 440 V [kA] 63 94.5 121 165 52.5
(ac) 50-60 Hz 500 V [kA] 52.5 63 75.6 105 40
(ac) 50-60 Hz 690 V [kA] 9.2 11.9 13.6 17 7.7
Opening time (415 V) [ms] 3 3 3 3 7
Utilization category (EN 60947-2) A A
Isolation behaviour ■
Reference Standard IEC 60947-2 IEC 60
Protection against short-circuit
Magnetic only release MA ■ (MF up to In 12.5 A) ■
Electronic release PR221DS-I ■ –
Integrated protection (IEC 60947-4-1)
Electronic release PR222MP – –
Interchangeability – –
Versions F-P F-
Terminals fixed F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - F - FC Cu - F
ES - R - FC CuAl ES - R -
plug-in F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - F - FC Cu - F
ES - R - FC CuAl ES - R -
withdrawable – –
Fixing on DIN rail DIN EN 50022 DIN EN
Mechanical life [No. operations] 25000 250
[No.hourly operations] 240 24
Electrical life @ 415 V ac
AC [No. operations] 8000 80
[No.hourly operations] 120 12
Basic fixed version dimensions L [mm] 90 10
D [mm] 70 7
H [mm] 130 15
Weight fixed [kg] 1.1 2.
plug-in [kg] 1.5 2.
withdrawable [kg] – –
TERMINAL CAPTION
(1)
F = Front FC CuAl = Front for CuAl cables 75% for T5 630
(2)
EF = Front extended MC = Multicable 50% for T5 630
ES = Front extended spread HR = Rear in horizontal flat bar
FC Cu = Front for copper cables VR = Rear in vertical flat bar
R = Rear orientated (*) Icw = 5 kA
42 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices
 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics

Tmax T3 Tmax T4 Tmax T5

250 250, 320 400, 630
100…200 10…320 320, 400, 630
3 3 3
690 690 690
500 750 750
8 8 8
800 1000 1000
3000 3500 3500
L N S N S H L V N S H L V
120 50 85 70 85 100 200 300 70 85 100 200 300
85 36 50 36 50 70 120 200 36 50 70 120 200
75 25 40 30 40 65 100 180 30 40 65 100 180
50 20 30 25 30 50 85 150 25 30 50 85 150
10 5 8 20 25 40 70 80 20 25 40 70 80

% 100% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
% 75% (70 kA) 75% 50% (27 kA) 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%(1) 100%(2)
% 75% 75% 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%(1) 100%(2) 100%(2)

0 264 105 187 154 187 220 440 660 154 187 220 440 660
4 187 75.6 105 75.6 105 154 264 440 75.6 105 154 264 440
165 52.5 84 63 84 143 220 396 63 84 143 220 396
6 105 40 63 52.5 63 105 187 330 52.5 63 105 187 330
6 17 7.7 13.6 40 52.5 84 154 176 40 52.5 84 154 176
3 7 6 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
A A B (400 A)(*) - A (630 A)

IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2 IEC 60947-2

.5 A) ■ ■ –
–

–
–
F-P F-P-W F-P-W
Al - EF - F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - ES - R - MC F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - ES - R
Al ES - R - FC CuAl
Al - EF - F - FC Cu - FC CuAl - EF - EF - ES - FC Cu - FC CuAl - HR - VR EF - ES - FC Cu - FC CuAl - HR - VR
Al ES - R - FC CuAl
– EF - ES - FC Cu - FC CuAl - HR - VR EF - ES - FC Cu - FC CuAl - HR - VR
2 DIN EN 50022 – –
25000 20000 20000
240 240 120
8000 8000 7000
120 120 60
105 105 140
70 103.5 103.5
150 205 205
2.1 2.35 3.25
2.7 3.6 5.15
– 3.85 5.4

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 43

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics
SACE Isomax moulded-case circuit-breakers for motor
protection
S6 S7
Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A] 630 / 800 1250 / 1
Rated current, In [A] 630 / 800 1000,1250
Poles No 3 3
Rated operational voltage (ac) 50-60 Hz, Ue [V] 690 690
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV] 8 8
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V] 800 8000
Test volta ge at industrial frequency for 1 minute [V] 3000 3000
Rated ultimate short-circuit braking capacity, Icu N S H L S H
(ac) 50-60Hz 220/230V [kA] 65 85 100 200 85 100
(ac) 50-60Hz 380/415V [kA] 35 (1) 50 65 100 50 65
(ac) 50-60Hz 440V [kA] 30 45 50 80 40 55
(ac) 50-60Hz 500V [kA] 25 35 40 65 35 45
(ac) 50-60Hz 690V [kA] 20 22 25 30 20 25
Rated service short-circuit braking capacity, Ics [%Icu] 100% (2) 1 100% (2) 0,75 1 0,75
Rated short-circuit making capacity (415Vac), Icm [kA] 74 105 143 220 105 143
Opening time (415Vac at Icu) [ms] 10 9 8 7 22 22
Utilization category (EN 60947-2) B B
Insulation behaviour
Reference standard
IEC 60947-2, EN60947-2
IEC 60947-4-1, EN60947-4-1 - -
Microprocessor-base release
PR212/MP (L-R-I-U) - -
PR211/P (I)
Interhambiability
Versions F-W F-W
Terminals
Fixed F - EF - ES - FCCuAl - R - RC F - EF -ES -FCCuAl (
Plug-in - -
Withdrawable EF - HR - VR EF - HR
[No. of operations] 20000 10000
Mechanical life [Operation per hour] 120 120
L [mm] 210 210
D [mm] 103.5 138.5
Basic dimensions, fixed 3 poles H [mm] 268 406
3 poles fixed [kg] 9.5 17
3 poles plug-in [kg] - -
Weight 3 poles withdrawable [kg] 12.1 21.8

(1) All the versions with Icu=35kA are certified at 36kA KEY TO VERSIONS KEY TO TERMINALS
(2) (3) For S6N/H circuit-breakers the percentage F = Fixed F = Front
performance of Ics at 500V and 690V is reduced P = Plug-in EF = Extended front
by 25% W= Withdrawable ES = Extended spreaded
front

44 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics

S6 S7 S6 S7
/ 800 1250 / 1600 800 12150
/ 800 1000,1250 / 1600 630 1000
3 3 3 3
690 690 690 690
8 8 8 8
800 8000 8000 800
000 3000 3000 3000
H L S H L N H L S H
100 200 85 100 200 65 100 200 85 100
65 100 50 65 100 35(1) 65 100 50 65
50 80 40 55 80 30 50 80 40 55
40 65 35 45 70 25 40 65 35 45
25 30 20 25 35 20 25 35 20 25
100% (2) 0,75 1 0,75 0,5 100% (2) (3) 100% (2) (3) 0,75 1 0,75
143 220 105 143 220 74 143 220 105 143
8 7 22 22 22 9 8 7 22 22
B B B B

- -

- -
- -

-W F-W F-W F-W

FCCuAl - R - RC F - EF -ES -FCCuAl (1250A) - HR - VR F - EF - ES - FCCuAl - R - RC F - EF -ES -FCCuAl - HR - VR

- - - -
HR - VR EF - HR - VR EF - HR - VR EF - HR - VR
000 10000 20000 10000
20 120 120 120
10 210 210 210
03.5 138.5 103.5 138.5
68 406 268 406
9.5 17 9.5 17
- - - -
2.1 21.8 12.1 21.8

FC CuAl = Front for copper RC = Rear for copper or aluminium cables

or aluminium cables HR = Rear horizontal flat bar
R = Rear threaded VR = Rear vertical flat bar

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 45

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics
SACE Emax air circuit-breakers
Common data E1
Voltages Performance levels B N B
Rated operational voltage Ue [V] 690 ~ Currents
Rated insulation voltage Ui [V] 1000 Rated uninterrupted current (at 40 °C) Iu [A] 800 800 160
Rated impulse withstand [A] 1250 1250 200
voltage Uimp [kV] 12
[A]
Test voltage at industrial
frequency for 1 min. [V] 3500 ~ [A]
Service temperature [°C] -25....+70 [A]
Storage temperature [°C] -40....+70 Neutral pole capacity for four-pole circuit-breakers [%Iu] 100 100 10
Frequency f [Hz] 50 - 60 Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity Icu
Number of poles 3-4
220/230/380/400/415 V ~ [kA] 42 50 42
Version Fixed -Withdrawable
440 V ~ [kA] 42 50 42
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 36 36 42
Rated service short-circuit breaking capacity Ics
220/230/380/400/415 V ~ [kA] 42 50 42
440 V ~ [kA] 42 50 42
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 36 36 42
Rated short-time withstand current Icw (1s) [kA] 36 50 42
(3s) 36 36 42
Rated short-circuit making capacity Icm
220/230/380/400/415 V ~ [kA] 88.2 105 88
440 V ~ [kA] 88.2 105 88
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 75.6 75.6 88
Utilization category (in accordance with IEC 60947-2) B B B
Isolation behavior (in accordance with IEC 60947-2) ■ ■ ■
Overcurrent protection
Microprocessor-based releases for ac applications ■ ■ ■
Operating times
Closing time (max) [ms] 80 80 80
Breaking time for I<Icw (max) (1) [ms] 70 70 70
Breaking time for I>Icw (max) [ms] 30 30 30
Overall dimensions
Fixed: H = 418 mm - D = 302 mm L (3/4 poles) [mm] 296/386
(1) Without intentional delays Withdrawable: H = 461 mm - D = 396.5 mm L (3/4 poles) [mm] 324/414
(2) Performance at 600 V is Weight (circuit-breaker complete with releases and CT,
100 kA
(3) Performance at 500 V is
not including accessories)
100 kA Fixed 3/4 poles [kg] 45/54 45/54 50/6
Withdrawable 3/4 poles (including fixed part) [kg] 70/82 70/82 78/9

SACE Emax air circuit-breakers E1 B-N E2 B-N E2 L E3 N-

Rated uninterrupted current (@ 40 °C) Iu [A] 800 1250 1250 1600 2000 1250 1600 1250 1600 200
Mechanical life
with regular routine maintenance [Operations x 1000] 25 25 25 25 25 20 20 20 20 20
Frequency [Operations per hour] 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
Electrical life (440 V ~) [Operations x 1000] 10 10 15 12 10 4 3 12 10 9
(690 V ~) [Operations x 1000] 10 8 15 10 8 3 2 12 10 9
Frequency [Operations per hour] 30 30 30 30 30 20 20 20 20 20

46 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit-breakers

3 General characteristics

E1 E2 E3 E4 E6
B N B N L N S H L S H H V

C) Iu [A] 800 800 1600 1250 1250 2500 1250 1250 2000 4000 3200 5000 3200
[A] 1250 1250 2000 1600 1600 3200 1600 1600 2500 4000 6300 4000
[A] 2000 2000 2000 5000
[A] 2500 2500 6300
[A] 3200 3200
it-breakers [%Iu] 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 50 50 50 50
pacity Icu
[kA] 42 50 42 65 130 65 75 100 130 75 100 100 150
[kA] 42 50 42 65 110 65 75 100 110 75 100 100 150
[kA] 36 36 42 55 85 65 75 85 (2) 85 75 85 (2)(3) 100 100
acity Ics
[kA] 42 50 42 65 130 65 75 85 130 75 100 100 125
[kA] 42 50 42 65 110 65 75 85 110 75 100 100 125
[kA] 36 36 42 55 65 65 75 85 65 75 85 (3) 100 100
(1s) [kA] 36 50 42 55 10 65 75 75 15 75 100 100 100
(3s) 36 36 42 42 – 65 65 65 – 75 75 85 85

[kA] 88.2 105 88.2 143 286 143 165 220 286 165 220 220 330
[kA] 88.2 105 88.2 143 242 143 165 220 242 165 220 220 330
[kA] 75.6 75.6 88.2 121 187 143 165 187 187 165 187 220 220
th IEC 60947-2) B B B B A B B B A B B B B
IEC 60947-2) ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

applications ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

[ms] 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80 80
[ms] 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70
[ms] 30 30 30 30 12 30 30 30 12 30 30 30 30

4 poles) [mm] 296/386 296/386 404/530 566/656 782/908

mm L (3/4 poles) [mm] 324/414 324/414 432/558 594/684 810/936
s and CT,

[kg] 45/54 45/54 50/61 50/61 52/63 66/80 66/80 66/80 72/83 97/117 97/117 140/160 140/160
part) [kg] 70/82 70/82 78/93 78/93 80/95 104/125 104/125 104/125 110/127 147/165 147/165 210/240 210/240

E2 L E3 N-S-H E3 L E4 S-H E6 H-V

2000 1250 1600 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 2000 2500 3200 4000 3200 4000 5000 6300

25 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12
60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60 60
10 4 3 12 10 9 8 6 2 1.8 7 5 5 4 3 2
8 3 2 12 10 9 7 5 1.5 1.3 7 4 5 4 2 1.5
30 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 10 10 10 10 10 10

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 47

 3.1 Electrical characteristics of circuit breakers

3 General characteristics
SACE Emax air circuit-breakers with full-size neutral
conductor
E4S/f E6H/f
Rated uninterrupted current (at 40 °C) Iu [A] 4000 5000
[A] 6300
Number of poles 4 4
Rated operational voltage Ue [V ~] 690 690
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity Icu
220/230/380/400/415 V ~ [kA] 80 100
440 V ~ [kA] 80 100
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 75 100
Rated service short-circuit breaking capacity Ics
220/230/380/400/415 V ~ [kA] 80 100
440 V ~ [kA] 80 100
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 75 100
Rated short-time withstand current Icw
(1s) [kA] 80 100
(3s) [kA] 75 85
Rated short-circuit making capacity Icm [kA] 176 220
Utilization category (in accordance with IEC 60947-2) B B
Isolation behavior (in accordance with IEC 60947-2) ■ ■
Overall dimensions
Fixed: H = 418 mm - D = 302 mm L [mm] 746 1034
Withdrawable: H = 461 - D = 396.5 mm L [mm] 774 1062
Weight (circuit-breaker complete with releases and CT, not including accessories)
Fixed [kg] 120 165
Withdrawable (including fixed part) [kg] 170 250

48 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics

3.2 Trip curves

3.2.1 Trip curves of thermomagnetic and magnetic only releases

The overload protection function must not trip the breaker in 2 hours for current
values which are lower than 1.05 times the set current, and must trip within 1.3
times the set current. By “cold trip conditions”, it is meant that the overload
occurs when the circuit-breaker has not reached normal working temperature
(no current flows through the circuit-breaker before the anomalous condition
occurs); on the contrary by “hot trip conditions” refers to the circuit-breaker
having reached the normal working temperature with the rated current flowing
through, before the overload current occurs. For this reason “cold trip conditions”
times are always greater than “hot trip conditions” times.
The protection function against short-circuit is represented in the time-current
curve by a vertical line, corresponding to the rated value of the trip threshold I3.
In accordance with the Standard IEC 60947-2, the real value of this threshold
is within the range 0.8·I3 and 1.2·I3. The trip time of this protection varies
according to the electrical characteristics of the fault and the presence of other
devices: it is not possible to represent the envelope of all the possible situations
in a sufficiently clear way in this curve; therefore it is better to use a single
Trip curve straight line, parallel to the current axis. All the information relevant to this trip
thermomagnetic area and useful for the sizing and coordination of the plant are represented in
release the limitation curve and in the curves for the specific let-through energy of the
circuit-breaker under short-circuit conditions.
T1 160
104
TMD
In = 16÷63 A

103

t [s]

102

10

In = 16 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
1SDC210038F0004

In = 20 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
10-1 In = 25 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 32 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 40 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 50÷63 A ⇒ I3 = 10 x In

10-2
1 10 102
x I1
ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 49
 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T1 160
104
TMD
In = 80÷160 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210039F0004
10-1

I3 = 10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

50 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T2 160
104
MF
I3 = 13 x In

103

t [s]

102
Overload limit

10

1SDC210045F0004
I3 = 13 x In
10-1

10-2
1 10 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 51

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T2 160
104
TMD
In = 1.6÷100 A

103

t [s]

102

10

In = 1,6÷12,5 A ⇒ I3 = 10xIn
In = 16 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A

1SDC210040F0004
In = 20 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
10-1 In = 25 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 32 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 40 A ⇒ I3 = 500 A
In = 50÷100 A ⇒ I3 = 10 x In

10-2
1 10 102
x I1

52 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T2 160
104
TMD
In = 125÷160 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210041F0004
10-1

I3 = 10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 53

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T2 160/T3 250
104
MA
I3 = 6…12 x In

103

t [s]

102 Overload limit

10

I3 = 6…12 x In
10-1

10-2
1 10 102
x In

54 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T3 250
104
TMD
In = 63÷250 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210042F0004
10-1

I3 = 10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 55

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T4 250
104
MA
I3 = 6…14 x In

103

t [s]

102 Overload limit

10

1SDC210076F0004
I3 = 6…14 x In
10-1

10-2
1 10 102
x In

56 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T3 250
104
TMG
In = 63÷250 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1 In = 63 A ⇒ I3 = 400 A
In = 80 A ⇒ I3 = 400 A
In = 100 A ⇒ I3 = 400 A
In = 125 A ⇒ I3 = 400 A
In = 160 A ⇒ I3 = 480 A

1SDC210073F0004
10-1 In = 200 A ⇒ I3 = 600 A
In = 250 A ⇒ I3 = 750 A

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 57

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T4 250
TMD 104

In = 20÷50 A

103

t [s]

102

10

In = 20 A ⇒ I3 = 320 A

1SDC210074F0004
10-1 In = 32-50 A ⇒ I3 = 10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

58 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T4 250/320
104
TMA
In = 80÷320 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210033F0004
10-1
I3 = 5…10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 59

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T5 400/630
104
TMA
In = 320÷630 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210034F0004
10-1
I3 = 5…10 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

60 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
T5 400/630
104
TMG
In = 320÷630 A

103

t [s]

102

10

1SDC210075F0004
10-1
I3 = 2,5…5 x In

10-2
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 61

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
S6 800 104
TMG
In = 800 A

103

t [s]

102

101

I3 = 2,5 x In
1

10-1

1SDC008004F0001

10-2
10-1 1 101 102
x I1

62 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
thermomagnetic
release
S6 800
104
TMA
In = 800 A

103

t [s]

102

101

10-1 I3 = 5…10 x In

10-2 GSISO210

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 63

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Example of thermomagnetic release setting
Consider a circuit-breaker type T1 160 In 160 and select, using the trimmer for
thermal regulation, the current threshold, for example at 144 A; the magnetic
trip threshold, fixed at 10·ln, is equal to 1600 A.
Note that, according to the conditions under which the overload occurs, that is
either with the circuit-breaker at full working temperature or not, the trip of the
thermal release varies considerably. For example, for an overload current of
600 A, the trip time is between 1.2 and 3.8 s for hot trip, and between 3.8 and
14.8 s for cold trip.
For fault current values higher than 1600 A, the circuit-breaker trips
instantaneously through magnetic protection.
T1 160 - In 160 Time-Current curves
t [s] 104

103

102

14.8 s
101

3.8 s

1 1.2 s

600 A
10-1
1SDC008005F0001

10-2
101 102 103 104
I [A]

64 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
3.2.2 Trip curves of electronic releases

Introduction
The following figures show the curves of the single protection functions available
in the electronic releases. The setting ranges and resolution are referred to
setting operations to be carried out locally.
L FUNCTION (overload protection)
t [s] 104

103 I1

102

t1
101

1SDC008006F0001
10-1

10-2
10-1 1 101 102
x In
I1 t1
PR221 (0.4 – 0.44 – 0.48 – 0.52 – 0.56 – 0.6 – 0.64 – 0.68 – 0.72 – 3s - 6s (@ 6 x I1) for T2
0.76 – 0.8 – 0.84 – 0.88 - 0.92 – 0.96 – 1) x In 3s - 12s (@ 6 x I1) for T4, T5
PR222 (0.4…1) x In with step 0.02 x In 3s - 6s - 9s - 18(1)s (@ 6xI1)
PR211 (0.4 – 0.5 – 0.6 – 0.7 – 0.8 – 0.9 – 0.95 – 1) x In A= 3s; B= 6s; C= 12s; D= 18s (@ 6 x I1)
PR212 (0.4 – 0.5 – 0.55 – 0.6 – 0.65 – 0.7 – 0.75 – 0.8 – 0.85 – A= 3s; B= 6s; C= 12s; D= 18s (@ 6 x I1)
0.875 – 0.9 – 0.925 – 0.95 - 0.975 – 1) x In
PR111 (0.4 – 0.5 – 0.6 – 0.7 – 0.8 – 0.9 – 0.95 – 1) x In A= 3s; B= 6s; C= 12s; D= 18s (@ 6 x I1)
PR112 (0.4 … 1) x In with step 0.01 x In 3 … 144s with step 3s (@ 3 x I1)
PR113
(1)
for T4 In = 320 A and T5 In = 630 A → t1 = 12s.
I1 Here below the tolerances: t1
PR221 1.1÷1.3 x I1 ± 10 % (up to 6 x In)
± 20 % (over 6 x In)
PR222 1.1÷1.3 x I1 ± 10 %
PR221 ± 10 % (up to 2 x In)
PR211 1.05÷1.3 x I1 ± 20 % (over 2 x In)
PR111 1.1÷1.2 x I1 ± 10 % (up to 3 x In)
± 20 % (over 3 x In)
PR112 1.1÷1.2 x I1 ± 10 % (up to 4 x In)
PR113 ± 20 % (over 4 x In)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 65

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
S FUNCTION (short-circuit protection with time delay) (I2t=k, t=k)
t [s] 104

103

I2
102

101
I2t=k

1 t2

t=k

1SDC008007F0001
10-1

10-2
10-1 1 101 102
I2 t2 x In
PR221 (1 – 1.5 – 2 – 2.5 – 3 – 3.5 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 7 – 7.5 – 8 – 0.1s - 0.25s (@ 8 x I2)
8.5 – 9 – 10 – OFF) x In
PR222 0.6…10 x In with step 0.6 x In 0.05s - 0.1s - 0.25s - 0.5s (@ 8 x In)
PR211 A= 0.05s; B= 0.1s; C= 0.25s; D= 0.5s
PR212 (1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 – OFF) x In (@ 8 x I2)
PR111
PR112 (0.6 … 10 – OFF) x In with step 0.1 x In 0.05 … 0.75s with step 0.01s (@ 10 x I2)
PR113
Here below the tolerances:
I2 t2
± 10 % (T4-T5) ± 10 % up to 6 x In (T4-T5)
PR221 ± 10 % (up to 2 x In) ± 20 % over to 6 x In (T4-T5)
± 20 % (over 2 x In) ± 20 % (T2)
PR222 ± 10 % ± 10 %(1)
PR211 ± 10 % ± 20 %
PR212
PR111 ± 10 % ± 20 % (I2t=k)
the best between ± 20 % and ± 50 ms (t=k)
the best between ± 10 % and ± 50 ms (up to 4 x In, with t=k)
PR112 ± 7 % (up to 4 x In) the best between ± 15 % and ± 50 ms (over 4 x In, with t=k)
PR113 ± 10 % (over 4 x In) ± 15 % (up to 4 x In, with I2t=k)
± 20 % (over 4 x In, with I2t=k)
(1)
Tollerance ± 10ms up to t2 = 0.1s.
66 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices
 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
I FUNCTION (short-circuit istantaneous protection)
t [s] 104

103

102

101

I3

10-1

1SDC008008F0001
10-2
10-1 1 101 102
x In
I3
PR221 (1 – 1.5 – 2 – 2.5 – 3 – 3.5 – 4.5 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 7 – 7.5 – 8 – 8.5 – 9 – 10 – OFF) x In
PR222 (1.5 – 2.5 – 3 – 4 – 3.5 – 4.5 – 5 – 5.5 – 6.5 – 7 – 7.5 – 8 – 9 – 9.5 – 10.5 – 12 – OFF) x In(1)
PR211
PR212 (1.5 – 2 – 4 – 6 – 8 – 10 – 12 – OFF) x In
PR111
PR112 (1.5 … 15 – OFF) x In with step 0.1 x In
PR113
(1)
for T4 In = 320 A and T5 In = 630 A →I3 max = 10 x In
Here below the tolerances:
I3 Tripping time:
PR221 ± 10 % (T4-T5) ≤ 25 ms
± 20 % (T2)
PR222 ± 10 % ≤ 25 ms
PR211 ± 20 % ≤ 25 ms
PR212
PR111 ± 20 % 35 ms up to 3 x In
30 ms over 3 x In
PR112 ± 10 % up to 4 x In ≤ 25 ms
PR113 ± 15 % over 4 x In

The given tolerances are valid only if the release is self-supplied in steady state condition with two-phase or three-phase power supply.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 67

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
G FUNCTION (earth fault protection) (I2t=k, t=k)
t [s] 104

103

I4

102

101

1
t4

t=k

1SDC008009F0001
10-1

I2t=k

10-2
10-1 1 101 102
x In

I4 t4
PR111 (1) (0.2 – 0.25 – 0.45 – 0.55 – 0.75 – 0.8 – 1 – OFF) x In 0.1s up to 3.15x14; 0.2s up to 2.25x14
0.4s up to 1.6x14; 0.8s up to 1.10x14
PR212 (0.2 – 0.3 – 0.4 – 0.6 – 0.8 – 0.9 – 1 – OFF) x In A= 0.1s; B= 0.2s; C= 0.4s; D= 0.8s (@ 4 x I4)
PR111 (1)
PR112 (0.2 … 1 – OFF) x In with step 0.02 x In 0.1 … 1s with step 0.05s (@ 4 x I4)
PR113
(1)
only with I2t=k characteristic only.
Here below the tolerances:
I4 t4
PR222 ± 10 % ± 20 %
PR212 ± 20 % ± 20 %
PR111 (1) ± 10 % ± 20 %
PR112 ± 10 % ± 20 % (I2t=k)
the best between ± 10 % and ± 50 ms (t=k) up to 4 x In
PR113 ± 7 % up to 4 x In ± 15 % (I2t=k)
the best between ± 10 % and ± 50 ms (t=k) up to 4 x In

68 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T2 160
104
0,4-0,44-0,48-0,52-0,56-0,60-0,64-0,68-
PR221DS 0,72-0,76-0,80-0,84-0,88-0,92-0,96-1

L-S Functions 0,4 1

103 1
1,5
2
t [s]
2,5
3
B B
102 3,5
4,5 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10
A
A 5,5

101 C
102
B Up to In = 10 A

10-1

10-2

TSTM0006
10-3
10-1 1 101 10-1 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 69

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases

T2 160
10 4
PR221DS 0,4-0,44-0,48-0,52-0,56-0,60-0,64-0,68-
0,72-0,76-0,80-0,84-0,88-0,92-0,96-1

L-I Functions 0,4 1

1
10 3
1,5

t [s] 2
2,5
3
B B 3,5
10 2
A 4,5 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10
A 5,5

10 1
102
Up to In = 10 A

10 -1

10 -2

TSTM0005
10 -3
10 -1 1 10 1 10 -1 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

70 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR221DS 0,4-0,44-0,48-0,52-0,56-0,6-0,64-0,68-0,72-0,76-0,8-0,84-0,88-0,92-0,96-1

L-I Functions 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4,5 5,5 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10
0,4 1
103
1

t [s]

102

10

102

T4 T5
10-1

1SDC210005F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 71

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR221DS 0,4-0,44-0,48-0,52-0,56-0,6-0,64-0,68-0,72-0,76-0,8-0,84-0,88-0,92-0,96-1

L-S Functions
0,4 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4,5 5,5 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10
103
1

t [s]
102

10

102

10-1 T4 T5

1SDC210004F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

72 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR222DS/P and 0,4-0,42-0,44-0,46-0,48-0,5-0,52-0,54-0,56-0,58-0,6-0,62-0,64-0,66-0,68-
0,7-0,72-0,74-0,76-0,78-0,8-0,82-0,84-0,86-0,88-0,9-0,92-0,94-0,96-0,98-1
PR222DS/PD
0,4 1 1,2 1,8 2,4 3 3,6 4,2 5,8 6,4 7 7,6 8,2 8,8 9,4 10
L-S-I Functions 103
(I2t const = ON)
5,5
t [s] 2,5 3 4 6,5
4,5 7
102 0,6 5 7,5
8
1,5 9
9,5
10 10,5
12

102
I2t ON
1

10-1 T4 T5

1SDC210001F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 10
x In Iu [kA]

Note:
The dotted curve of function L corresponds to the maximum delay (t1) which can be set
at 6xl1, in the case where 320 A CTs are used for T4 and 630 A for T5. For all the CT
sizes t1=18s, except with 320 A CT (T4) and 630 A (T5) where t1=12s.
For T4 In = 320 A and T5 In = 630 A ⇒ I3 max = 10 x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 73

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR222DS/P and 0,4-0,42-0,44-0,46-0,48-0,5-0,52-0,54-0,56-0,58-0,6-0,62-0,64-0,66-0,68-
0,7-0,72-0,74-0,76-0,78-0,8-0,82-0,84-0,86-0,88-0,9-0,92-0,94-0,96-0,98-1
PR222DS/PD
0,4 1 1,8 2,4 3 3,6 4,2 5,8 6,4 7 7,6 8,2 8,8 9,4 10
L-S-I Functions 103
(I2t const = OFF)
2,5 3 4 4,5 5 5,5
t [s] 6,5
7
102 7,5
8

0,6 1,2 1,5 9

9,5
10 10,5
12

102
I2t OFF
1

T4 T5
10-1

1SDC210002F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 10
x In Iu [kA]

Note:
The dotted curve of function L corresponds to the maximum delay (t1) which can be set
at 6xl1, in the case where 320 A CTs are used for T4 and 630 A for T5. For all the CT
sizes t1=18s, except with 320 A CT (T4) and 630 A (T5) where t1=12s.
For T4 In = 320 A and T5 In = 630 A ⇒ I3 max = 10 x In

74 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR222DS/P and
PR222DS/PD
0,2 0,25 0,45 0,55 0,75 1
G Function 103 0,8

t [s]

102

10

1
I4=0.2…0.49 In prevention at 4 In
I4=0.5…0.79 In prevention at 6 In
I4=0.8…1.00 In prevention at 8 In
10-1

1SDC210003F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 75

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases

T2 160
104
PR221DS-I
I Function 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4,5 5,5 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10

103

t [s]

102
Overload limit

10
102

10-1

1SDC210047F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 10-1 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

76 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250/320
T5 400/630
104
PR221DS-I
1 1,7 2 2,5 3 3,5 4,5 5,2 6,5 7 7,5 8 8,5 9 10

I Function
103

t [s]

102

Overload limit Overload limit

T4 320 - T5 630 T4 250 - T5 400

10
102

10-1

1SDC210006F0004
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 10 10-1 1 10
x In Iu [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 77

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250 - T5 400
105
PR222MP
L Function
(hot and cold trip) hot
104 cold

t [s]

103

102

10A

10
30
20
10
30
10A
1 20
10

1SDC210048F0004
10A

10-1

1,05
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

I1 t1
PR212/MP (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In 4 – 8 – 16 – 24 s

Here the tolerances

I1 t1
PR212/MP According to IEC 60947-4-1 According to IEC 60947-4-1

78 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250 - T5 400
105
PR222MP
L Function
(hot trip with 1 or 2 hot
phases supplied) 104

t [s]

103

102

10A

10

30
1 20
10

1SDC210049F0004
10A

10-1

1,05
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

I1 t1
PR222/MP (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In 4 – 8 – 16 – 24 s

Here the tolerances

I1 t1
PR222/MP ±15% ±15%

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 79

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250 - T5 400 105
PR222MP
R-U Functions
U function
104 R function

t [s]

103

102 4
5
6
7
8
10
10 10

1 1

1SDC210050F0004
10-1

1,05
10-1 1 10 102
x I1

R I5 t5
PR222/MP (3 - 4- 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 10 - OFF) x I1 1 – 4 – 7 – 10 s
U I6 t6
PR222/MP ON (0.4 x I1) - OFF 4s
Here the tolerances
R I5 t5
PR222/MP ± 15 % ± 10 %
U I6 t6
PR222/MP ± 15 % ± 10 %

80 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
T4 250 - T5 400
103
PR222MP
13
I Function 12

11
102 10

t [s] 8

7
10
6

10-1

10-2

1SDC210051F0004
10-3

1,05
10-1 1 10 102
x In

I3
PR222/MP (6 - 7- 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13) x In

Here the tolerances

I3
PR222/MP ± 15 %

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 81

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7
104
PR211/P
L-I Functions
0,5 0,7 0,95
0,4 0,6 0,8 1
103 0,9

1,5
t [s] 2
D
C
102
B 4

A 6
8
D 10
101 C 12
B
A

10-1

10-2 GSIS0211

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x In
Note: for PR211/P-I releases, consider the curves relevant to function I only.

82 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7 - S8
PR212/P 104
0,4-0,5-0,55-0,6-0,65-0,7-0,75-0,8-
L-S-I Functions, 0,85-0,875-0,9-0,925-0,95-0,975-1
S inverse short 0,4 1
delay 103
(I2t = constant)
1,5
t [s] 2
D
C
102
B 4
1
A 6
D 8
2 D 10
101 C
C 12
3
B B
4
A A
6
1 8

10

10-1
I2t ON

GSIS0212
10-2

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 83

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7 - S8
PR212/P 104
0,4-0,5-0,55-0,6-0,65-0,7-0,75-0,8-
L-S-I Functions, 0,85-0,875-0,9-0,925-0,95-0,975-1

S indipendent time 0,4 1

delay 103
(t = constant)
1,5
t [s] 2
D
C
102
B 4

A 1 6
8
D 10
101
2 C 12

3 B
4 A

1 6 8 10

D
C
I2t OFF
10-1 B
A

10-2 GSIS0213

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x In

84 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7 - S8
PR212/P 104 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,6 0,8
0,9
G Function 1

103

t [s]

102

101

1
D
C
B
10-1 A

10-2
GSIS0214

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 85

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7
PR212/MP 105

L Function
(hot and cold trip) hot
104 cold

t [s]

103

102

101
30
20
10
30
1 10 A
20
10
10 A

10-1 GSIS0216

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x I1

I1 t1
PR212/MP (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In 4 – 8 – 16 – 24 s

Here the tolerances

I1 t1
PR212/MP According to IEC 60947-4-1 According to IEC 60947-4-1

86 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7
PR212/MP 105

L Function
(hot trip with one hot
or two phases 104
supplied)
t [s]

103

102

101

30
1 20
10
10 A

10-1
GSIS0217

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 87

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7
PR212/MP 105

R-U Functions
U function
104 R function

t [s]

103

102 4
5
6
7
8
10
101 10

1 1

10-1
GSIS0218

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x I1

R I5 t5
PR212/MP (3 - 4- 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 10 - OFF) x I1 1 – 4 – 7 – 10 s
U I6 t6
PR212/MP 0.4 x I1 4s
Here the tolerances
R I5 t5
PR212/MP ± 10 % ± 20 %
U I6 t6
PR212/MP ± 20 % ± 20 %

88 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
S6 - S7
103
PR212/MP
13
I Function 12

11
102 10

t [s] 8

7
10
6

10-1

10-2

10-3
GSIS0219

1,05
10-1 1 101 102
x In

I3
PR212/MP (6 - 7- 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - OFF) x In

The tolerances are according to IEC 60947-4-1.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 89

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR111/P
L- I Functions
103

t [s]

102

101

10-1

1SDC200100F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

90 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR111/P
L-S-I Functions,
S inverse short
103
time delay
(I2t = const.)
t [s]

102

101

10-1

1SDC200101F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 91

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR111/P
L-S-I Functions,
S indipendent
103
time delay
(t = constant) t [s]

102

101

10-1

1SDC200102F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

92 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR111/P
G Function
103

t [s]

102

101

10-1

1SDC200103F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 93

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR112/P-PR113/P
L-S-I Functions,
S inverse short 103
time delay
(I2t = const.) t [s]

102

101

10-1

1SDC200110F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

94 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR112/P-PR113/P
L-S-I Functions,
S indipendent 103
time delay
(t = constant)
t [s]
102

101

10-1

1SDC200111F0001
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 95

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases
Emax
104
PR112/P-PR113/P
G Function
103

t [s]

102

101
k
t=
I2

10-1

1SDC200112F0001
t=k
10-2

10-3
10-1 1 101 102
x In

96 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
PR113/P release – Function L in compliance with Std.
IEC 60255-3
The following three curves refer to the protection function L complying with
Std. IEC 60255-3 and integrate the standard one; they are applicable in
coordination with fuses and MV circuit-breakers.
Trip curve
electronic releases L Function, Normal Inverse Curve
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200118F0001

10-1
10-1 1 101 102
x In
I1 t1
PR113 (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In b = 0.2 ÷ 10 with step 0.1 s

Here below the tolerances:

± 30 % (2 ÷ 5) x In
PR113 1.1÷1.25 x I1
± 20 % over 5 x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 97

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases L Function, Very Inverse Curve
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200119F0001
10-1
10-1 1 101 102
x In

I1 t1
PR113 (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In b = 0.2 ÷ 10 with step 0.1 s

Here below the tolerances:

± 30 % (2 ÷ 5) x In
PR113 1.1÷1.25 x I1
± 20 % over 5 x In

98 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases L Function, Extremely Inverse Curve
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200120F0001
10-1
10-1 1 101 102
x In

I1 t1
PR113 (0.4 ÷ 1) x In with step 0.01 x In b = 0.2 ÷ 10 with step 0.1 s

Here below the tolerances:

± 30 % (2 ÷ 5) x In
PR113 1.1÷1.25 x I1
± 20 % over 5 x In

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 99

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
PR113/P release – Other protection functions
The following curves refer to the particular protection functions provided for
PR113/P.
Trip curve
electronic releases D Function, Directional Short Circuit Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200121F0001
10-1
10-2 10-1 1 101 102
x In

I7 t7
PR113 (0.6 … 10 – OFF) x In with step 0.1 x In 0.2 … 0.75s with step 0.01s

Here below the tolerances:

I7 t7
PR113 ± 10 % ± 20 %

100 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases U Function, Phase Unbalance Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200122F0001
10-1
10-2 10-1 1 101
x In

I6 t6
PR113 (10% … 90% – OFF) with step 10% 0.5 … 60s with step 0.5s

Here below the tolerances:

I6 t6
PR113 ± 10 % ± 20 %

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 101

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases UV Function, Undervoltage Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200123F0001
10-1

10-2
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3
x Un

I8 t8
PR113 (0.6 … 0.95 – OFF) x Un with step 0.01 x Un 0.1 … 5s with step 0.1s

Here below the tolerances:

I8 t8
PR113 ±5% ± 20 %

102 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases OV Function, Overvoltage Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200124F0001
10-1

10-2
1 1.05 1.1 1.15 1.2 1.25 1.3
x Un

I9 t9
PR113 (1.05 … 1.2 – OFF) x Un with step 0.01 x Un 0.1 … 5s with step 0.1s

Here below the tolerances:

I9 t9
PR113 ±5% ± 20 %

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 103

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases RV Function, Residual Voltage Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200125F0001
1

10-1
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
x Un

I10 t10
PR113 (0.1 … 0.4 – OFF) x Un with step 0.05 x Un 0.5 … 30s with step 0.5s

Here below the tolerances:

I10 t10
PR113 ±5% ± 20 %

104 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Trip curve
electronic releases RP Function, Reverse Power Protection
t [s] 104

103

102

101

1SDC200126F0001
1

10-1
-0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0
x Pn

P11 t11
PR113 (-0.3 … -0.1 – OFF) x Pn with step 0.02 x Pn 0.1 … 25s with step 0.1s

Here below the tolerances:

P11 t11
PR113 ± 10 % ± 20 %

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 105

 3.2 Trip curves

3 General characteristics
Example of electronic release setting
Considering a circuit-breaker type E1B1250 fitted with a PR111/P LSI release
and with TA of 1000 A, it is supposed that for the system requirements, the
protection functions are regulated according to the following settings:

L I1=0.6 t1=C
S I2=4 t2=C (t=k)
I I3=8

The trip curve of the release is represented in the following figure (continuous
lines): it can be seen that:
• for function L, the curve is represented by the mean value between the
tolerances given by the Standard (the overload protection function must not
trip for current values lower than 1.05·ln, and must trip within 1.3·ln), therefore
corresponding to 1.175·ln (around 700 A);
• graphically, point 1 is obtained at the intersection of the vertical part of function
L and the horizontal segment (C0.4In-C1In) which connects the points relevant
to the same t1, taken from the curves with setting 0.4·ln and 1·ln;
• corresponding to point 2 (4000 A), the function S takes the place of function
L, as the trip time of function S is lower than the trip time of function L;
• in the same way as for point 2, for point 3 (8000 A) and beyond, function S is
substituted by function I.

t [s] 104

l1=0.6, t1=C (12s)

103
1
C0.4In C1In

102

2
101

l2=4, t2=C (0.25s) t=k

1
3
1SDC008010F0001

10-1

l3=8

10-2
10-1 1 101 102
I [kA]

106 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3 General characteristics
3.3 Limitation curves
A circuit-breaker in which the opening of the contacts occurs after the passage
of the peak of the short-circuit current, or in which the trip occurs with the
natural passage to zero, allows the system components to be subjected to
high stresses, of both thermal and dynamic type. To reduce these stresses,
current-limiting circuit-breakers have been designed (see Chapter 2.2 “Main
definitions”), which are able to start the opening operation before the short-circuit
current has reached its first peak, and to quickly extinguish the arc between the
contacts; the following diagram shows the shape of the waves of both the
prospective short-circuit current as well as of the limited short-circuit current.

Ik

Prospective
short-circuit current
1SDC008011F0001

Limited t
short-circuit current

The following diagram shows the limit curve for Tmax T2L160, In160 circuit-breaker.
The x-axis shows the effective values of the symmetrical prospective short-circuit
current, while the y-axis shows the relative peak value. The limiting effect can
be evaluated by comparing, at equal values of symmetrical fault current, the
peak value corresponding to the prospective short-circuit current (curve A) with
the limited peak value (curve B).
Circuit-breaker T2L160 with thermomagnetic release In160 at 400 V, for a fault
current of 40 kA, limits the short-circuit peak to 16.2 kA only, with a reduction
of about 68 kA compared with the peak value in the absence of limitation (84 kA).

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 107

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Ip [kA]

Curve A

10 2 84

68

16.2
Curve B
10 1

1SDC008012F0001
1
1 10 1 40 10 2
Irms [kA]

Considering that the electro-dynamic stresses and the consequent mechanical

stresses are closely connected to the current peak, the use of current limiting
circuit-breakers allows optimum dimensioning of the components in an electrical
plant. Besides, current limitation may also be used to obtain back-up protection
between two circuit-breakers in series.
In addition to the advantages in terms of design, the use of current-limiting
circuit-breakers allows, for the cases detailed by Standard IEC 60439-1, the
avoidance of short-circuit withstand verifications for switchboards. Clause
8.2.3.1 of the Standard “Circuits of ASSEMBLIES which are exempted from
the verification of the short-circuit withstand strength” states that:

“A verification of the short-circuit withstand strength is not required in the

following cases.
…
For ASSEMBLIES protected by current-limiting devices having a cut-off current
not exceeding 17 kA at the maximum allowable prospective short-circuit current
at the terminals of the incoming circuit of the ASSEMBLY.
...”

The example above is included among those considered by the Standard: if

the circuit-breaker was used as a main breaker in a switchboard to be installed
in a point of the plant where the prospective short-circuit current is 40 kA, it
would not be necessary to carry out the verification of short-circuit withstand.

108 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T1 160
103
230 V

Ip [kA]

102

160A
125A
10 100A
80A
40A÷63A
32A

1SDC210061F0004
20A-25A
16A

1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 109

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T2 160
102
230 V

80A÷160A
40A÷63A
Ip [kA]
25A-32A
20A
10
16A
12,5A
10A

1 8A
6,3A
5A
4A
3,2A
2,5A
2A
10-1
1,6A

1SDC210062F0004
1A

10-2
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103 104 105
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 110

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T3 250
103
230 V

Ip [kA]

102

250A
200A
160A
125A
100A
10 80A
63A

1SDC210063F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 111

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T4 250/320 102
230 V

Ip [kA]

100-320A
80A
10
32-50A
20-25A
10A

1SDC200127F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 112

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T5 400/630 102
230 V

Ip [kA]

10

1SDC200500F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 113

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T1 160
103
400-440 V

Ip [kA]

102

160A
125A

10 100A
80A
40A÷63A
32A

1SDC210064F0004
20A-25A
16A

1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 114

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T2 160
102
400-440 V 80A÷160A
40A÷63A
25A-32A
Ip [kA] 20A
16A
10 12,5A

10A
8A
6,3A
5A
1
4A
3,2A

2,5A
2A
1,6A
1A
10-1

1SDC210065F0004
10-2
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103 104 105
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 115

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T3 250
103
400-440 V

Ip [kA]

102

250A
200A
160A
125A
100A
10
80A
63A

1SDC210066F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 116

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T4 250/320 102
400-440 V

Ip [kA]
100-320A

80A

32-50A

20-25A
10
10A

1SDC200128F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 117

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T5 400/620
102
400-440 V

Ip [kA]

10

1SDC210024F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 118

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T1 160
102
500 V

Ip [kA]

160A
125A
100A
80A
40A÷63A
32A
10
20A-25A
16A

1SDC210028F0004
1
1 10 102
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 119

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T2 160
102
500 V 80A÷160A
40A÷63A
25A-32A
Ip [kA]
20A
16A

10 12,5A
10A
8A
6,3A
5A
4A
3,2A
1
2,5A
2A
1,6A
1A

10-1

1SDC210030F0004
10-2
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 120

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T3 250
102
500 V

Ip [kA]

250A
200A
160A
125A
100A
80A
63A

10

1SDC210032F0004
1
1 10 102
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 121

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T4 250/320 102
500 V

Ip [kA] 100-320A

80A

32-50A

20-25A

10 10A

1SDC200129F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 122

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T5 400/630
102
500 V

Ip [kA]

10

1SDC210025F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 123

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T1 160
10
690 V
100÷160A
50÷80A
16÷40A
Ip [kA]

1SDC210067F0004
1
1 2 5 10
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 124

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T2 160
102
690 V
80A÷160A
40A÷63A
25A-32A
Ip [kA]
20A

10 16A
12,5A
10A
8A
6,3A
5A
4A
1
3,2A
2,5A
2A
1,6A
1A

10-1

1SDC210068F0004
10-2
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 125

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T3 250
103
690 V

Ip [kA]

102

250A
200A
160A
10
125A
100A
80A
63A

1SDC210069F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 126

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T4 250/320 102
690 V

Ip [kA]
100-320A
80A
32-50A
20-25A
10A

10

1SDC200130F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 127

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
T5 400/630
102
690 V

Ip [kA]

10

1SDC210026F0004
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 128

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
S6 800 - S7 - S8
230 V
S7
Ip [kA]
S8

10 2

S6 800

10 1

GSIS0223
3
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 129

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
S6 800 - S7 - S8
400-440 V
S8
Ip [kA] S7

10 2

S6 800

10 1

3 GSIS0229
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 130

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics

S6 800 - S7 - S8
690 V

Ip [kA]

10 2 S8

S7

S6 800

10 1

GSIS0235
3
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 131

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
E2L
103
660/690 V
380/400 V

Ip [kA]

(660/690 V)

(380/400 V)
102

101

1SDC200092F0001
1
1 101 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 132

 3.3 Limitation curves

3 General characteristics
Limitation curves
E3L
103
660/690 V
380/400 V

Ip [kA]
660/690 V

380/400 V

102

101

1SDC200094F0001
1
1 101 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 133

 3 General characteristics

3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

In case of short-circuit, the parts of a plant affected by a fault are subjected to
thermal stresses which are proportional both to the square of the fault current
as well as to the time required by the protection device to break the current.
The energy let through by the protection device during the trip is termed “specific
let-through energy” (I2t), measured in A2s. The knowledge of the value of the
specific let-through energy in various fault conditions is fundamental for the
dimensioning and the protection of the various parts of the installation.
The effect of limitation and the reduced trip times influence the value of the
specific let-through energy. For those current values for which the tripping of
the circuit-breaker is regulated by the timing of the release, the value of the
specific let-through energy is obtained by multiplying the square of the effective
fault current by the time required for the protection device to trip; in other cases
the value of the specific let-through energy may be obtained from the following
diagrams.

The following is an example of the reading from a diagram of the specific let-
through energy curve for a circuit-breaker type T3S 250 In160 at 400 V.
The x-axis shows the symmetrical prospective short-circuit current, while the
y-axis shows the specific let-through energy values, expressed in (kA)2s.
Corresponding to a short-circuit current equal to 20 kA, the circuit-breaker lets
through a value of I2t equal to 1.17 (kA)2s (1170000 A2s).
I2t 10 3
[(kA)2s]

10 2

10 1

1.17
1
1SDC008013F0001

10 -1

10 -2
1 10 1 20 10 2
Irms [kA]

134 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T1 160
10
230 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

160A
125A
100A
80A
-1
10 40A-63A
32A
20A-25A

1SDC210052F0004
16A

10-2
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 135

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T2 160
1
230 V 80A√160A
40A√63A
25A-32A
20A
10 -1
16A
12,5A
I 2 t [(kA) 2 s]

10A
10 -2
8A
6,3A
5A
4A
10 -3
3,2A

10 -4

2,5A
10 -5
2A
1,6A

TSTM0013
1A

10 -6
10 -2 10 -1 1 10 1 10 2 10 3 10 4 10 5
Irms [kA]

136 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T3 250
10
230 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

250A
1 200A
160A
125A
100A
80A
63A

10-1

10-2 1SDC210057F0004
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 137

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T4 250/320
10
230 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

100-320A
80A

32-50A
20-25A
10A

0.1

1SDC200131F0001
0.01
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

138 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T5 400/630
10
230 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1SDC210019F0004
10-1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 139

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T1 160
10
400-440 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1
160A
125A
100A
80A
40A÷63A
32A
20A-25A
16A
-1
10

1SDC210054F0004
10-2
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

140 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T2 160
1
400-440 V
80A÷160A
40A÷63A
I2t [(kA)2s]
10-1 25A-32A
20A
16A
12,5A

10-2
10A
8A
6,3A
10-3 5A
4A

10-4

3,2A
2,5A
2A

1SDC210055F0004
10-5 1,6A
1A

10-6
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103 104 105
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 141

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T3 250
10
400-440 V

250A
200A
I2t [(kA)2s] 160A
125A
1
100A
80A
63A

10-1

1SDC210056F0004
10-2
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

142 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T4 250/320 10
400-440 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1
100-320A
80A

32-50A
20-25A
10A

0.1

1SDC200132F0001
0.01
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 143

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T5 400/630
10
400-440 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1SDC210020F0004
10-1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

144 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T1 160
1
500 V
160A
125A
I2t [(kA)2s] 100A
80A
40A÷63A
32A
20A-25A
16A

10-1

1SDC210027F0004
10-2
1 10 102
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 145

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T2 160
1
500 V 80A÷160A
I2t [(kA)2s] 40A÷63A
25A-32A
10-1 20A
16A
12,5A
10A
8A
10-2
6,3A
5A
4A
3,2A
10-3

2,5A
2A
1,6A
10-4

1A

1SDC210029F0004
10-5

10-6
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103 104
Irms [kA]

146 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T3 250
10
500 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

250A
200A
160A
125A
1 100A
80A
63A

10-1

1SDC210031F0004
10-2
1 10 102
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 147

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T4 250/320
10
500 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1 100-320A
80A

32-50A
20-25A
10A

0.1

1SDC200133F0001
0.01
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

148 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T5 400/630
10
500 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1SDC210021F0004
10-1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 149

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T1 160
1
690 V

I2t [(kA)2s]
0,50

100÷160A
50÷80A
16÷40A
0,20

10-1

0,05

1SDC210058F0004
0,02

10-2
1 2 5 10
Irms [kA]

150 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T2 160
1
690 V

I2t [(kA)2s]
80A÷160A
10-1
40A÷63A
25A-32A
20A
16A
10-2
12,5A
10A
8A
6,3A
10-3 5A

10-4
4A
3,2A
2,5A

1SDC210059F0004
2A
10-5
1,6A
1A

10-6
10-2 10-1 1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 151

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T3 250
10
690 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1
R250
R200
R160
R125
R100
R80
R63

10-1

1SDC210060F0004
10-2
1 10 102 103
Is [kA]

152 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T4 250/320
102
690 V

I2t [(kA)2s]
100-320A
80A
32-50A
20-25A
10A

10

1SDC200134F0001
1
1 10 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 153

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
T5 400/630
10
690 V

I2t [(kA)2s]

1SDC210022F0004
10-1
1 10 102
Irms [kA]

154 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
S6 800 - S7 - S8
230 V

S8
I 2 t [(kA) 2 s] 10 3

S7
10 2

S6 800
10 1

GSIS0241
10 -1
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 155

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
S6 800 - S7 - S8
10 3
400-440 V

I 2 t [(kA) 2 s] S8

S7
10 2

S6 800

10 1

GSIS0247
10 -1
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

156 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
S6 800 - S7 - S8
10 3
690 V

I 2 t [(kA) 2 s]

10 2

S8

S7

S6 800

10 1

GSIS0253
10 -1
1 10 1 10 2 10 3
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 157

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
E2L
103
660/690 V~
380/400 V~

I 2 t [(kA) 2 s]
660/690 V

102 380/400 V

101

!SDC200093F0001
1
1 101 102 103
Irms [kA]

158 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.4 Specific let-through energy curves

3 General characteristics
Specific let-through
energy curves
E3L
103
660/690 V~
380/400 V~

I 2 t [(kA) 2 s]
660/690 V
380/400 V
102

101

SDC200095F0001
1
1 101 102 103
Irms [kA]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 159

 3 General characteristics

3.5 Temperature derating

Standard IEC 60947-2 states that the temperature rise limits for circuit-breakers
working at rated current must be within the limits given in the following table:

Table 1 - Temperature rise limits for terminals and accessible parts

Description of part* Temperature rise limits

K
- Terminal for external connections 80
- Manual operating metallic 25
means: non metallic 35
- Parts intended to
be touched but not metallic 40
hand-held: non metallic 50
- Parts which need
not be touched for metallic 50
normal operation: non metallic 60
* No value is specified for parts other than those listed but no damage should be caused
to adjacent parts of insulating materials.

These values are valid for a maximum reference ambient temperature of 40°C,
as stated in Standard IEC 60947-1, clause 6.1.1.
Whenever the ambient temperature is other than 40°C, the value of the current
which can be carried continuously by the circuit-breaker is given in the following
tables:
Circuit-breakers with thermomagnetic release

Tmax T1 and T1 1P (*)

10 °C 20 °C 30 °C 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
16 13 18 12 18 12 17 11 16 11 15 10 14 9 13
20 16 23 15 22 15 21 14 20 13 19 12 18 11 16
25 20 29 19 28 18 26 18 25 16 23 15 22 14 20
32 26 37 25 35 24 34 22 32 21 30 20 28 18 26
40 32 46 31 44 29 42 28 40 26 38 25 35 23 33
50 40 58 39 55 37 53 35 50 33 47 31 44 28 41
63 51 72 49 69 46 66 44 63 41 59 39 55 36 51
80 64 92 62 88 59 84 56 80 53 75 49 70 46 65
100 81 115 77 110 74 105 70 100 66 94 61 88 57 81
125 101 144 96 138 92 131 88 125 82 117 77 109 71 102
160 129 184 123 176 118 168 112 160 105 150 98 140 91 130
(*) For the T1 1P circuit-breaker (fitted with TMF fixed thermomagnetic release), consider
only the column corresponding to the maximum adjustment of the TMD releases.

160 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Tmax T2
10 °C 20 °C 30 °C 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
1 0.8 1.1 0.8 1.1 0.7 1.1 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.9 0.6 0.9 0.6 0.8
1.6 1.3 1.8 1.2 1.8 1.2 1.7 1.1 1.6 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.4 0.9 1.3
2 1.6 2.3 1.5 2.2 1.5 2.1 1.4 2.0 1.3 1.9 1.2 1.7 1.1 1.6
2.5 2.0 2.9 1.9 2.8 1.8 2.6 1.8 2.5 1.6 2.3 1.5 2.2 1.4 2.0
3.2 2.6 3.7 2.5 3.5 2.4 3.4 2.2 3.2 2.1 3.0 1.9 2.8 1.8 2.6
4 3.2 4.6 3.1 4.4 2.9 4.2 2.8 4.0 2.6 3.7 2.4 3.5 2.3 3.2
5 4.0 5.7 3.9 5.5 3.7 5.3 3.5 5.0 3.3 4.7 3.0 4.3 2.8 4.0
6.3 5.1 7.2 4.9 6.9 4.6 6.6 4.4 6.3 4.1 5.9 3.8 5.5 3.6 5.1
8 6.4 9.2 6.2 8.8 5.9 8.4 5.6 8.0 5.2 7.5 4.9 7.0 4.5 6.5
10 8.0 11.5 7.7 11.0 7.4 10.5 7.0 10.0 6.5 9.3 6.1 8.7 5.6 8.1
12.5 10.1 14.4 9.6 13.8 9.2 13.2 8.8 12.5 8.2 11.7 7.6 10.9 7.1 10.1
16 13 18 12 18 12 17 11 16 10 15 10 14 9 13
20 16 23 15 22 15 21 14 20 13 19 12 17 11 16
25 20 29 19 28 18 26 18 25 16 23 15 22 14 20
32 26 37 25 35 24 34 22 32 21 30 19 28 18 26
40 32 46 31 44 29 42 28 40 26 37 24 35 23 32
50 40 57 39 55 37 53 35 50 33 47 30 43 28 40
63 51 72 49 69 46 66 44 63 41 59 38 55 36 51
80 64 92 62 88 59 84 56 80 52 75 49 70 45 65
100 80 115 77 110 74 105 70 100 65 93 61 87 56 81
125 101 144 96 138 92 132 88 125 82 117 76 109 71 101
160 129 184 123 178 118 168 112 160 105 150 97 139 90 129

Tmax T3
In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
63 51 72 49 69 46 66 44 63 41 59 38 55 35 51
80 64 92 62 88 59 84 56 80 52 75 48 69 45 64
100 80 115 77 110 74 105 70 100 65 93 61 87 56 80
125 101 144 96 138 92 132 88 125 82 116 76 108 70 100
160 129 184 123 176 118 168 112 160 104 149 97 139 90 129
200 161 230 154 220 147 211 140 200 130 186 121 173 112 161
250 201 287 193 278 184 263 175 250 163 233 152 216 141 201

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 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Tmax T4
10 °C 20 °C 30 °C 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
20 19 27 18 24 16 23 14 20 12 17 10 15 8 13
32 26 43 24 39 22 36 19 32 16 27 14 24 11 21
50 37 62 35 58 33 54 30 50 27 46 25 42 22 39
80 59 98 55 92 52 86 48 80 44 74 40 66 32 58
100 83 118 80 113 74 106 70 100 66 95 59 85 49 75
125 103 145 100 140 94 134 88 125 80 115 73 105 63 95
160 130 185 124 176 118 168 112 160 106 150 100 104 90 130
200 162 230 155 220 147 210 140 200 133 190 122 175 107 160
250 200 285 193 275 183 262 175 250 168 240 160 230 150 220
320 260 368 245 350 234 335 224 320 212 305 200 285 182 263

Tmax T4
In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
320 260 368 245 350 234 335 224 320 212 305 200 285 182 263
400 325 465 310 442 295 420 280 400 265 380 250 355 230 325
500 435 620 405 580 380 540 350 500 315 450 280 400 240 345
630 520 740 493 705 462 660 441 630 405 580 380 540 350 500

SACE Isomax S6 800

In [A] MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX
630 520 740 493 705 462 660 441 630 405 580 380 540 350 500
800 685 965 640 905 605 855 560 800 520 740 470 670 420 610

162 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Circuit-breakers with electronic release
Tmax T2 160
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
F 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
EF 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
ES 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
FC Cu 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
FC Cu 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
R 160 1 153.6 0.96 140.8 0.88 128 0.8
F = Front flat terminals; EF = Front extended terminals; ES = Front extended spread terminals;
FC Cu = Front terminals for copper cables; FC CuAl = Front terminals for CuAl cables; R = Rear terminals

Tmax T4 250
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
FC 250 1 250 1 250 1 230 0.92
F 250 1 250 1 250 1 230 0.92
HR 250 1 250 1 250 1 220 0.88
VR 250 1 250 1 250 1 220 0.88

Plug-in - Withdrawable
FC 250 1 250 1 240 0.96 220 0.88
F 250 1 250 1 240 0.96 220 0.88
HR 250 1 250 1 230 0.92 210 0.84
VR 250 1 250 1 230 0.92 210 0.84
FC = Front terminal for cables; F = Front flat terminals; HR = Rear flat horizontal terminals; VR = Rear
flat vertical terminals.

Tmax T4 320
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
FC 320 1 307 0.96 281 0.88 256 0.80
F 320 1 307 0.96 281 0.88 256 0.80
HR 320 1 294 0.92 269 0.84 243 0.76
VR 320 1 294 0.92 269 0.84 243 0.76

Plug-in - Withdrawable
FC 320 1 294 0.92 268 0.84 242 0.76
F 320 1 307 0.96 282 0.88 256 0.80
HR 320 1 294 0.92 268 0.84 242 0.76
VR 320 1 294 0.92 268 0.84 242 0.76
FC = Front terminal for cables; F = Front flat terminals; HR = Rear flat horizontal terminals; VR = Rear
flat vertical terminals.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 163

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Tmax T5 400
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
FC 400 1 400 1 400 1 368 0.92
F 400 1 400 1 400 1 368 0.92
HR 400 1 400 1 400 1 352 0.88
VR 400 1 400 1 400 1 352 0.88

Plug-in - Withdrawable
FC 400 1 400 1 382 0.96 350 0.88
F 400 1 400 1 382 0.96 350 0.88
HR 400 1 400 1 368 0.92 336 0.84
VR 400 1 400 1 368 0.92 336 0.84
FC = Front terminal for cables; F = Front flat terminals; HR = Rear flat horizontal terminals; VR = Rear
flat vertical terminals.

Tmax T5 630
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
FC 630 1 605 0.96 554 0.88 504 0.80
F 630 1 605 0.96 554 0.88 504 0.80
HR 630 1 580 0.92 529 0.84 479 0.76
VR 630 1 580 0.92 529 0.84 479 0.76

Plug-in - Withdrawable
F 630 1 607 0.96 552 0.88 476 0.76
HR 630 1 580 0.92 517 0.82 454 0.72
VR 630< 1 580 0.92 517 0.82 454 0.72
FC = Front terminal for cables F = Front flat terminals HR = Rear flat horizontal terminals
VR = Rear flat vertical terminals

SACE Isomax S6 800

up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Front flat bar 800 1 800 1 800 1 760 0.95
Front for cables 800 1 800 1 760 0.95 720 0.9
Rear for cables 800 1 800 1 760 0.95 720 0.9
Rear threaded 800 1 800 1 720 0.9 640 0.8

Plug-in - Withdrawable
Front flat bar 800 1 800 1 760 0.95 720 0.9
Rear vertical flat bar 800 1 800 1 760 0.95 720 0.9
Rear horizontal flat bar 800 1 760 0.95 720 0.9 640 0.8

SACE Isomax S7 1250

up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Front flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1250 1 1187.5 0.95
Rear vertical flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1250 1 1187.5 0.95
Front for cables 1250 1 1250 1 1187.5 0.95 1125 0.9
Rear horizontal flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1250 1 1125 0.9

Plug-in - Withdrawable
Front flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1187.5 0.95 1125 0.9
Rear vertical flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1187.5 0.95 1125 0.9
Rear horizontal flat bar 1250 1 1250 1 1125 0.9 1000 0.8

164 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
SACE Isomax S7 1600
up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Front flat bar 1600 1 1520 0.95 1440 0.9 1280 0.8
Rear vertical flat bar 1600 1 1520 0.95 1440 0.9 1280 0.8
Rear horizontal flat bar 1600 1 1440 0.9 1280 0.8 1120 0.7

Plug-in - Withdrawable
Front flat bar 1600 1 1440 0.9 1280 0.8 1120 0.7
Rear vertical flat bar 1600 1 1440 0.9 1280 0.8 1120 0.7
Rear horizontal flat bar 1600 1 1280 0.8 1120 0.7 906 0.6

SACE Isomax S8 2000

up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Front flat bar 2000 1 2000 1 1900 0,95 1715 0,85
Rear vertical flat bar 2000 1 2000 1 2000 1 1785 0,9

SACE Isomax S8 2500

up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Front flat bar 2500 1 2500 1 2270 0,9 2040 0,8
Rear vertical flat bar 2500 1 2500 1 2375 0,95 2130 0,85

SACE Isomax S8 3200

up to 40 °C 50 °C 60 °C 70 °C
Fixed Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1 Imax [A] I1
Rear vertical flat bar 3200 1 3060 0,95 2780 0,85 2510 0,8

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 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Emax E1
Temperature E1 800 E1 1250
[°C] % [A] % [A]
10 100 800 100 1250
20 100 800 100 1250
30 100 800 100 1250
40 100 800 100 1250
45 100 800 100 1250
50 100 800 100 1250
55 100 800 100 1250
60 100 800 100 1250
65 100 800 99 1240
70 100 800 98 1230

Emax E2
Temperature E2 1250 E2 1600 E2 2000
[°C] % [A] % [A] % [A]
10 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000
20 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000
30 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000
40 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000
45 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000
50 100 1250 100 1600 97 1945
55 100 1250 100 1600 94 1885
60 100 1250 98 1570 91 1825
65 100 1250 96 1538 88 1765
70 100 1250 94 1510 85 1705

Emax E3
Temperature E3 1250 E3 1600 E3 2000 E3 2500 E3 3200
[C°] % [A] % [A] % [A] % [A] % [A]
10 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 100 3200
20 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 100 3200
30 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 100 3200
40 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 100 3200
45 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 100 3200
50 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 97 3090
55 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 93 2975
60 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 100 2500 89 2860
65 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 97 2425 86 2745
70 100 1250 100 1600 100 2000 94 2350 82 2630

166 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Emax E4
Temperature E4 3200 E4 4000
[°C] % [A] % [A]
10 100 3200 100 4000
20 100 3200 100 4000
30 100 3200 100 4000
40 100 3200 100 4000
45 100 3200 100 4000
50 100 3200 98 3900
55 100 3200 95 3790
60 100 3200 92 3680
65 98 3120 89 3570
70 95 3040 87 3460

Emax E6
Temperature E6 3200 E6 4000 E6 5000 E6 6300
[°C] % [A] % [A] % [A] % [A]
10 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
20 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
30 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
40 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
45 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
50 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 100 6300
55 100 3200 100 4000 100 5000 98 6190
60 100 3200 100 4000 98 4910 96 6070
65 100 3200 100 4000 96 4815 94 5850
70 100 3200 100 4000 94 4720 92 5600

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 167

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
The following table lists examples of the continuous current carrying capacity
for circuit breakers installed in a switchboards with the dimensions indicated
below. These values refer to withdrawable switchgear installed in non segregated
switchboards with a protection rating of up to IP31, and following dimensions:
2300x800x900 (HxLxD) for E1 - E2 - E3;
2300x1400x1500 (HxLxD) for E4 - E6.
The values refer to a maximum temperature at the terminals of 120 °C.
For withdrawable circuit-breakers with a rated current of 6300 A, the use of
vertical rear terminals is recommended.
Vertical terminals Horizontal and front terminals
Type Iu Continuous Busbars Continuous Busbars
capacity section capacity section
[A] [A] [mm2] [A] [mm2]
35°C 45°C 55°C 35°C 45°C 55°C
E1B/N 08 800 800 800 800 1x(60x10) 800 800 800 1x(60x10)
E1B/N 12 1250 1250 1250 1250 1x(80x10) 1250 1250 1200 2x(60x8)
E2N 12 1250 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10) 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10)
E2B/N 16 1600 1600 1600 1600 2x(60x10) 1600 1600 1530 2x(60x10)
E2B/N 20 2000 2000 2000 1800 3x(60x10) 2000 2000 1750 3x(60x10)
E2L 12 1250 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10) 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10)
E2L 16 1600 1600 1600 1500 2x(60x10) 1600 1490 1400 2x(60x10)
E3S/H 12 1250 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10) 1250 1250 1250 1x(60x10)
E3S/H 16 1600 1600 1600 1600 1x(100x10) 1600 1600 1600 1x(100x10)
E3S/H 20 2000 2000 2000 2000 2x(100x10) 2000 2000 2000 2x(100x10)
E3N/S/H 25 2500 2500 2500 2500 2x(100x10) 2500 2490 2410 2x(100x10)
E3N/S/H 32 3200 3200 3100 2800 3x(100x10) 3000 2880 2650 3x(100x10)
E3L 20 2000 2000 2000 2000 2x(100x10) 2000 2000 1970 2x(100x10)
E3L 25 2500 2500 2390 2250 2x(100x10) 2375 2270 2100 2x(100x10)
E4H 32 3200 3200 3200 3200 3x(100x10) 3200 3200 3020 3x(100x10)
E4S/H 40 4000 4000 3980 3500 4x(100x10) 3600 3510 3150 6x(60x10)
E6V 32 3200 3200 3200 3200 3x(100x10) 3200 3200 3200 3x(100x10)
E6V 40 4000 4000 4000 4000 4x(100x10) 4000 4000 4000 4x(100x10)
E6H/V 50 5000 5000 4850 4600 6x(100x10) 4850 4510 4250 6x(100x10)
E6H/V 63 6300 6000 5700 5250 7x(100x10) - - - -
Note: the reference temperature is the ambient temperature

Examples:
Selection of a moulded-case circuit-breaker, with thermomagnetic release, for
a load current of 180 A, at an ambient temperature of 60°C.
From the table referring to Tmax circuit-breakers (page 160-161), it can be
seen that the most suitable breaker is the T3 In 250, which can be set from 152 A to
216 A.
Selection of a moulded-case circuit-breaker, with electronic release, in
withdrawable version with rear flat horizontal bar terminals, for a load current
equal to 720 A, with an ambient temperature of 50 °C.
From the table referring to SACE Isomax circuit-breakers (page 164), it can be
seen that the most suitable breaker is the S6 800, which can be set from 320 A to
760 A.
Selection of an air circuit-breaker, with electronic release, in withdrawable version
with vertical terminals, for a load current of 2700 A, with a temperature outside
of the IP31 switchboard of 55 °C.
From the tables referring to the current carrying capacity inside the switchboard
for Emax circuit-breakers (see above), it can be seen that the most suitable
breaker is the E3 3200, with busbar section 3x(100x10)mm2, which can be set
from 1280 A to 2800 A.

168 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
The following tables show the maximum settings for L protection (against
overload) for electronic releases, according to temperature, version and
terminals.
Tmax T2 All terminals Tmax T2 All terminals
In ≤ 125A F P In = 160A F P
<40 <40 1 0.88
45 45 0.96 0.88
50 50 0.96 0.88
55 1 1 55 0.92 0.88
60 60 0.88 0.88
65 65 0.84 0.84
70 70 0.8 0.8

Fixed - Plug-in Fixed - Plug-in

Tmax T2 Tmax T2
PR221 PR221
In ≤ 100A In 160A
All terminals All terminals
<40 <40 1
45 45 0.96
50 50 0.96
55 1 55 0.92
60 60 0.88
65 65 0.84
70 70 0.8

Fixed - Plug-in
Tmax T2 Withdrawable
In ≤ 160A PR221 - PR222
FC – F – HR – VR
<40
45
50
55 1
60
65
70

Tmax T4 Fixed Plug-in - Withdrawable

In = 250A PR221 PR222 PR221 PR222
FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR
<40
45
50 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
55
60 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92
65 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88
70 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84

FC = Front terminal for cables; F = Front flat terminals; HR = Rear flat horizontal
terminals; VR = Rear flat vertical terminals.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 169

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Tmax T4 Fixed Plug-in - Withdrawable
In = 320A PR221 PR222 PR221 PR222
FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR F FC–HR–VR F FC–HR–VR
<40 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1
45 0.96 0.96
50 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92
55 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88
60 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84
65 0.84 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.84 0.80 0.84 0.80
70 0.8 0.76 0.8 0.76 0.8 0.76 0.8 0.76

Fixed - Plug-in
Tmax T5 Withdrawable
In ≤ 320A PR221 - PR222
FC – F – HR – VR
<40
45
50
55 1
60
65
70

Tmax T5 Fixed Plug-in - Withdrawable

In = 400A PR221 PR222 PR221 PR222
FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR
<40
45 1 1 1 1
50 1 1 1 1
55 0.96 0.98 0.96
0.96
60 0.92 0.96 0.92
65 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88
70 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84

Tmax T5 Fixed Plug-in - Withdrawable

In = 630A PR221 PR222 PR221 PR222
FC – F HR – VR FC – F HR – VR F HR–VR F HR–VR
<40
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
45
50 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92 0.96 0.92
55 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.88 0.92 0.84 0.92 0.86
60 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.84 0.88 0.8 0.88 0.82
65 0.84 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.8 0.76 0.8 0.76
70 0.8 0.76 0.8 0.76 0.76 0.72 0.76 0.72

FC = Front terminal for cables; F = Front flat terminals; HR = Rear flat horizontal
terminals; VR = Rear flat vertical terminals.

170 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Front for cables Front flat bar Rear horizontal
Isomax S6 Front flat bar Rear for cables Rear threaded Rear vertical flat bar flat bar
In = 800A PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212
F F F F F F W W W W
<40 1 1
45 1 1 1 1 1 1 0.975
0.95
50 1 1 0.95
55 0.975 0.95 0.95 0.975 0.925
0.95 0.95 0.9
60 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.95 0.9
65 0.975 0.925 0.85 0.925 0.85
0.95 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8
70 0.95 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8

Front flat bar Front flat bar Rear horizontal Rear horizontal
Isomax S7 Rear vertical flat bar Rear vertical flat bar Front for cables flat bar flat bar
In ≤ 1250A PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212
F W F W F F F W F W
<40
45 1 1 1 1 1 1
50 1 1 1 1
55 0.975 0.975 0.95 0.95
0.95 0.95
60 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9
65 0.975 0.975 0.925 0.95 0.95 0.85
0.95 0.9 0.9 0.8
70 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.8

Front flat bar Front flat bar Rear horizontal Rear horizontal
Isomax S7 Rear vertical flat bar Rear vertical flat bar flat bar flat bar
In = 1600A PR211 PR212 PR211 PR212
F W F W F W F W
<40 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
45 0.95 0.975 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.95 0.9
0.95
50 0.9 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.9 0.8
55 0.925 0.85 0.85 0.75
0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7
60 0.9 0.8 0,8 0.7
65 0.85 0.75 0.75 0.65
0.95 0.7 0.7 0.6
70 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6

Front Rear vertical Front Rear vertical Rear vertical

Isomax S8 flat bar flat bar Isomax S8 flat bar flat bar Isomax S8 flat bar
In ≤ 2000A PR212 In = 2500A PR212 In = 3200A PR212
F F F F F
<40 <40 <40
1
45 45 1 45
1 1
50 1 50 50 0.95
55 55 0.95 55 0.9
60 0.95 60 0.9 0.95 60 0.85
65 0.9 0.925 65 0.85 0.9 65 0.8
70 0.85 0.875 70 0.8 0.85 70 0.75

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 171

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
800 A 1250 A
Emax E1 Emax E1
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
45 45
50 50 1 1
55 1 1 55
60 60
65 65 0.99
0.95
70 70 0.98

1250 A 1600 A
Emax E2 Emax E2
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
45 45
1 1
50 50
55 1 1 55
60 60 0.98
0.95
65 65 0.96
70 70 0.9 0.94

2000 A 1250/1600/2000 A
Emax E2 Emax E3
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
1 1
45 45
50 0.95 0.97 50
55 0.94 55 1 1
0.9
60 0.91 60
65 0.88 65
0.85
70 0.85 70

2500 A 3200 A
Emax E3 Emax E3
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
1 1
45 45
50 1 1 50 0.95 0.97
55 55 0.9 0.93
60 60 0.89
0.85
65 0.95 0.97 65 0.86
70 0.9 0.94 70 0.8 0.82

3200 A 4000 A
Emax E4 Emax E4
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
1 1
45 45
50 1 1 50 0.98
0.95
55 55 0.95
60 60 0.9 0.92
65 0.98 65 0.89
0.95 0.85
70 0.95 70 0.87

172 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
3200/4000 A 5000 A
Emax E6 Emax E6
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
<40 <40
45 45
1 1
50 50
55 1 1 55
60 60 0.98
0.95
65 65 0.96
70 70 0.9 0.94

6000 A
Emax E6
PR111 PR112/PR113
<40
45 1 1
50
55 0.98
0.95
60 0.96
65 0.94
0.9
70 0.92

Vertical Terminals
35 °C 45 °C 55 °C
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
E1B/N 08 1 1 1 1 1 1
E1B/N 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2N 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2B/N 16 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2B/N 20 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.9
E2L 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2L 16 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.93
E3S/H 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3S/H 16 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3S/H 20 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3N/S/H 25 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3N/S/H 32 1 1 0.95 0.96 0.8 0.87
E3L 20 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3L 25 1 1 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9
E4H 32 1 1 1 1 1 1
E4S/H 40 1 1 0.95 0.99 0.8 0.87
E6V 32 1 1 1 1 1 1
E6V 40 1 1 1 1 1 1
E6H/V 50 1 1 0.95 0.97 0.9 0.92
E6H/V 63 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.83

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 3.5 Temperature derating

3 General characteristics
Horizontal and front terminals
35 °C 45 °C 55 °C
PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113 PR111 PR112/PR113
E1B/N 08 1 1 1 1 1 1
E1B/N 12 1 1 1 1 0.95 0.96
E2N 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2B/N 16 1 1 1 1 0.95 0.95
E2B/N 20 1 1 1 1 0.8 0.87
E2L 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E2L 16 1 1 0.9 0.93 0.8 0.87
E3S/H 12 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3S/H 16 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3S/H 20 1 1 1 1 1 1
E3N/S/H 25 1 1 0.95 0.99 0.95 0.94
E3N/S/H 32 0.9 0.93 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.82
E3L 20 1 1 1 1 0.95 0.98
E3L 25 0.95 0.95 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.84
E4H 32 1 1 1 1 0.9 0.94
E4S/H 40 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.87 0.7 0.78
E6V 32 1 1 1 1 1 1
E6V 40 1 1 1 1 1 1
E6H/V 50 0.95 0.97 0.9 0.9 0.8 0.85
E6H/V 63 --- --- --- --- --- ---

174 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3 General characteristics

3.6 Altitude derating

For installations carried out at altitudes of more than 2000 m above sea level,
the performance of low voltage circuit-breakers is subject to a decline.
Basically there are two main phenomena:
• the reduction of air density causes a lower efficiency in heat transfer. The
allowable heating conditions for the various parts of the circuit-breaker can
only be followed if the value of the rated uninterrupted current is decreased;
• the rarefaction of the air causes a decrease in dielectric rigidity, so the usual
isolation distances become insufficient. This leads to a decrease in the
maximum rated voltage at which the device can be used.

The correction factors for the different types of circuit-breakers, both moulded- case
and air circuit-breakers, are given in the following table:

Rated operational voltage Ue [V]

Altitude 2000[m] 3000[m] 4000[m] 5000[m]
Tmax* 690 600 500 440
Isomax 690 600 500 440
Emax 690 600 500 440

Rated uninterrupted current Iu [A]

Altitude 2000[m] 3000[m] 4000[m] 5000[m]
Tmax 100% 98% 93% 90%
Isomax 100% 95% 90% 85%
Emax 100% 98% 93% 90%
*Excluding Tmax T1P

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 175

 3 General characteristics

3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

A switch disconnector as defined by the standard IEC 60947-3 is a mechanical

switching device which, when in the open position, carries out a disconnecting
function and ensures an isolating distance (distance between contacts) sufficient
to guarantee safety. This safety of disconnection must be guaranteed and verified
by the positive operation: the operating lever must always indicate the actual
position of the mobile contacts of the device.
The mechanical switching device must be able to make, carry and break currents
in normal circuit conditions, including any overload currents in normal service,
and to carry, for a specified duration, currents in abnormal circuit conditions,
such as, for example, short-circuit conditions.

Switch disconnectors are often used as:

• main sub-switchboard devices;
• switching and disconnecting devices for lines, busbars or load units;
• bus-tie.

The switch disconnector shall ensure that the whole plant or part of it is not live,
safely disconnecting from any electrical supply. The use of such a switch
disconnector allows, for example, personnel to carry out work on the plant
without risks of electrical nature.
Even if the use of a single pole devices side by side is not forbidden, the standards
recommend the use of multi-pole devices so as to guarantee the simultaneous
isolation of all poles in the circuit.
The specific rated characteristics of switch disconnectors are defined by the
standard IEC 60947-3, as detailed below:
• Icw [kA]: rated short-time withstand current:
is the current that a switch is capable of carrying, without damage, in the
closed position for a specific duration
• Icm [kA]: rated short-circuit making capacity:
is the maximum peak value of a short-circuit current which the switch
disconnector can close without damages. When this value is not given by the
manufacturer it must be taken to be at least equal to the peak current
corresponding to Icw. It is not possible to define a breaking capacity Icu [kA]
since switch disconnectors are not required to break short-circuit currents
• utilization categories with alternating current AC and with direct
current DC:
define the kind of the conditions of using which are represented by two letters
to indicate the type of circuit in which the device may be installed (AC for
alternating current and DC for direct current), with a two digit number for the
type of load which must be operated, and an additional letter (A or B) which
represents the frequency in the using.
With reference to the utilization categories, the product standard defines the
current values which the switch disconnector must be able to break and
make under abnormal conditions.

176 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

3 General characteristics
The characteristics of the utilization categories are detailed in Table 1 below.
The most demanding category in alternating current is AC23A, for which the
device must be capable of connecting a current equal to 10 times the rated
current of the device, and of disconnecting a current equal to 8 times the rated
current of the device.

From the point of view of construction, the switch disconnector is a very simple
device. It is not fitted with devices for overcurrent detection and the consequent
automatic interruption of the current. Therefore the switch disconnector cannot
be used for automatic protection against overcurrent which may occur in the
case of failure, protection must be provided by a coordinated circuit-breaker.
The combination of the two devices allows the use of switch disconnectors in
systems in which the short-circuit current value is greater than the electrical
parameters which define the performance of the disconnector (back-up
protection see Chapter 4.4. This is valid only for Isomax and Tmax switch-
disconnectors. For the Emax/MS air disconnectors, it must be verified that the
values for Icw and Icm are higher to the values for short-circuit in the plant and
correspondent peak, respectively.

Table1: Utilization categories

Utilization categories
Nature Utilization category Typical applications
of current Frequent Non-frequent
operation operation
AC-20A AC-20B Connecting and disconnecting under no-load conditions

AC-21A AC-21B Switching of resistive loads including moderate overloads

Alternating
Current AC-22A AC-22B Switching of mixed resistive and inductive loads, including
moderate overload
AC-23A AC-23B Switching of motor loads or other highly inductive loads

DC-20A DC-20B Connecting and disconnecting under no-load conditions

Direct DC-21A DC-21B Switching of resistive loads including moderate overloads

Current
DC-22A DC-22B Switching of mixed resistive and inductive loads, including
moderate overload (e.g. shunt motors)
DC-23A DC-23B Switching of highly inductive loads

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 177

 3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

3 General characteristics
Tables 2, 3 and 4 detail the main characteristics of the disconnectors.

Table 2: Tmax switch disconnectors

T1D
Conventional thermal current, Ith [A] 160
Rated current in AC-22A utilization category, Ie [A] 160
Rated current in AC-23A utilization category, Ie [A] 125
Poles [Nr] 3/4
50-60 Hz [Vac] 690
Rated operational voltage, Ue
dc [Vdc] 500
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV] 8
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V] 800
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 minute [V] 3000
(min) switch disconnector only [kA] 2.8
Rated short-circuit making capacity (415Vac), Icm
(max) with circuit-breaker on supply side [kA] 187
Rated short time withstand current for 1s, Icw [kA] 2
Insulation behaviour
Reference standard IEC 60947-3
Versions F

Terminals FC Cu - EF
FC CuAl

Mechanical life [No. Of operations] 25000

[Operation per hour] 120
3 poles L [mm] 76
4 poles L [mm] 102
Basic dimensions, fixed
D [mm] 130
H [mm] 70
3/4 poles fixed [kg] 0.9/1.2
Weight 3/4 poles plug-in [kg] -
3/4 poles withdrawable [kg] -

178 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

3 General characteristics

T1D T3D T4D T5D

160 250 250/320 400/630
160 250 250/320 400/630
125 200 250 400
3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4
Vac] 690 690 690 690
] 500 500 750 750
8 8 8 8
800 800 800 800
3000 3000 3000 3000
ector only [kA] 2.8 5.3 5,3 11
on supply side [kA] 187 105 440 440
2 3.6 3.6 6

IEC 60947-3 IEC 60947-3 IEC 60947-3 IEC 60947-3

F F-P F-P-W F-P-W

FC Cu - EF F - FC Cu - FC CuAl F - FCCu - FCCuAl - EF-ES F - FCCu - FCCuAl -EF

FC CuAl EF-ES - R - FC CuAl R- MC -HR - VR ES- R - HR - VR

ations] 25000 25000 20000 20000

r hour] 120 120 120 120
mm] 76 105 105 140
mm] 102 140 140 184
130 150 205 205
70 70 103,5 103,5
d [kg] 0.9/1.2 2.1/3 2.35/3.05 3.25/4.15
-in [kg] - 2.1/3.7 3.6/4.65 5.15/6.65
wable [kg] - - 3.85/4.9 5.4/6.9

KEY TO VERSIONS KEY TO TERMINALS FC CuAl = Front for copper or aluminium cables VR = Rear vertical flat bar
F = Fixed F = Front R = Rear threaded
P = Plug-in EF = Extended front RC = Rear for copper or aluminium cables
W = Withdrawable ES = Extended spreaded front HR = Rear horizontal flat bar

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 179

 3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

3 General characteristics

Table 3: SACE Isomax switch disconnectors

Conventional thermal current at 40 °C, Ith [A]
Number of poles Nr.
Rated operational voltage, Ue (ac) 50-60Hz [V~]
(dc) [V–]
Rated current, Ie [A]
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV]
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V]
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 min. [V]
Rated short-circuit making capacity (415 V~), Icm [kA]
Rated short-time withstand current for 1 s, Icw [kA]
Isolation behaviour
IEC 60947-3
Versions
Terminals fixed

plug-in
withdrawable
Mechanical life [No. of operations / operation per hour]
Basic dimensions, fixed L (3/4 poles) [mm]
D [mm]
H [mm]
Weight, fixed 3/4 poles [kg]

Table 4: Emax switch disconnectors

E1B/MS E1N/MS E2B/MS E2N/MS E3N/M
Rated uninterrupted current [A] 800 800 1600 1250 2500
(a 40 °C) Ith [A] 1250 1250 2000 1600 3200
[A] 2000
[A]
[A]
Rated operational voltage Ue [V ~] 690 690 690 690 690
[V –] 250 250 250 250 250
Rated insulation voltage Ui [V ~] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Rated impulse withstand
voltage Uimp [kV] 12 12 12 12 12
Rated short-time
withstand current Icw (1s) [kA] 36 50 42 55 65
(3s) [kA] 36 36 42 42 65
Rated short-circuit making capacity (peak value) Icm
220/230/380/400/415/440 V ~[kA] 75.6 105 88.2 121 143
500/660/690 V ~ [kA] 75.6 75.6 88.2 121 143

180 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 3.7 Electrical characteristics of switch disconnectors

3 General characteristics

S6D S7D S8D

630-800 1000 / 1250 / 1600 2000 / 2500 / 3200
3/4 3/4 3/4
690 690 690
750 750 750
630-800 1000-1250-1600 2000-2500-3200
8 8 8
800 800 800
3000 3000 3000
30 52,5 85
15 25 40

F-W F-W F
F - EF - FC CuAl F - EF - FC CuAl (1250A) EF (2500A)-R
R - RC HR - VR
- - -
F - HR - VR F - HR - VR -
20000/120 10000/120 10000/20
210/280 210/280 406/556
103,5 138,5 242
268 406 400
9.5/12 17/22 57/76

N/MS E2B/MS E2N/MS E3N/MS E3S/MS E4S/MS E4S/fMS E4H/MS E6H/MS E6H/f MS
800 1600 1250 2500 1250 4000 4000 3200 5000 5000
1250 2000 1600 3200 1600 4000 6300 6300
2000 2000
2500
3200
690 690 690 690 690 690 690 690 690 690
250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250 250
1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

50 42 55 65 75 75 80 100 100 100

36 42 42 65 65 75 75 75 85 85

105 88.2 121 143 165 165 176 220 220 220
75.6 88.2 121 143 165 165 165 187 220 220

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 181

 4 Protection coordination
4.1 Protection coordination
The design of a system for protecting an electric network is of fundamental
importance both to ensure the correct economic and functional operation of
the installation as a whole and to reduce to a minimum any problem caused by
anomalous operating conditions and/or malfunctions.
The present analysis discusses the coordination between the different devices
dedicated to the protection of zones and specific components with a view to:
• guaranteeing safety for people and installation at all times;
• identifying and rapidly excluding only the zone affected by a problem, instead
of taking indiscriminate actions and thus reducing the energy available to the
rest of the network;
• containing the effects of a malfunction on other intact parts of the network
(voltage dips, loss of stability in the rotating machines);
• reducing the stress on components and damage in the affected zone;
• ensuring the continuity of the service with a good quality feeding voltage;
• guaranteeing an adequate back-up in the event of any malfunction of the
protective device responsible for opening the circuit;
• providing staff and management systems with the information they need to
restore the service as rapidly as possible and with a minimal disturbance to
the rest of the network;
• achieving a valid compromise between reliability, simplicity and cost
effectiveness.

To be more precise, a valid protection system must be able to:

• understand what has happened and where it has happened, discriminating
between situations that are anomalous but tolerable and faults within a given
zone of influence, avoiding unnecessary tripping and the consequent
unjustified disconnection of a sound part of the system;
• take action as rapidly as possible to contain damage (destruction, accelerated
ageing, ...), safeguarding the continuity and stability of the power supply.
The most suitable solution derives from a compromise between these two
opposing needs - to identify precisely the fault and to act rapidly - and is defined
in function of which of these two requirements takes priority.

Over-current coordination
Influence of the network’s electrical parameters (rated current and short-
circuit current)
The strategy adopted to coordinate the protective devices depends mainly on
the rated current (In) and short-circuit current (Ik) values in the considered point
of network.
Generally speaking, we can classify the following types of coordination:

• current discrimination;
• time (or time-current) discrimination;
• zone (or logical) discrimination;
• energy discrimination;
• back-up.

182 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
Definition of discrimination
The over-current discrimination is defined in the Standards as “coordination
of the operating characteristics of two or more over-current protective devices
such that, on the incidence of over-currents within stated limits, the device
intended to operate within these limits does so, while the others do not opera-
te” (IEC 60947-1, def. 2.5.23);
It is possible to distinguish between:
• total discrimination, which means “over-current discrimination such that, in
the case of two over-current protective devices in series, the protective device
on the load side provides protection without tripping the other protective device”
(IEC 60947-2, def. 2.17.2);
• partial discrimination, which means “over-current discrimination such that,
in the case of two over-current protective devices in series, the protective
device on the load side provides protection up to a given over-current limit
without tripping the other” (IEC 60947-2, def. 2.17.3); this over-current threshold
is called “discrimination limit current Is” (IEC 60947-2, def. 2.17.4).

Current discrimination
This type of discrimination is based on the observation that the closer the fault
comes to the network’s feeder, the greater the short-circuit current will be. We
can therefore pinpoint the zone where the fault has occurred simply by calibrating
the instantaneous protection of the device upstream to a limit value higher than
the fault current which causes the tripping of the device downstream.
We can normally achieve total discrimination only in specific cases where the
fault current is not very high (and comparable with the device’s rated current) or
where a component with high impedance is between the two protective devices
(e.g. a transformer, a very long or small cable...) giving rise to a large difference
between the short-circuit current values.

This type of coordination is consequently feasible mainly in final distribution

networks (with low rated current and short-circuit current values and a high
impedance of the connection cables).
The devices’ time-current tripping curves are generally used for the study.
This solution is:
• rapid;
• easy to implement;
• and inexpensive.

On the other hand:

• the discrimination limits are normally low;
• increasing the discrimination levels causes a rapid growing of the device sizes.

The following example shows a typical application of current discrimination based

on the different instantaneous tripping threshold values of the circuit-breakers
considered.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 183

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
With a fault current value at the defined point equal to 1000 A, an adequate
coordination is obtained by using the considered circuit-breakers as verified in
the tripping curves of the protection devices.
The discrimination limit is given by the minimum magnetic threshold of the
circuit-breaker upstream, T1B160 In160.
Time-current Curves
[s] 104
U Ur = 400V

103

T1B 160 In160 102

T1B160In25
101

1
Cable
T1B160In160

10 -1

1SDC008014F0001
T1D 160 10 -2

10 -1 1 10 1 I [kA]
T1B 160 In25

Ik=1kA

Time discrimination
This type of discrimination is an evolution from the previous one. The setting
strategy is therefore based on progressively increasing the current thresholds
and the time delays for tripping the protective devices as we come closer to the
power supply source. As in the case of current discrimination, the study is
based on a comparison of the time-current tripping curves of the protective
devices.
This type of coordination:
• is easy to study and implement;
• is relatively inexpensive;
• enables to achieve even high discrimination levels, depending on the Icw of
the upstream device;
• allows a redundancy of the protective functions and can send valid information
to the control system,
but has the following disadvantages:
• the tripping times and the energy levels that the protective devices (especially
those closer to the sources) let through are high, with obvious problems
concerning safety and damage to the components even in zones unaffected
by the fault;

184 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
• it enables the use of current-limiting circuit-breakers only at levels hierarchically
lower down the chain; the other circuit-breakers have to be capable of
withstanding the thermal and electro-dynamic stresses related to the passage
of the fault current for the intentional time delay. Selective circuit-breakers,
often air type, have to be used for the various levels to guarantee a sufficiently
high short-time withstand current;
• the duration of the disturbance induced by the short-circuit current on the
power supply voltages in the zones unaffected by the fault can cause problems
with electronic and electro-mechanical devices (voltage below the
electromagnetic releasing value);
• the number of discrimination levels is limited by the maximum time that the
network can stand without loss of stability.

The following example shows a typical application of time discrimination obtained

by setting differently the tripping times of the different protection devices.

Electronic release: L (Long delay) S (Short delay) I (IST)

Setting: 0.9 Setting: 8
E4S 4000 PR111-LSI In4000 Off
Curve: B Curve: D
Setting: 1 Setting: 10
E3N 2500 PR111-LSI In2500 Off
Curve: A Curve: C
Setting: 1
S7H 1600 PR211-LI In1600 Setting: 10
Curve: A

U Ur = 15000 V

Time-Current Curves
[s] 104
Sr = 2500 kVA
Ur2 = 400 V
uk% = 6%
103

E4S 4000 PR111-LSI In4000 102

E4S4000

101

E3N 2500 PR111-LSI In2500 1

1SDC008015F0001

10 -1 S7H1600 E3N2500

S7H 1600 PR211-LI In1600

10 -2

Ik=60kA 10 1 10 2 10 3 I [kA]
1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 185

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
Zone (or logical) discrimination
This type of coordination is implemented by means of a dialogue between
current measuring devices that, when they ascertain that a setting threshold
has been exceeded, give the correct identification and disconnection only of
the zone affected by the fault.
It is available with the circuit-breakers of Emax series only.
In practice, it can be implemented in two ways:
• the releases send information on the preset current threshold that has been
exceeded to the supervisor system and the latter decides which protective
device has to trip;
• in the event of current values exceeding its setting threshold, each protective
device sends a blocking signal via a direct connection or bus to the protective
device higher in the hierarchy (i.e. upstream with respect to the direction of
the power flow) and, before it trips, it makes sure that a similar blocking signal
has not arrived from the protective device downstream; in this way, only the
protective device immediately upstream of the fault trips.

The first mode foresees tripping times of about one second and is used mainly
in the case of not particularly high short-circuit currents where a power flow is
not uniquely defined.
The second mode enables distinctly shorter tripping times: with respect to a
time discrimination coordination, there is no longer any need to increase the
intentional time delay progressively as we move closer to the source of the
power supply. The maximum delay is in relation to the time necessary to detect
any presence of a blocking signal sent from the protective device downstream.
Advantages:
• reduction of the tripping times and increase of the safety level; the tripping
times will be around 100 milliseconds;
• reduction of both the damages caused by the fault as well of the disturbances
in the power supply network;
• reduction of the thermal and dynamic stresses on the circuit-breakers and on
the components of the system;
• large number of discrimination levels;
• redundancy of protections: in case of malfunction of zone discrimination, the
tripping is ensured by the settings of the other protection functions of the
circuit-breakers. In particular, it is possible to adjust the time-delay protection
functions against short-circuit at increasing time values, the closer they are to
the network’s feeder.
Disadvantages:
• higher costs;
• greater complexity of the system (special components, additional wiring,
auxiliary power sources, ...).

This solution is therefore used mainly in systems with high rated current and
high short-circuit current values, with precise needs in terms of both safety and
continuity of service: in particular, examples of logical discrimination can be
often found in primary distribution switchboards, immediately downstream of
transformers and generators and in meshed networks.

186 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
Energy discrimination
Energy coordination is a particular type of discrimination that exploits the current-
limiting characteristics of moulded-case circuit-breakers. It is important to
remember that a current-limiting circuit-breaker is “a circuit-breaker with a break
time short enough to prevent the short-circuit current reaching its otherwise
attainable peak value” (IEC 60947-2, def. 2.3).
In practice, ABB SACE moulded-case circuit-breakers of Isomax and Tmax
series, under short-circuit conditions, are extremely rapid (tripping times of about
some milliseconds) and therefore it is impossible to use the time-current curves
for the coordination studies.
The phenomena are mainly dynamic (and therefore proportional to the square
of the instantaneous current value) and can be described by using the specific
let-through energy curves.
In general, it is necessary to verify that the let-through energy of the circuit-
breaker downstream is lower than the energy value needed to complete the
opening of the circuit-breaker upstream.
This type of discrimination is certainly more difficult to consider than the previous
ones because it depends largely on the interaction between the two devices
placed in series and demands access to data often unavailable to the end user.
Manufacturers provide tables, rules and calculation programs in which the
minimum discrimination limits are given between different combinations of circuit-
breakers.
Advantages:
• fast breaking, with tripping times which reduce as the short-circuit current
increases;
• reduction of the damages caused by the fault (thermal and dynamic stresses),
of the disturbances to the power supply system, of the costs...;
• the discrimination level is no longer limited by the value of the short-time
withstand current Icw which the devices can withstand;
• large number of discrimination levels;
• possibility of coordination of different current-limiting devices (fuses, circuit-
breakers,..) even if they are positioned in intermediate positions along the
chain.
Disadvantage:
• difficulty of coordination between circuit-breakers of similar sizes.

This type of coordination is used above all for secondary and final distribution
networks, with rated currents below 1600A.

Back-up protection
The back-up protection is an “over-current coordination of two over-current
protective devices in series where the protective device, generally but not
necessarily on the supply side, effects the over-current protection with or without
the assistance of the other protective device and prevents any excessive stress
on the latter” (IEC 60947-1, def. 2.5.24).
Besides, IEC 60364-4-43, § 434.5.1 states: “… A lower breaking capacity is
admitted if another protective device having the necessary breaking capacity is
installed on the supply side. In that case, characteristics of the devices, must
be co-ordinated so that the energy let through by these two devices does not
exceed that which can be withstood without damage by the device on the load
side and the conductors protected by these devices.”

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 187

 4.1 Protection coordination

4 Protection coordination
Advantages:
• cost-saving solution;
• extremely rapid tripping.
Disadvantages:
• extremely low discrimination values;
• low service quality, since at least two circuit-breakers in series have to trip.

Coordination between circuit-breaker and switch

disconnector

The switch disconnector

The switch disconnectors derive from the corresponding circuit-breakers, of

which they keep the overall dimensions, the fixing systems and the possibility
of mounting all the accessories provided for the basic versions. They are devices
which can make, carry and break currents under normal service conditions of
the circuit.
They can also be used as general circuit-breakers in sub-switchboards, as
bus-ties, or to isolate installation parts, such as lines, busbars or groups of
loads.
Once the contacts have opened, these switches guarantee isolation thanks to
their contacts, which are at the suitable distance to prevent an arc from striking
in compliance with the prescriptions of the standards regarding aptitude to
isolation.

Protection of switch disconnectors

Each switch disconnector shall be protected by a coordinated device which

safeguards it against overcurrents, usually a circuit-breaker able to limit the
short-circuit current and the let-through energy values at levels acceptable for
the switch-disconnector.
As regards overload protection, the rated current of the circuit-breaker shall be
lower than or equal to the size of the disconnector to be protected.
Regarding Isomax and Tmax series switch disconnectors the coordination tables
show the circuit-breakers which can protect them against the indicated
prospective short-circuit currents values.
Regarding Emax series switch disconnectors it is necessary to verify that the
short-circuit current value at the installation point is lower than the short-time
withstand current Icw of the disconnector, and that the peak value is lower than
the making current value (Icm).

188 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4 Protection coordination

4.2 Discrimination tables

The tables below give the selectivity values of short-circuit currents (in kA)
between pre-selected combinations of circuit-breakers, for voltages from 380
to 415 V. The tables cover the possible combinations of ABB SACE Emax air
circuit-breakers series, ABB SACE Isomax and Tmax moulded-case circuit-
breakers series and the series of ABB modular circuit-breakers.
The values are obtained following particular rules which, if not respected, may
give selectivity values which in some cases may be much lower than those
given. Some of these guidelines are generally valid and are indicated below;
others refer exclusively to particular types of circuit-breakers and will be subject
to notes below the relevant table.

General rules:
• the function l of electronic releases (PR111-PR112-PR113, PR211/P-PR212/
P, PR221DS-PR222DS/P) of upstream breakers must be excluded (l3 in OFF);
• the magnetic trip of thermomagnetic (TM) or magnetic only (MO) breakers
positioned upstream must be ≥ 10·In and set to the maximum threshold;
• it is fundamentally important to verify that the setting adopted by the user for
the electronic and thermomagnetic releases of breakers positioned either
upstream or downstream do not cause intersections in the time-current curves.

Notes for the correct reading of the coordination tables:

The limit value of selectivity is obtained considering the lower among the given
value, the breaking capacity of the CB on the supply side and the breaking
capacity of the CB on the load side.
The letter T indicates total selectivity for the given combination, the corresponding
value in kA is obtained considering the lower of the downstream and upstream
circuit-breakers’ breaking capacities (Icu).

The following tables show the breaking capacities at 415Vac for SACE Emax,
Isomax and Tmax circuit-breakers.

Tmax @ 415V ac Isomax @ 415V ac Emax @ 415V ac

Version Icu [kA] Version Icu [kA] Version Icu [kA]
B 16 N 35* B 42
C 25 S 50 N 65**
N 36 H 65 S 75
S 50 L 100 H 100
H 70 L 130
L (for T2) 85 V 150
L (for T4-T5) 120
* Versions certified at 36 kA
V 200 ** For Emax E1 version N Icu=50 kA
Keys
For MCCB (Moulded-case circuit-breaker) For MCB (Modular circuit-breaker):
ACB (Air circuit-breaker) B = charatteristic trip (I3=3...5In)
TM = thermomagnetic release C = charatteristic trip (I3=5...10In)
– TMD (Tmax) D = charatteristic trip (I3=10...20In)
– TMA (Tmax) K = charatteristic trip (I3=8...14In)
– T adjustable M adjustable (Isomax) Z = charatteristic trip (I3=2...3In)
M = magnetic only release
– MF (Tmax)
– MA (Tmax)
EL = elettronic release
– PR111/P - PR112/P - PR113/P (Emax)
– PR211/P - PR212/P (Isomax)
– PR221DS - PR222DS (Tmax)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 189

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Example:
From the selectivity table on page 213 it can be seen that breakers E2N1250
and T5H400,correctly set, are selective up to 55kA (higer than the short-circuit
current at the busbar).
From the selectivity table on page 206 it can be seen that, between T5H400
and T1N160 In125, the total sectivity is granted; as aleady specified on age
189 this means selectivity up to the breaking capacity of T1N and therefore up
to 36 kA (higher than the short-circuit current at the busbar).
Time-current Curves
t [s] 104
U Ur = 400V

103

E2N 1250 In1250

E2N1250 In1250
102

Cable
101

Ik=50kA T5H400 In400

1

T1N160 In125

1SDC008016F0001
T5H400 10-1

10-2
Cable

Ik=22kA 10-1 1 101 22kA 50kA I [A]

T1N160 In125

From the curves it is evident that between breakers E2N1250 and T5H400
time discrimination exists, while between breakers T5H400 and T1N160 there
is energy discrimination.

190 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCB-MCB
MCB - S2.. B @ 415V

Supply s.
S290 S500
Char. D D
Icu [kA] 15 50
7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 80 100 32 40 50 63
- - - - - ≤2
- - - - - 3
- - - - - 4
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 6 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 8 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 10 5 8 1 1.5 2 3
Load s.

- S250-S260 S270 - S280 13 4.5 7 1.5 2 3

B
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 16 4,5 7 2 3
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 20 3.5 5 2.5
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 25 3.5 5
- S250-S260 S270 S280 - 32 4.5
- S250-S260 S270 S280 - 40
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 50
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 63

MCB - S2.. C @ 415V

Supply s.
S290 S500
Char. D D
Icu [kA] 15 50
7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 80 100 32 40 50 63
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 3 T T 3 6 T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 4 T T 2 3 6 T
S240 S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 6 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
S240 S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 8 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 10 5 8 1 1.5 2 3
Load s.

S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 13 4.5 7 1.5 2 3

C
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 16 4,5 7 2 3
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 20 3.5 5 2.5
25 3.5 5
1SDC008004F0201

S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280

S240 S250-S260 S270 S280 - 32 4.5
S240 S250-S260 S270 S280 - 40
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 50
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 63

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 191

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCB-MCB
MCB - S2.. D @ 415V MCB - S2.. Z @

Supply s.
S290 S500
Char. D D Char.
Icu [kA] 15 50 Icu [kA
7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 80 100 32 40 50 63 7.5
- - S270 - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T -
- - S270-S280 - - 3 T T 3 6 T T -
- - S270-S280 - - 4 T T 2 3 6 T -
- - S270-S280 - - 6 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5 -
- - S270-S280 - - 8 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5 -
- - S270 - S280 10 5 8 1 1.5 2 3 -
Load s.

Load s.
- - S270 - S280 13 3 5 1.5 2 -
D Z
- - S270 - S280 16 3 5 2 -
- - S270 - S280 20 3 5 -
- - S270 - S280 25 2.5 4 -
- - S270 S280 - 32 4 -
- - S270 S280 - 40 -
- - S270-S280 - - 50 -
- - S270-S280 - - 63 -

MCB - S2.. K @ 415V

Supply s.
S290 S500
Char. D D
Icu [kA] 15 50
7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 80 100 32 40 50 63
- S250 - - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T
- S250 S280 - - 3 T T 3 6 T T
- S250 S280 - - 4 T T 2 3 6 T
- S250 S280 - - 6 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
- S250 S280 - - 8 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
- S250 - - S280 10 5 8 1.5 2 3
Load s.

- - - - S280 13 3 5 1.5 2
K
- S250 - - S280 16 3 5 2
- S250 - - S280 20 3 5
- S250 - - S280 25 4
- S250 - S280 - 32
- S250 - S280 - 40
- S250 S280 - - 50
- S250 S280 - - 63

192 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

MCB - S2.. Z @ 415V

ply s. Supply s.
S500 S290 S500
D Char. D D
50 Icu [kA] 15 50
40 50 63 7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 80 100 32 40 50 63
T T T - S270 - - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T
6 T T - S270 S280 - - 3 T T 3 6 T T
3 6 T - S270 S280 - - 4 T T 2 3 6 T
5 2 3 5.5 - S270 S280 - - 6 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
5 2 3 5.5 - S270 S280 - - 8 10.5 T 1.5 2 3 5.5
1.5 2 3 - S270 - - S280 10 5 8 1 1.5 2 3
Load s.

1.5 2 - - - - S280 13 4.5 7 1 1.5 2 3

Z
2 - S270 - - S280 16 4.5 7 1 1.5 2 3
- S270 - - S280 20 3.5 5 1.5 2 2.5

1SDC008005F0201
- S270 - - S280 25 3.5 5 2 2.5
- S270 - S280 - 32 3 4.5 2
- S270 - S280 - 40 3 4.5
- S270 S280 - - 50 3
- S270 S280 - - 63

ply s.
S500
D
50
2 40 50 63
T T T
6 T T
3 6 T
5 2 3 5.5
5 2 3 5.5
1.5 2 3
1.5 2
2

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 193

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCB/MCCB - S500
MCB/MCCB - S500 @ 415V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L, V
Release TM
Supply s. S290 D T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3

Load s. Char. Icu [kA] In [A] 80 100 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 25
6 6 10 4.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 15 20 25 36 36 36
10 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 8 10 20 25 36 36 36
13 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
16 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
20 6 7.5 4.5(1) 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
B, C 50
25 4.5 6 4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 36 36 36
32 6 4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 36 36 36
40 5(1) 10 20 36 36 36
50 5(1) 7.5(2) 15 36 36 36
63 5(2) 6(3) 36 36 36
6 6 10 4.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 15 20 25 36 36 36
10 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 8 10 20 25 36 36 36
13 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
16 6 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
20 6 7.5 4.5(1) 4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36
D 50 25 4.5 6 4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 36 36 36
S500
32 6 4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 36 36 36
40 5(1) 10 20 36 36 36
50 5(1) 7.5(2) 15 36 36 36
63 5(2) 6(3) 36 36 36
≤5.8 T T 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 50 T T
50 5.3…8 10 T 4.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 36 36 36 50 T T
7.3…11 7.5 T 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 8 36 36 36 50 T T
10…15 4.5 10 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T
K 14…20 4.5 6 4.5(1) 4.5 4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T
18…26 4.5 4.5(1) 4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T
30 23…32 4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 T T T
29…37 4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 T T T
34…41 5(1) 10 20 T T T
38…45 5(1) 7.5(2) 15 T T T
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.

194 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

V B, C, N, S, H, L, V
TM EL
T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4-T5
200÷ 100÷
50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 320 10 25 63 100 160 630
5.5 10.5 15 20 25 36 36 36 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 16 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 8 10 20 25 36 36 36 6.5 6.5(4) 6.5 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 6.5 5(4) 6.5 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 5(4) 6.5 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 4(4) 6.5 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 36 36 36 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 36 36 36 6.5 8 T T T T 36 36 36 T
5(1) 10 20 36 36 36 5(4) 6.5 T T T T 36 36 T
5(1) 7.5(2) 15 36 36 36 5(4) 7.5 T T T 36 36 T
5(2) 6(3) 36 36 36 5(4) 7 T T 36 T
5.5 10.5 15 20 25 36 36 36 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 16 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 8 10 20 25 36 36 36 6.5 6.5(4) 6.5 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 5(4) 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 6.5 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 25 36 36 36 6.5(4) 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 36 36 36 6.5(4) 11 T T T T 36 36 36 T
4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 36 36 36 8 T T T T 36 36 36 T
5(1) 10 20 36 36 36 6.5(4) T(4) T T T 36 36 T
5(1) 7.5(2) 15 36 36 36 7.5(4) T(4) T T 36 36 T
5(2) 6(3) 36 36 36 7(4) T(4) T 36 T
36 36 36 36 36 50 T T 40 40(4) 40 40 40 T T T T 50 50 50 50 50 T
5.5 10.5 36 36 36 50 T T 6 6(4) 6 6 40 T T T T 50 50 50 50 T
4.5 8 36 36 36 50 T T 5(4) 5 5 40 T T T T 50 50 50 50 T
4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T 5(4) 5 12 T T T T T T T T T
4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T 5 12 T T T T T T T T
1SDC008006F0201

4.5 7.5 10 15 T T T T 5(4) 12(4) T T T T T T T T

4.5(1) 6 10 15 20 T T T 5(4) 12(4) T(4) T T T T T T T
4.5(1) 7.5 10 20 T T T 5(4) 8(4) T(4) T(4) T T T T T
5(1) 10 20 T T T 6(4) T(4) T(4) T T T T T
5(1) 7.5(2) 15 T T T 6(4) 8(4) T(4) T(4) T T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 195

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - S2..
MCCB - S2.. B @ 415V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L

Release TM
Char. Icu [kA] Supply s. T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3

7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 20

- - - - - ≤2
- - - - - 3
- - - - - 4
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 6 5.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- S250-S260 S270 - - 8 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 10 3(1) 3 3 3 4.5 7.5 8.5 17 T T T
Load s.

- S250-S260 S270 - S280 13 3(1) 3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T

B
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 16 3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 20 3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T
- S250-S260 S270 - S280 25 3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T
- S250-S260 S270 S280 - 32 3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T
- S250-S260 S270 S280 - 40 5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 50 3(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 63 5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T
- - - - - 80
- - - - - 100
- - - - - 125
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.

196 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

, H, L B, C, N, S, H, L,V
TM/
TM EL EL
T1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4 T5
100 250 320÷
32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 10 25 63 100 160 160 320 630

5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T

5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 7.5 8.5 17 T T T T 5 5(4) 5 6.5 9 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T T 5(4) 5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T T 3(4) 5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T T 5(4) 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T T 6.5 T T T T T T T T T T T

1SDC008007F0201
3(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T T 5(4) T T T T T T 10.5 10.5 T T T
5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T T T(4) T(4) T T T T 10.5 T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 197

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - S2..
MCCB - S2.. C @ 415V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L

Release TM
Char. Icu [kA] Supply s. T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3

7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 20

- S250-S260 S270 - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 3 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 4 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
S240 S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 6 5.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
S240 S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 8 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 10 3(1) 3 3 3 4.5 7.5 8.5 17 T T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 13 3(1) 3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 16 3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T
Load s.

C 3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 20
S240 S250-S260 S270 - S280 25 3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 S280 - 32 3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T
S240 S250-S260 S270 S280 - 40 5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 50 3(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T
- S250-S260 S270-S280 - - 63 5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T
- - S290 - - 80 4(3) 10
- - S290 - - 100 4(3) 7.5
- - S290 - - 125 7.5
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.
(5) Value for the supply side T4 In160 circuit-breaker.

198 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

, H, L B, C, N, S, H, L,V
TM/
TM EL EL
1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4 T5
100 250 320÷
32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 10 25 63 100 160 160 320 630
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 7.5 8.5 17 T T T T 5 5(4) 5 6.5 9 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T T 5(4) 5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T T 3(4) 5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T T 5(4) 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T T 6.5 T T T T T T T T T T T

1SDC008008F0201
3(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T T 5(4) T T T T T T 10.5 10.5 T T T
5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T T T(4) T(4) T T T T 10.5 T T T
4(3) 10 15 5 11 T T 4 T(5) T T
4(3) 7.5(3) 15 5(4) 8 T T 4 12(4 T T
7.5(3) 8(4) 12 T 4 T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 199

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - S2..
MCCB - S2.. D @ 415V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L

Release TM
Char. Icu [kA] Supply s. T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3

7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200

- - S270 - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- - S270-S280 - - 3 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- - S270-S280 - - 4 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- - S270-S280 - - 6 5.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- - S270-S280 - - 8 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 12 T T T T
- - S270 - S280 10 3(1) 3 3 3 3 5 8.5 17 T T T
Load s.

- - - - S280 13 2(1) 2 2 3 5 8 13.5 T T

D
- - S270 - S280 16 2(1) 2 2 3 5 8 13.5 T T
- - S270 - S280 20 2(1) 2 3 4.5 6.5 11 T T
- - S270 - S280 25 2(1) 2.5 4 6 9.5 T T
- - S270 S280 - 32 4 6 9.5 T T
- - S270 S280 - 40 3(1) 5 8 T T
- - S270-S280 - - 50 2(1) 3(2) 5 9.5 T
- - S270-S280 - - 63 3(2) 5(3) 9.5 T
- - S290 - - 80 4(3) 10
- - S290 - - 100 4(3) 7.5
- - - - - 125
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.
(5) Value for the supply side T4 In160 circuit-breaker.

200 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

H, L B, C, N, S, H, L,V
TM/
TM EL EL
1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4 T5
100 250 320÷
32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 10 25 63 100 160 160 320 630
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 12 T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 3 5 8.5 17 T T T T 5 5(4) 5 5 9 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 2 2 3 5 8 13.5 T T T 5(4) 4 5.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 2 2 3 5 8 13.5 T T T 4 5.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 2 3 4.5 6.5 11 T T T 4(4) 5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 2.5 4 6 9.5 T T T 4(4) 4.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
4 6 9.5 T T T 4.5(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 5 8 T T T 4.5(4) T(4) T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3(2) 5 9.5 T T T(4) T(4) T T T T 9.5 9.5 T T T

1SDC008009F0201
3(2) 5(3) 9.5 T T T(4) T(4) T T T 9.5 T T T
4(3) 10 15 5 11 T T 4 T(5) T T
4(3) 7.5(3) 15 8 T T 4 12(5) T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 201

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - S2..
MCCB - S2.. K @ 415V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L

Release TM
Char. Icu [kA] Supply s. T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3

7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 20

- S250 - - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S250 S280 - - 3 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S250 S280 - - 4 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S250 S280 - - 6 5.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- S250 S280 - - 8 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 12 T T T T
- S250 - - S280 10 3(1) 3 3 3 3 6 8.5 17 T T T
Load s.

- - - - S280 13 2(1) 3 3 5 7.5 10 13.5 T T

K
- S250 - - S280 16 2(1) 3 3 4.5 7.5 10 13.5 T T
- S250 - - S280 20 2(1) 3 3.5 5.5 6.5 11 T T
- S250 - - S280 25 2(1) 3.5 5.5 6 9.5 T T
- S250 - S280 - 32 4.5 6 9,5 T T
- S250 - S280 - 40 3(1) 5 8 T T
- S250 S280 - - 50 2(1) 3(2) 6 9.5 T
- S250 S280 - - 63 3(2) 5.5(3) 9.5 T
- - S290 - - 80 4(3) 10
- - S290 - - 100 4(3) 7.5
- - - - - 125
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.
(5) Value for the supply side T4 In160 circuit-breaker.

202 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

H, L B, C, N, S, H, L,V
TM/
TM EL EL
1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4 T5
100 250 320÷
32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 10 25 63 100 160 160 320 630
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 12 T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 3 6 8.5 17 T T T T 5(4) 5 5 9 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3 3 5 7.5 10 13.5 T T T 5(4) 5 5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3 3 4.5 7.5 10 13.5 T T T 5(4) 5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3 3.5 5.5 6.5 11 T T T 5 6 T T T T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3.5 5.5 6 9.5 T T T 5(4) 6(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T
4.5 6 9,5 T T T 5(4) 6(4) T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 5 8 T T T 5.5(4) T(4) T(4) T T T T T T T T T
2(1) 3(2) 6 9.5 T T 5(4) T(4) T(4) T(4) T T T 9.5 9.5 T T T
3(2) 5.5(3) 9.5 T T T(4) T(4) T(4) T(4) T T 9.5 T T T
4(3) 10 15 5 11 T T 4 T(5) T T
4(3) 7.5(3) 15 5(4) 8 T T 4 12(5) T T

1SDC008010F0201

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 203

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - S2..
MCCB - S2.. Z @ 400V

Version B, C, N, S, H, L

Release TM
Char. Icu [kA] Supply s. T2 T1-T2 T1-T2-T3

7.5 10 15 20 25 In [A] 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200

- S270 - - S280 ≤2 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S270 S280 - - 3 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S270 S280 - - 4 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
- S270 S280 - - 6 5.5(1) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- S270 S280 - - 8 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T
- S270 - - S280 10 3(1) 3 3 3 4.5 8 8.5 17 T T T
- - - - S280 13 3(1) 3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T
Load s.

Z - S270 - - S280 16 3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T

- S270 - - S280 20 3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T
- S270 - - S280 25 3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T
- S270 - S280 - 32 3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T
- S270 - S280 - 40 5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T
- S270 S280 - - 50 4(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T
- S270 S280 - - 63 5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T
- - - - - 80
- - - - - 100
- - - - - 125
(1) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2 circuit-breaker.
(2) Value for the supply side magnetic only T2-T3 circuit-breaker.
(3) Value for the supply side magnetic only T3 circuit-breaker.
(4) Value for the supply side magnetic only T4 circuit-breaker.

204 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

H, L B, C, N, S, H, L,V
TM/
TM EL EL
1-T2 T1-T2-T3 T3 T4 T2 T4 T5
100 250 320÷
32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 10 25 63 100 160 160 320 630
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T(4) T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5 5.5 5.5 10.5 T T T T T T 7.5 7.5(4) 7.5 7.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 8 8.5 17 T T T T 5 5(4) 5 6.5 9 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3 3 4.5 7.5 7.5 12 20 T T T 5(4) 5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 4.5 5 7.5 12 20 T T T 5(4) 4.5 6.5 8 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 3 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 6.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 5 6 10 15 T T T 5 6.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
3(1) 6 7.5 12 T T T 5(4) 6.5 T T T T T T T T T T T T
5.5(1) 7.5 12 T T T 5 T T T T T T T T T T T
4(1) 5(2) 7.5 10.5 T T 3.5(4) T T T T T T 10.5 10.5 T T T

1SDC008011F0201
5(2) 6(3) 10.5 T T T(4) T T T T T 10.5 T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 205

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - MCCB
MCCB - T1 @ 415V

Supply s. T1 T2 T3 T4 T4
B,
Version C, N,S,H,L N,S N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V
N
Release TM TM,M EL TM,M TM,M EL
Iu [A] 160 160 250 250 320 250 320 400
Load s. I n [A] 160 160 25 63 100 160 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320 4
16 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
20 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
25 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
32 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
B
40 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
T1 TM 160
B
C 50 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
63 3 3 3 3 4 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
N 80 3 4 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
100 5 10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 T
125 10* 10 10 10 10 T
160 10 10 10 T

* Value for the supply side magnetic only circuit-breaker.

206 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

T4 T4 T5 S6 S7

H,L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L. S,H,L

M,M EL TM EL TM EL EL
0 320 250 320 400 630 400 630 800 1250 1600
00 125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320 400 500 630 320 400 630 800 800 1000 1250 1600
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
0* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
1SDC008012F0201

10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10* 10 10 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10* 10 10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 T T T T T T T T T T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 207

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - MCCB
MCCB T2 @ 415V

Supply
Montes. T1 T2 T3 T4 T4
Versione
Version B,
C, N,S,H,L N,S N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V
N
Relè
Release TM TM,M EL TM,M TM,M EL
Iu [A] 160 160 250 250 320 250 320 40
Valles.
Load I n [A] 160 160 25 63 100 160 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320
1.6-2.5 T T T T T T T T T T T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
3.2 T T T T T T T T T T T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
4-5 T T T T T T T T T T T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
6.3 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 40 T T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
8 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 40 T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 15 40 T* T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
12.5 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
16 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 T
N
20 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 55* 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 T
TM 160
S 25 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 40* 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T
T2 32 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 40* 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T
H 40 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 30* 30* 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T
L 50 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 30* 30* 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T
63 3 3 3 3 4 5 30* 30* 30* 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T
80 3 3* 4 5 25* 25* 25* 25 25 25 25 25 25 T
100 4 5 25* 25* 25* 25 25 25 25 25 T
125 25* 25* 25 25 25 T
160 25* 25 25 T
10 3 4 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T
25 3 4 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T
EL 160 63 3 4 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T
100 3 4 25 25 25 25 25 T
160 3 4 25 25 25 T

* Value for the supply side magnetic only circuit-breaker.

208 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

T4 T5 S6 S7

L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L. S,H,L

EL TM EL TM EL EL
320 250 320 400 630 400 630 800 1250 1600
125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320 400 500 630 320 400 630 800 800 10001250 1600
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 70 T T T T T T T T T T T T
55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 55 T T T T T T T T T T T T
40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T T T T T T T T T T T T
40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 T T T T T T T T T T T T
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T T T T T T T T T T T T
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T T T T T T T T T T T T
30* 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25* 25* 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25* 25* 25* 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25* 25* 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25* 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
1SDC008013F0201

25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25 25 25 T T T T T T T T T T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 209

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - MCCB
MCCB - T3 @ 415V

Supply s. T1 T2 T3 T4 T4
Version B,
C, N,S,H,L N,S N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V
N
Release TM TM.M EL TM.M TM.M EL
Iu [A] 160 160 250 250 320 250 320 4
Load s. I n [A] 160 160 25 63 100 160 160 200 250 20 25 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320
63 3 4 5 7* 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 25
80 3* 4 5 7* 7 7 7 7 7 7 25
100 4* 5 7* 7* 7 7 7 7 7 25
N
T3 TM 160 125 7* 7 7 7 20
S 160 7 7
200 7
250

* Value for the supply side magnetic only circuit-breaker.

MCCB - T4 @ 415V

Supply s. T5 S6 S7
Version
N,S,H,L N,S,H,L S,H,L

Relè
Release TM EL TM EL EL
Iu [A] 400 630 400 630 800 1250 1600
Valle s.
Load I n [A] 320 400 500 630 320 400 630 800 800 1000 1250 1600
20 T T T T T T T T T T T T
25 T T T T T T T T T T T T
32 T T T T T T T T T T T T
50 T T T T T T T T T T T T
80 T T T T T T T T T T T T
250
N. TM 100 50 50 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
S. 125 50 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
T4 H. 160 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
L. 200 50 50 50 T T T T T
V 250 50 50 T T T T T
320 320 50 T T T T T
100 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
250 160 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
EL
250 50 50 50 50 T T T T T
320 320 50 T T T T T

* Value for the supply side magnetic only circuit-breaker.

210 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination

T4 T5 S6 S7

L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L,V N,S,H,L. S,H,L

M EL TM EL TM EL EL
320 250 320 400 630 400 630 800 1250 1600
125 160 200 250 320 100 160 250 320 320 400 500 630 320 400 630 800 800 10001250 1600
7* 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T
7* 7 7 7 7 7 7 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T

1SDC008014F0201
7* 7* 7 7 7 7 7 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 T T T T T
7* 7 7 7 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 T T T T T
7 7 20 20 20 20 20 T T T T T
7 20 20 20 20 T T T T T
20 20 20 20 40 40 T T T

6 S7

H,L S,H,L

EL EL
0 1250 1600
800 1000 1250 1600
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T
T T T T

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 211

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables MCCB - MCCB
MCCB - T5 @ 415V ACB - MCCB @

Supply s. S6 S7
Version Version
N,S,H,L S,H,L R

Release TM EL EL
Load s.
Iu [A] 800 1250 1600
Load s. In [A] 800 800 100012501600
320 30 30 T T T B
400
N, 400 30 30 T T T T1 C
TM
S, 500 30 T T T N
630
T5 H, 630 T T T N
L, 320 30 30 T T T S
400 T2 TM
V EL 400 30 30 T T T H
630 630 T T T L
N
T3
S
MCCB - S6 @ 415V N
S
Supply s. S7
T4 H TM
Version L
S,H,L
V
N
Release EL
S
Iu [A] 1250 1600
T5 H TM
Load s. In [A] 10001250 1600
L
TM 800 800 T T
N V
EL 800 800 T T T N
TM 800 800 40 40 S
S S6 TM
EL 800 800 40 40 40 H
S6
TM 800 800 40 40 L
H
EL 800 800 40 40 40 S
TM 800 800 40 40 S7 H
L
EL 800 800 40 40 40 L

212 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.2 Discrimination tables

4 Protection coordination
Discrimination tables ACB - MCCB
ACB - MCCB @ 415V

S7 Supply s. E1 E2 E3 E4 E6
Version B N B N L* N S H L* S H H V
H,L S,H,L Release EL EL EL EL EL
800 800 1600 1250 1250 2500 1250 1250 2000 4000 3200 5000 3200
EL EL 1250 1250 2000 1600 1600 3200 1600 1600 2500 4000 6300 4000
Load s. Iu [A] 2000 2000 2000 5000
0 1250 1600
2500 2500 6300
800 100012501600 3200 3200
30 T T T B T T T T T T T T T T T T T
30 T T T T1 C TM 160 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
30 T T T N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T T T N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
30 T T T S 36 T T T T T T T T T T T T
T2 TM.EL 160
30 T T T H 36 T T 55 T T T T T T T T T
T T T L 36 T T 55 T T T 75 T T T T T
N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
T3 TM 250
S 36 T T T T T T T T T T T T
N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
S 36 T T T T T T T T T T T T
y s. S7 250
T4 H TM.EL 320 36 T T 55 T T T T T T T T T
L 36 T T 55 100 T T 75 100 T T T 100
S,H,L
V 36 T T 55 100 T T 75 100 T T T 100
N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
EL
S 36 T T T T T T T T T T T T
1250 1600 400
T5 H TM.EL 630 36 T T 55 T T T T T T T T T
A] 10001250 1600
L 36 T T 55 100 T T 75 100 T T T 100
00 T T
V 36 T T 55 100 T T 75 100 T T T 100
00 T T T N T T T T T T T T T T T T T
00 40 40 S 36 T T T T T T T T T T T T
S6 TM.EL 800 1SDC008015F0201
00 40 40 40 H 36 T T 55 T T T T T T T T T
00 40 40 L 36 T T 55 T T T 75 T T T T T
0 40 40 40 S T T T T 75 100 T T T T
00 40 40 S7 H EL 1250 T 55 T T 75 100 T T T T
1600
00 40 40 40 L T 55 T T 75 100 T T T T

* Circuit-breaker Emax L with release PR112/P or PR113/P only .

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 213

 4 Protection coordination
4.3 Back-up tables
The tables shown give the short-circuit current value (in kA) for which the back-
up protection is verified for the chosen circuit-breaker combination, at voltages
from 380 up to 415 V. These tables cover all the possible combinations between
ABB SACE moulded-case circuit-breakers Isomax and Tmax and those between
the above mentioned circuit-breakers and ABB MCBs.

Notes for a correct interpretation of the coordination

tables:

Tmax @ 415V ac Isomax @ 415V ac Emax @ 415V ac

Version Icu [kA] Version Icu [kA] Version Icu [kA]
B 16 N 35* B 42
C 25 S 50 N 65**
N 36 H 65 S 75
S 50 L 100 H 100
H 70 L 130
L (for T2) 85 V 150
L (for T4-T5) 120
* Versions certified at 36 kA
V 200 ** For Emax E1 version N Icu=50 kA
Keys
For MCCB (Moulded-case circuit-breaker) For MCB (Modular circuit-breaker):
ACB (Air circuit-breaker) B = charateristic trip (I3=3...5In)
TM = thermomagnetic release C = charateristic trip (I3=5...10In)
– TMD (Tmax) D = charateristic trip (I3=10...20In)
– TMA (Tmax) K = charateristic trip (I3=8...14In)
– T adjustable M adjustable (Isomax) Z = charateristic trip (I3=2...3In)
M = magnetic only release
– MF (Tmax)
– MA (Tmax)
EL = elettronic release
– PR111/P - PR112/P - PR113/P (Emax)
– PR211/P - PR212/P (Isomax)
– PR221DS - PR222DS (Tmax)

214 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4 Protection coordination
Example:
From the coordination table on page 217 the following conclusion is derived:
the circuit-breakers type T5H and T1N are coordinated in back-up protection
up to a value of 65 kA (higher than the short-circuit current measured at the
installation point), although the maximum breaking capacity of T1N, at 415 V, is
36 kA.

U Ur = 400V

T5H

1SDC008017F0001
Cable

T1N160

Ik = 60kA

MCB - MCB @ 240V

Supply
Montes. S 240 S 250 S 260 S 270 S 280 S 290 S 500
Caratteristica
Chart. C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C C B-C
Valle
Load side I cu [kA] 10 20 20 25 40 30 25 20 25 100
In [A] 6..40 0,5..63 0,5..63 0,5..63 10..25 32..40 50, 63 80, 100 80..125 6..63
S 931 N C 3 2..40 10 20 20 25 40 30 25 15 15 100
S 941 N B,C 6 2..40 10 20 20 25 40 30 25 15 15 100
S 951 N B,C 10 2..40 10 20 20 25 40 30 25 15 15 100
S 971 N B,C 10 2..40 10 20 20 25 40 30 25 15 15 100
S 240 C 10 6..40 20 20 25 40 30 25 15 15 100
S 250 B,C,K 20 0,5..63 25 40 30 25 100
S 260 B,C 20 0,5..63 25 40 30 25 100
B,C,D 25 40 30 100
S 270 0,5..63
Z 20 25 40 30 25 100
B, 25 3..8 40 30 100
1SDC008034F0201

C, 40 10..25 100
D,
S 280 K,
30 32..40 100
Z 25 50, 63
B,C 20 80, 100
S 290 C,D 25 80..125
S 500 B,C,D 100 6..63

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 215

 4.3 Back-up tables

4 Protection coordination
MCB - MCB @ 415V

Supply
Montes. S 240 S 250 S 260 S 270 S 280 S 290 S 500
Chart.
Caratteristica C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C B-C C B-C
Valle
Load side I cu [kA] 7,5 10 10 15 25 20 15 6 15 50
In [A] 6..40 0,5..63 0,5..63 0,5..63 10..25 32..40 50, 63 80, 100 80..125 6..63
S 240 C 7,5 6..40 10 10 15 25 20 15 15 50
S 250 B,C,K 10 0,5..63 15 25 20 15 15 50
S 260 B,C 10 0,5..63 15 25 20 15 15 50
B,C,D 15 0,5..63 25 20 50
S 270
Z 10 0,5..63 15 25 20 15 15 50
B, 15 3..8 25 20 50
C, 25 10..25 50
D,
S 280 K, 20 32..40 50
Z 15 50, 63
B,C 6 80, 100
S 290 C,D 15 80..125
S 500 B,C,D 50 6..63

MCCB - MCB @ 415V

Supply s. T1 T1 T1 T2 T3 T4 T2 T3 T4 T2 T4 T2 T4 T4
Version B C N S H L L V
Load side Chart. I n [A] Icu [kA] 16 25 36 50 70 85 120 200
6..10 16 25 30 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
S240 C 7,5
13..40 16 25 30 36 16 36 36 16 40 40 40 40 40 40
3..10 16 25 30 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
S250 B,C,K 10
13..63 16 25 30 36 16 36 36 16 40 40 40 40 40 40
3..10 16 25 30 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
S260 B,C 10
13..63 16 25 30 36 16 36 36 16 40 40 40 40 40 40
3..10 16 25 30 36 36 36 50 40 40 70 40 85 40 40
S270 B,C,D 15
13..63 16 25 30 36 25 36 50 25 40 60 40 60 40 40
3..10 16 25 30 36 36 36 36 40 40 40 40 40 40 40
S270 Z 10
13..63 16 25 30 36 16 36 36 16 40 40 40 40 40 40
B, 3..8 15 16 25 30 36 36 36 50 40 40 70 40 85 40 40
1SDC008035F0201

C, 10..25 25 30 36 30 36 50 30 40 60 40 60 40 40
S280 D, 32..40 20 25 30 36 25 36 50 25 40 60 40 60 40 40
K, 50, 63 15 16 25 30 36 25 36 50 25 40 60 40 60 40 40
Z 80, 100 6 16 16 16 36 16 30 36 16 30 36 30 36 30 30
S290 C,D,K 80..125 15 16 25 30 36 30 30 50 30 30 70 30 85 30 30
S500 B,C,D 6..63 50 70 70 85 120 200

216 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.3 Back-up tables

4 Protection coordination
MCCB - MCCB @ 415V

Supply s. T1 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 S6 T2 T3 T4 T5 S6 S7 T2 T4 T5 S6 S7 T2 T4 T5 S6 S7 T4 T5
Version C N S H L L L V
Load side Version I cu [kA] 25 36 50 70 65 65 85 120 100 200
T1 B 16 25 36 36 36 30 30 30 50 50 36 36 36 70 40 40 40 85 50 50 50 85 65
T1 C 25 36 36 36 36 36 36 50 50 40 40 50 50 70 65 65 65 50 85 85 85 70 50 130 100
T1 50 50 50 50 50 50 70 65 65 65 50 85 100 100 70 50 200 120
T2 50 50 50 50 50 50 70 65 65 65 65 85 100 100 85 85 200 120
T3 50 50 50 50 50 65 65 65 50 100 100 100 50 200 120
N 36
T4 50 50 50 50 65 65 65 50 100 100 65 65 200 120
T5 50 50 50 65 65 50 100 85 65 120
S6 40 40 50
T2 70 70 65 65 85 100 100 85 85 200 130
T3 70 70 65 100 100 100 200 150
T4 S 50 70 70 65 65 100 100 85 85 200 150
T5 70 65 65 100 85 85 150
S6 85
T2 85 120 120 85 85 200 150

1SDC008036F0201
T4 70 120 120 100 100 200 180
H
T5 120 100 100 180
S6 65 85
T2 85 120 120 200 180
T4 L 200 200
120
T5 200

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 217

 4 Protection coordination

4.4 Coordination tables between circuit-

breakers and switch disconnectors

The tables shown give the values of the short-circuit current (in kA) for which
back-up protection is verified by the pre-selected combination of circuit-breaker
and switch disconnector, for voltages between 380 and 415 V. The tables cover
the possible combinations of moulded-case circuit-breakers in the ABB SACE
Isomax and Tmax series, with the switch disconnectors detailed above.

SWITC
415 V
T1D 160 T3D 250 T4D 320 T5D 400 T5D 630 S6D 630 S6D 800
T1B 16
T1C 25
T1N 36
T2N 36
T2S 50
T2H 70
T2L 85
T3N 36
T3S 50
T4N 36* 36
T4S 50* 50
T4H 70* 70
T4L 120* 120
T4V 200* 200
T5N
T5S
T5H
T5L
T5V
S6N
S6S
S6H
S6L
S7S
S7H
S7L
S8H
S8V

* for T4 250 or T4 320 only with I1 setting at 250 A.

218 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.4 Coordination tables between circuit-breakers and switch disconnectors

4 Protection coordination
Notes for the correct reading of the coordination tables:

Tmax @ 415V ac Isomax @ 415V ac

Version Icu [kA] Version Icu [kA]
B 16 N 35*
C 25 S 50
N 36 H 65 (S8 = 85)
S 50 L 100
H 70 V 120
L (T2) 85
* Versions certified at 36 kA
L (T4, T5) 120
V 200

SWITCH DISCONNECTOR
T5D 400 T5D 630 S6D 630 S6D 800 S7D 1000 S7D 1250 S7D 1600 S8D 2000 S8D 2500 S8D 3200
16
25
36
36
50
70
85
36
50
36
50
70
120
200
36
50
70
120
200
35
50
65
1SDC008037F0201

100
50
65
100
85
120

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 219

 4.4 Coordination tables between circuit-breakers and switch disconnectors

4 Protection coordination
Example:
From the coordination table on page 218-219 it can be seen that circuit-breaker
T2S160 is able to protect the switch disconnector T1D160 up to a short-circuit
current of 50 kA (higher than the short-circuit current at the installation point).
Overload protection is also verified, as the rated current of the breaker is not
higher than the size of the disconnector.

U Ur = 400V

T2S160

Cable
1SDC008018F0001

T1D 160

Ik = 40kA

220 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 4.4 Coordination tables between circuit-breakers and switch disconnectors

4 Protection coordination
Example:
For the correct selection of the components, the disconnector must be
protected from overloads by a device with a rated current not greater
than the size of the disconnector, while in short-circuit conditions it must
be verified that:
Icw ≥ Ik
Icm ≥ Ip.
Therefore, with regard to the electrical parameters of the single devices,
Emax E2N1250/MS disconnector is selected, and a E2N1250 breaker.
That is:
Icw(E2N /MS) = 55 kA > 45 kA
Icm (E2N /MS) = 121 kA > 100 kA.

U Ur = 400V

E2N1250

Cable
1SDC008019F0001

E2N1250 /MS

Ik =45 kA
Ip =100 kA

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 221

 5 Special applications
5.1 Direct current networks
Main applications of direct current:
• Emergency supply or auxiliary services:
the use of direct current is due to the need to employ a back-up energy
source which allows the supply of essential services such as protection
services, emergency lighting, alarm systems, hospital and industrial services,
data-processing centres etc., using accumulator batteries, for example.
• Electrical traction:
the advantages offered by the use of dc motors in terms of regulation and of
single supply lines lead to the widespread use of direct current for railways,
underground railways, trams, lifts and public transport in general.
• Particular industrial installations:
there are some electrolytic process plants and applications which have a
particular need for the use of electrical machinery.
Typical uses of circuit-breakers include the protection of cables, devices and
the operation of motors.

Considerations for the interruption of direct current

Direct current presents larger problems than alternating current does in terms
of the phenomena associated with the interruption of high currents. Alternating
currents have a natural passage to zero of the current every half-cycle, which
corresponds to a spontaneous extinguishing of the arc which is formed when
the circuit is opened.
This characteristic does not exist in direct currents, and furthermore, in order to
extinguish the arc, it is necessary that the current lowers to zero.
The extinguishing time of a direct current, all other conditions being equal, is
proportional to the time constant of the circuit T = L/R.
It is necessary that the interruption takes place gradually, without a sudden
switching off of the current which could cause large over-voltages. This can be
carried out by extending and cooling the arc so as to insert an ever higher
resistance into the circuit.
The energetic characteristics which develop in the circuit depend upon the
voltage level of the plant and result in the installation of breakers according to
connection diagrams in which the poles of the breaker are positioned in series
to increase their performance under short-circuit conditions. The breaking
capacity of the switching device becomes higher as the number of contacts
which open the circuit increases and, therefore, when the arc voltage applied is
larger.
This also means that when the supply voltage of the installation rises, so must
the number of current switches and therefore the poles in series.

222 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Calculation of the short-circuit current of an accumulator battery
The short-circuit current at the terminals of an accumulator battery may be
supplied by the battery manufacturer, or may be calculated using the following
formula:

UMax
Ik =
Ri

where:
• UMax is the maximum flashover voltage (no-load voltage);
• Ri is the internal resistance of the elements forming the battery.
The internal resistance is usually supplied by the manufacturer, but may be
calculated from the discharge characteristics obtained through a test such as
detailed by IEC 60896 – 1 or IEC 60896 – 2.
For example, a battery of 12.84 V and internal resistance of 0.005 Ω gives a
short-circuit current at the terminals of 2568 A.
Under short-circuit conditions the current increases very rapidly in the initial
moments, reaches a peak and then decreases with the discharge voltage of
the battery. Naturally, this high value of the fault current causes intense heating
inside the battery, due to the internal resistance, and may lead to explosion.
Therefore it is very important to prevent and / or minimize short-circuit currents
in direct currents systems supplied by accumulator batteries.

Criteria for the selection of circuit-breakers

For the correct selection of a circuit-breaker for the protection of a direct current
network, the following factors must be considered:
1.the load current, according to which the size of the breaker and the setting
for the thermo-magnetic over-current release can be determined;
2.the rated plant voltage, according to which the number of poles to be
connected in series is determined, thus the breaking capacity of the device
can also be increased;
3.the prospective short-circuit current at the point of installation of the breaker
influencing the choice of the breaker;
4.the type of network, more specifically the type of earthing connection.

Note: in case of using of four pole circuit-breakers, the neutral must be at 100%

Direct current network types

Direct current networks may be carried out:
• with both polarities insulated from earth;
• with one polarity connected to earth;
• with median point connected to earth.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 223

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Network with both polarities insulated from earth

a b

1SDC008020F0001
U R

• Fault a: the fault, without negligible impedance, between the two polarities
sets up a short-circuit current to which both polarities contribute to the full
voltage, according to which the breaking capacity of the breaker must be
selected.
• Fault b: the fault between the polarity and earth has no consequences from
the point of view of the function of the installation.
• Fault c: again, this fault between the polarity and earth has no consequences
from the point of view of the function of the installation.
In insulated networks it is necessary to install a device capable of signalling the
presence of the first earth fault in order to eliminate it. In the worst conditions,
when a second earth fault is verified, the breaker may have to interrupt the
short-circuit current with the full voltage applied to a single polarity and therefore
with a breaking capacity which may not be sufficient.
In networks with both polarities insulated from earth it is appropriate to divide
the number of poles of the breaker necessary for interruption on each polarity
(positive and negative) in such a way as to obtain separation of the circuit.

The diagrams to be used are as follows:

Diagram A
Three-pole breaker with one pole per polarity

+ -
1SDC008021F0001

Load

224 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagram B
Three-pole breaker with two poles in series for one polarity and one pole for the
other polarity (1) + -

1SDC008022F0001
Load
Diagram D
Four-pole breaker with two poles in parallel per polarity

+ -

1SDC008023F0001

Load

Diagram G
Four-pole breaker with three poles in series on one polarity and one pole on the
remaining polarity (1)
+ -
1SDC008024F0001

Load

(1) It is not advisable to divide the poles of the breaker unequally as, in this type of network,
a second earth fault may lead to the single pole working under fault conditions at full
voltage. In these circumstances, it is essential to install a device capable of signalling the
earth fault or the loss of insulation of one polarity.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 225

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagram H
Four-pole breaker with two poles in series per polarity

+ -

1SDC008025F0001
Load

Network with one polarity connected to earth

a b

1SDC008026F0001
U R

• Fault a: the fault between the two polarities sets up a short-circuit current to
which both polarities contribute to the full voltage U, according to which the
breaking capacity of the breaker is selected.
• Fault b: the fault on the polarity not connected to earth sets up a current
which involves the over-current protection according to the resistance of the
ground.
• Fault c: the fault between the polarity connected to earth and earth has no
consequences from the point of view of the function of the installation.
In a network with one polarity connected to earth, all the poles of the breaker
necessary for protection must be connected in series on the non-earthed
polarity. If isolation is required, it is necessary to provide another breaker pole
on the earthed polarity.

226 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagrams to be used with circuit isolation are as follows:
Diagram A
Three-pole breaker with one pole per polarity

+ -

1SDC008027F0001
Load

Diagram B
Three-pole breaker with two poles in series on the polarity not connected to
earth, and one pole on the remaining polarity
+ -

1SDC008028F0001

Load

Diagram D
Four-pole breaker with two poles in parallel per polarity
+ -
1SDC008029F0001

Load

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 227

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagram G
Four-pole breaker with three poles in series on the polarity not connected to
earth, and one pole on the remaining polarity
+ -

1SDC008030F0001
Load

Diagrams to be used without circuit isolation are as follows:

Diagram C
Three-pole breaker with three poles in series

+ -
1SDC008031F0001

Load

Diagram E
Four-pole breaker with series of two poles in parallel
+ -
1SDC008032F0001

Load

228 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagram F
Four-pole breaker with four poles in series on the polarity not connected to
earth
+ -

1SDC008033F0001
Load

Network with the median point connected to earth

a b

1SDC008034F0001
U R

• Fault a: the fault between the two polarities sets up a short-circuit current to
which both polarities contribute to the full voltage U, according to which the
breaking capacity of the breaker is selected.
• Fault b: the fault between the polarity and earth sets up a short-circuit current
less than that of a fault between the two polarities, as it is supplied by a
voltage equal to 0.5 U.
• Fault c: the fault in this case is analogous to the previous case, but concerns
the negative polarity.
With network with the median point connected to earth the breaker must be
inserted on both polarities.
Diagrams to be used are as follows:
Diagram A
Three-pole breaker with one pole per polarity
+ -
1SDC008035F0001

Load

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 229

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Diagram D
Four-pole breaker with two poles in parallel per polarity
+ -

1SDC008036F0001
Load

Diagram H
Four-pole breaker with two poles in series per polarity

+ -

1SDC008037F0001

Load

Use of switching devices in direct current

Parallel connection of breaker poles
According to the number of poles connected in parallel, the coefficients detailed
in the following table must be applied:

Table 1: Correction factor for poles connected in parallel

number of poles in parallel 2 3 4 (neutral 100%)
reduction factor of dc carrying capacity 0.9 0.8 0.7
breaker current carrying capacity 1.8xIn 2.4xIn 2.8xIn

The connections which are external from the breaker terminals must be carried
out by the user in such a way as to ensure that the connection is perfectly
balanced.

230 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
Example:
Using a SACE Isomax S6N800 In800 circuit-breaker with three poles in parallel,
a coefficient equal to 0.8 must be applied, therefore the maximum carrying
current will be 0.8·3·800 = 1920 A.

Behaviour of thermal releases

As the functioning of these releases is based on thermal phenomena arising
from the flowing of current, they can therefore be used with direct current, their
trip characteristics remaining unaltered.

Behaviour of magnetic releases

The values of the trip thresholds of ac magnetic releases, used for direct current,
must be multiplied by the following coefficient (km), according to the breaker
and the connection diagram:

Table 2: km coefficient

diagram diagram diagram diagram diagram diagram diagram diagram

Circuit-breaker A B C D E F G H
S6 1.1 1 0.9 1 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
T1 1.3 1 1 - - - - -
T2 1.3 1.15 1.15 - - - - -
T3 1.3 1.15 1.15 - - - - -
T4 1.3 1.15 1.15 1 1 1 - -
T5 1.1 1 1 0.9 0.9 0.9 - -

Example
Data:
• Direct current network connected to earth;
• Rated voltage Ur = 250 V;
• Short-circuit current Ik = 32 kA
• Load current Ib = 230 A
Using Table 3, it is possible to select the Tmax T3N250 In = 250 A three pole
breaker, using the connection shown in diagram B (two poles in series for the
polarity not connected to earth and one poles in series for the polarity connected
to earth). In this way an adequate breaking capacity is ensured, even in the
case of a second earth fault which would involve only two poles at full network
voltage.
From Table 2 corresponding to diagram B, and with breaker Tmax T3, it risults
km=1.15; therefore the nominal magnetic trip will occur at 2875 A (taking into
account the tolerance, the trip will occur between 2300 A and 3450 A).

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 231

 5.1 Direct current networks

5 Special applications
The following table summarizes the breaking capacity of the various circuit-
breakers available for direct current. The number of poles to be connected in
series to guarantee the breaking capacity is given in brackets.

Table 3: Breaking capacity in direct current according to the voltage

Rated Breaking capacity [kA]

Circuit-breaker current [A] ≤ 125 [V]1 250 [V] 500 [V] 750 [V]
T1B160 16 ÷ 160 16 (1P) 20 (3P) - 16 (2P) 16 (3P)
T1C160 25 ÷ 160 25 (1P) 30 (3P) - 25 (2P) 25 (3P)
T1N160 32 ÷ 160 36 (1P) 40 (3P) - 36 (2P) 36 (3P)
T2N160 1.6 ÷ 160 36 (1P) 40 (3P) - 36 (2P) 36 (3P)
T2S160 1.6 ÷ 160 50 (1P) 55 (3P) - 50 (2P) 50 (3P)
T2H160 1.6 ÷ 160 70 (1P) 85 (3P) - 70 (2P) 70 (3P)
T2L160 1.6 ÷ 160 85 (1P) 100 (3P) - 85 (2P) 85 (3P)
T3N250 63 ÷ 250 36 (1P) 40 (3P) - 36 (2P) 36 (3P)
T3S250 63 ÷ 250 50 (1P) 55 (3P) - 50 (2P) 50 (3P)
T4N250/320 20 ÷ 320 36 (1P) 36 (2P) 25 (2P) 16 (3P)
T4S250/320 20 ÷ 320 50 (1P) 50 (2P) 36 (2P) 25 (3P)
T4H250/320 20 ÷ 320 70 (1P) 70 (2P) 50 (2P) 36 (3P)
T4L250/320 20 ÷ 320 100 (1P) 100 (2P) 70 (2P) 50 (3P)
T4V250/320 20 ÷ 320 100 (1P) 100 (2P) 100 (2P) 70 (3P)
T5N400/630 320 ÷ 630 36 (1P) 36 (2P) 25 (2P) 16 (3P)
T5S400/630 320 ÷ 630 50 (1P) 50 (2P) 36 (2P) 25 (3P)
T5H400/630 320 ÷ 630 70 (1P) 70 (2P) 50 (2P) 36 (3P)
T5L400/630 320 ÷ 630 100 (1P) 100 (2P) 70 (2P) 50 (3P)
T5V400/630 320 ÷ 630 100 (1P) 100 (2P) 100 (2P) 70 (3P)
S6N800 800 35 (1P) 35 (2P) 20 (2P) 16 (3P)
S6S800 800 50 (1P) 50 (2P) 35 (2P) 20 (3P)
S6H800 800 65 (1P) 65 (2P) 50 (2P) 35 (3P)
S6L800 800 100 (1P) 100 (2P) 65 (2P) 50 (3P)
1
Minimum allowed voltage 24 Vdc.

232 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications

5.2 Networks at particular frequencies: 400 Hz and 16 2/3 Hz

Standard production breakers can be used with alternating currents with

frequencies other than 50/60 Hz (the frequencies to which the rated perfor-
mance of the device refer, with alternating current) as appropriate derating
coefficients are applied.

5.2.1 400 Hz networks

At high frequencies, performance is reclassified to take into account phenomena

such as:
• the increase in the skin effect and the increase in the inductive reactance
directly proportional to the frequency causes overheating of the conductors
or the copper components in the breaker which normally carry current;
• the lengthening of the hysteresis loop and the reduction of the magnetic
saturation value with the consequent variation of the forces associated with
the magnetic field at a given current value.

In general these phenomena have consequences on the behaviour of both

thermo-magnetic releases and the current interrupting parts of the circuit-
breaker.

The following tables refer to circuit-breakers with thermomagnetic releases,

with a breaking capacity lower than 36 kA. This value is usually more than
sufficient for the protection of installations where such a frequency is used,
normally characterized by rather low short-circuit currents.
As can be seen from the data shown, the tripping threshold of the thermal
element (ln) decreases as the frequency increases because of the reduced
conductivity of the materials and the increase of the associated thermal
phenomena; in general, the derating of this performance is generally equal to 10%.
Vice versa, the magnetic threshold (l3) increases with the increase in frequency:
for this reason it is recommended practice to use a 5·ln version.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 233

 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 1: Tmax performance T1 16-63 A TMD
I1 (400Hz) I3
T1B 160 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400H z) T1B 160
T1C 160 In16 10 12 14 500 2 1000 T1C 160 In
T1N 160 In20 12 15 18 500 2 1000 T1N 160
In25 16 19 22 500 2 1000
In32 20 24.5 29 500 2 1000
In40 25 30.5 36 500 2 1000
In50 31 38 45 500 2 1000
In63 39 48 57 630 2 1260
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T1 B/C/N 160 1000
In 16 to 63 A
TMD

100
t [s]

10

In=16 I3=1000 A
0.1 In=20 I3=1000 A
In=25 I3=1000 A
In=32 I3=1000 A
In=40 I3=1000 A
In=50-63 I3=1000 A

0.01
0.1 1 10 100 1000
I1

234 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 2: Tmax performance T1 80 A TMD
I1 (400Hz) I3
T1B 160 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400H z)
T1C 160 In80
50 61 72 800 2 1600
T1N 160
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T1 B/C/N 160 1000
In 80 A
TMD

100
t [s]

10

0.1
In=80 I3=1600 A

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 235

 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 3: Tmax performance T2 1.6-80 A TMD
I1 (400Hz) I3
T2N 160 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400Hz)
In1.6 1 1.2 1.4 16 1.7 27.2
In2 1.2 1.5 1.8 20 1.7 34
In2.5 1.5 1.9 2.2 25 1.7 42.5
In3.2 2 2.5 2.9 32 1.7 54.4
In4 2.5 3 3.6 40 1.7 68
In5 3 3.8 4.5 50 1.7 85
In6.3 4 4.8 5.7 63 1.7 107.1
In8 5 6.1 7.2 80 1.7 136
In10 6.3 7.6 9 100 1.7 170
In12.5 7.8 9.5 11.2 125 1.7 212.5
In16 10 12 14 500 1.7 850
In20 12 15 18 500 1.7 850
In25 16 19 22 500 1.7 850
In32 20 24.5 29 500 1.7 850
In40 25 30.5 36 500 1.7 850
In50 31 38 45 500 1.7 850
In63 39 48 57 630 1.7 1071
In80 50 61 72 800 1.7 1360
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields
Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T2 N 160
1000
In 1.6 to 80 A
TMD

100
t [s]

10

In=16 I3=850 A
In=20 I3=850 A
In=25 I3=850 A
0.1 In=32 I3=850 A
In=40 I3=850 A
In=1.6 to 12.5 I3=17xIn
In=50 to 80 I3=17xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100 1000
I1
236 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices
 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 4: Tmax performance T3 63-250 A TMG
I1 (400Hz) I3 (Low magnetic setting)
T3N 250 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400H z)
In63 39 48 57 400 1.7 680
In80 50 61 72 400 1.7 680
In100 63 76.5 90 400 1.7 680
In125 79 96 113 400 1.7 680
In160 100 122 144 480 1.7 816
In200 126 153 180 600 1.7 1020
In250 157 191 225 750 1.7 1275
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T3N 250
1000
In 63 to 250 A
TMG

100
t [s]

10

In=63 I3=680 A
0.1 In=80 I3=680 A
In=100 I3=680 A
In=125 I3=680 A
In=160,200,250 I3=5.1xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100 1000
I1
ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 237
 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 5: Tmax performance T3 63-125 A TMD
I1 (400Hz) I3
T3N 250 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400H z)
In63 39 48 57 630 1.7 1071
In80 50 61 72 800 1.7 1360
In100 63 76.5 90 1000 1.7 1700
In125 79 96 113 1250 1.7 2125
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T3N 250 1000
In 63 to 125 A
TMD

100
t [s]

10

0.1
In=63 to 125 I3=17xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100 1000
I1

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Table 6: Tmax performance T4 20-50 A TMD
I1 (400Hz) I3
T4N 250 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400Hz)
In20 12 15 18 320 1.7 544
In32 20 24.5 29 320 1.7 544
In50 31 38 45 500 1.7 850
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T4 N 250 10000
In 20 to 50 A
TMD

1000

t [s]

100

10

In=20 I3=544 A
0.1 In=32;50 I3=17xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100 1000
I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 239

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Table 7: Tmax performance T4N 80-320 A TMA
I1 (400Hz) I3 setting (MIN=5xIn)
T4N 250 /320 MIN MED MAX I3 @ 5xIn (50Hz) K m I3 @ 5xIn (400Hz)
In80 50 61 72 400 1.7 680
In100 63 76.5 90 500 1.7 850
In125 79 96 113 625 1.7 1060
In160 100 122 144 800 1.7 1360
In200 126 153 180 1000 1.7 1700
In250 157 191 225 1250 1.7 2125
In320 201 244 288 1600 1.7 2720
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T4N 250/320
10000
In 80 to 320 A
TMA

1000

t [s]

100

10

In=80 to 320 I3=8.5xIn

0.1

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
I1

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Table 8: Tmax performance T5N 320-630 A TMA
I1 (400Hz) I3 setting (MIN=5xIn)
T5N400/630 MIN MED MAX I3 @ 5xIn(50Hz) Km I3 @ 5xIn (400)Hz
In320 201 244 288 1600 1.5 2400
In400 252 306 360 2000 1.5 3000
In500 315 382 450 2500 1.5 3750
In630 397 482 567 3150 1.5 4725
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T5 N 400/630 10000
In 320 to 630 A
TMA

1000

t [s]

100

10

0.1

In=80 to 320 I3=7.5xIn

In=320 to In630 I3=7.5xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 241

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5 Special applications
Table 9: Tmax performance T5N 320-630 A TMG

I1 (400Hz) I3 setting (2.5…5xIn)

T5N 400/630 MIN MED MAX I3 @ 2.5..5xIn (50Hz) K m I3 @ 2.5..5xIn (400Hz)
In320 201 244 288 800...1600 1.5 1200...2400
In400 252 306 360 1000...2000 1.5 1500...3000
In500 315 382 450 1250...2500 1.5 1875...3750
In630 397 482 567 1600...3150 1.5 2400...4725
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
T5N 400/630
10000
In 320 to 630 A
TMG

1000

t [s]

100

10

0.1

In=320 to 630 I3=3.75..7.5xIn

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
I1

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Table 10: SACE Isomax performance S6N 800 A TMA

I1 (400Hz) I3 = 5-10In (set I3=5In)

S6N 800 MIN MED MAX I3 (50Hz) Km I3 (400Hz)
In800
504 602 720 4000 1.5 6000
Km = Multiplier factor of I3 due to the induced magnetic fields

Trip curves
thermomagnetic release
S6N 800 10000

In 800 A
TMA

1000

t [s]

100

10

In=800 I3=7.5xIn
0.1

0.01
0.1 1 10 100
I1

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 243

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5 Special applications
5.2.2 16 2/3 Hz networks

Single phase distribution with a frequency of 16 2/3 Hz was developed for

electrical traction systems as an alternative to three phase 50 Hz systems, and
to direct current systems.
At low frequencies the thermal tripping threshold is not subject to any derating,
while the magnetic threshold requires a correction coefficient km, as detailed in
table 2.
The Isomax and Tmax series thermomagnetic moulded-case circuit-breakers
are suitable for use with frequencies of 16 2/3 Hz; the electrical performance
and the relevant connection diagrams are shown below.

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Table 1: Breaking capacity [kA]
250 V 500 V 750 V 1000 V (1)
In [A]
T1B160 16 ÷160 16 (2P) 20 (3P) 16 (3P) - -
T1C160 25 ÷ 160 25 (2P) 30 (3P) 25 (3P) - -
T1N160 32 ÷ 160 36 (2P) 40 (3P) 36 (3P) - -
T2N160 1.6 ÷ 160 36 (2P) 40 (3P) 36 (3P) - -
T2S160 1.6 ÷ 160 50 (2P) 55 (3P) 50 (3P) - -
T2H160 1.6 ÷ 160 70 (2P) 85 (3P) 70 (3P) - -
T2L160 1.6 ÷ 160 85 (2P) 100 (3P) 85 (3P) 50 (4P) (2) -
T3N250 63 ÷ 250 36 (2P) 40 (3P) 36 (3P) - -
T3S250 63 ÷ 250 50 (2P) 55 (3P) 50 (3P) - -
T4N250/320 20 ÷ 320 36 (2P) 25 (2P) 16 (3P) -
T4S250/320 20 ÷ 320 50 (2P) 36 (2P) 25 (3P) -
T4H250/320 20 ÷ 320 70 (2P) 50 (2P) 36 (3P) -
T4L250/320 20 ÷ 320 100 (2P) 70 (2P) 50 (3P) -
T4V250/320 20 ÷ 320 150 (2P) 100 (2P) 70 (3P) -
T4V250 32 ÷ 250 40 (4P)
T5N400/630 320 ÷ 630 36 (2P) 25 (2P) 16 (3P) -
T5S400/630 320 ÷ 630 50 (2P) 36 (2P) 25 (3P) -
T5H400/630 320 ÷ 630 70 (2P) 50 (2P) 36 (3P) -
T5L400/630 320 ÷ 630 100 (2P) 70 (2P) 50 (3P) -
T5V400/630 320 ÷ 630 150 (2P) 100 (2P) 70 (3P) -
T5V400/630 400 ÷ 630 40 (4P)
S6N800 800 35 (2P) 20 (2P) 16 (3P) -
S6S800 800 50 (2P) 35 (2P) 20 (3P) -
S6H800 800 65 (2P) 50 (2P) 35 (3P) -
S6L800 800 100 (2P) 65 (2P) 50 (3P) 50 (4P)
(1)
1000V version circuit-breakers in dc, with neutral at 100%.
(2)
Circuit-breakers with neutral at 100%.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 245

 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Table 2: km factor
Diagram A Diagram B Diagram C
T1 1 1 -
T2 0.9 0.9 0.9
T3 0.9 0.9 -
T4 0.9 0.9 0.9
T5 0.9 0.9 0.9
S6 0.9 0.9 0.9

Table 3: Possible connections according to the voltage, the type of

distribution and the type of fault

Neutral not grounded Neutral grounded*

L-N fault L-E fault
250 V 2 poles in series A1 A2 B2
250 V 3 poles in series** B1 B2, B3 B3
500 V 2 poles in series A1 A2, B2 B2, B3
500 V 3 poles in series** B1 B2, B3 B3
750 V 3 poles in series B1 B2, B3 B3
750 V 4 poles in series*** C1 C2, C3 C2
1000 V 4 poles in series C1 C2, C3 C2
* In the case of the only possible faults being L-N or L-E (E=Earth) with non-significant
impedance, use the diagrams shown. If both faults are possible, use the diagrams
valid for L-E fault.
** T1, T2, T3 only
*** T2 only

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Connection diagrams

Diagram A1
Configuration with two poles in series (without neutral connected to earth)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 2 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: not considered
(The installation method must be such as to make the probability of a second
earth fault negligible)

L N

1SDC008038F0001
Load

Diagram A2
Configuration with two poles in series (with neutral connected to earth)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 2 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: single pole (same capacity as two poles
in series, but limited to 125V)

L N

Load

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 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Diagram B1
Configuration with three poles in series (without neutral connected to earth)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 3 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: not considered
(The installation method must be such as to make the probability of a second
earth fault negligible)
L N

1SDC008039F0001
Load
Diagram B2
Configuration with three poles in series (with neutral connected to earth and
interrupted)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 3 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: 2 poles in series

L N

Load
Diagram B3
Configuration with three poles in series (with neutral connected to earth but not
interrupted)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 3 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: 3 poles in series

L N

Load

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Diagram C1
Configuration with four poles in series (without neutral connected to earth)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 4 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: not considered
(The installation method must be such as to make the probability of a second
earth fault negligible)
L N L N

1SDC008042F0001
Load Load

Diagram C2
Configuration with four poles in series, on one polarity (with neutral connected
to earth and not interrupted)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 4 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: 4 poles in series
L N 1SDC008041F0001

Load
Diagram C3
Interruption with four poles in series (with neutral connected to earth and
interrupted)
• Interruption for phase to neutral fault: 4 poles in series
• Interruption for phase to earth fault: 3 poles in series

L N
1SDC008040F0001

Load

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 5.2 Networks at particular frequencies

5 Special applications
Example:
Network data:
Rated voltage 250 V
Rated frequency 16 2/3 Hz
Load current 120 A
Phase to neutral short-circuit current 45 kA
Neutral connected to earth
Assuming that the probability of a phase to earth fault is negligible, Table 3
shows that connections A2, B2 or B3 may be used.
Therefore it is possible to choose a Tmax T2S160 In125 circuit-breaker, which
with the connection according to diagram A2 (two poles in series) has a breaking
capacity of 50 kA, while according to diagrams B2 or B3 (three poles in series)
the breaking capacity is 55 kA (Table 1). To determine the magnetic trip, see
factor km in Table 2. The magnetic threshold will be:
I3= 1250·0.9 = 1125 A
whichever diagram is used.
If it is possible to have an earth fault with non significant impedance, the diagrams
to be considered (Table 3) are only B2 or B3. In particular, in diagram B2 it can
be seen that only 2 poles are working in series, the breaking capacity will be 50
kA (Table 1), while with diagram B3, with 3 poles working in series, the breaking
capacity is 55 kA.

5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

The Tmax, SACE Isomax and Emax /E 1000 V circuit-breakers are particularly
suitable for use in installations in mines, petrochemical plants and services
connected to electrical traction (tunnel lighting).

5.3.1 1000 V dc networks

1000 Vdc Moulded case circuit-breakers

General Characteristics
The range of Tmax and SACE Isomax S moulded-case circuit-breakers for use
in installations with rated voltage up to 1000 V direct current comply with
international standard IEC 60947-2. The range is fitted with adjustable thermo-
magnetic releases and is suitable for all installation requirements and has a
range of available settings from 32 A to 800 A. The four-pole version circuit
breakers allow high performance levels to be reached thanks to the series
connection of the poles.
The circuit breakers in the Tmax and SACE Isomax S 1000 V range maintain
the same dimensions and fixing points as standard circuit breakers.
These circuit-breakers can also be fitted with the relevant range of standard
accessories, with the exception of residual current releases for Tmax and
mechanical interlocks for SACE Isomax.
In particular it is possible to use conversion kits for removable and withdrawable
moving parts and various terminal kits.

250 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
1000 V dc Moulded-case circuit-breakers T4 T5 S6
Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A] 250 400/630 800
Poles Nr. 4 4 4
Rated operational voltage, Ue [V –] 1000 1000 1000
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV] 8 8 8
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V] 1000 1000 1000
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 min. [V] 3500 3500 3000
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity, Icu V V L
(4 poles in series) [kA] 40 40 50
Rated short-time withstand current for 1 s, Icw [kA] – 5 (400A) 10
Utilisation category (EN 60947-2) A B (400A)-A (630A) B
Isolation behaviour
IEC 60947-2, EN 60947-2
Thermomagnetic releases TMD – –
Thermomagnetic releases TMA
Thermomagnetic releases, T adjustable - M adjustable – –
Versions F-P-W F-P-W F
Terminals Fixed F-FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-MC-R F-FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES -R F
Plug-in FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R –
Withdrawable FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R –
Mechanical life [No. operations / operations per hours] 20000/240 20000/120 20000/120
Basic dimensions, fixed L [mm] 140 184 280
D [mm] 103.5 103.5 103.5
H [mm] 205 205 268

TERMINAL CAPTION ES = Front extended spread R = Rear orientated MC = Multicable

F = Front FC Cu = Front for copper cables HR = Rear in horizontal flat bar
EF = Front extended FC CuAl = Front for CuAl cables VR = Rear in vertical flat bar

Connection diagrams
Possible connection diagrams with reference to the type of distribution system
in which they can be used follow.

Networks insulated from earth

The following diagrams can be used (the polarity may be inverted).
+ -
1SDC008043F0001

Load
A) 3+1 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 251

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
+ -

1SDC008044F0001
Load

B) 2+2 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

It is assumed that the risk of a double earth fault in which the first fault is
downstream of the breaker on one polarity and the second is upstream of the
same switching device on the opposite polarity is null.
In this condition the fault current, which can reach high values, effects only
some of the 4 poles necessary to ensure the breaking capacity.
It is possible to prevent the possibility of a double earth fault by installing a
device which signals the loss of insulation and identifies the position of the first
earth fault, allowing it to be eliminated quickly.

Networks with one polarity connected to earth

As the polarity connected to earth does not have to be interrupted (in the example
it is assumed that the polarity connected to earth is negative, although the
following is also valid with the polarity inverted), the diagram which shows the
connection of 4 poles in series on the polarity not connected to earth may be
used.

+ -
1SDC008045F0001

Load
C) 4 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

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5 Special applications
Networks with median point of the supply source connected to earth

In the presence of an earth fault of positive or negative polarity, the poles involved
in the fault work at U/2 (500 V); the following diagram must be used:

+ -

1SDC008046F0001
Load

D) 2+2 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

Correction factors for tripping thresholds

With regard to overload protection, no correction factors need to be applied.
However, for the magnetic threshold values in use with 1000 Vdc with the
previously described applicable diagrams, refer to the corresponding values
for alternating current, multiplied by the correction factors given in the following
table:

Circuit-breaker km
T4V 1
T5V 0.9
S6L 0.9

Circuit-breakers with thermomagnetic release for direct current

In [A] 32 (1) 50 (1) 80 (2) 100 (2) 125 (2) 160 (2) 200 (2) 250 (2) 400 (2) 630 (2) 800 (2)

T4V 250 – – –
T5V 400 – – – – – – – – – –
T5V 630 – – – – – – – – – –
S6L 800 – – – – – – – – – –
I3 = (10xIn) [A] 320 500 – – – – – – – – –
I3 = (5 -10xIn) [A] – – 400÷800 500÷1000 625÷1250 800÷1600 1000÷2000 1250÷2500 2000÷4000 3150÷6300 4000÷8000
(1)
Thermal threshold adjustable from 0.7 and 1 x In; fixed magnetic threshold
(2)
Thermal threshold adjustable from 0.7 and 1 x In; magnetic threshold adjustable between 5 and 10 x In.

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 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
Example
To ensure the protection of a user supplied with a network having the following
characteristics:
Rated voltage Ur = 1000 Vdc
Short-circuit current Ik = 18 kA
Load current Ib = 520 A
Network with both polarities insulated from earth.

From the table of available settings, the circuit-breaker to be used is:

T5V 630 In=630 four-pole Icu@1000 Vdc = 40 kA
Thermal trip threshold adjustable from (0.7-1) x In therefore from 441 A to 630
A to be set at 0.85.
Magnetic trip threshold adjustable from (5-10) x In which with correction factor
km = 0.9 gives the following adjustment range: 2835 A to 5670 A. The magnetic
threshold will be adjusted according to any conductors to be protected.
The connection of the poles must be as described in diagrams A or B.
A device which signals any first earth fault must be present.
With the same system data, if the network is carried out with a polarity connected
to earth, the circuit-breaker must be connected as described in diagram C.

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 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
1000 Vdc air switch disconnectors
The air switch disconnectors derived from the Emax air breakers are identified
by the standard range code together with the code “/E MS”.
These comply with the international Standard IEC 60947-3 and are especially
suitable for use as bus-ties or principle isolators in direct current installations,
for example in electrical traction applications.
The overall dimensions and the fixing points remain unaltered from those of
standard breakers, and they can be fitted with various terminal kits and all the
accessories for the Emax range; they are available in both withdrawable and
fixed versions, and in three-pole version (up to 750 Vdc) and four-pole (up to
1000 Vdc).
The withdrawable breakers are assembled with special version fixed parts for
applications of 750/1000 Vdc.
The range covers all installation requirements up to 1000 Vdc / 3200 A or up to
750 Vdc / 4000 A.
A breaking capacity equal to the rated short-time withstand current is attributed
to these breakers when they are associated with a suitable external relay.

The following table shows the available versions and their relative electrical
performance:

E1B/E MS E2N/E MS E3H/E MS E4H/E MS

Rated uninterrupted current (at 40 °C) Iu [A] 800 1250 1250 3200
[A] 1250 1600 1600 4000
[A] 2000 2000
[A] 2500
[A] 3200
Number of poles 3 4 3 4 3 4 3
Rated operational voltage Ue [V] 750 1000 750 1000 750 1000 750
Rated insulation voltage Ui [V] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp [kV] 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
Rated short-time withstand current Icw (1s) [kA] 20 20 25 25 40 40 65
Rated making capacity Icm 750 V dc [kA] 20 20 25 25 105 105 143
1000 V dc – 20 – 25 – 105 –

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 255

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
Connection diagrams
Connection diagrams to be used according to the type of distribution system
follow.

The risk of a double earth fault on different poles is assumed to be zero, that is,
the fault current involves only one part of the breaker poles.

Networks insulated from earth

The following diagrams may be used (the polarity may be inverted).

+ -

1SDC008047F0001

Load

E) 3+1 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

+ -
1SDC008048F0001

Load

F) 2+2 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

256 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
+ -

1SDC008049F0001
Load
G) 2+1 poles in series (750 Vdc)
Networks with one polarity connected to earth
The polarity connected to earth does not have to be interrupted (in the examples
it is assumed that the polarity connected to earth is negative):

+ -

1SDC008050F0001

Load
H) 4 poles in series (1000 Vdc)

+ -
1SDC008051F0001

Load
I) 3 poles in series (750 Vdc)

Networks with median point of the supply source connected to earth

Only four-pole breakers may be used as in the configuration shown in diagram F).

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 257

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
5.3.2 1000 Vac networks

1000 Vac moulded-case circuit-breakers

General Characteristics
The circuit breakers in the Tmax and SACE Isomax S 1000 V range comply
with the international standard IEC 60947-2.
These circuit breakers can be fitted with thermo-magnetic releases (for the
smaller sizes) and with electronic releases. All installation requirements can be
met with a range of available settings from 32 A to 800 A and with breaking
capacity up to 20 kA at 1000 Vac.
1000 Vac moulded-case circuit-breakers

Rated uninterrupted current, Iu [A]

Poles Nr.
Rated operational voltage, Ue (ac) 50-60Hz [V]
Rated impulse withstand voltage, Uimp [kV]
Rated insulation voltage, Ui [V]
Test voltage at industrial frequency for 1 min. [V]
Rated ultimate short-circuit breaking capacity,
Icu (ac) 50-60 Hz 1000 V [kA]
Rated service short-circuit breaking capacity, Ics (ac) 50-60 Hz 1000 V [%Icu]
Rated short-circuit making capacity Icm (ac) 50-60 Hz 1000 V [kA]
Rated short-time withstand current for 1 s, Icw [kA]
Utilisation category (EN 60947-2)
Isolation behaviour
IEC 60947-2, EN 60947-2
Thermomagnetic releases TMD
TMA
Electronic releases PR221DS-LS
PR221DS-I
PR222DS-LSI
PR222DS-LSIG
PR211/P (LI only)
PR212/P (LSI-LSIG)
Interchangeability
Versions
Terminals Fixed
Plug-in
Withadrawable
Mechanical life [No. operations / operations per hours]
Dimensions L [mm]
D [mm]
H [mm]

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5 Special applications
The circuit-breakers in the 1000 V range maintain the same dimensions as
standard circuit breakers.
These circuit-breakers can also be fitted with the relevant range of standard
accessories, with the exception of residual current releases for Tmax and
mechanical interlocks for SACE Isomax.
In particular it is possible to use conversion kits for removable and withdrawable
moving parts and various terminal kits.
The circuit-breakers in the SACE Isomax S 1000 V range can be supplied via
the upper terminals only.

The following tables show the electrical characteristics of the range:

T4 T5 S6

250 400/630 800

3 3 4 3 3 4 3
1000 1000 1000
8 8 8
1000 1000 1000
3500 3500 3000
L V V L V V L
12 20 20 12 20 20 12
100% 100% 75% 75% 75% 75% 75%
24 40 40 24 40 40 24
– 5 (400A) 10
A B (400A) A (630A) B

– – – – – –
– – – – –
– – –
– – –
– – –
– – –
– –
– –
– –
F-P-W F-P-W F
F-FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-R-MC F-FC Cu/CuAl-EF-R-ES F
FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R –
FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R FC Cu/CuAl-EF-ES-HR-VR-R –
20000/240 20000/120 20000/120
105 105 140 140 140 184 210
103.5 103.5 103.5 103.5 103.5 103.5 103.5
205 205 205 205 205 205 268
TERMINAL CAPTION ES = Front extended spread R = Rear orientated MC = Multicable
F = Front FC Cu = Front for copper cables HR = Rear in horizontal flat bar
EF = Front extended FC CuAl = Front for CuAl cables VR = Rear in vertical flat bar

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 259

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
The following tables show the available releases.

Circuit-breakers with electronic release for alternating currents

In100 In250 In400 In630 In800
T4 250 – – –
T5 400 – – – –
T5 630 – – – –
S6L 800 – – – –
I3 (1÷10x In) [A] (1) 100÷1000 250÷2500 400÷4000 630÷6300 –
(2)
I3 (1.5÷12 x In) [A] 150÷1200 375÷3000 600÷4800 945÷7560 1200÷9600
(1)
PR221
(2)
PR222 - PR211 - PR212

Circuit-breakers with thermomagnetic release for alternating currents

(thermal threshold adjustable from 0.7 to 1 x In; fixed magnetic threshold)
In [A] 32 (1) 50 (1) 80 (2) 100 (2) 125 (2) 160 (2) 200 (2) 250 (2) 400 (2) 630 (2)

T4V 250 – –

T5V 400 – – – – – – – – –

T5V 630 – – – – – – – – –

I3 = (10xIn) [A] 320 500 – – – – – – – –

I3 = (5 -10xIn) [A] – – 400÷800 500÷1000 625÷1250 800÷1600 1000÷2000 1250÷2500 2000÷4000 3150÷6300

(1)
Thermal threshold adjustable from 0.7 and 1 x In; fixed magnetic threshold
(2)
Thermal threshold adjustable from 0.7 and 1 x In; magnetic threshold adjustable between 5 and 10 x In.

1000 Vac Air circuit-breakers and switch disconnectors

For 1000 V alternating current installations, the following devices are available:
• Circuit-breakers in compliance with Standard IEC 60947-2.
The special version breakers up to 1000 Vac are identified by the standard
range code together with the suffix “/E”, and are derived from the correspondent
Emax standard breakers and retain the same versions, accessories and overall
dimensions.
The Emax range of breakers is available in both withdrawable and fixed versions
with three and four poles, and can be fitted with accessories and equipped
with the full range of electronic releases and microprocessors (PR111-PR112-
PR113).
• Switch disconnectors in compliance with Standard IEC 60947-3.
These breakers are identified by the code of the standard range, from which
they are derived, together with the suffix “/E MS”. Three-pole and four-pole
versions are available in both withdrawable and fixed versions with the same
dimensions, accessory characteristics and installation as the standard switch
disconnectors.

260 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.3 1000 Vdc and 1000 Vac networks

5 Special applications
The following tables show the electrical characteristics of the devices:

Air circuit-breakers
E2B/E E2N/E E3H/E E4H/E
Rated uninterrupted current (at 40 °C) Iu [A] 1600 2000 1250 1600 2000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 3200 4000
Rated operational voltage Ue [V~] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000
Rated ultimate short-circuit
breaking capacity Icu [kA] 20 20 30 30 30 50 50 50 50 50 65 65
Rated duty short-circuit
breaking capacity Ics [kA] 20 20 30 30 30 50 50 50 50 50 65 65
Rated short-time withstand
current Icw (1s) [kA] 20 20 30 30 30 50 50 50 50 50 65 65

Air switch disconnectors

E2B/E MS E2N/E MS E3H/E MS E4H/E MS
Rated uninterrupted current (at 40 °C) Iu [A] 1600 1250 1250 3200
[A] 2000 1600 1600 4000
[A] 2000 2000
[A] 2500
[A] 3200
Number of poles 3/4 3/4 3/4 3/4
Rated operational voltage Ue [V] 1000 1000 1000 1000
Rated insulation voltage Ui [V] 1000 1000 1000 1000
Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp [kV] 12 12 12 12
Rated short-time withstand current Icw (1s) [kA] 20 30 50 65
Rated making capacity Icm 1000 Vac (peak value) [kA] 40 63 105 143

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 261

 5 Special applications
5.4 Automatic Transfer Switches
In the electrical plants, where a high reliability is required from the power supply
source because the operation cycle cannot be interrupted and the risk of a
lack of power supply is unacceptable, an emergency line supply is indispensable
to avoid the loss of large quantities of data, damages to working processes,
plant stops etc.
For these reasons, transfer switch devices are used mainly for:
• power supply of hotels and airports;
• surgical rooms and primary services in hospitals;
• power supply of UPS groups;
• databanks, telecommunication systems, PC rooms;
• power supply of industrial lines for continuous processes.
ATS010 is the solution offered by ABB: it is an automatic transfer switch system
with micro-processor based technology which allows switching of the supply
from the normal line (N-Line) to the emergency line (E-Line) in case any of the
following anomalies occurs on the main network:
• overvoltages and voltage dips;
• lack of one of the phases;
• asymmetries in the phase cycle;
• frequency values out of the setting range.
Then, when the network standard parameters are recovered, the system
switches again the power supply to the main network (N-Line).

ATS010 is used in systems with two distinct supply lines connected to the
same busbar system and functioning independently (“island condition”): the
first one is used as normal supply line, the second is used for emergency power
supply from a generator system. It is also possible to provide the system with a
device to disconnect the non-priority loads when the network is supplied from
the E-Line.

The following scheme shows a plant having a safety auxiliary power supply:

Normal network G Emergency Generator

(N-Line) (E-Line)

-QF1 -QF2
1SDC008038F0201

ATS010

Non-vital loads Vital loads

SD

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 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications

ATS010 device is interfaced by means of appropriate terminals:

- with the protection circuit-breakers of the N-Line and of the E-Line, motorized
and mechanically interlocked, to detect their status and send opening and
closing commands according to the set time delays;
- with the control card of the Gen set to control its status and send start and
stop commands;
- with any further signals coming from the plant in order to block the switching
logic;
- with the N-Line to detect any possible anomaly and with the E-Line to verify
the voltage presence;
- with an additional device to disconnect non-priority loads;
- with an auxiliary power supply at 24 Vdc ± 20% (or 48 Vdc ± 10%). This
supply source shall be present also in case of lack of voltage on both lines (N-
Line and E-Line).

The circuit-breakers used to switch from the N-line to the E-line shall have all
the necessary accessories and shall be properly interlocked in order to guarantee
the correct working of the plant. The following accessories are required:

Moulded-case circuit-breakers Tmax (T4-T5) and SACE Isomax (S6-S7):

- motor operator from 48 V to 110 V dc or up to 250V ac;
- trip signaling contact;
- open/closed signaling contact;
- racked-in signaling contact in case of plug-in or withdrawable circuit-breakers;
- mechanical interlock between two circuit-breakers.

Air circuit-breakers Emax:

- charging spring motor;
- shunt opening release;
- shunt closing release;
- trip signaling contact;
- open/closed signaling contacts;
- racked-in signaling contact in case of withdrawable circuit-breakers;
- mechanical interlock between two circuit-breakers.

Switching strategies
According to the application where ATS010 device is used, two different
switching strategies can be chosen.
Strategy 1: this strategy is used when an auxiliary supply source is available
for the supply of the motor operators of the circuit-breakers; the switching
sequence is as follows:
- normal line anomaly detection;
- normal line circuit-breaker opening and Gen Set starting;
- waiting for presence of Gen Set voltage and emergency circuit-breaker closing.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 263

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
For example, strategy 1 is used for systems in which a redundant 110 V auxiliary
power supply is available (MV/LV substations); the plant is designed so that the
auxiliary voltage is always present even when neither the normal line nor the
Gen Set are active. In this case, the auxiliary power supply can be used to feed
the motor operators and/or the shunt opening and closing releases of the circuit-
breakers. ATS010 operates the circuit-breakers regardless of the presence of
the network and of the Gen Set.

Strategy 2: this strategy is absolutely necessary when the power supply for
the auxiliary accessories of the circuit-breakers is directly derived from the
network and the Gen Set, since a safety auxiliary power supply is not available;
in this case, before operating the circuit-breakers, ATS010 waits for availability
of normal line or emergency line voltage: normal line or Gen Set. The switching
sequence is as follows:
- normal line anomaly detection;
- Gen Set starting;
- waiting for presence of Gen Set voltage and normal line circuit-breaker opening;
- Gen Set circuit-breaker closing.

Note: in both strategies, it is necessary to provide an auxiliary power supply for

ATS010.

Operating modes
By using the front selector it is possible to choose one of the following six
operating modes:

TEST:
This operating mode is useful to test the Gen Set start and therefore to test the
emergency line power supply status without disconnecting normal line power
supply.

AUTOMATIC:
The transfer switch logic is ON and checks both the circuit-breakers as well as
the generator. In case of normal line anomalies, the transfer switch procedure
begins from normal to emergency line and viceversa when normal line voltage
become available again.

264 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
MANUAL:
The MANUAL mode offers a choice between the following possibilities:

1. Normal ON
The emergency line circuit-breaker is forced to open and the normal line circuit-
breaker is forced to close; the Gen Set is stopped and the transfer switch
logic is disabled.
This selector position guarantees that the emergency line is not closed and
that the Gen Set is not running; this position is useful when the user wants to
carry out maintenance on the emergency line or on the Gen Set (in these
cases it is advisable to install mechanical lock in open position for the
emergency line circuit-breaker).

2. Normal – Emergency OFF (maintenance)

Both circuit-breakers (N-Line and E-Line) are forced in open position. It is
useful when all loads are to be disconnected from the power supply sources,
for example to carry out maintenance on the plant (in these cases, it is advisable
to mechanically lock both circuit-breakers in the open position).

3. Gen Set START

The START command of the Gen Set has been activated through the proper
output. The circuit-breakers are not operated and the transfer switch logic is
disabled.
When emergency line voltage is present and switching is enabled, it is possible
to switch the selector to ‘Emergency ON’ position in order to force supply
from the emergency line.

4. Emergency ON
Power supply is forced from the emergency line. Before switching to this
position, ‘Gen-Set START’ operating mode is activated and shall be present
until switching is enabled as previously described.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 265

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
Setting of parameters
All the parameters for the functioning of ATS010 can be simply adjusted through
dip-switches or trimmers.

Rated voltage for three-phase or single-phase plant

The following parameters of the N-Line can be set through dip-switches:
- network rated voltage value (from 100 V up to 500 V);
- power supply type (three-phase or single-phase);
- frequency value (50 Hz or 60 Hz);
- type of strategy.

Note: Voltages higher than 500 V can be reached by using VTs (voltage
transformers); in this case the setting of the voltage value shall consider the
transformation ratio.

1SDC008052F0001
The figure below shows all the possible voltage values which can be set by the
dip-switches from 1 to 4.

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
100V 115V
2 2
1 1

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
120V 2
208V 2
1 1

266 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
220V 230V
2 2
1 1

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
240V 277V
2 2
1 1

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
347V 2
380V 2
1 1

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
400V 2
415V 2
1 1

ON OFF ON OFF
4 4
3 3
440V 480V
2 2
1 1

ON OFF
4
3
500V 2
1

Note: the black square shows the dip-switch position.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 267

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
Overvoltage threshold
According to the load characteristics, it is possible to set the voltage range
outside which the N-Line supply cannot be accepted and switching to the E-
Line is necessary.

1SDC008053F0001
Transfer switch delay configuration
Transfer switch delays can be set through special trimmers. Setting times and
relevant purposes are reported below:

T1 = 0 ÷ 32 s CB-N open
Delay time from net anomaly detection to N-Line CB opening. It is used to
avoid transfer switching in case of short voltage dips.
1SDC008054F0001

T2 = 0 ÷ 32 s GEN-SET START
Delay time from net anomaly detection to Gen set start command. It is used to
prevent from transfer switching in case of short voltage dips.
1SDC008055F0001

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 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
T3= 0 ÷ 254 s GEN-SET STOP
Delay time from N-Line return to Gen set stop command. It is used when the
Generator needs a cooling time after the disconnection of the load (opening of
the E-Line circuit-breaker).

1SDC008056F0001
T4= 0 ÷ 254 s BACK TO NORMAL LINE OK
Delay time necessary for N-Line voltage to establish, before inverse switching
procedure is started.

1SDC008057F0001
T5 = 0 ÷ 32 s CB-E CLOSE
Delay time to allow the gen-set voltage to stabilize: after starting the generator
and detecting a voltage on the emergency line, the ATS010 unit waits for a time
T5 before considering this voltage stable.
In Strategy 1, after detecting the gen-set voltage, the ATS010 unit waits for
time T5 before closing CB-E.
In strategy 2, the ATS010 unit cannot open or close the breakers unless there
is a stable voltage source. Therefore, the unit waits for a time T5 before opening
CB-N. If, however, a time delay T1 since voltage loss has not elapsed, the
ATS010 unit waits until T1 has elapsed, and only then opens CB-N.
1SDC008058F0001

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 269

 5.4 Automatic transfer switches

5 Special applications
Check on the plant and on the circuit-breakers
ATS010 can be used in plants with the following characteristics:
• the Gen set shall function independently (“island” condition);
• rated voltage and frequency of the plants are included within the given ranges;
• ATS010 supply is guaranteed even if N-Line and E-Line voltages are missing.
The two circuit-breakers controlled by ATS are to be:
• mechanically interlocked;
• of the prescribed type and size;
• equipped with the prescribed accessories.

References Standards
EN 50178 (1997): ”Electronic equipment for use in power installations”
Compliance with “Low Voltage Directive” (LVD) no. 73/23/EEC and
“Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive” (EMC) no. 89/336/EEC.
Electromagnetic compatibility: EN 50081-2, EN 50082-2
Environmental conditions: IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2, IEC 60068-2-3.

ATS010 - main technical characteristics

Rated power supply voltage 24 Vdc ± 20%
(galvanically isolated from the ground) 48 Vdc ± 10%
(maximum ripple ± 5%)
Maximum power consumption 5 W @ 24 Vdc
10 W @ 48 Vdc
Rated power 1,8 W @ 24 Vdc
(N-Line voltage present and CBs not operated) 4,5 W @ 48 Vdc
Operating temperature -25 °C…+70 °C
Maximum humidity 90 % without condensation
Storing temperature -20 °C…..+80 °C
Degree of protection IP54 (front panel)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 144 x 144 x 85
Weight [kg] 0,8

Normal line voltage sensor

Normal line rated voltage 100…500 Vac with direct connection
Over 500 Vac with external voltage transformers
Rated frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Impulse withstand voltage on L1, L2, L3 inputs 6 kV

Motor operators - shunt opening/closing releases

Tmax T4-T5 Isomax S6-S7 Up to 250 Vac
From 48 Vdc to 110 Vdc
Emax Up to 250 Vac
From 24 Vdc to 110 Vdc

270 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 6 Switchboards

6.1 Electrical switchboards

The switchboard is a combination of one or more low voltage switching,
protection and other devices assembled in one or more enclosure so as to
satisfy the requirements regarding safety and to allow the functions for which it
was designed to be carried out.
A switchboard consists of a container, termed enclosure by the relevant
Standards (which has the function of support and mechanical protection of the
components contained within), and the electrical equipment, which consists of
devices, internal connections and input and output terminals for connection
with the system.

The reference Standard is IEC 60439-1 published in 1999, titled “Low-voltage

switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: Type-tested and partially type-
tested assemblies”, approved by CENELEC code number EN 60439-1.

Supplementary calculation guides are:

IEC 60890 “A method of temperature-rise assessment by extrapolation for

partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA) of low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear“.

IEC 61117 “A method for assessing the short-circuit withstand strength of

partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA)”.

IEC 60865-1 “Short-circuit currents - Calculation of effects - Part 1: Definitions

and calculation methods”.

Standard IEC 60439-1 sets out the requirements relating to the construction,
safety and maintainability of electrical switchboards, and identifies the nominal
characteristics, the operational environmental conditions, the mechanical and
electrical requirements and the performance regulations.
The type-tests and individual tests are defined, as well as the method of their
execution and the criteria necessary for the evaluation of the results.

Standard IEC 60439-1 distinguishes between the two types of switchboard:

TTA (type-tested assemblies) and PTTA (partially type-tested assemblies).
By “type-tested assemblies” (TTA), it is meant a low voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies conforming to an established type or system without
deviations likely to significantly influence the performance from the typical
assembly verified to be in accordance with the Standard prescriptions.
TTA switchboards are assemblies derived directly from a prototype designed in
all details and subjected to type-tests; as the type-tests are very complex,
switchboards designed by a manufacturer with a sound technical and financial
basis are referred to. Nevertheless, TTA assemblies can be mounted by a panel
builder or installer who follows the manufacturer’s instructions; deviations from
the prototype are only allowed if they do not significantly change the perfor-
mance compared with the type-tested equipment.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 271

 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
By “partially type-tested assemblies” (PTTA), it is meant a low voltage and
controlgear assembly, tested only with a part of the type-tests; some tests may
be substituted by extrapolation which are calculations based on experimental
results obtained from assemblies which have passed the type-tests. Verifications
through simplified measurements or calculations, allowed as an alternative to
type tests, concern heating, short circuit withstand and insulation.

Standard IEC 60439-1 states that some steps of assembly may take place
outside the factory of the manufacturer, provided the assembly is performed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The installer may use commercial assembly kits to realize a suitable switchboard
configuration.
The same Standard specifies a division of responsibility between the
manufacturer and the assembler in Table 7: “List of verifications and tests to be
performed on TTA and PTTA” in which the type-tests and individual tests to be
carried out on the assembly are detailed.
The type-tests verify the compliance of the prototype with the requirements of
the Standard, and are generally under the responsibility of the manufacturer,
who must also supply instructions for the production and assembly of the
switchboard. The assembler has responsibility for the selection and assembly
of components in accordance with the instructions supplied and must confirm
compliance with the Standards through the previously stated checks in the
case of switchboards that deviate from a tested prototype. Routine tests must
also be carried out on every example produced.

The distinction between TTA and PTTA switchgear and controlgear assemblies
has no relevance to the declaration of conformity with Standard IEC 60439-1,
in so far as the switchboard must comply with this Standard.

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 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
List of verifications and tests to be performed on TTA and PTTA
Characteristics Sub-
No. to be checked clauses TTA PTTA
1 Temperature-rise limits 8.2.1 Verification of temperature-rise Verification of temperature-rise limits
limits by test by test or extrapolation
(type test)
2 Dielectric properties 8.2.2 Verification of dielectric Verification of dielectric properties by
properties by test test according to 8.2.2 or 8.3.2, or
(type test) verification of insulation resistance
according to 8.3.4
(see No. 9 and 11)
3 Short-circuit withstand 8.2.3 Verification of the short- Verification of the short-circuit
strength circuit withstand strength withstand strength by test or by
by test extrapolation from similar type-tested
(type test) arrangements
4 Effectiveness of the 8.2.4
protective circuit

Effective connection 8.2.4.1 Verification of the effective Verification of the effective

between the exposed connection between the connection between the exposed
conductive parts of the exposed conductive parts conductive parts of the ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLY and the of the ASSEMBLY and the and the protective circuit by inspection
protective circuit protective circuit by or by resistance measurement
inspection or by resistance
measurement (type test)

Short-circuit withstand Verification of the short- Verification of the short-circuit

strength of the 8.2.4.2 circuit withstand strength withstand strength of the protective
protective circuit of the protective circuit by circuit by test or appropriate design
test (type test) and arrangement of the protective
conductor (see 7.4.3.1.1, last
paragraph)
5 Clearances and 8.2.5 Verification of the Verification of clearances and
creepage distances clearances and creepage creepage distances
distances (type test)
6 Mechanical operation 8.2.6 Verification of mechanical Verification of mechanical operation
operation (type test)
7 Degree of protection 8.2.7 Verification of the degree Verification of the degree of
of protection (type test) protection
8 Wiring, electrical 8.3.1 Inspection of the ASSEMBLY Inspection of the ASSEMBLY including
operation including inspection of inspection of wiring and, if necessary,
wiring and, if necessary, electrical operation test
electrical operation test
(routine test)
9 Insulation 8.3.2 Dielectric test Dielectric test or verification of
(routine test) insulation resistance according to
8.3.4 (see No. 2 and 11)
10 Protective measures 8.3.3 Checking of protective Checking of protective measures
measures and of the
electrical continuity of the
protective circuits (routine test)
10 Insulation resistance 8.3.4 Verification of insulation resistance
unless test according to 8.2.2 or 8.3.2
has been made (see No. 2 and 9)

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 273

 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
Degrees of protection
The degree of protection IP indicates a level of protection provided by the
assembly against access to or contact with live parts, against ingress of solid
foreign bodies and against the ingress of liquid. The IP code is the system used
for the identification of the degree of protection, in compliance with the
requirements of Standard IEC 60529. Unless otherwise specified by the
manufacturer, the degree of protection applies to the complete switchboard,
assembled and installed for normal use (with door closed).
The manufacturer shall also state the degree of protection applicable to particular
configurations which may arise in service, such as the degree of protection
with the door open or with devices removed or withdrawn.
Elements ofthe IP Code and their meanings
Numerials Meaning for the Meaning for the
Element or letters protection of equipment protection of persons Ref.
Code letters IP
First characteristic Against ingress of the solid Against access to Cl.5
numeral foreign objects hazardous parts with

0 (non-protected) (non-protected)
1 ≥ 50 mm diameter back of hand
2 ≥ 12.5 mm diameter finger
3 ≥ 2.5 mm diameter tool
4 ≥ 1.0 mm diameter wire
5 dust-protected wire
6 dust-tight wire
Second Against ingress of water Cl.6
characteristic with harmful effects
numeral
0 (non-protected)
1 vertically dripping
2 dripping (15° tilted)
3 spraying
4 splashing
5 jetting
6 powerful jetting
7 temporary immersion
8 continuous immersion
Additional letter Against access to Cl.7
(optional) hazardous parts with

A back of hand
B finger
C tool
D wire
Supplementary Supplemetary information Cl.8
letter (optional specific to:

A Hight voltage apparatus

B Motion during water test
C Stationary during water test
D Weather conditions

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 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
Form of separation and classification of switchboards
Forms of internal separation
By form of separation it is meant the type of subdivision provided within the
switchboard. Separation by means of barriers or partitions (metallic or insulating)
may have the function to:

- provide protection against direct contact (at least IPXXB) in the case of access
to a part of the switchboard which is not live, with respect to the rest of the
switchboard which remains live;
- reduce the risk of starting or propagating an internal arc;
- impede the passage of solid bodies between different parts of the switchboard
(degree of protection of at least IP2X).

A partition is a separation element between two parts, while a barrier protects

the operator from direct contact and from arcing effects from any interruption
devices in the normal access direction.
The following table from Standard IEC 60439-1 highlights typical forms of
separation which can be obtained using barriers or partitions:

Main criteria Subcriteria Form

No separation Form 1
Terminals for external conductors not Form 2a
separated from busbars
Separation of busbars from the functional units
Terminals for external conductors Form 2b
separated from busbars
Separation of busbars from the functional units and Terminals for external conductors not Form 3a
separation of all functional units from one another. separated from busbars
Separation of the terminals for external conductors Terminals for external conductors Form 3b
from the functional units, but not from each other separated from busbars
Terminals for external conductors in the Form 4a
same compartment as the associated
Separation of busbars from the functional units and functional unit
separation of all functional units from one another, Terminals for external conductors not in Form 4b
including the terminals for external conductors the same compartment as the associated
which are an integral part of the functional unit functional unit, but in individual, separate,
enclosed protected spaces or
compartments

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 275

 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
Simbols Form 1 Form 2 Form 3 Form 4
(no internal segregation) (segregation of the busbars (separation of the busbars from ((separation of the busbars from
the functional units + separation
from the functional units) the functional units + separation of the functional units from each
of the functional units from each other + separation of the
other) terminals from each other)
Form 2a Form 3a Form 4a
Terminals not separated from Terminals not separated from Terminals in the same
the busbars the busbars compartment as the associated
functional unit

a b d

Form 2b Form 3b Form 4b

Terminals separated from the Terminals separated from the Terminals in the same
c busbars busbars compartment as the associated
functional unit

1SDC008039F0201
Caption
a Housing
b Internal segregation
c Functional units including the terminals for the associated
external conductors
d Busbars, including the distribution busbars

Classification
Different classifications of electrical switchboard exist, depending on a range of
factors.

Based on construction type, Standard IEC 60439-1 firstly distinguishes between

open and enclosed assemblies.
A switchboard is enclosed when it comprises protective panels on all sides,
providing a degree of protection against direct contact of at least IPXXB.
Switchboards used in normal environments must be enclosed.

Open switchboards, with or without front covering, which have the live parts
accessible. These switchboards may only be used in electrical plants.

With regard to external design, switchboards are divided into the following
categories:

- Cubicle-type assembly
Used for large scale control and distribution equipment; multi-cubicle-type
assembly can be obtained by placing cubicles side by side.

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 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards

- Desk-type assembly
Used for the control of machinery or complex systems in the mechanical, iron
and steel, and chemical industries.

- Box-type assembly
Characterized by wall mounting, either mounted on a wall or flush-fitting;
these switchboards are generally used for distribution at department or zone
level in industrial environments and in the tertiary sector.

- Multi-box-type assembly
Each box, generally protected and flanged, contains a functional unit which
may be an automatic circuit-breaker, a starter, a socket complete with locking
switch or circuit-breaker.

With regard to the intended function, switchboards may be divided into the
following types:

- Main distribution boards

Main distribution boards are generally installed immediately downstream of
MV/LV transformers, or of generators; they are also termed power centres.
Main distribution boards comprise one or more incoming units, busbar
connectors, and a relatively smaller number of output units.

- Secondary distribution boards

Secondary distribution boards include a wide range of switchboards for the
distribution of power, and are equipped with a single input unit and numerous
output units.

- Motor operation boards

Motor control boards are designed for the control and centralised protection
of motors: therefore they comprise the relative coordinated devices for
operation and protection, and auxiliary control and signalling devices.

- Control, measurement and protection boards

Control, measurement and protection boards generally consist of desks
containing mainly equipment for the control, monitoring and measurement of
industrial processes and systems.

- Machine-side boards
Machine-side boards are functionally similar to the above; their role is to provide
an interface between the machine with the power supply and the operator.

- Assemblies for construction sites (ASC)

Assemblies for construction sites may be of different sizes, from a simple
plug and socket assembly to true distribution boards with enclosures of metal
or insulating material. They are generally mobile or, in any case, transportable.

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 6.1 Electrical switchboards

6 Switchboards
Method of temperature rise assessment by
extrapolation for partially tested assemblies (PTTA)
For PTTA assemblies, the temperature rise can be determined by laboratory
tests or calculations, which can be carried out in accordance with Standard
IEC 60890. The formulae and coefficients given in this Standard are deduced
from measurements taken from numerous switchboards, and the validity of the
method has been checked by comparison with the test results.
This method does not cover the whole range of low voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies since it has been developed under precise hypotheses
which limit the applications; this can however be correct, suited and integrated
with other calculation procedures which can be demonstrated to have a technical
basis.
Standard IEC 60890 serves to determine the temperature rise of the air inside
the switchboard caused by the energy dissipated by the devices and conductors
installed within the switchboard.
To calculate the temperature rise of the air inside an enclosure, once the
requirements of the Standard have been met, the following must be considered:

- Dimensions of the enclosure.

- Type of installation:
- enclosure open to air on all sides;
- wall-mounted enclosure;
- enclosure designed for mounting in extremities;
- enclosure in an internal position in a multi-
compartment switchboard;
- Any ventilation openings, and their dimensions.
- Number of horizontal internal separators;
- Power losses from the effective current flowing
through any device and conductor installed within
the switchboard or compartment.

The Standard allows the calculation of temperature rise of the air at mid-height
and at the highest point of the switchboard. Once the values are calculated, it
must be evaluated if the switchboard can comply with the requirements relating
to the set limits at certain points within the same switchboard.
The Annex B explains the calculation method described in the Standard.
ABB supplies the client with calculation software which allows the temperature
rise inside the switchboard to be calculated quickly.

278 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 6.2 MNS switchboards

6 Switchboards

6.2 MNS switchboards

MNS systems are suitable for applications in all fields concerning the generation,
distribution and use of electrical energy; e. g., they can be used as:
- main and sub-distribution boards;
- motor power supply of MCCs (Motor Control Centres);
- automation switchboards.

The MNS system is a framework construction with maintenance-free bolted

connections which can be equipped as required with standardized components
and can be adapted to any application. The consistent application of the mo-
dular principle both in electrical and mechanical design permits optional selection
of the structural design, interior arrangement and degree of protection according
to the operating and environmental conditions.

The design and material used for the MNS system largely prevent the occurrence
of electric arcs, or provide for arc extinguishing within a short time. The MNS
System complies with the requirements laid down in VDE0660 Part 500 as well
as IEC 61641 and has furthermore been subjected to extensive accidental arc
tests by an independent institute.

The MNS system offers the user many alternative solutions and notable
advantages in comparison with conventional-type installations:
- compact, space-saving design;
- back-to-back arrangement;
- optimized energy distribution in the cubicles;
- easy project and detail engineering through standardized components;
- comprehensive range of standardized modules;
- various design levels depending on operating and environmental conditions;
- easy combination of the different equipment systems, such as fixed and
withdrawable modules in a single cubicle;
- possibility of arc-proof design (standard design with fixed module design);
- possibility of earthquake-, vibration- and shock-proof design;
- easy assembly without special tools;
- easy conversion and retrofit;
- largely maintenance-free;
- high operational reliability;
- high safety for human beings.

The basic elements of the frame are C-sections with holes at 25 mm intervals in
compliance with Standard DIN 43660. All frame parts are secured maintenance-
free with tapping screws or ESLOK screws. Based on the basic grid size of 25
mm, frames can be constructed for the various cubicle types without any special
tools. Single or multi-cubicle switchgear assemblies for front or front and rear
operations are possible.
Different designs are available, depending on the enclosure required:
- single equipment compartment door;
- double equipment compartment door;
- equipment and cable compartment door;
- module doors and/or withdrawable module covers and cable compartment door.
The bottom side of the cubicle can be provided with floor plates. With the aid of
flanged plates, cable ducts can be provided to suit all requirements. Doors and
cladding can be provided with one or more ventilation opening, roof plates can
be provided with metallic grid (IP 30 – IP40) or with ventilation chimney (IP 40, 41, 42).

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 279

 6.3 ArTu distribution switchboards

6 Switchboards
Depending on the requirements, a frame structure can be subdivided into the
following compartments (functional areas):
- equipment compartment;
- busbar compartment;
- cable compartment.
The equipment compartment holds the equipment modules, the busbar
compartment contains the busbars and distribution bars, the cable compartment
houses the incoming and outgoing cables (optionally from above and from
below) with the wiring required for connecting the modules as well as the
supporting devices (cable mounting rails, cable connection parts, parallel
connections, wiring ducts, etc.). The functional compartments of a cubicle as
well as the cubicles themselves can be separated by partitions. Horizontal
partitions with or without ventilation openings can also be inserted between the
compartments.
All incoming/outgoing feeder and bus coupler cubicles include one switching
device. These devices can be fixed-mounted switch disconnectors, fixed-
mounted or withdrawable air or moulded-case circuit-breakers.
This type of cubicles is subdivided into equipment and busbar compartments;
their size (H x W) is 2200 mm x 400 mm / 1200 mm x 600 mm, and the depth
depends on the dimensions of the switchgear used.
Cubicles with air circuit-breakers up to 2000 A can be built in the reduced
dimensioned version (W = 400 mm).
It is possible to interconnect cubicles to form optimal delivery units with a
maximum width of 3000 mm.

6.3 ArTu distribution switchboards

The range of ABB SACE ArTu distribution switchboards provides a complete
and integrated offer of switchboards and kit systems for constructing primary
and secondary low voltage distribution switchboards.
With a single range of accessories and starting from simple assembly kits, the
ArTu switchboards make it possible to assembly a wide range of configurations
mounting modular, moulded-case and air circuit-breakers, with any internal
separation up to Form 4.
ABB SACE offers a series of standardized kits, consisting of pre-drilled plates
and panels for the installation of the whole range of circuit-breakers type System
pro M, Isomax, Tmax and Emax E1, E2, E3, E4 without the need of additional
drilling operations or adaptations.
Special consideration has been given to cabling requirements, providing special
seats to fix the plastic cabling duct horizontally and vertically.
Standardization of the components is extended to internal separation of the
switchboard: in ArTu switchboards, separation is easily carried out and it does
not require either construction of “made-to-measure” switchboards or any
additional sheet cutting, bending or drilling work.

ArTu switchboards are characterized by the following features:

- integrated range of modular metalwork structures up to 4000 A with common
accessories;
- possibility of fulfilling all application requirements in terms of installation (wall-
mounting, floor-mounting, monoblock and cabinet kits) and degree of
protection (IP31, IP41, IP43, IP65);
- structure made of hot-galvanized sheet;

280 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 6.3 ArTu distribution switchboards

6 Switchboards
- maximum integration with modular devices and ABB SACE moulded-case
and air circuit-breakers;
- minimum switchboard assembly times thanks to the simplicity of the kits, the
standardization of the small assembly items, the self-supporting elements
and the presence of clear reference points for assembly of the plates and
panels;
- separations in kits up to Form 4.

The range of ArTu switchboards includes four versions, which can be equipped
with the same accessories.

ArTu L series
ArTu L series consists of a range of modular switchboard kits, with a capacity
of 24 modules per row and degree of protection IP31 (without door) or IP43
(basic version with door). These switchboards can be wall- or floor-mounted:
- wall-mounted ArTu L series, with heights of 600, 800, 1000 and 1200 mm,
depth 200 mm, width 700 mm. Both System pro M modular devices and
moulded-case circuit-breakers Tmax T1-T2-T3 are housed inside this
switchboard series;
- floor-mounted ArTu L series, with heights of 1400, 1600, 1800 and 2000
mm, depth 240 mm, width 700 mm. System pro M modular devices, moulded-
case circuit-breakers type Tmax T1-T2-T3-T4-T5 and Isomax S6 800A (fixed
version with front terminals) are housed inside this switchboard series.

ArTu M series
ArTu M series consists of a modular range of monoblock switchboards for wall-
mounted (with depths of 150 and 200 mm with IP65 degree of protection) or
floor-mounted (with depth of 250 mm and IP31 or IP65 degrees of protection)
installations, in which it is possible to mount System pro M modular devices
and Tmax T1-T2-T3 moulded-case circuit-breakers on a DIN rail ArTu M series
of floor-mounted switchboards can be equipped with Tmax series and Isomax
S6 800A circuit-breakers.

ArTu K series
ArTu K series consists of a range of modular switchboard kits for floor-mounted
installation with four different depths (250, 350, 600, 800 and 1000 mm) and
with degree of protection IP31 (without front door), IP41 (with front door and
ventilated side panels) or IP65 (with front door and blind side panels), in which
it is possible to mount System pro M modular devices, the whole range of
moulded-case circuit–breakers Tmax and Isomax, and Emax circuit-breakers
E1, E2, E3 and E4.
ArTu switchboards have three functional widths:
- 400 mm, for the installation of moulded-case circuit-breakers up to 630 A (T5);
- 600 mm, which is the basic dimension for the installation of all the apparatus;
- 800 mm, for the creation of the side cable container within the structure of
the floor-mounted switchboard or for the use of panels with the same width.

The available internal space varies in height from 600 mm (wall-mounted L

series) to 2000 mm (floor-mounted M series and K series), thus offering a possible
solution for the most varied application requirements.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 281

 6.3 ArTu distribution switchboards

6 Switchboards
ArTu PB Series (Panelboard and Pan Assembly)
The ArTu line is now upgraded with the new ArTu PB Panelboard solution.
The ArTu PB Panelboard is suitable for distribution applications with an incomer
up to 800A and outgoing feeders up to 250A.
The ArTu PB Panelboard is extremely sturdy thanks to its new designed
framework and it is available both in the wall-mounted version as well as in the
floor-mounted one.
ArTu PB Panelboard customisation is extremely flexible due to the smart design
based on configurations of 6, 12 and 18 outgoing ways and to the new ABB
plug-in system that allows easy and fast connections for all T1 and T3 versions.
Upon request, extension boxes are available on all sides of the structure, for
metering purposes too.
The vertical trunking system is running behind the MCCB’s layer allowing easy
access to every accessory wiring (SR’s, UV’s, AUX contacts).
The ArTu PB Panelboard, supplied as a standard with a blind door, is available
with a glazed one as well.

282 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects
inside low-voltage switchboards

The Std. IEC 60439-1 specifies that ASSEMBLIES (referred to hereafter as

switchboards) shall be constructed so as to be capable of withstanding the
thermal and dynamic stresses resulting from short-circuit currents up to the
rated values.
Furthermore, switchboards shall be protected against short-circuit currents by
means of circuit-breakers, fuses or a combination of both, which may either be
incorporated in the switchboard or arranged upstream.
When ordering a switchboard, the user shall specify the short-circuit conditions
at the point of installation.

This chapter takes into consideration the following aspects:

- The need, or not, to carry out a verification of the short-circuit
withstand strength of the switchboard.
- The suitability of a switchboard for a plant as a function of the
prospective short-circuit current of the plant and of the short-circuit
parameters of the switchboard.
- The suitability of a busbar system as a function of the short-circuit
current and of the protective devices.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 283

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Verification of short-circuit withstand strength
The verification of the short-circuit withstand strength is dealt with in the Standard
IEC 60439-1, where, in particular, the cases requiring this verification and the
different types of verification are specified.
The verification of the short-circuit withstand strength is not required if the
following conditions are fulfilled:
• For switchboards having a rated short-time current (Icw) or rated conditional
current (Ik) not exceeding 10 kA.
• For switchboards protected by current limiting devices having a cut-off current
not exceeding 17 kA at the maximum allowable prospective short-circuit current
at the terminals of the incoming circuit of the switchboard.
• For auxiliary circuits of switchboards intended to be connected to transformers
whose rated power does not exceed 10 kVA for a rated secondary voltage of
not less than 110 V, or 1.6 kVA for a rated secondary voltage less than 110 V,
and whose short-circuit impedance is not less than 4%.
• For all the parts of switchboards (busbars, busbar supports, connections to
busbars, incoming and outgoing units, switching and protective devices, etc.)
which have already been subjected to type tests valid for conditions in the
switchboard.

Therefore, from an engineering point of view, the need to verify of the short-
circuit withstand strength may be viewed as follows:

Icw of switchboard ≤ 10 kA
or
Ik conditional current of switchboard ≤ 10 kA

NO
YES
The condition

YES Ip ≤ 17 kA

is satisfied for the cut-off current of the protective

circuit-breaker at the maximum allowable
prospective short-circuit current

NO

Verification not Verification

required required

As regards the details of the test performance, reference shall be made directly
to the Standard IEC 60439-1.

284 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Short-circuit current and suitability of the switchboard
for the plant
The verification of the short-circuit withstand strength is based on two values
stated by the manufacturer in alternative to each other:
- the rated short-time current Icw
- the rated conditional short-circuit current Ik
Based on one of these two values, it is possible to determine whether the
switchboard is suitable to be installed in a particular point of the system.

It shall be necessary to verify that the breaking capacities of the

apparatus inside the switchboard are compatible with the short-circuit
values of the system.

The rated short-time withstand current Icw is a predefined r.m.s. value of test
current, to which a determined peak value applied to the test circuit of the
switchboard for a specified time (usually 1s) corresponds. The switchboard
shall be able to withstand the thermal and electro-dynamical stresses without
damages or deformations which could compromise the operation of the system.
From this test (if passed) it is possible to obtain the specific let-through energy
(I2t) which can be carried by the switchboard:
I2t = Icw2t

The test shall be carried out at a power factor value specified below in the Table
4 of the Std. IEC 60439-1. A factor “n” corresponding at this cosϕ value allows
to determine the peak value of the short-circuit current withstood by the
switchboard through the following formula:
Ip = Icw . n
Table 4
power factor
r.m.s. value of short-circuit current cosϕ n
I ≤ 5 kA 0.7 1.5
5<I ≤ 10 kA 0.5 1.7
10<I ≤ 20 kA 0.3 2
20<I ≤ 50 kA 0.25 2.1
50<I 0.2 2.2
The values of this table represent the majority of applications. In special locations, for
example in the vicinity of transformers or generators, lower values of power factor may
be found, whereby the maximum prospective peak current may become the limiting
value instead of the r.m.s. value of the short-circuit current.

The conditional short-circuit current is a predetermined r.m.s. value of test current

to which a defined peak value corresponds and which can be withstand by the
switchboard during the operating time of a specified protective device. This
devices is usually the main circuit-breaker of the switchboard.

By comparing the two values Icw and Ip with the prospective short-circuit current
of the plant, it is possible to establish whether the switchboard is suitable to be
installed at a specified point of the system.
The following diagrams show the method to determine the compatibility of the
switchboard with the plant.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 285

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards

The rated short-time withstand current of the

switchboard Icw (r.m.s.value) is known

Ik (prospective, of the plant) < Icw (of the switchboard)

YES NO

On the supply side of the switchboard a

YES circuit-breaker is installed, which for the
prospective Ik has I2t < I2t (of the
switchboard) and a cut-off current
Ip < Ip (switchboard)

NO

Switchboard Switchboard
suitable not suitable

The conditional short-circuit current of

the switchboard (r.m.s.value) is known

Ik (prospective, of the plant) < Ik

(conditional current of the switchboard)
(with a specified protective device)

YES NO

Switchboard Switchboard
suitable not suitable

The breaking capacities of the apparatus inside the switchboard shall be verified to be
compatible with the short-circuit values of the plant.

286 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Example
Plant data: Rated voltage Ur=400 V
Rated frequency fr=50Hz
Short-circuit current Ik=35kA

Assume that in an existing system there is a switchboard with Icw equal to

35kA and that, at the installation point of the switchboard, the prospective
short-circuit current is equal to 35kA.

Now assume that an increase in the power supply of a plant is decided and
that the short-circuit value rises to 60 kA.
Plant data after the increase: Rated voltage Ur=400 V
Rated frequency fr=50Hz
Short-circuit current Ik=60kA

Since the Icw of the switchboard is lower than the short-circuit current of the
system, in order to verify that the actual switchboard is still compatible, it is
necessary to:
- determine the I2t and Ip values let-through by the circuit-breaker on the supply
side of the switchboard
- verify that the protective devices installed inside the switchboard have a
sufficient breaking capacity (separately or in back-up)

Icw = 35kA from which:

I2t switchboard = 352x1 =1225 MA2s
Ipswitchboard = 73.5 kA (according to Table 4)

Assuming that on the supply side of the switchboard a circuit-breaker type

Tmax T5H (Icu=70kA@415V) is installed
I2tCB < 4MA2s
IpCB < 40kA

since
I2tswitchboard > I2tCB
Ipswitchboard > IpCB

it results that the switchboard (structure and busbar system) is suitable.

Assume that the circuit-breakers installed inside the switchboard are circuit-
breakers type T1, T2 and T3 version N with Icu=36kA@415V. From the back-
up tables (see Chapter 4.3), it results that the circuit-breakers inside the
switchboard are suitable for the plant, since their breaking capacity is increased
to 65 kA thanks to the circuit-breaker type T5H on the supply side.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 287

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Selection of the distribution system in relation to short-
circuit withstand strength
The dimensioning of the distribution system of the switchboard is obtained by
taking into consideration the rated current flowing through it and the prospective
short-circuit current of the plant.
The manufacturer usually provides tables which allow the choice of the busbar
cross-section as a function of the rated current and give the mounting distances
of the busbar supports to ensure the short-circuit withstand strength.

To select a distribution system compatible with the short-circuit data of the

plant, one of these procedures shall be followed:

• If the protective device on the supply side of the distribution system

is known
From the Icw value of the distribution system it results:
Ik syst = Icw.n where n is the factor deduced from the Table 4
I2t syst = Icw2.t where t is equal to 1 s

In correspondence with the prospective short-circuit current value of the plant

the following values can be determined:
the cut-off current of the circuit-breaker IpCB
the specific let-through energy of the circuit-breaker I2tCB
If IpCB<Ipsyst and I2tCB< I2tsyst, then the distribution system is suitable.

Icw (system) Ik (prospective) + circuit-breaker

Iksyst = Icw . n IpCB

I2tsyst = Icw2 . t I2tCB

IpCB < Ipsyst and I2tCB<I2tsyst

YES NO

System System not

suitable suitable

• If the protective device on the supply side of the distribution

system is not known
The following condition must be fulfilled:

Ik (prospective) < Icw (system)

288 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Example
Plant data: Rated voltage Ur=400 V
Rated frequency fr=50Hz
Short-circuit current Ik=65kA

By considering the need of using a system of 400 A busbars with shaped form,
in the ABB SACE catalogue “ArTu distribution switchboards” the following choice
is possible:
BA0400 In=400 A (IP65) Icw=35kA.

By assuming to have on the supply side of the busbar system a moulded-case

circuit-breaker type

ABB SACE Tmax T5400 In400

from the Icw of the busbar system, it derives:

Ip syst = Icw.n = 35 . 2.1 = 73.5 [kA]
I2t syst = Icw2.t = 352 . 1 = 1225 [(kA)2 s]

From the curves

- at page 118
Ik 65kA corresponds at about IpCB=35 kA

- at page 144
Ik 65kA corresponds at about I2tCB=4 [(kA)2s]= 4 [MA2sec]

Thus, since
IpCB < Ipsyst
and
I2tCB < I2tsyst
it results that the busbar system is compatible with the switchboard.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 289

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Selection of conductors on the supply side of the protective
devices
The Standard IEC 60439-1 prescribes that in a switchboard, the active
conductors (distribution busbars included) positioned between the main busbars
and the supply side of the single functional units, as well as the constructional
components of these units, can be dimensioned according to the reduced short-
circuit stresses which occur on the load side of the short-circuit protective device
of the unit.

This may be possible if the conductors are installed in such a way throughout
the switchboard that, under normal operating conditions, an internal short-circuit
between phases and/or between phase and earth is only a remote possibility. It
is advisable that such conductors are of solid rigid manufacture.
As an example, this Standard gives conductor types and installation requirements
which allow to consider a short-circuit between phases and/or between phase
and earth only a remote possibility.

Type of conductor Requirements

Bare conductors or single-core conductors with Mutual contact or contact with conductive parts shall
basic insulation, for example cables according be avoided, for example by use of spacers.
to IEC 60227-3.
Single-core conductors with basic insulation Mutual contact or contact with conductive parts is
and a maximum permissible conductor- permitted where there is no applied external pressure.
operating temperature above 90°C, for example Contact with sharp edges must be avoided. There must
cables according to IEC 60245-3, or heat- be no risk of mechanical damage.
resistant PVC insulated cables according to IEC These conductors may only be loaded such that an
60227-3. operating temperature of 70°C is not exceeded.
Conductors with basic insulation, for example
cables according to IEC 60227-3, having
additional secondary insulation, for example
individually covered cables with shrink sleeving
or individually run cables in plastic conduits.
Conductors insulated with a very high
No additional requirements if there is no risk of
mechanical strength material, for example FTFE
mechanical damage.
insulation, or double-insulated conductors with
an enhanced outer sheath rated for use up to 3
kV, for example cables according to IEC 60502.
Single or multi-core sheathed cables, for
example cables according to IEC 60245-4 or
60227-4.

Under these conditions or if anyway the integral short-circuit may be considered

a remote possibility, the above described procedure shall be used to verify the
suitability of the distribution system to the short-circuit conditions, when these
are determined as a function of the characteristics of the circuit-breakers on the
load side of the busbars.

290 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

Annex A: Protection against short-circuit effects

inside low-voltage switchboards
Example
Plant data:
Rated voltage Ur=400 V
T2 160
Rated frequency fr=50Hz
Short-circuit current Ik=45kA
T2 160
In the switchboard shown in the figu-
re, the vertical distribution busbars are
derived from the main busbars. T3 250
These are 800 A busbars with shaped
section and with the following
characteristics:
T3 250
In (IP65) = 800 A,
Icw max = 35 kA
Since it is a “rigid” system with spacers,
according to the Std. IEC 60439-1 a T3 250
short-circuit between busbars is a re-
mote possibility.
Anyway, a verification that the stresses reduced by the circuit-breakers on the
load side of the system are compatible with the system is required.
Assuming that in the cubicles there are the following circuit-breakers:
ABB SACE T3S250
ABB SACE T2S160
it is necessary to verify that, in the case of a short-circuit on any outgoing
conductor, the limitations created by the circuit-breaker are compatible with
the busbar system; to comply with this requirement, at the maximum allowable
prospective short-circuit current, the circuit-breaker with higher cut-off current
and let-through energy must have an adequate current limiting capability for
the busbar system.

In this case the circuit-breaker is type ABB SACE T3S250 In250.

The verification shall be carried out as in the previous paragraph:

From the Icw of the busbar system, it derives:

Ip syst = Icw.n = 35 . 2.1 = 73.5 [kA]
I2t syst = Icw2.t = 352 . 1 = 1225 [(kA)2 s]

From the limitation and let-through energy curves

- at page 116
Ik = 45kA corresponds at about IpCB=30 kA
- at page 142
Ik = 45kA corresponds at about I2tCB=2 [(kA)2s]

Thus, since
IpCB<Ipsyst
and
I2tCB< I2tsyst

it results that the busbar system is compatible with the switchboard.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 291

 Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation
according to IEC 60890
The calculation method suggested in the Standard IEC 60890 makes it possible
to evaluate the temperature rise inside an assembly (PTTA); this method is
applicable only if the following conditions are met:
• there is an approximately even distribution of power losses inside the enclosure;
• the installed equipment is arranged in a way that air circulation is only slightly
impeded;
• the equipment installed is designed for direct current or alternating current up
to and including 60 Hz with the total of supply currents not exceeding 3150 A;
• conductors carrying high currents and structural parts are arranged in a way
that eddy-current losses are negligible;
• for enclosures with ventilating openings, the cross-section of the air outlet
openings is at least 1.1 times the cross-section of the air inlet openings;
• there are no more than three horizontal partitions in the PTTA or a section of it;
• where enclosures with external ventilation openings have compartments, the
surface of the ventilation openings in each horizontal partition shall be at least
50% of the horizontal cross section of the compartment.

The data necessary for the calculation are:

- dimensions of the enclosure: height, width, depth;
- the type of installation of the enclosure (see Table 8);
- presence of ventilation openings;
- number of internal horizontal partitions;
- the power loss of the equipment installed in the enclosure (see Tables 13 and 14);
- the power loss of the conductors inside the enclosure, equal to the sum of
the power loss of every conductor, according to Tables 1, 2 and 3.

For equipment and conductors not fully loaded, it is possible to evaluate the
power loss as:

2
Ib
P = Pn ( I ) (1)
n

where:
P is the actual power loss;
Pn is the rated power loss (at Ir);
Ib is the actual current;
In is the rated current.

292 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 1: Operating current and power losses of insulated conductors

Cross- Maximum permissible conductor temperature 70 °C

section
(Cu)
d d d d
1)

Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors

35 °C 55 °C 35 °C 55 °C 35 °C 55 °C
operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current
power losses 2)

power losses 2)

power losses 2)

power losses 2)

power losses 2)

power losses 2)
mm 2 A W/m A W/m A W/m A W/m A W/m A W/m
1.5 12 2.1 8 0.9 12 2.1 8 0.9 12 2.1 8 0.9
2.5 17 2.5 11 1.1 20 3.5 12 1.3 20 3.5 12 1.3
4 22 2.6 14 1.1 25 3.4 18 1.8 25 3.4 20 2.2
6 28 2.8 18 1.2 32 3.7 23 1.9 32 3.7 25 2.3
10 38 3.0 25 1.3 48 4.8 31 2.0 50 5.2 32 2.1
16 52 3.7 34 1.6 64 5.6 42 2.4 65 5.8 50 3.4
25 85 6.3 55 2.6 85 6.3 65 3.7
35 104 7.5 67 3.1 115 7.9 85 5.0
50 130 7.9 85 3.4 150 10.5 115 6.2
70 161 8.4 105 3.6 175 9.9 149 7.2
95 192 8.7 125 3.7 225 11.9 175 7.2
120 226 9.6 147 4.1 250 11.7 210 8.3
150 275 11.7 167 4.3 275 11.7 239 8.8
185 295 10.9 191 4.6 350 15.4 273 9.4
240 347 12.0 225 5.0 400 15.9 322 10.3
300 400 13.2 260 5.6 460 17.5 371 11.4
Conductors for auxiliary circuits
Diam.
0.12 2.6 1.2 1.7 0.5 0.4
0.14 2.9 1.3 1.9 0.6 -
0.20 3.2 1.1 2.1 0.5 -
0.22 3.6 1.3 2.3 0.5 0.5
0.30 4.4 1.4 2.9 0.6 0.6
0.34 4.7 1.4 3.1 0.6 0.6
0.50 6.4 1.8 4.2 0.8 0.8
0.56 1.6 0.7 -
0.75 8.2 1.9 5.4 0.8 1.0
1SDC008040F0201

1.00 9.3 1.8 6.1 0.8 -

1) Any arrangement desired with the values specified referring to six cores in a multi-core bundle with a
simultaneous load 100%
2) single length

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 293

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 2: Operating current and power losses of bare conductors, in
vertical arrangement without direct connections to apparatus

Maximum permissible conductor temperature 85 °C

Width Cross-
x section
Thickness (Cu) Air temperature inside the enclosure Air temperature inside the enclosure
around the conductors 35 °C around the conductors 55 °C
50 Hz to 60 Hz ac dc and ac to 16 2/3 Hz 50 Hz to 60 Hz ac dc and ac to 16 2/3 Hz
operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current
power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)
mm x mm mm 2 A* W/m A** W/m A* W/m A** W/m A* W/m A** W/m A* W/m A** W/m
12 x 2 23.5 144 19.5 242 27.5 144 19.5 242 27.5 105 10.4 177 14.7 105 10.4 177 14.7
15 x 2 29.5 170 21.7 282 29.9 170 21.7 282 29.9 124 11.6 206 16.0 124 11.6 206 16.0
15 x 3 44.5 215 23.1 375 35.2 215 23.1 375 35.2 157 12.3 274 18.8 157 12.3 274 18.8
20 x 2 39.5 215 26.1 351 34.8 215 26.1 354 35.4 157 13.9 256 18.5 157 12.3 258 18.8
20 x 3 59.5 271 27.6 463 40.2 271 27.6 463 40.2 198 14.7 338 21.4 198 14.7 338 21.4
20 x 5 99.1 364 29.9 665 49.8 364 29.9 668 50.3 266 16.0 485 26.5 266 16.0 487 26.7
20 x 10 199 568 36.9 1097 69.2 569 36.7 1107 69.6 414 19.6 800 36.8 415 19.5 807 37.0
25 x 5 124 435 34.1 779 55.4 435 34.1 78 55.6 317 18.1 568 29.5 317 18.1 572 29.5
30 x 5 149 504 38.4 894 60.6 505 38.2 899 60.7 368 20.5 652 32.3 369 20.4 656 32.3
30 x 10 299 762 44.4 1410 77.9 770 44.8 1436 77.8 556 27.7 1028 41.4 562 23.9 1048 41.5
40 x 5 199 641 47.0 1112 72.5 644 47.0 1128 72.3 468 25.0 811 38.5 469 24.9 586 38.5
40 x 10 399 951 52.7 1716 88.9 968 52.6 1796 90.5 694 28.1 1251 47.3 706 28.0 1310 48.1
50 x 5 249 775 55.7 1322 82.9 782 55.4 1357 83.4 566 29.7 964 44.1 570 29.4 989 44.3
50 x 10 499 1133 60.9 2008 102.9 1164 61.4 2141 103.8 826 32.3 1465 54.8 849 32.7 1562 55.3
60 x 5 299 915 64.1 1530 94.2 926 64.7 1583 94.6 667 34.1 1116 50.1 675 34.4 1154 50.3
60 x 10 599 1310 68.5 2288 116.2 1357 69.5 2487 117.8 955 36.4 1668 62.0 989 36.9 1814 62.7
80 x 5 399 1170 80.7 1929 116.4 1200 80.8 2035 116.1 858 42.9 1407 61.9 875 42.9 1484 61.8
1SDC008041F0201

80 x 10 799 1649 85.0 2806 138.7 1742 85.1 3165 140.4 1203 45.3 2047 73.8 1271 45.3 1756 74.8
100 x 5 499 1436 100.1 2301 137.0 1476 98.7 2407 121.2 1048 53.3 1678 72.9 1077 52.5 1756 69.8
100 x 10 999 1982 101.7 3298 164.2 2128 102.6 3844 169.9 1445 54.0 2406 84.4 1552 54.6 2803 90.4
120 x 10 1200 2314 115.5 3804 187.3 2514 115.9 4509 189.9 1688 61.5 2774 99.6 1833 61.6 3288 101.0
*) one conductor per phase **) two conductors per phase 1) single length

294 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 3: Operating current and power losses of bare conductors used
as connections between apparatus and busbars

Width Cross- Maximum permissible conductor temperature 65 °C

x section
Thickness (Cu) Air temperature inside the enclosure Air temperature inside the enclosure
around the conductors 35 °C around the conductors 55 °C

50 Hz to 60 Hz ac and dc 50 Hz to 60 Hz ac and dc
operating current

operating current

operating current

operating current
power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)

power losses 1)
mm x mm mm 2 A* W/m A** W/m A* W/m A** W/m
12 x 2 23.5 82 5.9 130 7.4 69 4.2 105 4.9
15 x 2 29.5 96 6.4 150 7.8 88 5.4 124 5.4
15 x 3 44.5 124 7.1 202 9.5 102 4.8 162 6.1
20 x 2 39.5 115 6.9 184 8.9 93 4.5 172 7.7
20 x 3 59.5 152 8.0 249 10.8 125 5.4 198 6.8
20 x 5 99.1 218 9.9 348 12.7 174 6.3 284 8.4
20 x 10 199 348 12.8 648 22.3 284 8.6 532 15.0
25 x 5 124 253 10.7 413 14.2 204 7.0 338 9.5
30 x 5 149 288 11.6 492 16.9 233 7.6 402 11.3
30 x 10 299 482 17.2 960 32.7 402 11.5 780 21.6
40 x 5 199 348 12.8 648 22.3 284 8.6 532 15.0
40 x 10 399 648 22.7 1245 41.9 532 15.3 1032 28.8
50 x 5 249 413 14.7 805 27.9 338 9.8 655 18,5
50 x 10 499 805 28.5 1560 53.5 660 19.2 1280 36.0
60 x 5 299 492 17.2 960 32.7 402 11.5 780 21.6
60 x 10 599 960 34.1 1848 63.2 780 22.5 1524 43.0
80 x 5 399 648 22.7 1256 42.6 532 15.3 1032 28.8
1SDC008042F0201

80 x 10 799 1256 45.8 2432 85.8 1032 30.9 1920 53.5

100 x 5 499 805 29.2 1560 54.8 660 19.6 1280 36.9
100 x 10 999 1560 58.4 2680 86.2 1280 39.3 2180 57.0
120 x 10 1200 1848 68.3 2928 85.7 1524 46.5 2400 57.6
*) one conductor per phase **) two conductors per phase 1) single length

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 295

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Where enclosures without vertical partitions or individual sections have an
effective cooling surface greater than about 11.5 m or a width grater than about
1.5 m, they should be divided for the calculation into fictitious sections, whose
dimensions approximate to the foregoing values.

The following diagram shows the procedure to evaluate the temperature rise.

START

Ae = ∑ (Ao . b)
b (Tab.4)

h1.35 h1.35
f= yes no f =
Ab Ae > 1.25 mm2 Ab

yes with no
ventilation openings?

c (Tab.10) d (Tab.6) d (Tab.5) c (Tab.8)

k (Tab.9) k (Tab.7)

x = 0.715 x = 0.804

∆t0.5 = d . k . Px

∆t1 = c . ∆t0.5

h
g=
1SDC008043F0201

c (Tab.12) k (Tab.11)

x = 0.804

∆t0.75 = ∆t1 = c .∆t0.5 ∆t0.5 = k . Px

296 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 4: Surface factor b according to the type of installation
Type of installation Surface factor b
Exposed top surface 1.4
Covered top surface, e.g. of built-in enclosures 0.7
Exposed side faces, e.g. front, rear and side walls 0.9
Covered side faces, e.g. rear side of wall-mounted enclosures 0.5
Side faces of central enclosures 0.5
Floor surface Not taken into account

Fictitious side faces of sections which have been introduced only for calculation purposes
are not taken into account

Table 5: Factor d for enclosures without ventilation openings and with

an effective cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2
Number of horizontal partitions n Factor d
0 1
1 1.05
2 1.15
3 1.3

Table 6: Factor d for enclosures with ventilation openings and with an

effective cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2

Number of horizontal partitions n Factor d

0 1
1 1.05
2 1.1
3 1.15

Table 7: Enclosure constant k for enclosures without ventilation openings,

with an effective cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2
Ae [m2] k Ae [m2] k
1.25 0.524 6.5 0.135
1.5 0.45 7 0.13
2 0.35 7.5 0.125
2.5 0.275 8 0.12
3 0.225 8.5 0.115
3.5 0.2 9 0.11
4 0.185 9.5 0.105
4.5 0.17 10 0.1
5 0.16 10.5 0.095
5.5 0.15 11 0.09
6 0.14 11.5 0.085

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 297

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 8: Temperature distribution factor c for enclosures without
ventilation openings, with an effective cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2

h1.35
f= Type of installation
Ab 1 2 3 4 5
0.6 1.225 1.21 1.19 1.17 1.113
1 1.24 1.225 1.21 1.185 1.14
1.5 1.265 1.245 1.23 1.21 1.17
2 1.285 1.27 1.25 1.23 1.19
2.5 1.31 1.29 1.275 1.25 1.21
3 1.325 1.31 1.295 1.27 1.23
3.5 1.35 1.33 1.315 1.29 1.255
4 1.37 1.355 1.34 1.32 1.275
4.5 1.395 1.375 1.36 1.34 1.295
5 1.415 1.395 1.38 1.36 1.32
5.5 1.435 1.415 1.4 1.38 1.34
6 1.45 1.435 1.42 1.395 1.355
6.5 1.47 1.45 1.435 1.41 1.37
7 1.48 1.47 1.45 1.43 1.39
7.5 1.495 1.48 1.465 1.44 1.4
8 1.51 1.49 1.475 1.455 1.415
8.5 1.52 1.505 1.49 1.47 1.43
9 1.535 1.52 1.5 1.48 1.44
9.5 1.55 1.53 1.515 1.49 1.455
10 1.56 1.54 1.52 1.5 1.47
10.5 1.57 1.55 1.535 1.51 1.475
11 1.575 1.565 1.549 1.52 1.485
11.5 1.585 1.57 1.55 1.525 1.49
12 1.59 1.58 1.56 1.535 1.5
12.5 1.6 1.585 1.57 1.54 1.51

where h is the height of the enclosure, and Ab is the area of the base.
For “Type of installation”:
Type of installation n°

1 Separate enclosure, detached on all sides

2 First or last enclosure, detached type

Separate enclosure for wall-mounting

3
Central enclosure, detached type
1SDC008069F0001

First or last enclosure, wall-mounting type

4
Central enclosure for wall-mounting and with covered top surface

5 Central enclosure, wall-mounting type

298 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 9: Enclosure constant k for enclosures with ventilation openings and an effective
cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2
Ventilation
opening Ae [m2]
in cm2 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14
50 0.36 0.33 0.3 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.22 0.208 0.194 0.18 0.165 0.145 0.135
100 0.293 0.27 0.25 0.233 0.22 0.203 0.187 0.175 0.165 0.153 0.14 0.128 0.119
150 0.247 0.227 0.21 0.198 0.187 0.173 0.16 0.15 0.143 0.135 0.123 0.114 0.107
200 0.213 0.196 0.184 0.174 0.164 0.152 0.143 0.135 0.127 0.12 0.11 0.103 0.097
250 0.19 0.175 0.165 0.155 0.147 0.138 0.13 0.121 0.116 0.11 0.1 0.095 0.09
300 0.17 0.157 0.148 0.14 0.133 0.125 0.118 0.115 0.106 0.1 0.093 0.088 0.084
350 0.152 0.141 0.135 0.128 0.121 0.115 0.109 0.103 0.098 0.093 0.087 0.082 0.079
400 0.138 0.129 0.121 0.117 0.11 0.106 0.1 0.096 0.091 0.088 0.081 0.078 0.075
450 0.126 0.119 0.111 0.108 0.103 0.099 0.094 0.09 0.086 0.083 0.078 0.074 0.07
500 0.116 0.11 0.104 0.1 0.096 0.092 0.088 0.085 0.082 0.078 0.073 0.07 0.067
550 0.107 0.102 0.097 0.093 0.09 0.087 0.083 0.08 0.078 0.075 0.07 0.068 0.065
600 0.1 0.095 0.09 0.088 0.085 0.082 0.079 0.076 0.073 0.07 0.067 0.065 0.063
650 0.094 0.09 0.086 0.083 0.08 0.077 0.075 0.072 0.07 0.068 0.065 0.063 0.061
700 0.089 0.085 0.08 0.078 0.076 0.074 0.072 0.07 0.068 0.066 0.064 0.062 0.06

Table 10: Temperature distribution factor c for enclosures with ventilation openings and
an effective cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2

h1.35
Ventilation f=
opening Ab
in cm2 1.5 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
50 1.3 1.35 1.43 1.5 1.57 1.63 1.68 1.74 1.78 1.83
100 1.41 1.46 1.55 1.62 1.68 1.74 1.79 1.84 1.88 1.92
150 1.5 1.55 1.63 1.69 1.75 1.8 1.85 1.9 1.94 1.97
200 1.56 1.61 1.67 1.75 1.8 1.85 1.9 1.94 1.97 2.01
250 1.61 1.65 1.73 1.78 1.84 1.88 1.93 1.97 2.01 2.04
300 1.65 1.69 1.75 1.82 1.86 1.92 1.96 2 2.03 2.06
350 1.68 1.72 1.78 1.85 1.9 1.94 1.97 2.02 2.05 2.08
400 1.71 1.75 1.81 1.87 1.92 1.96 2 2.04 2.07 2.1
450 1.74 1.77 1.83 1.88 1.94 1.97 2.02 2.05 2.08 2.12
500 1.76 1.79 1.85 1.9 1.95 1.99 2.04 2.06 2.1 2.13
550 1.77 1.82 1.88 1.93 1.97 2.01 2.05 2.08 2.11 2.14
600 1.8 1.83 1.88 1.94 1.98 2.02 2.06 2.09 2.12 2.15
650 1.81 1.85 1.9 1.95 1.99 2.04 2.07 2.1 2.14 2.17
700 1.83 1.87 1.92 1.96 2 2.05 2.08 2.12 2.15 2.18

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 299

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 11: Enclosure constant k for enclosures without ventilation openings
and with an effective cooling surface Ae ≤ 1.25 m2
Ae [m2] k Ae [m2] k
0.08 3.973 0.65 0.848
0.09 3.643 0.7 0.803
0.1 3.371 0.75 0.764
0.15 2.5 0.8 0.728
0.2 2.022 0.85 0.696
0.25 1.716 0.9 0.668
0.3 1.5 0.95 0.641
0.35 1.339 1 0.618
0.4 1.213 1.05 0.596
0.45 1.113 1.1 0.576
0.5 1.029 1.15 0.557
0.55 0.960 1.2 0.540
0.6 0.9 1.25 0.524

Table 12: Temperature distribution factor c for enclosures without ventilation

openings and with an effective cooling surface Ae ≤ 1.25 m2
g c g c
0 1 1.5 1.231
0.1 1.02 1.6 1.237
0.2 1.04 1.7 1.24
0.3 1.06 1.8 1.244
0.4 1.078 1.9 1.246
0.5 1.097 2 1.249
0.6 1.118 2.1 1.251
0.7 1.137 2.2 1.253
0.8 1.156 2.3 1.254
0.9 1.174 2.4 1.255
1 1.188 2.5 1.256
1.1 1.2 2.6 1.257
1.2 1.21 2.7 1.258
1.3 1.22 2.8 1.259
1.4 1.226

where g is the ratio of the height and the width of the enclosure.

300 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Total (3/4 poles)
power loss in W

Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Total (3/4 poles) Table 13: MCCB power losses
power loss in W
Releases In[A] T11P T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 S6 S7 S8
F F F P F P F P/W F P/W F W F W F
1 4.5 5.1
1.6 6.3 7.5
2 7.5 8.7
2.5 7.8 9
3.2 8.7 10.2
4 7.8 9
5 8.7 10.5
6.3 10.5 12.3
8 8.1 9.6
10 9.3 10.8
12.5 3.3 3.9
16 1.5 4.5 4.2 4.8
TMF 20 1.8 5.4 5.1 6 10.8 10.8
TMD 25 2 6 6.9 8.4
TMA 32 2.1 6.3 8.1 9.6 11.1 11.1
MF 40 2.6 7.8 11.7 13.8
MA 50 3.7 11.1 12.9 15 11.7 12.3
63 4.3 12.9 15.3 18 12.9 15.3
80 4.8 14.4 18.3 21.6 14.4 17.4 13.8 15
100 7 21 25.5 30 16.8 20.4 15.6 17.4
125 10.7 32.1 36 44.1 19.8 23.7 18.6 21.6
160 15 45 51 60 23.7 28.5 22.2 27
200 39.6 47.4 29.7 37.2
250 53.4 64.2 41.1 52.8
320 61.8 81 40.8 62.7
400 58.5 93
500 86.4 110.1
630 132 169.8
800 93 119
10 1.5 1.8
25 3 3.6
63 10.5 12
100 24 27.2 5.1 6.9
160 51 60 13.2 18
PR211 250 32.1 43.8
PR212 320 52.8 72 31.8 53.7
PR221 400 49.5 84
PR222 630 123 160.8
800 96 125
1000 102 140
1250 160 220
1600 260 360
2000 200
2500 315
3200 500
The values indicated in the table refer to balanced loads, with a current flow equal to the In, and are
valid for both circuit-breakers and switch-disconnectors, three-pole and four-pole versions.
For the latter, the current of the neutral is nil by definition.

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 301

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
Table 14: Emax power losses
Total (3/4 poles) E1B-N E2B-N E2L E3N-S-H E3L E4S-H E6H-V
power loss in W F W F W F W F W F W F W F W
In=250 6 9 3 5 4 7 2 4 3 5
In=400 16 24 7 13 11 17 6 9 9 13
In=800 65 95 29 54 43 68 25 38 34 53
In=1000 96 147 45 84 67 106 38 59 54 83
In=1250 150 230 70 130 105 165 60 90 84 129
In=1600 115 215 170 265 85 150 138 211
In=2000 180 330 130 225 215 330 92 166
In=2500 205 350 335 515
In=3200 330 570 235 425 170 290
In=4000 360 660 265 445
In=5000 415 700
In=6300 650 1100

Example
Hereunder an example of temperature rise evaluation for a switchboard with
the following characteristics:
- enclosure without ventilation openings
- no internal segregation
- separate enclosure for wall-mounting
- one main circuit-breaker
- 5 circuit-breakers for load supply
- busbars and cable systems

Enclosure Circuit diagram

A
B
I1

C IG
IG
I2 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5

D
I3 D

E
I4
H
F
Dimensions [mm] Number of horizontal
I5
Height Width Depth partitions = 0
Separate enclosure
2000 1440 840 for wall-mounting W

302 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
The power losses from each component of the above switchboard are evaluated
hereunder. Ib 2
For the circuit-breakers, the power losses are calculated as P = Pn
with In and Pn given in the Tables 14 and 15.
In
, ( )
The table below shows the values relevant to each circuit-breaker of the
switchboard in question:
In CB Ib Power losses
Circuit-breakers [A] [A] [W]
IG E2 1600 EL 1600 1340 80.7
I1 T5 400 EL 400 330 33.7
I2 T5 400 EL 400 330 33.7
I3 T5 400 EL 400 330 33.7
I4 T3 250 TMD 250 175 26.2
I5 T3 250 TMD 250 175 26.2
Total power loss of circuit-breakers [W] 234

2
For the busbars, the power losses are calculated as P = Pn ( InIb ) ⋅ (3 ⋅ Length),
with In and Pn given in the Table 2.
The table below shows the power losses of busbars:

Cross-section Length Ib Power losses

Busbars nx[mm]x[mm] [m] [A] [W]
A 2x60x10 0.393 1340 47.2
B 80x10 0.332 1340 56
C 80x10 0.300 1010 28.7
D 80x10 0.300 680 13
E 80x10 0.300 350 3.5
F 80x10 0.300 175 0.9
Total power loss of busbars [W] 149

For the bare conductors connecting the busbars to the circuit-breakers, the
Ib 2
power losses are calculated as P = Pn In ( ) ⋅ (3 ⋅ Length) , with In and Pn
given in the Table 2. Here below the values for each section:
Connection Cross-section Length Ib Power losses
bare conductors nx[mm]x[mm] [m] [A] [W]
Ig 2x60x10 0.450 1340 54
I1 30x10 0.150 330 3.8
I2 30x10 0.150 330 3.8
I3 30x10 0.150 330 3.8
I4 20x10 0.150 175 1.6
I5 20x10 0.150 175 1.6
Total power loss of bare conductors [W] 68

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 303

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
For the cables connecting the circuit-breakers to the supply and the loads, the
Ib 2
power losses are calculated as P = Pn ( )
In ⋅ (3 ⋅ Length), with In and Pn
given in the Table 4.
Here below the power losses for each connection:
Cables Cross-section Length Ib Power losses
[n]xmm2 [m] [A] [W]
IG 4x240 1.0 1340 133.8
I1 240 2.0 330 64.9
I2 240 1.7 330 55.2
I3 240 1.4 330 45.4
I4 120 1.1 175 19
I5 120 0.8 175 13.8
Total power loss of cables [W] 332

Thus, the total power loss inside the enclosure is: P = 784 [W]

From the geometrical dimensions of the switchboard, the effective cooling

surface Ae is determined below:

Dimensions[m]x[m] A0[m2] b factor A0

Top 0.840x1.44 1.21 1.4 1.69
Front 2x1.44 1.64 0.9 2.59
Rear 2x1.44 1.64 0.5 1.44
Left-hand side 2x0.840 1.68 0.9 1.51
Right-hand side 2x0.840 1.68 0.9 1.51
Ae=Σ(A0⋅b) 8.75

Making reference to the procedure described in the diagram at page 294, it is

possible to evaluate the temperature rise inside the switchboard.

304 ABB SACE - Protection and control devices

 Annex B: temperature rise evaluation

Annex B: Temperature rise evaluation

according to IEC 60890
From Table 7, k results 0.112 (value interpolated)

Since x = 0.804, the temperature rise at half the height of the enclosure is:

∆t0.5 = d ⋅ k ⋅ Px =1 ⋅ 0.112 ⋅ 7840.804 = 23.8 k

For the evaluation of the temperature rise at the top of the enclosure, it is
necessary to determine the c factor by using the f factor:
h1.35 21.35
f= = = 2.107 (Ab is the base area of the switchboard)
Ab 1.44 ⋅ 0.84
From Table 8, column 3 (separate enclosure for wall-mounting), c results to be
equal to1.255 (value interpolated).

∆t1 = c ⋅ ∆t0.5 = 1.255 ⋅ 23.8 = 29.8 k

Considering 35°C ambient temperature, as prescribed by the Standard, the

following temperatures shall be reached inside the enclosure:

t0.5 = 35 + 23.8 ≈ 59°C

t1 = 35 + 29.8 ≈ 65°C

Assuming that the temperature derating of the circuit-breakers inside the

switchboard can be compared to the derating at an ambient temperature
different from 40°C, through the tables of Chapter 3.5, it is possible to verify if
the selected circuit-breakers can carry the required currents:

E2 1600 at 65°C In=1538[A] > Ig = 1340 [A]

T5 400 at 65°C In=384 [A] > I1 = I2 = I3 = 330 [A]
T3 250 at 60° C In=216 [A] > I4 = I5 = 175 [A]

ABB SACE - Protection and control devices 305

copertine 2004 21-02-2004 12:16 Pagina 1
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Electrical installation handbook

Volume 1 Protection and
nd
2 edition control devices

1SDC008001D0202

Protection and control devices

02/04
1SDC008001D0202
Printed in Italy

Due to possible developments of standards as well as of

materials, the characteristics and dimensions specified in
this document may only be considered binding after
confirmation by ABB SACE.

ABB SACE S.p.A.

An ABB Group Company
L.V. Breakers
Via Baioni, 35
24123 Bergamo - Italy ABB SACE
Tel.: +39 035.395.111 - Telefax: +39 035.395.306-433
http://www.abb.com

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Esecutivo cofanetto 14-02-2004 11:33 Pagina 1
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Electrical installation handbook

Electrical installation Electrical installation
handbook handbook
2nd edition 2nd edition

2nd edition

ABB SACE ABB SACE

1SDC010002D0202

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 Electrical installation handbook
Volume 2 Electrical devices
nd
2 edition

1SDC010001D0202

Electrical devices
02/04
1SDC010001D0202
Printed in Italy

Due to possible developments of standards as well as of

materials, the characteristics and dimensions specified in
this document may only be considered binding after
confirmation by ABB SACE.

ABB SACE S.p.A.

An ABB Group Copany
L.V. Breakers
Via Baioni, 35
24123 Bergamo - Italy ABB SACE
Tel.: +39 035.395.111 - Telefax: +39 035.395.306-433
http://www.abb.com
Electrical devices
Electrical installation handbook

Volume 2

Electrical devices

2nd edition
February 2004
 First edition 2003
Second edition 2004

Published by ABB SACE

via Baioni, 35 - 24123 Bergamo (Italy)

All rights reserved

 Index

Introduction .............................................................................................. 2

1 Standards
1.1 General aspects .............................................................................. 3
1.2 IEC Standards for electrical installation .......................................... 15
2 Protection of feeders
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 22
2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables ......................................... 25
2.2.1 Current carrying capacity and methods of installation .......... 25
Installation not buried in the ground ..................................... 31
Installation in ground ............................................................ 44
2.2.2 Voltage drop ........................................................................ 55
2.2.3 Joule-effect losses ............................................................... 66
2.3 Protection against overload ........................................................... 67
2.4 Protection against short-circuit ...................................................... 70
2.5 Neutral and protective conductors ................................................ 78
2.6 Busbar trunking systems ............................................................... 86
3 Protection of electrical equipment
3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits ................................. 101
3.2 Protection and switching of generators ....................................... 110
3.3 Protection and switching of motors ............................................. 115
3.4 Protection and switching of transformers .................................... 131
4 Power factor correction
4.1 General aspects .......................................................................... 146
4.2 Power factor correction method .................................................. 152
4.3 Circuit-breakers for the protection and
swiching of capacitor banks ........................................................ 159
5 Protection of human beings
5.1 General aspects: effects of current on human beings .................. 162
5.2 Distribution systems .................................................................... 165
5.3 Protection against both direct and indirect contact ...................... 168
5.4 TT system ................................................................................... 171
5.5 TN system .................................................................................. 174
5.6 IT system .................................................................................... 177
5.7 Residual current devices ............................................................. 179
5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings ... 182
Annex A: Calculation tools
A.1 Slide rules ............................................................................. 200
A.2 DOCWin ............................................................................... 205
Annex B: Calculation of load current Ib .............................................. 209
Annex C: Calculation of short-circuit current ................................... 213
Annex D: Calculation of the coefficient k for the cables .................. 227
Annex E: Main physical quantities and
electro technical formulas .................................................. 230

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 1

 Introduction
Scope and objectives
The scope of this electrical installation handbook is to provide the designer and
user of electrical plants with a quick reference, immediate-use working tool.
This is not intended to be a theoretical document, nor a technical catalogue,
but, in addition to the latter, aims to be of help in the correct definition of
equipment, in numerous practical installation situations.

The dimensioning of an electrical plant requires knowledge of different factors

relating to, for example, installation utilities, the electrical conductors and other
components; this knowledge leads the design engineer to consult numerous
documents and technical catalogues. This electrical installation handbook,
however, aims to supply, in a single document, tables for the quick definition of
the main parameters of the components of an electrical plant and for the selection
of the protection devices for a wide range of installations. Some application
examples are included to aid comprehension of the selection tables.

Electrical installation handbook users

The electrical installation handbook is a tool which is suitable for all those who
are interested in electrical plants: useful for installers and maintenance technicians
through brief yet important electrotechnical references, and for sales engineers
through quick reference selection tables.

Validity of the electrical installation handbook

Some tables show approximate values due to the generalization of the selection
process, for example those regarding the constructional characteristics of
electrical machinery. In every case, where possible, correction factors are given
for actual conditions which may differ from the assumed ones. The tables are
always drawn up conservatively, in favour of safety; for more accurate
calculations, the use of DOCWin software is recommended for the dimensioning
of electrical installations.

2 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1 Standards

1.1 General aspects

In each technical field, and in particular in the electrical sector, a condition
sufficient (even if not necessary) for the realization of plants according to the
“status of the art” and a requirement essential to properly meet the demands
of customers and of the community, is the respect of all the relevant laws and
technical standards.
Therefore, a precise knowledge of the standards is the fundamental premise
for a correct approach to the problems of the electrical plants which shall be
designed in order to guarantee that “acceptable safety level” which is never
absolute.

Juridical Standards
These are all the standards from which derive rules of behavior for the juridical
persons who are under the sovereignty of that State.

Technical Standards
These standards are the whole of the prescriptions on the basis of which
machines, apparatus, materials and the installations should be designed,
manufactured and tested so that efficiency and function safety are ensured.
The technical standards, published by national and international bodies, are
circumstantially drawn up and can have legal force when this is attributed by a
legislative measure.

Application fields
Electrotechnics and Mechanics, Ergonomics
Telecommunications
Electronics and Safety
International Body IEC ITU ISO
European Body CENELEC ETSI CEN
This technical collection takes into consideration only the bodies dealing with electrical and electronic
technologies.

IEC International Electrotechnical Commission

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was officially founded in
1906, with the aim of securing the international co-operation as regards
standardization and certification in electrical and electronic technologies. This
association is formed by the International Committees of over 40 countries all
over the world.
The IEC publishes international standards, technical guides and reports which
are the bases or, in any case, a reference of utmost importance for any national
and European standardization activity.
IEC Standards are generally issued in two languages: English and French.
In 1991 the IEC has ratified co-operation agreements with CENELEC (European
standardization body), for a common planning of new standardization activities
and for parallel voting on standard drafts.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 3

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
CENELEC European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) was
set up in 1973. Presently it comprises 27 countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom) and cooperates with 8 affiliates (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine) which have first maintained
the national documents side by side with the CENELEC ones and then replaced
them with the Harmonized Documents (HD). CENELEC hopes and expects
Cyprus to become the 28th members before May 2004.
There is a difference between EN Standards and Harmonization Documents
(HD): while the first ones have to be accepted at any level and without additions
or modifications in the different countries, the second ones can be amended to
meet particular national requirements.
EN Standards are generally issued in three languages: English, French and
German.
From 1991 CENELEC cooperates with the IEC to accelerate the standards
preparation process of International Standards.
CENELEC deals with specific subjects, for which standardization is urgently
required.
When the study of a specific subject has already been started by the IEC, the
European standardization body (CENELEC) can decide to accept or, whenever
necessary, to amend the works already approved by the International
standardization body.

EC DIRECTIVES FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Among its institutional roles, the European Community has the task of
promulgating directives which must be adopted by the different member states
and then transposed into national law.
Once adopted, these directives come into juridical force and become a reference
for manufacturers, installers, and dealers who must fulfill the duties prescribed
by law.
Directives are based on the following principles:
• harmonization is limited to essential requirements;
• only the products which comply with the essential requirements specified by
the directives can be marketed and put into service;
• the harmonized standards, whose reference numbers are published in the
Official Journal of the European Communities and which are transposed into
the national standards, are considered in compliance with the essential
requirements;
• the applicability of the harmonized standards or of other technical specifications
is facultative and manufacturers are free to choose other technical solutions
which ensure compliance with the essential requirements;
• a manufacturer can choose among the different conformity evaluation proce-
dure provided by the applicable directive.
The scope of each directive is to make manufacturers take all the necessary
steps and measures so that the product does not affect the safety and health

4 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
of persons, animals and property.
“Low Voltage” Directive 73/23/CEE – 93/68/CEE
The Low Voltage Directive refers to any electrical equipment designed for use
at a rated voltage from 50 to 1000 V for alternating current and from 75 to 1500 V for
direct current.
In particular, it is applicable to any apparatus used for production, conversion,
transmission, distribution and use of electrical power, such as machines,
transformers, devices, measuring instruments, protection devices and wiring
materials.
The following categories are outside the scope of this Directive:
• electrical equipment for use in an explosive atmosphere;
• electrical equipment for radiology and medical purposes;
• electrical parts for goods and passenger lifts;
• electrical energy meters;
• plugs and socket outlets for domestic use;
• electric fence controllers;
• radio-electrical interference;
• specialized electrical equipment, for use on ships, aircraft or railways, which
complies with the safety provisions drawn up by international bodies in which
the Member States participate.

Directive EMC 89/336/EEC (“Electromagnetic Compatibility”)

The Directive on electromagnetic compatibility regards all the electrical and
electronic apparatus as well as systems and installations containing electrical
and/or electronic components. In particular, the apparatus covered by this
Directive are divided into the following categories according to their
characteristics:
• domestic radio and TV receivers;
• industrial manufacturing equipment;
• mobile radio equipment;
• mobile radio and commercial radio telephone equipment;
• medical and scientific apparatus;
• information technology equipment (ITE);
• domestic appliances and household electronic equipment;
• aeronautical and marine radio apparatus;
• educational electronic equipment;
• telecommunications networks and apparatus;
• radio and television broadcast transmitters;
• lights and fluorescent lamps.
The apparatus shall be so constructed that:
a) the electromagnetic disturbance it generates does not exceed a level allowing
radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate
as intended;
b) the apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic
disturbance to enable it to operate as intended.
An apparatus is declared in conformity to the provisions at points a) and b)
when the apparatus complies with the harmonized standards relevant to its
product family or, in case there aren’t any, with the general standards.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 5

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
CE conformity marking
The CE conformity marking shall indicate conformity to all the obligations
imposed on the manufacturer, as regards his products, by virtue of the European
Community directives providing for the affixing of the CE marking.

When the CE marking is affixed on a product, it represents a declaration of the

manufacturer or of his authorized representative that the product in question
conforms to all the applicable provisions including the conformity assessment
procedures. This prevents the Member States from limiting the marketing and
putting into service of products bearing the CE marking, unless this measure is
justified by the proved non-conformity of the product.

Flow diagram for the conformity assessment procedures established by the Directive
73/23/EEC on electrical equipment designed for use within particular voltage range:

EC declaration of
Technical file conformity
The manufacturer The manufacturer
draw up the technical guarantees and declares
Manufacturer documentation that his products are in

ASDC008045F0201
covering the design, conformity to the technical
manufacture and documentation and to the
operation of the directive requirements
product

Naval type approval

The environmental conditions which characterize the use of circuit breakers for
on-board installations can be different from the service conditions in standard
industrial environments; as a matter of fact, marine applications can require
installation under particular conditions, such as:
- environments characterized by high temperature and humidity, including salt-
mist atmosphere (damp-heat, salt-mist environment);
- on board environments (engine room) where the apparatus operate in the
presence of vibrations characterized by considerable amplitude and duration.

In order to ensure the proper function in such environments, the shipping

registers require that the apparatus has to be tested according to specific type
approval tests, the most significant of which are vibration, dynamic inclination,
humidity and dry-heat tests.

6 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
ABB SACE circuit-breakers (Isomax-Tmax-Emax) are approved by the following
shipping registers:

• RINA Registro Italiano Navale Italian shipping register

• DNV Det Norske Veritas Norwegian shipping register
• BV Bureau Veritas French shipping register
• GL Germanischer Lloyd German shipping register
• LRs Lloyd’s Register of Shipping British shipping register
• ABS American Bureau of Shipping American shipping register

It is always advisable to ask ABB SACE as regards the typologies and the
performances of the certified circuit-breakers or to consult the section certificates
in the website http://bol.it.abb.com.

Marks of conformity to the relevant national and

international Standards
The international and national marks of conformity are reported in the following
table, for information only:

COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

EUROPE – Mark of compliance with the

harmonized European standards
listed in the ENEC Agreement.

AUSTRALIA AS Mark Electrical and non-electrical

products.
It guarantees compliance with
SAA (Standard Association of
Australia).

AUSTRALIA S.A.A. Mark Standards Association of

Australia (S.A.A.).
The Electricity Authority of New
South Wales Sydney Australia

AUSTRIA Austrian Test Mark Installation equipment and

materials

OVE

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 7

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
AUSTRIA ÖVE Identification Cables
Thread

BELGIUM CEBEC Mark Installation materials and electrical

appliances

BELGIUM CEBEC Mark Conduits and ducts, conductors

and flexible cords

BELGIUM Certification of Installation material and electrical

Conformity appliances (in case there are no
equivalent national standards or
criteria)

CANADA CSA Mark Electrical and non-electrical

products.
This mark guarantees compliance
with CSA (Canadian Standard
Association)

CHINA CCEE Mark Great Wall Mark Commission for

Certification of Electrical
Equipment

Czech Republic EZU’ Mark Electrotechnical Testing Institute

Slovakia Electrotechnical Research and

Republic EVPU’ Mark Design Institute

8 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
CROATIA KONKAR Electrical Engineering Institute

DENMARK DEMKO Low voltage materials.

Approval Mark This mark guarantees the
compliance of the product with
the requirements (safety) of the
“Heavy Current Regulations”

FINLAND Safety Mark Low voltage material.

of the Elektriska This mark guarantees the
Inspektoratet compliance of the product with
the requirements (safety) of the
“Heavy Current Regulations”

FRANCE ESC Mark Household appliances

FRANCE NF Mark Conductors and cables –

Conduits and ducting –
Installation materials

FRANCE NF Identification Cables

Thread

FRANCE NF Mark Portable motor-operated tools

FRANCE NF Mark Household appliances

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 9

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization
GERMANY VDE Mark For appliances and technical
equipment, installation accessories
such as plugs, sockets, fuses,
wires and cables, as well as other
components (capacitors, earthing
systems, lamp holders and
electronic devices)
GERMANY VDE
Identification Thread Cables and cords

GERMANY VDE Cable Mark For cables, insulated cords,

installation conduits and ducts

GERMANY VDE-GS Mark Safety mark for technical equipment

for technical to be affixed after the product has
been tested and certified by the VDE
equipment Test Laboratory in Offenbach; the
geprüfte
conformity mark is the mark VDE,
Sicherheit
which is granted both to be used
alone as well as in combination with
the mark GS
HUNGARY Hungarian Institute for Testing and
MEEI Certification of Electrical Equipment

JAPAN JIS Mark Mark which guarantees

compliance with the relevant
Japanese Industrial Standard(s).

IRELAND IIRS Mark Electrical equipment

IRELAND CO N F IIRS Mark Electrical equipment

OF O
R
K

MI
MAR

TY

I . I. R . S .

10 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

ITALY IMQ Mark Mark to be affixed on electrical

material for non-skilled users; it
certifies compliance with the
European Standard(s).

NORWAY Norwegian Approval Mandatory safety approval for low

Mark voltage material and equipment

NETHERLANDS KEMA-KEUR General for all equipment

KEUR

POLAND KWE Electrical products

B
RUSSIA Certification of Electrical and non-electrical
Conformity products. It guarantees complance
with national standard
(Gosstandard of Russia)

SINGAPORE SISIR Electrical and non-electrical

O
SIN
GAPO
R products
R O V ED T

E
STA N D AR
PP

A D

SLOVENIA SIQ Slovenian Institute of Quality and

Metrology

SPAIN AEE Electrical products.

R M I DA D A The mark is under the control of
FO
C A DE CON

NO

the Asociación Electrotécnica

R MA S U N

Española(Spanish Electrotechnical
Association)
AR

M E

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 11

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

SPAIN AENOR Asociación Española de

Normalización y Certificación.
(Spanish Standarization and
Certification Association)

SWEDEN SEMKO Mandatory safety approval for low

Mark voltage material and equipment.

SWITZERLAND Safety Mark Swiss low voltage material subject

to mandatory approval (safety).

SWITZERLAND – Cables subject to mandatory

approval

SWITZERLAND SEV Safety Mark Low voltage material subject to

mandatory approval

UNITED ASTA Mark Mark which guarantees

KINGDOM compliance with the relevant
N

TR
IO

AD
AT

“British Standards”
C

E
FI

M
TI

AR
ER

K
C

UNITED BASEC Mark Mark which guarantees

KINGDOM compliance with the “British
Standards” for conductors, cables
and ancillary products.

UNITED BASEC Cables

KINGDOM Identification Thread

12 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards
COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

UNITED Compliance with the “British

BEAB
KINGDOM Standards” for household
Safety Mark
appliances

UNITED BSI Compliance with the “British

KINGDOM Safety Mark Standards”

B R IT I S
UNITED TO H BEAB Compliance with the relevant
ROVED

ST

KINGDOM Kitemark “British Standards” regarding

A N D AR

safety and performances

PP

A D

DENT LA B
EN OR
EP
ND

AT
OR
AN I

U.S.A. Electrical and non-electrical

Y

UNDERWRITERS
TES

Y
ET

products
TI

LABORATORIES
AF

G
N

FO S
R P U B L IC

Mark
L I S T E D
(Product Name)
(Control Number)

U.S.A. UNDERWRITERS Electrical and non-electrical

LABORATORIES products
Mark

U.S.A. UL Recognition Electrical and non-electrical

products

CEN CEN Mark Mark issued by the European

Committee for Standardization
(CEN): it guarantees compliance
with the European Standards.

CENELEC Mark Cables

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 13

 1.1 General aspects

1 Standards

COUNTRY Symbol Mark designation Applicability/Organization

CENELEC Certification mark providing

Harmonization Mark assurance that the harmonized
cable complies with the relevant
harmonized CENELEC Standards
– identification thread

EC Mark assuring the compliance

Ex EUROPEA Mark with the relevant European
Standards of the products to be
used in environments with
explosion hazards

CEEel Mark which is applicable to some

CEEel Mark household appliances (shavers,
electric clocks, etc).

EC - Declaration of Conformity
The EC Declaration of Conformity is the statement of the manufacturer, who
declares under his own responsibility that all the equipment, procedures or
services refer and comply with specific standards (directives) or other normative
documents.
The EC Declaration of Conformity should contain the following information:
• name and address of the manufacturer or by its European representative;
• description of the product;
• reference to the harmonized standards and directives involved;
• any reference to the technical specifications of conformity;
• the two last digits of the year of affixing of the CE marking;
• identification of the signer.
A copy of the EC Declaration of Conformity shall be kept by the manufacturer
or by his representative together with the technical documentation.

14 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1 Standards

1.2 IEC Standards for electrical

installation
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60027-1 1992 Letter symbols to be used in electrical
technology - Part 1: General

IEC 60034-1 1999 Rotating electrical machines - Part 1:

Rating and performance
IEC 60617-DB-12M 2001 Graphical symbols for diagrams - 12-
month subscription to online database
comprising parts 2 to 11 of IEC 60617
IEC 61082-1 1991 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 61082-2 1993 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 2: Function-
oriented diagrams
IEC 61082-3 1993 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 3: Connection
diagrams, tables and lists
IEC 61082-4 1996 Preparation of documents used in
electrotechnology - Part 4: Location and
installation documents
IEC 60038 1983 IEC standard voltages
IEC 60664-1 2000 Insulation coordination for equipment
within low-voltage systems - Part 1:
Principles, requirements and tests
IEC 60909-0 2001 Short-circuit currents in three-phase a.c.
systems - Part 0: Calculation of currents
IEC 60865-1 1993 Short-circuit currents - Calculation of
effects - Part 1: Definitions and
calculation methods
IEC 60781 1989 Application guide for calculation of short-
circuit currents in low-voltage radial
systems
IEC 60076-1 2000 Power transformers - Part 1: General
IEC 60076-2 1993 Power transformers - Part 2: Temperature
rise
IEC 60076-3 2000 Power transformers - Part 3: Insulation
levels, dielectric tests and external
clearances in air
IEC 60076-5 2000 Power transformers - Part 5: Ability to
withstand short circuit
IEC/TR 60616 1978 Terminal and tapping markings for power
transformers
IEC 60726 1982 Dry-type power transformers
IEC 60445 1999 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification - Identification of
equipment terminals and of terminations
of certain designated conductors,
including general rules for an
alphanumeric system

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 15

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60073 1996 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification – Coding for indication
devices and actuators
IEC 60446 1999 Basic and safety principles for man-
machine interface, marking and
identification - Identification of
conductors by colours or numerals
IEC 60447 1993 Man-machine-interface (MMI) - Actuating
principles
IEC 60947-1 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 60947-2 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 2: Circuit-breakers
IEC 60947-3 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 3: Switches, disconnectors, switch-
disconnectors and fuse-combination
units
IEC 60947-4-1 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-1: Contactors and motor-starters –
Electromechanical contactors and motor-
starters
IEC 60947-4-2 2002 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-2: Contactors and motor-starters –
AC semiconductor motor controllers and
starters
IEC 60947-4-3 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 4-3: Contactors and motor-starters –
AC semiconductor controllers and
contactors for non-motor loads
IEC 60947-5-1 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-1: Control circuit devices and
switching elements - Electromechanical
control circuit devices
IEC 60947-5-2 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-2: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Proximity switches
IEC 60947-5-3 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-3: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Requirements for
proximity devices with defined behaviour
under fault conditions
IEC 60947-5-4 1996 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – Section 4: Method
of assessing the performance of low
energy contacts. Special tests
IEC 60947-5-5 1997 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-5: Control circuit devices and
switching elements - Electrical
emergency stop device with mechanical
latching function

16 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60947-5-6 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 5-6: Control circuit devices and
switching elements – DC interface for
proximity sensors and switching
amplifiers (NAMUR)
IEC 60947-6-1 1998 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 6-1: Multiple function equipment –
Automatic transfer switching equipment

IEC 60947-6-2 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -

Part 6-2: Multiple function equipment -
Control and protective switching devices
(or equipment) (CPS)
IEC 60947-7-1 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 7: Ancillary equipment - Section 1:
Terminal blocks
IEC 60947-7-2 1995 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear -
Part 7: Ancillary equipment - Section 2:
Protective conductor terminal blocks for
copper conductors
IEC 60439-1 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 1: Type-tested and
partially type-tested assemblies
IEC 60439-2 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 2: Particular
requirements for busbar trunking systems
(busways)
IEC 60439-3 2001 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 60439-4 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 60439-5 1999 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards
IEC 61095 2000 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies - Part 3: Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear
and controlgear assemblies intended to
be installed in places where unskilled
persons have access for their use -
Distribution boards

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 17

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60890 1987 A method of temperature-rise assessment
by extrapolation for partially type-tested
assemblies (PTTA) of low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear
IEC 61117 1992 A method for assessing the short-circuit
withstand strength of partially type-tested
assemblies (PTTA)
IEC 60092-303 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 303:
Equipment - Transformers for power and
lighting
IEC 60092-301 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 301:
Equipment - Generators and motors
IEC 60092-101 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 101:
Definitions and general requirements
IEC 60092-401 1980 Electrical installations in ships. Part 401:
Installation and test of completed
installation
IEC 60092-201 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 201:
System design - General
IEC 60092-202 1994 Electrical installations in ships - Part 202:
System design - Protection
IEC 60092-302 1997 Electrical installations in ships - Part 302:
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear
assemblies
IEC 60092-350 2001 Electrical installations in ships - Part 350:
Shipboard power cables - General
construction and test requirements
IEC 60092-352 1997 Electrical installations in ships - Part 352:
Choice and installation of cables for low-
voltage power systems
IEC 60364-5-52 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part
5-52: Selection and erection of electrical
equipment – Wiring systems
IEC 60227 Polyvinyl chloride insulated cables of
rated voltages up to and including 450/
750 V
1998 Part 1: General requirements
1997 Part 2: Test methods
1997 Part 3: Non-sheathed cables for fixed
wiring
1997 Part 4: Sheathed cables for fixed wiring
1998 Part 5: Flexible cables (cords)
2001 Part 6: Lift cables and cables for flexible
connections
1995 Part 7: Flexible cables screened and
unscreened with two or more conductors
IEC 60228 1978 Conductors of insulated cables
IEC 60245 Rubber insulated cables - Rated voltages
up to and including 450/750 V
1998 Part 1: General requirements
1998 Part 2: Test methods
1994 Part 3: Heat resistant silicone insulated
cables

18 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
1994 Part 5: Lift cables
1994 Part 6: Arc welding electrode cables
1994 Part 7: Heat resistant ethylene-vinyl
acetate rubber insulated cables
1998 Part 8: Cords for applications requiring
high flexibility
IEC 60309-2 1999 Plugs, socket-outlets and couplers for
industrial purposes - Part 2: Dimensional
interchangeability requirements for pin
and contact-tube accessories
IEC 61008-1 1996 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCBs) -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 61008-2-1 1990 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCB’s).
Part 2-1: Applicability of the general rules
to RCCB’s functionally independent of
line voltage
IEC 61008-2-2 1990 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
without integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCCB’s).
Part 2-2: Applicability of the general rules
to RCCB’s functionally dependent on line
voltage
IEC 61009-1 1996 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBOs) -
Part 1: General rules
IEC 61009-2-1 1991 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBO’s)
Part 2-1: Applicability of the general rules
to RCBO’s functionally independent of
line voltage
IEC 61009-2-2 1991 Residual current operated circuit-breakers
with integral overcurrent protection for
household and similar uses (RCBO’s) -
Part 2-2: Applicability of the general rules
to RCBO’s functionally
dependent on line voltage
IEC 60670 1989 General requirements for enclosures for
accessories for household and similar
fixed electrical installations
IEC 60669-2-1 2000 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2-1:
Particular requirements – Electronic
switches
IEC 60669-2-2 2000 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2: Particular
requirements – Section 2: Remote-control
switches (RCS)
IEC 606692-3 1997 Switches for household and similar fixed
electrical installations - Part 2-3:
Particular requirements – Time-delay
switches (TDS)

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 19

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 60079-10 1995 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 10: Classification of
hazardous areas
IEC 60079-14 1996 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 14: Electrical
installations in hazardous areas (other
than mines)
IEC 60079-17 1996 Electrical apparatus for explosive gas
atmospheres - Part 17: Inspection and
maintenance of electrical installations in
hazardous areas (other than mines)
IEC 60269-1 1998 Low-voltage fuses - Part 1: General
requirements
IEC 60269-2 1986 Low-voltage fuses. Part 2: Supplementary
requirements for fuses for use by
authorized persons (fuses mainly for
industrial application)
IEC 60269-3-1 2000 Low-voltage fuses - Part 3-1:
Supplementary requirements for fuses for
use by unskilled persons (fuses mainly for
household and similar applications) -
Sections I to IV
IEC 60127-1/10 Miniature fuses -
1999 Part 1: Definitions for miniature fuses and
general requirements for miniature fuse-links
1989 Part 2: Cartridge fuse-links
1988 Part 3: Sub-miniature fuse-links
1996 Part 4: Universal Modular Fuse-Links
(UMF)
1988 Part 5: Guidelines for quality assessment
of miniature fuse-links
1994 Part 6: Fuse-holders for miniature
cartridge fuse-links
2001 Part 10: User guide for miniature fuses
IEC 60730-2-7 1990 Automatic electrical controls for
household and similar use. Part 2:
Particular requirements for timers and
time switches
IEC 60364-1 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 1:
Fundamental principles, assessment of
general characteristics, definitions
IEC 60364-4 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 4:
Protection for safety
IEC 60364-5 2001…2002 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 5:
Selection and erection of electrical equipment
IEC 60364-6 2001 Electrical installations of buildings - Part 6:
Verification
IEC 60364-7 1983…2002 Electrical installations of buildings. Part 7:
Requirements for special installations or
locations
IEC 60529 2001 Degrees of protection provided by
enclosures (IP Code)

20 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 1.2 IEC standards for electrical installation

1 Standards
STANDARD YEAR TITLE
IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by
enclosures - Probes for verification
IEC 61000-1-1 1992 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1: General - Section 1: Application
and interpretation of fundamental
definitions and terms
IEC 61000-1-2 2001 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1-2: General - Methodology for the
achievement of the functional safety of
electrical and electronic equipment with
regard to electromagnetic phenomena
IEC 61000-1-3 2002 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -
Part 1-3: General - The effects of high-
altitude EMP (HEMP) on civil equipment
and systems

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 21

 2 Protection of feeders

2.1 Introduction
The following definitions regarding electrical installations are derived from the
Standard IEC 60050.

Characteristics of installations
Electrical installation (of a building) An assembly of associated electrical
equipment to fulfil a specific purpose and having coordinated characteristics.

Origin of an electrical installation The point at which electrical energy is

delivered to an installation.

Neutral conductor (symbol N) A conductor connected to the neutral point of

a system and capable of contributing to the transmission of electrical energy.

Protective conductor PE A conductor required by some measures for

protection against electric shock for electrically connecting any of the following
parts:
- exposed conductive parts;
- extraneous conductive parts;
- main earthing terminal;
- earth electrode;
- earthed point of the source or artificial neutral.

PEN conductor An earthed conductor combining the functions of both

protective conductor and neutral conductor

Ambient temperature The temperature of the air or other medium where the
equipment is to be used.

Voltages
Nominal voltage (of an installation) Voltage by which an installation or part of
an installation is designated.
Note: the actual voltage may differ from the nominal voltage by a quantity within
permitted tolerances.

Currents
Design current (of a circuit) The current intended to be carried by a circuit in
normal service.

Current-carrying capacity (of a conductor) The maximum current which can

be carried continuously by a conductor under specified conditions without its
steady-state temperature exceeding a specified value.

Overcurrent Any current exceeding the rated value. For conductors, the rated
value is the current-carrying capacity.

Overload current (of a circuit) An overcurrent occurring in a circuit in the

absence of an electrical fault.

Short-circuit current An overcurrent resulting from a fault of negligible

impedance between live conductors having a difference in potential under normal

22 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.1 Introduction

2 Protection of feeders
operating conditions.

Conventional operating current (of a protective device) A specified value of

the current which cause the protective device to operate within a specified
time, designated conventional time.

Overcurrent detection A function establishing that the value of current in a

circuit exceeds a predetermined value for a specified length of time.

Leakage current Electrical current in an unwanted conductive path other than

a short circuit.

Fault current The current flowing at a given point of a network resulting from
a fault at another point of this network.

Wiring systems
Wiring system An assembly made up of a cable or cables or busbars and the
parts which secure and, if necessary, enclose the cable(s) or busbars.

Electrical circuits
Electrical circuit (of an installation) An assembly of electrical equipment of
the installation supplied from the same origin and protected against overcurrents
by the same protective device(s).

Distribution circuit (of buildings) A circuit supplying a distribution board.

Final circuit (of building) A circuit connected directly to current using

equipment or to socket-outlets.

Other equipment
Electrical equipment Any item used for such purposes as generation,
conversion, transmission, distribution or utilization of electrical energy, such as
machines, transformers, apparatus, measuring instruments, protective devices,
equipment for wiring systems, appliances.

Current-using equipment Equipment intended to convert electrical energy

into another form of energy, for example light, heat, and motive power

Switchgear and controlgear Equipment provided to be connected to an

electrical circuit for the purpose of carrying out one or more of the following
functions: protection, control, isolation, switching.

Portable equipment Equipment which is moved while in operation or which

can easily be moved from one place to another while connected to the supply.

Hand-held equipment Portable equipment intended to be held in the hand

during normal use, in which the motor, if any, forms an integral part of the
equipment.

Stationary equipment Either fixed equipment or equipment not provided with

a carrying handle and having such a mass that it cannot easily be moved.

Fixed equipment Equipment fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a

specific location.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 23

 2.1 Introduction

2 Protection of feeders
Installation dimensioning
The flow chart below suggests the procedure to follow for the correct
dimensioning of a plant.

Load analysis:
- definition of the power absorbed by the loads and relevant position;
- definition of the position of the power distribution centers (switchboards);
- definition of the paths and calculation of the length of the connection elements;
- definition of the total power absorbed, taking into account the utilization factors
and demand factors.

Dimensioning of transformers and generators with margin connected to

future predictable power supply requirements (by approximation from +15÷30%)

Dimensioning of conductors:
- evaluation of the current (I b ) in the single connection elements;
- definition of the conductor type (conductors and insulation materials,
configuration,...);
- definition of the cross section and of the current carrying capacity;
- calculation of the voltage drop at the load current under specific reference
conditions (motor starting,…).

Verification of the voltage drop limits at the final loads

negative
outcome

Short-circuit current calculation maximum values at the busbars (beginning of

line) and minimum values at the end of line

Selection of protective circuit-breakers with:

- breaking capacity higher than the maximum prospective short-circuit current;
- rated current In not lower than the load curren Ib;
- characteristics compatible with the type of protected load (motors, capacitors...).

Verification of the protection of conductors:

- verification of the protection against overload: the rated current or the set current
of the circuit-breaker shall be higher than the load current, but lower than the
current carrying capacity of the conductor:
Ib ≤ In ≤ Iz
- verification of the protection against short-circuit: the specific let-through energy negative
outcome
by the circuit breaker under short-circuit conditions shall be lower than the specific
let-through energy which can be withstood by the cable:
I2t ≤ k2S2
- verification of the protection against indirect contacts (depending on the
distribution system).
1SDC010001F0901

Verification of the coordination with other equipments (discrimination and

negative back-up, verification of the coordination with switch disconnectors...)
outcome

Definition of the components (auxiliary circuits, terminals…) and switchboard

design

24 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2 Protection of feeders

2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

For a correct dimensioning of a cable, it is necessary to:

• choose the type of cable and installation according to the environment;
• choose the cross section according to the load current;
• verify the voltage drop.

2.2.1 Current carrying capacity and methods of installation

Selection of the cable
The international reference Standard ruling the installation and calculation of
the current carrying capacity of cables in residential and industrial buildings is
IEC 60364-5-52 “Electrical installations of buildings – Part 5-52 Selection and
Erection of Electrical Equipment- Wiring systems”.
The following parameters are used to select the cable type:
• conductive material (copper or aluminium): the choice depends on cost,
dimension and weight requirements, resistance to corrosive environments
(chemical reagents or oxidizing elements). In general, the carrying capacity of
a copper conductor is about 30% greater than the carrying capacity of an
aluminium conductor of the same cross section. An aluminium conductor of
the same cross section has an electrical resistance about 60% higher and a
weight half to one third lower than a copper conductor.

• insulation material (none, PVC, XLPE-EPR): the insulation material affects the
maximum temperature under normal and short-circuit conditions and therefore
the exploitation of the conductor cross section [see Chapter 2.4 “Protection
against short-circuit”].

• the type of conductor (bare conductor, single-core cable without sheath, single-
core cable with sheath, multi-core cable) is selected according to mechanical
resistance, degree of insulation and difficulty of installation (bends, joints along
the route, barriers...) required by the method of installation.

Table 1 shows the types of conductors permitted by the different methods of

installation.
Table 1: Selection of wiring systems
Method of installation
Cable trunking
(including skirting Cable ladder
Conductors and Without Clipped trunking, flush floor Cable Cable tray On in- Support
cables fixings direct Conduit trunking) ducting Cable brackets sulators wire
Bare conductors - - - - - - + -
Insulated conductors - - + + + - + -
Sheathed cables
Multi-core + + + + + + 0 +
(including armoured and
mineral insulated)
Single-core 0 + + + + + 0 +

+ Permitted.
– Not permitted.
0 Not applicable, or not normally used in practice.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 25

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
For industrial installations, multi-core cables are rarely used with cross section
greater than 95 mm2.

Methods of installation
To define the current carrying capacity of the conductor and therefore to identify
the correct cross section for the load current, the standardized method of
installation that better suits the actual installation situation must be identified
among those described in the mentioned reference Standard.
From Tables 2 and 3 it is possible to identify the installation identification number,
the method of installation (A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G) and the tables to
define the theoretical current carrying capacity of the conductor and any
correction factors required to allow for particular environmental and installation
situations.

Table 2: Method of installation

Method of installation
Cable trunking
(including skirting Cable ladder
Without With trunking, flush floor Cable Cable tray On Support
Situations fixings fixings Conduit trunking) ducting Cable brackets insulators wire
40, 46, 30, 31,
Building voids 0 15, 16 - 0 - -
15, 16 32, 33, 34
30, 31, 32,
Cable channel 56 56 54, 55 0 44 - -
33, 34
Buried in
72, 73 0 70, 71 - 70, 71 0 - -
Ground
Embedded in 1, 2 50, 51, 52,
57, 58 3 44, 45 0 - -
Structure 59, 60 53
Surface 6, 7, 8, 9, 30, 31,
- 20, 21 4, 5 6, 7, 8, 9 36 -
Mounted 12, 13, 14 32, 33, 34
30, 31, 32,
Overhead - - 0 10, 11 - 36 35
33, 34

The number in each box indicates the item number in Table 3.

- Not permitted.
0 Not applicable or not normally used in practice.

26 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 3: Examples of methods of installation
Reference
method of
installation to be
Methods of
Item n. Description used to
installation
obtain current-
carrying
capacity

Insulated conductors or single-core

Room 1 cables in conduit in a thermally A1
insulated wall

Multi-core cables in conduit in a

Room 2
thermally insulated wall
A2

Multi-core cable direct in a thermally

Room 3
insulated wall
A1

Insulated conductors or single-core

cables in conduit on a wooden, or
4
masonry wall or spaced less than 0.3 B1
times conduit diameter from it
Multi-core cable in conduit on a
wooden, or masonry wall or spaced
5
less than 0.3 times conduit diameter B2
from it
Insulated conductors or single-core
cables in cable trunking on a wooden
6
7
wall – run horizontally (6) B1
– run vertically (7)
Insulated conductors or single-core
cable in suspended cable trunking
8 (8) B1 (8) or B2 (9)
9 Multi-core cable in suspended cable
trunking (9)

Insulated conductors or single-core

12
cable run in mouldings A1

TV TV
Insulated conductors or single-core B1 (13)
13 cables in skirting trunking (13)
ISDN ISDN
Multi-core cable in skirting trunking or
14
(14) B2 (14)
Insulated conductors in conduit or
15 single-core or multi-core cable in A1
architrave
Insulated conductors in conduit or
16 single-core or multi-core cable in A1
window frames
1SDC010001F0201

Single-core or multi-core cables:

– fixed on, or spaced less than 0.3
20 times (20)
cable diameter from a wooden wall C
21
– fixed directly under a wooden
ceiling (21)

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 27

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Reference
method of
installation to be
Methods of Methods of
Item n. Description used to
installation installation
obtain current-
carrying
capacity
≤ 0.3 De

De
1
30 On unperforated tray C

≤ 0.3 De

De
≤ 0.3 De

1
31 On perforated tray E or F

≤ 0.3 De

≤ 0.3 De

De
1
32 On brackets or on a wire mesh E or F

≤ 0.3 De

Spaced more than 0.3 times cable

33
diameter from a wall E or F or G

34 On ladder E or F TV

ISDN IS

Single-core or multi-core cable

35 suspended from or incorporating a E or F
support wire

Bare or insulated conductors on De

36
insulators G

28 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Reference Reference
method of method of
installation to be installation to be
Methods of
used to Item n. Description used to
installation
obtain current- obtain current-
carrying carrying
capacity capacity

1.5 De ≤ V < 20 De
Single-core or multi-core cable in a B2
De V 40 2
building void V ≥ 20 De
C B1

1.5 De ≤ V < 20 De
Insulated conductors in cable ducting B2
V 24 2
De in a building void V ≥ 20 De
B1

1.5 De ≤ V < 5 De
E or F
Insulated conductors in cable ducting B2
V 44 in masonry having a thermal
resistivity not greater than 2 Km/W 5 De ≤ V < 50 De
B1

1.5 De ≤ V < 5 D e
V Single-core or multi-core cable:
De 46 – in a ceiling void B2
1
E or F – in a suspended floor
5 De ≤ V < 50De
B1
Insulated conductors or single-core
50 cable in flush cable trunking in the B1
floor
E or F or G Multi-core cable in flush cable
51
trunking in the floor
B2

E or F TV TV Insulated conductors or single-core B1 (52)

52 cables in embedded trunking (52)
ISDN ISDN Multi-core cable in embedded
or
53 B2 (53)
trunking (53)

E or F

1.5 De ≤ V < 20 De
1SDC010002F0201

Insulated conductors or single-core

V 54
cables in conduit in an unventilated B2
De cable channel run horizontally or
G vertically
2 V ≥20 De
B1

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 29

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Reference
method of
installation to be
Methods of
Item n. Description used to
installation
obtain current-
carrying
capacity

Insulated conductors in conduit in an

55 open or ventilated cable channel in B1
the floor

Sheathed single-core or multi-core

56 cable in an open or ventilated cable B1
channel run horizontally or vertically

Single-core or multi-core cable direct

in masonry having a thermal
57
resistivity not greater than 2 Km/W
C
Without added mechanical protection

Single-core or multi-core cable direct

in masonry having a thermal
58
resistivity not greater than 2 Km/W
C
With added mechanical protection

Insulated conductors or single-core

59
cables in conduit in masonry B1

Multi-core cables in conduit in

60
masonry B2

Multi-core cable in conduit or in cable

70
ducting in the ground D

Single-core cable in conduit or in

71
cable ducting in the ground D

Sheathed single-core or multi-core

cables direct in the ground
1SDC010003F0201

72 – without added mechanical D

protection

Sheathed single-core or multi-core

73 cables direct in the ground D
– with added mechanical protection
1
De is the external diameter of a multi-core cable:
– 2.2 x the cable diameter when three single core cables are bound in trefoil, or
– 3 x the cable diameter when three single core cables are laid in flat formation.
2
De is the external diameter of conduit or vertical depth of cable ducting.
V is the smaller dimension or diameter of a masonry duct or void, or the vertical depth of a rectangular duct, floor or ceiling void.
The depth of the channel is more important than the width.

30 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Installation not buried in the ground: choice of the
cross section according to cable carrying capacity and
type of installation
The cable carrying capacity of a cable that is not buried in the ground is obtained
by using this formula:
I z = I 0 k1k2 = I 0 ktot
where:
• I0 is the current carrying capacity of the single conductor at 30 °C reference
ambient temperature;
• k1 is the correction factor if the ambient temperature is other than 30 °C;
• k2 is the correction factor for cables installed bunched or in layers or for
cables installed in a layer on several supports.

Correction factor k1
The current carrying capacity of the cables that are not buried in the ground
refers to 30 °C ambient temperature. If the ambient temperature of the place
of installation is different from this reference temperature, the correction factor
k1 on Table 4 shall be used, according to the insulation material.

Table 4: Correction factor for ambient air temperature other than 30 °C

Insulation
Mineral (a)
Ambient PVC covered or
temperature (a) bare and exposed Bare not exposed
°C PVC XLPE and EPR to touch 70 °C to touch 105 °C
10 1.22 1.15 1.26 1.14
15 1.17 1.12 1.20 1.11
20 1.12 1.08 1.14 1.07
25 1.06 1.04 1.07 1.04
35 0.94 0.96 0.93 0.96
40 0.87 0.91 0.85 0.92
45 0.79 0.87 0.87 0.88
50 0.71 0.82 0.67 0.84
55 0.61 0.76 0.57 0.80
60 0.50 0.71 0.45 0.75
65 – 0.65 – 0.70
70 – 0.58 – 0.65
75 – 0.50 – 0.60
80 – 0.41 – 0.54
85 – – – 0.47
90 – – – 0.40
95 – – – 0.32
(a)
For higher ambient temperatures, consult manufacturer.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 31

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Correction factor k2
The cable current carrying capacity is influenced by the presence of other cables
installed nearby. The heat dissipation of a single cable is different from that of
the same cable when installed next to the other ones. The factor k2 is tabled
according to the installation of cables laid close together in layers or bunches.

Definition of layer or bunch

layer: several circuits constituted by cables installed one next to another, spaced
or not, arranged horizontally or vertically. The cables on a layer are installed on
a wall, tray, ceiling, floor or on a cable ladder;

> 2 De2

a)

De1 De2

b)
< 30 cm

c)
1SDC010002F0001

Cables in layers: a) spaced; b) not spaced; c) double layer

bunch: several circuits constituted by cables that are not spaced and are not
installed in a layer; several layers superimposed on a single support (e.g. tray)
are considered to be a bunch.

32 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders

a)

b)

1SDC010003F0001
c)

Bunched cables: a) in trunking; b) in conduit; c) on perforated tray

The value of correction factor k2 is 1 when:

• the cables are spaced:
- two single-core cables belonging to different circuits are spaced when the
distance between them is more than twice the external diameter of the
cable with the larger cross section;
- two multi-core cables are spaced when the distance between them is at
least the same as the external diameter of the larger cable;
• the adjacent cables are loaded less than 30 % of their current carrying capacity.

The correction factors for bunched cables or cables in layers are calculated by
assuming that the bunches consist of similar cables that are equally loaded. A
group of cables is considered to consist of similar cables when the calculation
of the current carrying capacity is based on the same maximum allowed
operating temperature and when the cross sections of the conductors is in the
range of three adjacent standard cross sections (e.g. from 10 to 25 mm2).
The calculation of the reduction factors for bunched cables with different cross
sections depends on the number of cables and on their cross sections. These
factors have not been tabled, but must be calculated for each bunch or layer.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 33

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
The reduction factor for a group containing different cross sections of insulated
conductors or cables in conduits, cable trunking or cable ducting is:

1
k2 =
n
where:
• k2 is the group reduction factor;
• n is the number of circuits of the bunch.
The reduction factor obtained by this equation reduces the danger of overloading
of cables with a smaller cross section, but may lead to under utilization of
cables with a larger cross section. Such under utilization can be avoided if large
and small cables are not mixed in the same group.

The following tables show the reduction factor (k2).

Table 5: Reduction factor for grouped cables

To be used with
current-carrying
Arrangement Number of circuits or multi-core cables capacities,
Item (cables touching) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 12 16 20 reference
1 Bunched in air, on a 1.00 0.80 0.70 0.65 0.60 0.57 0.54 0.52 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38
surface, embedded or Methods A to F
enclosed
2 Single layer on wall, 1.00 0.85 0.79 0.75 0.73 0.72 0.72 0.71 0.70
floor or unperforated
tray
0.95 0.81 0.72 0.68 0.66 0.64 0.63 0.62 0.61 No further
3 Single layer fixed
reduction
directly under a factor for more Method C
wooden ceiling than
nine circuits or
4 Single layer on a 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.77 0.75 0.73 0.73 0.72 0.72
multicore cables
perforated horizontal or
vertical tray
5 Single layer on ladder 1.00 0.87 0.82 0.80 0.80 0.79 0.79 0.78 0.78 Methods E and F
support or cleats etc.

NOTE 1 These factors are applicable to uniform groups of cables, equally loaded.
NOTE 2 Where horizontal clearances between adjacent cables exceeds twice their overall diameter, no reduction
factor need be applied.
NOTE 3 The same factors are applied to:
– groups of two or three single-core cables;
– multi-core cables.
NOTE 4 If a system consists of both two- and three-core cables, the total number of cables is taken as the number of
circuits, and the corresponding factor is applied to the tables for two loaded conductors for the two-core
cables, and to the tables for three loaded conductors for the three-core cables.
NOTE 5 If a group consists of n single-core cables it may either be considered as n/2 circuits of two loaded
conductors or n/3 circuits of three loaded conductors.

34 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 6: Reduction factor for single-core cables with method of
installation F

Number of three-phase Use as a

Number of circuits (note 4)
Method of installation in Table 3 multiplier to
trays
1 2 3 rating for

Touching
Perforated 1 0.98 0.91 0.87
Three cables in
trays 31 2 0.96 0.87 0.81 horizontal
(note 2) formation
3 0.95 0.85 0.78
20 mm
Touching

Vertical
perforated 1 0.96 0.86 – Three cables in
trays 31 vertical
225 mm 2 0.95 0.84 – formation
(note 3)

Touching
Ladder
32 1 1.00 0.97 0.96
supports, Three cables in
33 2 0.98 0.93 0.89 horizontal
cleats, etc.
formation
34 3 0.97 0.90 0.86
(note 2)
20 mm

Perforated 2D
≥2 D ee 1 1.00 0.98 0.96
trays D
Dee
31 2 0.97 0.93 0.89
(note 2) 3 0.96 0.92 0.86
20 mm
Spaced
Vertical
perforated ≥2 D e 1 1.00 0.91 0.89 Three cables in
trays 31 trefoil formation
225 mm 2 1.00 0.90 0.86
(note 3)
De

Ladder 32 1 1.00 1.00 1.00

≥2 D e De
supports,
cleats, etc. 33 2 0.97 0.95 0.93

(note 2) 34 3 0.96 0.94 0.90

20 mm

NOTE 1 Factors are given for single layers of cables (or trefoil groups) as shown in the table and do not apply
when cables are installed in more than one layer touching each other. Values for such installations may be
significantly lower and must be determined by an appropriate method.
NOTE 2 Values are given for vertical spacings between trays of 300 mm. For closer spacing the factors should be
reduced.
1SDC010004F0201

NOTE 3 Values are given for horizontal spacing between trays of 225 mm with trays mounted back to back and at
least 20 mm between the tray and any wall. For closer spacing the factors should be reduced.
NOTE 4 For circuits having more than one cable in parallel per phase, each three phase set of conductors should
be considered as a circuit for the purpose of this table.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 35

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 7: Reduction factor for multi-core cables with method of
installation E

Number Number of cables

Method of installation in Table 3
of trays 1 2 3 4 6 9
Touching
1 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.73
2 1.00 0.87 0.80 0.77 0.73 0.68
3 1.00 0.86 0.79 0.76 0.71 0.66
Perforated 20 mm
trays 31
Spaced
(note 2) 1 1.00 1.00 0.98 0.95 0.91 –
De
2 1.00 0.99 0.96 0.92 0.87 –
3 1.00 0.98 0.95 0.91 0.85 –
20 mm
Touching

1 1.00 0.88 0.82 0.78 0.73 0.72

225 mm 2 1.00 0.88 0.81 0.76 0.71 0.70

Vertical
perforated
trays 31
Spaced
(note 3)

1 1.00 0.91 0.89 0.88 0.87 –

2 1.00 0.91 0.88 0.87 0.85 –
D
Dee
225 mm

Touching
1 1.00 0.87 0.82 0.80 0.79 0.78
2 1.00 0,86 0.80 0.78 0.76 0.73
3 1.00 0.85 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.70
Ladder 32 20 mm
supports,
33 Spaced
cleats, etc.
34 DDee
(note 2) 1 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 –
2 1.00 0.99 0.98 0.97 0.96 –
3 1.00 0.98 0.97 0.96 0.93 –
20 mm

NOTE 1 Factors apply to single layer groups of cables as shown above and do not apply when cables are installed in
more than one layer touching each other. Values for such installations may be significantly lower and must be
determined by an appropriate method.
NOTE 2 Values are given for vertical spacings between trays of 300 mm and at least 20 mm between trays and wall.
1SDC010005F0201

For closer spacing the factors should be reduced.

NOTE 3 Values are given for horizontal spacing between trays of 225 mm with trays mounted back to back. For closer
spacing the factors should be reduced.

36 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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2 Protection of feeders
To summarize:
The following procedure shall be used to determine the cross section
of the cable:
1. from Table 3 identify the method of installation;

2. from Table 4 determine the correction factor k1 according to

insulation material and ambient temperature;

3. use Table 5 for cables installed in layer or bunch, Table 6 for single-
core cables in a layer on several supports, Table 7 for multi-core
cables in a layer on several supports or the formula shown in the
case of groups of cables with different sections to determine the
correction factor k2 appropriate for the numbers of circuits or multi-
core cables;

4. calculate the value of current I’b by dividing the load current Ib (or
the rated current of the protective device) by the product of the
correction factors calculated:

Ib I
I'b = = b
k1k2 k tot

5. from Table 8 or from Table 9, depending on the method of installation, on

insulation and conductive material and on the number of live conductors,
determine the cross section of the cable with capacity I0 ≥ I’b;

6. the actual cable current carrying capacity is calculated by IZ = I0 k1 k2.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 37

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 8: Current carrying capacity of cables with PVC or EPR/XLPE
insulation (method A-B-C)
Installation
A1 A2 B1
method

Conductor Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al
XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE
Insulation EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR P

Loaded 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2
conductors
S[mm2]
1.5 19 17 14.5 13.5 13
18.5 16.5 14 13.0 23 20 17.5 15.5
2.5 26 23 19.5 18 20 19 14.5 14 25 22 18.5 17.5 19.5 18 14.5 13.5 31 28 24 21 25 22 18.5
4 35 31 26 24 27 25 20 18.5 33 30 25 23 26 24 20 17.5 42 37 32 28 33 29 25
6 45 40 34 31 35 32 26 24 42 38 32 29 33 31 25 23 54 48 41 36 43 38 32
10 61 54 46 42 48 44 36 32 57 51 43 39 45 41 33 31 75 66 57 50 59 52 44
16 81 73 61 56 64 58 48 43 76 68 57 52 60 55 44 41 100 88 76 68 79 71 60
25 106 95 80 73 84 76 63 57 99 89 75 68 78 71 58 53 133 117 101 89 105 93 79
35 131 117 99 89 103 94 77 70 121 109 92 83 96 87 71 65 164 144 125 110 130 116 97
50 158 141 119 108 125 113 93 84 145 130 110 99 115 104 86 78 198 175 151 134 157 140 118
70 200 179 151 136 158 142 118 107 183 164 139 125 145 131 108 98 253 222 192 171 200 179 150
95 241 216 182 164 191 171 142 129 220 197 167 150 175 157 130 118 306 269 232 207 242 217 181
120 278 249 210 188 220 197 164 149 253 227 192 172 201 180 150 135 354 312 269 239 281 251 210
150 318 285 240 216 253 226 189 170 290 259 219 196 230 206 172 155
185 362 324 273 245 288 256 215 194 329 295 248 223 262 233 195 176
240 424 380 321 286 338 300 252 227 386 346 291 261 307 273 229 207
300 486 435 367 328 387 344 289 261 442 396 334 298 352 313 263 237
400
500
630

38 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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2 Protection of feeders

B1 B2 C

Al Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al
E XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE
R PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC XLPE/EPR PVC

3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3

23 20 17.5 15.5 22 19.5 16.5 15 24 22 19.5 17.5

18 14.5 13.5 31 28 24 21 25 22 18.5 16.5 30 26 23 20 23 21 17.5 15.5 33 30 27 24 26 24 21 18.5
24 20 17.5 42 37 32 28 33 29 25 22.0 40 35 30 27 31 28 24 21 45 40 36 32 35 32 28 25
25.0
31 25 23 54 48 41 36 43 38 32 28 51 44 38 34 40 35 30 27.0 58 52 46 41 45 41 36 32
41 33 31 75 66 57 50 59 52 44 39 69 60 52 46 54 48 41 36 80 71 63 57 62 57 49 44
55 44 41 100 88 76 68 79 71 60 53 91 80 69 62 72 64 54 48 107 96 85 76 84 76 66 59
71 58 53 133 117 101 89 105 93 79 70 119 105 90 80 94 84 71 62 138 119 112 96 101 90 83 73
87 71 65 164 144 125 110 130 116 97 86 146 128 111 99 115 103 86 77 171 147 138 119 126 112 103 90
104 86 78 198 175 151 134 157 140 118 104 175 154 133 118 138 124 104 92 209 179 168 144 154 136 125 110
131 108 98 253 222 192 171 200 179 150 133 221 194 168 149 175 156 131 116 269 229 213 184 198 174 160 140
157 130 118 306 269 232 207 242 217 181 161 265 233 201 179 210 188 157 139 328 278 258 223 241 211 195 170
180 150 135 354 312 269 239 281 251 210 186 305 268 232 206 242 216 181 160 382 322 299 259 280 245 226 197
206 172 155 441 371 344 299 324 283 261 227

1SDC010006F0201
233 195 176 506 424 392 341 371 323 298 259
273 229 207 599 500 461 403 439 382 352 305
313 263 237 693 576 530 464 508 440 406 351

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 39

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 8: Current carrying capacity of cables with PVC or EPR/XLPE
insulation (method E-F-G)
Installation
method F
E

or or

Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al
XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE
Insulation EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC

Loaded 2 3 2 3 3
conductors
S[mm2]
1.5 26 22 23 18.5
2.5 36 30 28 23 32 2 24 19.5 5
4 49 40 38 31 42 34 32 26
6 63 51 49 39 54 43 42 33
10 86 70 67 54 75 60 58 46
16 115 94 91 73 100 80 77 61
25 149 119 108 89 127 101 97 78 161 131 121 98 13 110 103 845 141 114 107 87
35 185 148 135 111 158 126 120 96 200 162 150 122 169 137 129 105 176 143 135 109
50 225 180 164 135 192 153 146 117 242 196 184 149 207 167 159 128 216 174 165 133
70 289 232 211 173 246 196 187 150 310 251 237 192 268 216 206 166 279 225 215 173
95 352 282 257 210 298 238 227 183 377 304 289 235 328 264 253 203 342 275 264 212
120 410 328 300 244 346 276 263 212 437 352 337 273 383 308 296 237 400 321 308 247
150 473 379 346 282 399 319 304 245 504 406 389 316 444 356 343 274 464 372 358 287
185 542 434 397 322 456 364 347 280 575 463 447 363 510 409 395 315 533 427 413 330
240 641 514 470 380 538 430 409 330 679 546 530 430 607 485 471 375 634 507 492 392
300 741 593 543 439 621 497 471 381 783 629 613 497 703 561 547 434 736 587 571 455
400 940 754 740 600 823 656 663 526 868 689 694 552
500 1083 868 856 694 946 749 770 610 998 789 806 640
630 1254 1005 996 808 1088 855 899 711 1151 905 942 746

40 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders

F G

or De
De
Cu Al Cu Al Cu Al
XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE XLPE
C EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PVC EPR PV C EPR PV

3 3 3H 3V 3H 3V 3H 3V 3H 3V

8 13 110 103 845 141 114 107 87 182 161 146 130 138 122 112 99
2 169 137 129 105 176 143 135 109 226 201 181 162 172 153 139 124
9 207 167 159 128 216 174 165 133 275 246 219 197 210 188 169 152
2 268 216 206 166 279 225 215 173 353 318 281 254 271 244 217 196
5 328 264 253 203 342 275 264 212 430 389 341 311 332 300 265 241
3 383 308 296 237 400 321 308 247 500 454 396 362 387 351 308 282
6 444 356 343 274 464 372 358 287 577 527 456 419 448 408 356 327
1SDC010100F0201

3 510 409 395 315 533 427 413 330 661 605 521 480 515 470 407 376
0 607 485 471 375 634 507 492 392 781 719 615 569 611 561 482 447
7 703 561 547 434 736 587 571 455 902 833 709 659 708 652 557 519
0 823 656 663 526 868 689 694 552 1085 1008 852 795 856 792 671 629
4 946 749 770 610 998 789 806 640 1253 1169 982 920 991 921 775 730
8 1088 855 899 711 1151 905 942 746 1454 1362 1138 1070 1154 1077 900 852

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 41

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 9: Current carrying capacity of cables with mineral insulation

Installation C E or F
method
Metallic sheath temperature 70 °C Metallic sheath temperature 105 °C Metallic sheath temperature 70 °C Metallic sheath t
Sheath PVC covered or Bare cable not PVC covered or Bare c
bare exposed to touch exposed to touch bare exposed to touch exposed
e

Loaded or or or or
conductors

S[mm2] 2 3 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 2
1.5 23 19 21 28 24 27 25 21 23 31
500 V 2.5 31 26 29 38 33 36 33 28 31 41
4 40 35 38 51 44 47 44 37 41 54
1.5 25 21 23 31 26 30 26 22 26 33
2.5 34 28 31 42 35 41 36 30 34 45
4 45 37 41 55 47 53 47 40 45 60
6 57 48 52 70 59 67 60 51 57 76
10 77 65 70 96 81 91 82 69 77 104
16 102 86 92 127 107 119 109 92 102 137
25 133 112 120 166 140 154 142 120 132 179
750 V 35 163 137 147 203 171 187 174 147 161 220
50 202 169 181 251 212 230 215 182 198 272
70 247 207 221 307 260 280 264 223 241 333
95 296 249 264 369 312 334 317 267 289 400
120 340 286 303 424 359 383 364 308 331 460
150 388 327 346 485 410 435 416 352 377 526
185 440 371 392 550 465 492 472 399 426 596
240 514 434 457 643 544 572 552 466 496 697

Note 1 For single-core cables the sheaths of the cables of the circuit are connected together at both ends.
Note 2 For bare cables exposed to touch, values should be multiplied by 0.9.
Note 3 De is the external diameter of the cable.
Note 4 For metallic sheath temperature 105 °C no correction for grouping need to be applied.

42 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders

E or F G

C Metallic sheath temperature 70 °C Metallic sheath temperature 105 °C Metallic sheath temperature 70 °C Metallic sheath temperature 105 °C
PVC covered or Bare cable not PVC covered or Bare cable not
bare exposed to touch exposed
e to touch bare exposed to touch exposed to touch

or or or or or or
De De
De De

2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3
25 21 23 31 26 29 26 29 33.0
33 37.0
37
33 28 31 41 35 39 34 39 43 49
44 37 41 54 46 51 45 51 56 64
26 22 26 33 28 32 28 32 35 40
36 30 34 45 38 43 37 43 47 54
47 40 45 60 50 56 49 56 61 70
60 51 57 76 64 71 62 71 78 89
82 69 77 104 87 96 84 95 105 120
109 92 102 137 115 127 110 125 137 157
142 120 132 179 150 164 142 162 178 204
174 147 161 220 184 200 173 197 216 248
215 182 198 272 228 247 213 242 266 304

1SDC010007F0201
264 223 241 333 279 300 259 294 323 370
317 267 289 400 335 359 309 351 385 441
364 308 331 460 385 411 353 402 441 505
416 352 377 526 441 469 400 454 498 565
472 399 426 596 500 530 446 507 557 629
552 466 496 697 584 617 497 565 624 704

at both ends.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 43

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Installation in ground: choice of the cross section according
to cable carrying capacity and type of installation
The current carrying capacity of a cable buried in the ground is calculated by
using this formula:

I z = I 0 k1k 2k 3 = I 0 k tot

where:
• I0 is the current carrying capacity of the single conductor for installation in the
ground at 20°C reference temperature;
• k1 is the correction factor if the temperature of the ground is other than 20°C;
• k2 is the correction factor for adjacent cables;
• k3 is the correction factor if the soil thermal resistivity is different from the
reference value, 2.5 Km/W.

Correction factor k1
The current carrying capacity of buried cables refers to a ground temperature
of 20 °C. If the ground temperature is different, use the correction factor k1
shown in Table 10 according to the insulation material.

Table 10: Correction factors for ambient ground temperatures other

than 20 °C
Insulation
Ground
temperature
°C PVC XLPE and EPR
10 1.10 1.07
15 1.05 1.04
25 0.95 0.96
30 0.89 0.93
35 0.84 0.89
40 0.77 0.85
45 0.71 0.80
50 0.63 0.76
55 0.55 0.71
60 0.45 0.65
65 – 0.60
70 – 0.53
75 – 0.46
80 – 0.38

44 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Correction factor k2
The cable current carrying capacity is influenced by the presence of other cables
installed nearby. The heat dissipation of a single cable is different from that of
the same cable installed next to the other ones.
The correction factor k2 is obtained by the formula:

k2 = k 2' . k 2''

Tables 11, 12, and 13 show the factor k2’ values for single-core and multi-core
cables that are laid directly in the ground or which are installed in buried ducts,
according to their distance from other cables or the distance between the ducts.

Table 11: Reduction factors for cables laid directly in the ground

Cable to cable clearance (a)

Number Nil (cables One cable
of circuits touching) diameter 0.125 m 0.25 m 0.5 m
2 0.75 0.80 0.85 0.90 0.90
3 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85
4 0.60 0.60 0.70 0.75 0.80
5 0.55 0.55 0.65 0.70 0.80
6 0.50 0.55 0.60 0.70 0.80

Multi-core cables

a a

Single-core cables

a a
NOTE The given values apply to an installation depth of 0.7 m and a soil thermal resistivity of 2.5 Km/W.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 45

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Table 12: Reduction factors for multi-core cables laid in single way
ducts in the ground
Cable to cable clearance (a)
Number Nil (cables
of circuits touching) 0.25 m 0.5 m 1.0 m
2 0.85 0.90 0.95 0.95
3 0.75 0.85 0.90 0.95
4 0.70 0.80 0.85 0.90
5 0.65 0.80 0.85 0.90
6 0.60 0.80 0.80 0.90

Multi-core cables

NOTE The given values apply to an installation depth of 0.7 m and a soil thermal resistivity of 2.5 Km/W.

Table 13: Reduction factors for single-core cables laid in single way
ducts in the ground
Duct to duct clearance (a)
Number of single-core
circuits of Nil (ducts
two or three cables touching) 0.25 m 0.5 m 1.0 m
2 0.80 0.90 0.90 0.95
3 0.70 0.80 0.85 0.90
4 0.65 0.75 0.80 0.90
5 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90
6 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90
Single-core cables

a a

NOTE The given values apply to an installation depth of 0.7 m and a soil thermal resistivity of 2.5 Km/W.

46 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
For correction factor k2’’:
• for cables laid directly in the ground or if there are not other conductors within
the same duct, the value of k2’’ is 1;
• if several conductors of similar sizes are present in the same duct (for the
meaning of “group of similar conductors”, see the paragraphs above), k2’’ is
obtained from the first row of Table 5;
• if the conductors are not of similar size, the correction factor is calculated by
using this formula:

1
k 2'' =
n

where:
n is the number of circuits in the duct.

Correction factor k3
Soil thermal resistivity influences the heat dissipation of the cable. Soil with low
thermal resistivity facilitates heat dissipation, whereas soil with high thermal
resistivity limits heat dissipation. IEC 60364-5-52 states as reference value for
the soil thermal resistivity 2.5 Km/W.

Table 14: Correction factors for soil thermal resistivities other than
2.5 Km/W
Thermal resistivities Km/W 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Correction factor 1.18 1.1 1.05 1 0.96

Note 1: the overall accuracy of correction factors is within ±5%.

Note 2: the correction factors are applicable to cables drawn into buried ducts; for cables
laid direct in the ground the correction factors for thermal resistivities less than 2.5 Km/W
will be higher. Where more precise values are required they may be calculated by methods
given in IEC 60287.
Note 3: the correction factors are applicable to ducts buried at depths of up to 0.8 m.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 47

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
To summarize:
Use this procedure to determine the cross section of the cable:
1. from Table 10, determine the correction factor k1 according to the insulation
material and the ground temperature;

2. use Table 11, Table 12, Table 13 or the formula for groups of non-similar
cables to determine the correction factor k2 according to the distance
between cables or ducts;

3. from Table 14 determine factor k3 corresponding to the soil thermal resistivity;

4. calculate the value of the current I’b by dividing the load current Ib (or the
rated current of the protective device) by the product of the correction factors
calculated:
Ib I
I b' = = b
k1k2 k 3 k tot
5. from Table 15, determine the cross section of the cable with I0 ≥ I’b, according
to the method of installation, the insulation and conductive material and the
number of live conductors;

6. the actual cable current carrying capacity is calculated by.

I z = I 0 k 1k 2 k 3

Table 15: Current carrying capacity of cables buried in the ground

Installation
D
method

Conductor Cu Al
XLPE XLPE
Insulation EPR PVC EPR PVC

Loaded
2 3 2 3 2 3 2 3
conductors
S[mm2]
1.5 26 22 22 18
2.5 34 29 29 24 26 22 22 18.5
4 44 37 38 31 34 29 29 24
6 56 46 47 39 42 36 36 30
10 73 61 63 52 56 47 48 40
16 95 79 81 67 73 61 62 52
25 121 101 104 86 93 78 80 66
35 146 122 125 103 112 94 96 80
50 173 144 148 122 132 112 113 94
1SDC010008F0201

70 213 178 183 151 163 138 140 117

95 252 211 216 179 193 164 166 138
120 287 240 246 203 220 186 189 157
150 324 271 278 230 249 210 213 178
185 363 304 312 258 279 236 240 200
240 419 351 361 297 322 272 277 230
300 474 396 408 336 364 308 313 260

48 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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START

selection of wiring systems table 1

erection of wiring systems table 2

Method of installation table 3

Ib

yes Ground temperature

yes
D method? <> k 1 from table 10
20 °C?
no
no
yes
k 1 from table 4 Ambient air temperature k1 = 1
<>
30 °C?

no
k1 = 1
cables laid directly
yes k 2 ' from table 11
in the ground? (k 2 ''=1)

no
yes yes
for cables? multi-core cable?

no k2 = 1
no
similar no k 2 ' from table 13 k 2 ' from table 12
sections?

yes 1
k 2 '' =
n

yes no more than one yes

k 2 from table 7 multi-core cable? single layer?
cable per conduit?

no yes similar no 1
k 2 '' =
1SDC010009F0201

sections?
n
k 2 from table 6 k 2 from table 5
k 2 ''=1
yes

k 2 '' from table 6

k tot =k 1 *k 2

I' b =I b /k tot k tot =k 1 *k 2 *k 3

k 2 =k 2 '*k 2 ''

table current carrying capacity yes

Thermal resistivity k 3 from table 14
I 0 > I' b <> 2.5 Km/W?

no
k3 = 1

S [mm2 ]
I z = I 0 *k tot

END

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 49

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Note on current carrying capacity tables and loaded conductors
Tables 8, 9 and 15 provide the current carrying capacity of loaded conductors
(current carrying conductors) under normal service conditions.
In single-phase circuits, the number of loaded conductors is two.
In balanced or slightly unbalanced three-phase circuits the number of loaded
conductors is three, since the current in the neutral conductor is negligible.
In three-phase systems with high unbalance, where the neutral conductor in a
multi-core cable carries current as a result of an unbalance in the phase currents
the temperature rise due to the neutral current is offset by the reduction in the
heat generated by one or more of the phase conductors. In this case the
conductor size shall be chosen on the basis of the highest phase current. In all
cases the neutral conductor shall have an adequate cross section.

Effect of harmonic currents on balanced three-phase

systems: reduction factors for harmonic currents in four-
core and five-core cables with four cores carrying current
Where the neutral conductor carries current without a corresponding reduction
in load of the phase conductors, the current flowing in the neutral conductor
shall be taken into account in ascertaining the current-carrying capacity of the
circuit.
This neutral current is due to the phase currents having a harmonic content
which does not cancel in the neutral. The most significant harmonic which
does not cancel in the neutral is usually the third harmonic. The magnitude of
the neutral current due to the third harmonic may exceed the magnitude of the
power frequency phase current. In such a case the neutral current will have a
significant effect on the current-carrying capacity of the cables in the circuit.

N
1SDC010007F0001

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2 Protection of feeders
Equipment likely to cause significant harmonic currents are, for example,
fluorescent lighting banks and dc power supplies such as those found in
computers (for further information on harmonic disturbances see the IEC 61000).
The reduction factors given in Table 16 only apply in the balanced three-phase
circuits (the current in the fourth conductor is due to harmonics only) to cables
where the neutral conductor is within a four-core or five-core cable and is of the
same material and cross-sectional area as the phase conductors. These
reduction factors have been calculated based on third harmonic currents. If
significant, i.e. more than 10 %, higher harmonics (e.g. 9th, 12th, etc.) are
expected or there is an unbalance between phases of more than 50 %, then
lower reduction factors may be applicable: these factors can be calculated only
by taking into account the real shape of the current in the loaded phases.
Where the neutral current is expected to be higher than the phase current then
the cable size should be selected on the basis of the neutral current.
Where the cable size selection is based on a neutral current which is not
significantly higher than the phase current, it is necessary to reduce the tabulated
current carrying capacity for three loaded conductors.
If the neutral current is more than 135 % of the phase current and the cable size
is selected on the basis of the neutral current, then the three phase conductors
will not be fully loaded. The reduction in heat generated by the phase conductors
offsets the heat generated by the neutral conductor to the extent that it is not
necessary to apply any reduction factor to the current carrying capacity for
three loaded conductors.

Table 16: Reduction factors for harmonic currents in four-core and

five-core cables
Third harmonic content
of phase current Reduction factor
Current to take in Current to take in
% Size selection is account for the Size selection is account for the
based on phase cable selection based on neutral cable selection
current Ib’ current Ib’

Ib
0 ÷ 15 1 I 'b = - -
k tot
Ib
15 ÷ 33 0.86 I 'b = -
k tot . 0.86 -
IN
33 ÷ 45 - - 0.86 I'b =
0.86

> 45 - - 1 I 'b = I N

Ib
Where IN is the current flowing in the neutral calculated as follows: IN = .3 . k
k tot III

Ib is the load current;

ktot is the total correction factor;
kIII is the third harmonic content of phase current;

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 51

 2.2 Installation and dimensioning of cables

2 Protection of feeders
Example of cable dimensioning in a balanced three-
phase circuit without harmonics
Dimensioning of a cable with the following characteristics:
• conductor material: : copper

• insulation material: : PVC

• type of cable: : multi-core

• installation: : cables bunched on horizontal

perforated tray

• load current: : 100 A

Installation conditions:
• ambient temperature: : 40 °C

• adjacent circuits with a) three-phase circuit consisting of 4

single-core cables, 4x50 mm2;

b) three-phase circuit consisting of one

multi-core cable, 1x(3x50) mm2;

c) three-phase circuit consisting of 9

single-core (3 per phase) cables,
9x95 mm2;

d) single-phase circuit consisting of 2

single-core cables, 2x70 mm2.

a c
b

d
1SDC010008F0001

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Procedure:
Type of installation
In Table 3, it is possible to find the reference number of the installation and the
method of installation to be used for the calculations. In this example, the
reference number is 31, which corresponds to method E (multi-core cable on
tray).

Correction factor of temperature k1

From Table 4, for a temperature of 40 °C and PVC insulation material, k1 =
0.87.
k 1 = 0.87
Correction factor for adjacent cables k2
For the multi-core cables grouped on the perforated tray see Table 5.
As a first step, the number of circuits or multi-core cables present shall be
determined; given that:

• each circuit a), b) and d) constitute a separate circuit;

• circuit c) consists of three circuits, since it is composed by three cables in
parallel per phase;
• the cable to be dimensioned is a multi-core cable and therefore constitutes a
single circuit;
the total number of circuits is 7.
Referring to the row for the arrangement (cables bunched) and to the column
for the number of circuits (7)

k 2 = 0.54

After k1 and k2 have been determined, I’b is calculated by:

Ib 100
I 'b = = = 212.85A
k1k2 0.87. 0.54

From Table 8, for a multi-core copper cable with PVC insulation, method of
installation E, with three loaded conductors, a cross section with current carrying
capacity of I0 ≥ I’b = 212.85 A, is obtained. A 95 mm2 cross section cable can
carry, under Standard reference conditions, 238 A.
The current carrying capacity, according to the actual conditions of installation,
is Iz = 238 . 0.87. 0.54 = 111.81 A

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Example of dimensioning a cable in a balanced three-
phase circuit with a significant third-harmonic content
Dimensioning of a cable with the following characteristics:
• conductor material: : copper

• insulation material: : PVC

• type of cable: : multi-core

• installation: : layer on horizontal perforated tray

• load current: : 115 A

Installation conditions:
• ambient temperature: : 30 °C

• no adjacent circuits.

Procedure:
Type of installation
On Table 3, it is possible to find the reference number of the installation and the
method of installation to be used for the calculations. In this example, the
reference number is 31, which corresponds to method E (multi-core cable on
tray).

Temperature correction factor k1

From Table 4, for a temperature of 30 °C and PVC insulation material

k1 = 1

Correction factor for adjacent cables k2

As there are no adjacent cables, so

k2 = 1
After k1 and k2 have been determined, I’b is calculated by:

Ib
I 'b = = 115 A
k1k 2

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If no harmonics are present, from Table 8, for a multi-core copper cable with
PVC insulation, method of installation E, with three loaded conductors, a cross
section with current carrying capacity of I0 ≥ I’b = 115 A, is obtained. A 35 mm2
cross section cable can carry, under Standard reference conditions, 126 A.
The current carrying capacity, according to the actual conditions of installation,
is still 126 A, since the value of factors k1 and k2 is 1.

The third harmonic content is assumed to be 28%.

Table 16 shows that for a third harmonic content of 28% the cable must be
dimensioned for the current that flows through the phase conductors, but a
reduction factor of 0.86 must be applied. The current I’b becomes:

Ib 115
I 'b = = = 133.7 A
k1 . k 2 . 0.86 0.86

From Table 8, a 50 mm2 cable with carrying capacity of 153 A shall be selected.

If the third harmonic content is 40 %, Table 16 shows that the cable shall be
dimensioned according to the current of the neutral conductor and a reduction
factor of 0.86 must be applied.
The current in the neutral conductor is:

Ib . .
IN = 3 k III = 115. 3 . 0.4 = 138 A
ktot

and the value of current I’b is:

IN 138
I 'b = = = 160.5 A
0.86 0.86

From Table 8, a 70 mm2 cable with 196 A current carrying capacity shall be
selected.
If the third harmonic content is 60 %, Table 16 shows that the cable shall be
dimensioned according to the current of the neutral conductor, but a reduction
factor of 1 must be applied.
The current in the neutral conductor is:

Ib . .
IN = 3 kIII = 115. 3 . 0.6 = 207A
ktot

and current I’b is:

I 'b = I N = 207A

From Table 8, a 95 mm2 cable with current carrying capacity of 238 A must be
selected.

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2.2.2 Voltage drop
In an electrical installation it is important to evaluate voltage drops from the
point of supply to the load.
The performance of a device may be impaired if supplied with a voltage different
from its rated voltage. For example:
• motors: the torque is proportional to the square of the supply voltage; therefore,
if the voltage drops, the starting torque shall also decrease, making it more
difficult to start up motors; the maximum torque shall also decrease;
• incandescent lamps: the more the voltage drops the weaker the beam
becomes and the light takes on a reddish tone;
• discharge lamps: in general, they are not very sensitive to small variations in
voltage, but in certain cases, great variation may cause them to switch off;
• electronic appliances: they are very sensitive to variations in voltage and that
is why they are fitted with stabilizers;
• electromechanical devices: the reference Standard states that devices such
as contactors and auxiliary releases have a minimum voltage below which
their performances cannot be guaranteed. For a contactor, for example, the
holding of the contacts becomes unreliable below 85% of the rated voltage.

To limit these problems the Standards set the following limits:

• IEC 60364-5-52 “Electrical installations of buildings. Selection and erection

of electrical equipment - Wiring systems” Clause 525 states that “in the
absence of other considerations it is recommended that in practice the voltage
drop between the origin of consumer’s installation and the equipment should
not be greater than 4% of the rated voltage of the installation. Other
considerations include start-up time for motors and equipment with high inrush
current. Temporary conditions such as voltage transients and voltage variation
due to abnormal operation may be disregarded”.
• IEC 60204-1”Safety of machinery – Electrical equipment of machines – General
requirements” Clause 13.5 recommends that: “the voltage drop from the
point of supply to the load shall not exceed 5% of the rated voltage under
normal operating conditions”.
• IEC 60364-7-714 “Electrical installations of buildings - Requirements for special
installations or locations - External lighting installations” Clause 714.512
requires that “the voltage drop in normal service shall be compatible with the
conditions arising from the starting current of the lamps”.

56 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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Voltage drop calculation

For an electrical conductor with impedance Z, the voltage drop is calculated by
the following formula:
L
∆U = kZIb = kIb ( r cos + x sin ) [V] (1)
n
where
• k is a coefficient equal to:
- 2 for single-phase and two-phase systems;
- for three-phase systems;
• Ib [A] is the load current; if no information are available, the cable carrying
capacity Iz shall be considered;
• L [km] is the length of the conductor;
• n is the number of conductors in parallel per phase;
• r [Ω/km] is the resistance of the single cable per kilometre;
• x [Ω/km] is the reactance of the single cable per kilometre;

• cosϕ is the power factor of the load: sin = 1 - cos 2 .

Normally, the percentage value in relation to the rated value Ur is calculated by:
∆U
∆u% = 100 (2)
Ur

Resistance and reactance values per unit of length are set out on the following
table by cross-sectional area and cable formation, for 50 Hz; in case of 60 Hz,
the reactance value shall be multiplied by 1.2.

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Table 1: Resistance and reactance per unit of length of copper cables

single-core cable two-core/three-core cable

S r[Ω/km] x[Ω/km] r[Ω/km] x[Ω/km]
[mm2] @ 80 [°C] @ 80 [°C]
1.5 14.8 0.168 15.1 0.118
2.5 8.91 0.156 9.08 0.109
4 5.57 0.143 5.68 0.101
6 3.71 0.135 3.78 0.0955
10 2.24 0.119 2.27 0.0861
16 1.41 0.112 1.43 0.0817
25 0.889 0.106 0.907 0.0813
35 0.641 0.101 0.654 0.0783
50 0.473 0.101 0.483 0.0779
70 0.328 0.0965 0.334 0.0751
95 0.236 0.0975 0.241 0.0762
120 0.188 0.0939 0.191 0.074
150 0.153 0.0928 0.157 0.0745
185 0.123 0.0908 0.125 0.0742
240 0.0943 0.0902 0.0966 0.0752
300 0.0761 0.0895 0.078 0.075

Table 2: Resistance and reactance per unit of length of aluminium

cables
single-core cable two-core/three-core cable
S r[Ω/km] x[Ω/km] r[Ω/km] x[Ω/km]
[mm2] @ 80 [°C] @ 80 [°C]
1.5 24.384 0.168 24.878 0.118
2.5 14.680 0.156 14.960 0.109
4 9.177 0.143 9.358 0.101
6 6.112 0.135 6.228 0.0955
10 3.691 0.119 3.740 0.0861
16 2.323 0.112 2.356 0.0817
25 1.465 0.106 1.494 0.0813
35 1.056 0.101 1.077 0.0783
50 0.779 0.101 0.796 0.0779
70 0.540 0.0965 0.550 0.0751
95 0.389 0.0975 0.397 0.0762
120 0,310 0.0939 0.315 0.074
150 0.252 0.0928 0.259 0.0745
185 0.203 0.0908 0.206 0.0742
240 0.155 0.0902 0.159 0.0752
300 0.125 0.0895 0.129 0.075

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The following tables show the ∆Ux [V/(A.km)] values by cross section and
formation of the cable according to the most common cosϕ values.

Table 3: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 1 for copper cables

cosϕ = 1
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 29.60 25.63 30.20 26.15
2.5 17.82 15.43 18.16 15.73
4 11.14 9.65 11.36 9.84
6 7.42 6.43 7.56 6.55
10 4.48 3.88 4.54 3.93
16 2.82 2.44 2.86 2.48
25 1.78 1.54 1.81 1.57
35 1.28 1.11 1.31 1.13
50 0.95 0.82 0.97 0.84
70 0.66 0.57 0.67 0.58
95 0.47 0.41 0.48 0.42
120 0.38 0.33 0.38 0.33
150 0.31 0.27 0.31 0.27
185 0.25 0.21 0.25 0.22
240 0.19 0.16 0.19 0.17
300 0.15 0.13 0.16 0.14

Table 4: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.9 for copper cables

cosϕ = 0.9
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 26.79 23.20 27.28 23.63
2.5 16.17 14.01 16.44 14.24
4 10.15 8.79 10.31 8.93
6 6.80 5.89 6.89 5.96
10 4.14 3.58 4.16 3.60
16 2.64 2.28 2.65 2.29
25 1.69 1.47 1.70 1.48
35 1.24 1.08 1.25 1.08
50 0.94 0.81 0.94 0.81
70 0.67 0.58 0.67 0.58
95 0.51 0.44 0.50 0.43
120 0.42 0.36 0.41 0.35
150 0.36 0.31 0.35 0.30
185 0.30 0.26 0.29 0.25
240 0.25 0.22 0.24 0.21
300 0.22 0.19 0.21 0.18

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Table 5: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.85 for copper cables
cosϕ = 0.85
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 25.34 21.94 25.79 22.34
2.5 15.31 13.26 15.55 13.47
4 9.62 8.33 9.76 8.45
6 6.45 5.59 6.53 5.65
10 3.93 3.41 3.95 3.42
16 2.51 2.18 2.52 2.18
25 1.62 1.41 1.63 1.41
35 1.20 1.04 1.19 1.03
50 0.91 0.79 0.90 0.78
70 0.66 0.57 0.65 0.56
95 0.50 0.44 0.49 0.42
120 0.42 0.36 0.40 0.35
150 0.36 0.31 0.35 0.30
185 0.30 0.26 0.29 0.25
240 0.26 0.22 0.24 0.21
300 0.22 0.19 0.21 0.18

Table 6: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.8 for copper cables

cosϕ = 0.8
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 23.88 20.68 24.30 21.05
2.5 14.44 12.51 14.66 12.69
4 9.08 7.87 9.21 7.98
6 6.10 5.28 6.16 5.34
10 3.73 3.23 3.74 3.23
16 2.39 2.07 2.39 2.07
25 1.55 1.34 1.55 1.34
35 1.15 0.99 1.14 0.99
50 0.88 0.76 0.87 0.75
70 0.64 0.55 0.62 0.54
95 0.49 0.43 0.48 0.41
120 0.41 0.36 0.39 0.34
150 0.36 0.31 0.34 0.29
185 0.31 0.26 0.29 0.25
240 0.26 0.22 0.24 0.21
300 0.23 0.20 0.21 0.19

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Table 7: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ=0.75 for copper cables
cosϕ = 0.75
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 22.42 19.42 22.81 19.75
2.5 13.57 11.75 13.76 11.92
4 8.54 7.40 8.65 7.49
6 5.74 4.97 5.80 5.02
10 3.52 3.05 3.52 3.05
16 2.26 1.96 2.25 1.95
25 1.47 1.28 1.47 1.27
35 1.10 0.95 1.08 0.94
50 0.84 0.73 0.83 0.72
70 0.62 0.54 0.60 0.52
95 0.48 0.42 0.46 0.40
120 0.41 0.35 0.38 0.33
150 0.35 0.31 0.33 0.29
185 0.30 0.26 0.29 0.25
240 0.26 0.23 0.24 0.21
300 0.23 0.20 0.22 0.19

Table 8: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 1 for aluminium cables

cosϕ = 1
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 48.77 42.23 49.76 43.09
2.5 29.36 25.43 29.92 25.91
4 18.35 15.89 18.72 16.21
6 12.22 10.59 12.46 10.79
10 7.38 6.39 7.48 6.48
16 4.65 4.02 4.71 4.08
25 2.93 2.54 2.99 2.59
35 2.11 1.83 2.15 1.87
50 1.56 1.35 1.59 1.38
70 1.08 0.94 1.10 0.95
95 0.78 0.67 0.79 0.69
120 0.62 0.54 0.63 0.55
150 0.50 0.44 0.52 0.45
185 0.41 0.35 0.41 0.36
240 0.31 0.27 0.32 0.28
300 0.25 0.22 0.26 0.22

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Table 9: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.9 for aluminium cables
cosϕ = 0.9
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 44.04 38.14 44.88 38.87
2.5 26.56 23.00 27.02 23.40
4 16.64 14.41 16.93 14.66
6 11.12 9.63 11.29 9.78
10 6.75 5.84 6.81 5.89
16 4.28 3.71 4.31 3.73
25 2.73 2.36 2.76 2.39
35 1.99 1.72 2.01 1.74
50 1.49 1.29 1.50 1.30
70 1.06 0.92 1.06 0.91
95 0.78 0.68 0.78 0.68
120 0.64 0.55 0.63 0.55
150 0.53 0.46 0.53 0.46
185 0.44 0.38 0.44 0.38
240 0.36 0.31 0.35 0.30
300 0.30 0.26 0.30 0.26

Table 10: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.85 for aluminium cables
cosϕ = 0.85
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 41.63 36.05 42.42 36.73
2.5 25.12 21.75 25.55 22.12
4 15.75 13.64 16.02 13.87
6 10.53 9.12 10.69 9.26
10 6.40 5.54 6.45 5.58
16 4.07 3.52 4.09 3.54
25 2.60 2.25 2.63 2.27
35 1.90 1.65 1.91 1.66
50 1.43 1.24 1.43 1.24
70 1.02 0.88 1.01 0.88
95 0.76 0.66 0.76 0.65
120 0.63 0.54 0.61 0.53
150 0.53 0.46 0.52 0.45
185 0.44 0.38 0,43 0.37
240 0.36 0.31 0.35 0.30
300 0.31 0.27 0.30 0.26

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Table 11: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.8 for aluminium cables
cosϕ = 0.8
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 39.22 33.96 39.95 34.59
2.5 23.67 20.50 24.07 20.84
4 14.85 12.86 15.09 13.07
6 9.94 8.61 10.08 8.73
10 6.05 5.24 6.09 5.27
16 3.85 3.34 3.87 3.35
25 2.47 2.14 2.49 2.16
35 1.81 1.57 1.82 1.57
50 1.37 1.18 1.37 1.18
70 0.98 0.85 0.97 0.84
95 0.74 0.64 0.73 0.63
120 0.61 0.53 0.59 0.51
150 0.51 0.45 0.50 0.44
185 0.43 0.38 0.42 0.36
240 0.36 0.31 0.34 0.30
300 0.31 0.27 0.30 0.26

Table 12: Specific voltage drop at cosϕ = 0.75 for aluminium cables
cosϕ = 0.75
single-core cable two-core cable three-core cable
S[mm2] single-phase three-phase single-phase three-phase
1.5 36.80 31.87 37.47 32.45
2.5 22.23 19.25 22.58 19.56
4 13.95 12.08 14.17 12.27
6 9.35 8.09 9.47 8.20
10 5.69 4.93 5.72 4.96
16 3.63 3.15 3.64 3.15
25 2.34 2.02 2.35 2.03
35 1.72 1.49 1.72 1.49
50 1.30 1.13 1.30 1.12
70 0.94 0.81 0.92 0.80
95 0.71 0.62 0.70 0.60
120 0.59 0.51 0.57 0.49
150 0.50 0.43 0.49 0.42
185 0.42 0.37 0.41 0.35
240 0.35 0.31 0.34 0.29
300 0.31 0.27 0.29 0.25

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Example 1
To calculate a voltage drop on a three-phase cable with the following
specifications:
• rated voltage: 400 V;
• cable length: 25 m;
• cable formation: single-core copper cable, 3x50 mm2;
• load current Ib: 100 A;
• power factor cosϕ: 0.9.

From Table 4, for a 50 mm2 single-core cable it is possible to read that a ∆Ux
voltage drop corresponds to 0.81 V/(A⋅km). By multiplying this value by the
length in km and by the current in A, it results:

∆U = ∆U x . I b . L = 0.81 . 100 . 0.025 = 2.03 V

which corresponds to this percentage value:

∆U . 2.03 .
∆u% = 100 = 100 = 0.51%
Ur 400

Example 2
To calculate a voltage drop on a three-phase cable with the following
specifications:
• rated voltage: 690 V;
• cable length: 50 m;
• cable formation: multi-core copper cable, 2x(3x10) mm2;
• load current Ib: 50 A;
• power factor cosϕ: 0.85.
From Table 5, for a multi-core 10 mm2 cable it is possible to read that ∆Ux
voltage drop corresponds to 3.42 V/(A⋅km). By multiplying this value by the
length in km and by the current in A, and by dividing it by the number of cables
in parallel, it results:
L 0.05
∆U = ∆U x . I b . = 3.42. 50 . = 4.28 V
2 2

which corresponds to this percentage value:

∆U . 4.28 .
∆u% = 100 = 100 = 0.62%
Ur 690

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Method for defining the cross section of the conductor according to
voltage drop in the case of long cables
In the case of long cables, or if particular design specifications impose low
limits for maximum voltage drops, the verification using as reference the cross
section calculated on the basis of thermal considerations (calculation according
to chapter 2.2.1 “Current carrying capacity and methods of installation”) may
have a negative result.
To define the correct cross section, the maximum ∆Uxmax value calculated by
using the formula:
∆u%.U r
∆U x max = (3)
100. I b . L

is compared with the corresponding values on Tables 4÷12 by choosing the

smallest cross section with a ∆Ux value lower than ∆Uxmax.

Example:
Supply of a three-phase load with Pu = 35 kW (Ur=400 V, fr= 50 Hz, cosϕ=0.9)
with a 140 m cable installed on a perforated tray, consisting of a multi-core
copper cable with EPR insulation.
Maximum permitted voltage drop 2%.

Load current Ib is:

Pu 35000
Ib = = = 56 A
3 .U r . cos 3 . 400. 0.9

The Table 8 of Chapter 2.2.1 shows S = 10 mm2.

From Table 4, for the multi-core 10 mm2 cable it is possible to read that the
voltage drop per A and per km is 3.60 V/(A⋅km). By multiplying this value by the
length in km and by the current in A, it results:

∆U = 3.60. I b . L = 3.6 . 56. 0.14 = 28.2 V

which corresponds to this percentage value:

∆U . 28.2 .
∆u% = 100 = 100 = 7.05%
Ur 400

This value is too high.

Formula (3) shows:

∆u% .U r 2% . 400
∆U x max = = = 1.02 V/(A . km)
100 . I b . L 100 . 56 . 0.14

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From Table 4 a cross section of 50 mm2 can be chosen.
For this cross section ∆Ux = 0.81< 1.02 V/(A⋅km).
By using this value it results:
∆U = ∆U x . I b . L = 0.81. 56 . 0.14 = 6.35 V

This corresponds to a percentage value of:

∆U . 6.35 .
∆u% = 100 = 100 = 1.6%
Ur 400

2.2.3 Joule-effect losses

Joule-effect losses are due to the electrical resistance of the cable.
The lost energy is dissipated in heat and contributes to the heating of the
conductor and of the environment.
A first estimate of three-phase losses is:
3. r . I b2 . L
Pj = [W]
1000
whereas single-phase losses are:

2 . r . I b2 . L
Pj = [W]
1000
where:
• Ib is the load current [A];
• r is the phase resistance per unit of length of the cable at 80 °C [Ω/km] (see
Table 1);
• L is the cable length [m].

Table 1: Resistance values [Ω/km] of single-core and multi-core

cables in copper and aluminium at 80 °C
Single-core cable Two-core/three-core cable
S
[mm2] Cu AI Cu AI
1.5 14.8 24.384 15.1 24.878
2.5 8.91 14.680 9.08 14.960
4 5.57 9.177 5.68 9.358
6 3.71 6.112 3.78 6.228
10 2.24 3.691 2.27 3.740
16 1.41 2.323 1.43 2.356
25 0.889 1.465 0.907 1.494
35 0.641 1.056 0.654 1.077
50 0.473 0.779 0.483 0.796
70 0.328 0.540 0.334 0.550
95 0.236 0.389 0.241 0.397
120 0.188 0.310 0.191 0.315
150 0.153 0.252 0.157 0.259
185 0.123 0.203 0.125 0.206
240 0.0943 0.155 0.0966 0.159
300 0.0761 0.125 0.078 0.129

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2.3 Protection against overload

The Standard IEC 60364-4-43 “Electrical installation of buildings - Protection

against overcurrent” specifies coordination between conductors and overload
protective devices (normally placed at the beginning of the conductor to be
protected) so that it shall satisfy the two following conditions:

I b ≤ In ≤ I z (1)
I2 ≤ 1.45 . Iz (2)
Where:
• Ib is the current for which the circuit is dimensioned;
• Iz is the continuous current carrying capacity of the cable;
• In is the rated current of the protective device; for adjustable protective releases,
the rated current In is the set current;
• I2 is the current ensuring effective operation in the conventional time of the
protective device.

Ib Iz 1.45Iz

1SDC010009F0001
In I2

According to condition (1) to correctly choose the protective device, it is

necessary to check that the circuit-breaker has a rated (or set) current that is:
• higher than the load current, to prevent unwanted tripping;
• lower than the current carrying capacity of the cable, to prevent cable overload.
The Standard allows an overload current that may be up to 45% greater than
the current carrying capacity of the cable but only for a limited period
(conventional trip time of the protective device).
The verification of condition (2) is not necessary in the case of circuit-breakers
because the protective device is automatically tripped if:
• I2 = 1.3⋅In for circuit-breakers complying with IEC 60947-2 (circuit-breakers
for industrial use);
• I2 = 1.45⋅In for circuit-breakers complying with IEC 60898 (circuit-breakers
for household and similar installations).
Therefore, for circuit-breakers, if In ≤ Iz, the formula I2 ≤ 1.45⋅Iz will also be
verified.
When the protective device is a fuse, it is also essential to check formula (2)
because IEC 60269-2-1 on “Low-voltage fuses” states that a 1.6⋅In current
must automatically melt the fuse. In this case, formula (2) becomes 1.6⋅In ≤ 1.45⋅Iz
or In ≤ 0.9⋅Iz.
To sum up: to carry out protection against overload by a fuse, the following

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 67

 2.3 Protection against overload

2 Protection of feeders
To summarize: to carry out by a fuse protection against overload, the following
must be achieved:

Ib ≤ In ≤ 0.9 .Iz

and this means that the cable is not fully exploited.

1SDC010010F0001
Ib Iz

In
Circuit-breaker: choice of rated current

1SDC010011F0001
Ib 0.9 Iz

In
Fuse: choice of rated current

Where the use of a single conductor per phase is not feasible, and the currents
in the parallel conductors are unequal, the design current and requirements for
overload protection for each conductor shall be considered individually.

Examples
Example 1
Load specifications
Pr = 70 kW; Ur = 400 V; cosϕ = 0.9; three-phase load so Ib = 112 A

Cable specifications

Iz = 134 A

Protective device specifications

T1B160 TMD In 125; set current I1 = 125 A

68 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.3 Protection against overload

2 Protection of feeders
Example 2
Load specifications
Pr = 80 kW; cosϕ = 0.9; Ur = 400 V; three-phase load so Ib = 128 A

Cable specifications

Iz = 171 A

Protective device specifications

T2N160 PR221DS-LS In 160; set current I1 = 0.88 x In = 140.8 A

Example 3
Load specifications
Pr = 100 kW; cosϕ = 0.9; Ur = 400 V ; three-phase load so Ib = 160 A

Cable specifications

Iz = 190 A

Protective device specifications

T3N250 TMD R200 In 200; set current I1 = 0.9 x In = 180 A

Example 4
Load specifications
Pr = 25 kW; cosϕ = 0.9; Ur = 230 V ; single-phase load so Ib = 121 A

Cable specifications
Iz = 134 A

Protective device specifications

T1B160 1P TMF In 125

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 69

 2 Protection of feeders

2.4 Protection against short-circuit

A cable is protected against short-circuit if the specific let-through energy of

the protective device (I2t) is lower or equal to the withstood energy of the cable
(k2S2):

I2t ≤ k 2S2 (1)

where
• I2t is the specific let-through energy of the protective device which can be
read on the curves supplied by the manufacturer (see Electrical installation
handbook, Vol. 1, Chapter 3.4 “Specific let-through energy curves”) or from a
direct calculation in the case of devices that are not limiting and delaying;
• S is the cable cross section [mm2]; in the case of conductors in parallel it is
the cross section of the single conductor;
• k is a factor that depends on the cable insulating and conducting material.
The values of the most common installations are shown in Table 1; for a more
detailed calculation, see Annex D.

Table 1: Values of k for phase conductor

Conductor insulation

PVC PVC EPR Rubber Mineral

≤300 mm2 >300 mm2 XLPE 60 °C
PVC Bare
Initial temperature °C 70 70 90 60 70 105
Final temperature °C 160 140 250 200 160 250
Material of conductor:
Copper 115 103 143 141 115 135/115 a
Aluminium 76 68 94 93 - -
tin-soldered joints 115 - - - - -
in copper conductors
a
This value shall be used for bare cables exposed to touch.

NOTE 1 Other values of k are under consideration for.

- small conductors (particularly for cross section less than 10 mm2);
- duration of short-circuit exceeding 5 s;
- other types of joints in conductors;
1SDC010010F0201

- bare conductors.
NOTE 2 The nominal current of the short-circuit protective device may be greater than the current carrying
capacity of the cable.

NOTE 3 The above factors are based on IEC 60724.

70 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
Table 2 shows the maximum withstood energy for cables according to the
cross section, the conductor material and the type of insulation, which are
calculated by using the parameters of Table 1.

Table 2: Maximum withstood energy for cables k2 S2 [(kA)2 s]

Cross section [mm2 ]

Cable k 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35
-2 -2 -1 -1 1
Cu 115 2.98·10 8.27·10 2.12·10 4.76·10 1.32 3.39 8.27 1.62·10
PVC -2 -2 -2 -1 -1
Al 76 1.30·10 3.61·10 9.24·10 2.08·10 5.78·10 1.48 3.61 7.08
-2 -1 -1 -1 1 1
Cu 143 4.60·10 1.28·10 3.27·10 7.36·10 2.04 5.23 1.28·10 2.51·10
EPR/XLPE -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 1
Al 94 1.99·10 5.52·10 1.41·10 3.18·10 8.84·10 2.26 5.52 1.08·10
-2 -1 -1 -1 1 1
Cu 141 4.47·10 1.24·10 3.18·10 7.16·10 1.99 5.09 1.24·10 2.44·10
Rubber -2 -2 -1 -1 -1 1
Al 93 1.95·10 5.41·10 1.38·10 3.11·10 8.65·10 2.21 5.41 1.06·10

Cross section [mm2 ]

Cable k 50 70 95 120 150 185 240 300
1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3
Cu 115 3.31·10 6.48·10 1.19·10 1.90·10 2.98·10 4.53·10 7.62·10 1.19·10
PVC

1SDC010002F0901
1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2
Al 76 1.44·10 2.83·10 5.21·10 8.32·10 1.30·10 1.98·10 3.33·10 5.20·10
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3
Cu 143 5.11·10 1.00·10 1.85·10 2.94·10 4.60·10 7.00·10 1.18·10 1.84·10
EPR/XLPE 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
Al 94 2.21·10 4.33·10 7.97·10 1.27·10 1.99·10 3.02·10 5.09·10 7.95·10
1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3
Cu 141 4.97·10 9.74·10 1.79·10 2.86·10 4.47·10 6.80·10 1.15·10 1.79·10
G2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2
Al 93 2.16·10 4.24·10 7.81·10 1.25·10 1.95·10 2.96·10 4.98·10 7.78·10

The formula (1) must be verified along the whole length of the cable. Due to the
shape of the specific let-through energy curve of a circuit breaker, it is generally
sufficient to verify formula (1) only for the maximum and minimum short-circuit
current that may affect the cable. The maximum value is normally the value of
the three-phase short-circuit current at the beginning of the line, while the
minimum value is the value of the phase to neutral short-circuit current (phase
to phase if the neutral conductor is not distributed) or phase to earth at the end
of the cable.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 71

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
[(KA)2s] 102

10

10-1

10-2

1SDC010011F0001
10-3

10-1 1 10 [KA]

This verification can be simplified by comparing only the let-through energy

value of the circuit-breaker at the maximum short-circuit current with the
withstood energy of the cable and by ensuring that the circuit breaker trips
instantaneously at the minimum short-circuit current: the threshold of the short-
circuit protection (taking into consideration also the tolerances) shall therefore
be lower than the minimum short-circuit current at the end of the conductor.

72 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
Calculation of short-circuit current at end of the conductor
Minimum short-circuit current can be calculated by the following approximate
formulas:

0.8 . Ur . k sec . k par

Ikmin = with non-distributed neutral conductor (2.1)
2L
1.5 . .
S
0.8 . U . k . k
0 sec par
Ikmin = with distributed neutral conductor (2.2)
L
1.5 . . (1 + m) .
S
where:
• Ikmin is the minimum value of the prospective short-circuit current [kA];
• Ur is the supply voltage [V];
• U0 is the phase to earth supply voltage [V];
• ρ is the resistivity at 20 °C of the material of the conductors in Ωmm2/m and is:
- 0.018 for copper;
- 0.027 for aluminium;
• L is the length of the protected conductor [m];
• S is the cross section of the conductor [mm2];
• ksec is the correction factor which takes into account the reactance of the
cables with cross section larger than 95 mm2:

S[mm2] 120 150 180 240 300

ksec 0.9 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.72

• kpar is the correcting coefficient for conductors in parallel:

number of parallel
conductors 2 3 4 5
kpar* 2 2.7 3 3.2
*kpar = 4 (n-1)/n where: n = number of conductors in parallel per phase

• m is the ratio between the resistances of the neutral conductor and the phase
conductor (if they are made of the same material m is the ratio between the
cross section of the phase conductor and the cross section of the neutral
conductor).
After calculating the minimum short-circuit current, verify that
Ikmin >1.2 . I3 (3)
where:
• I3 is the current that trips the magnetic protection of the circuit-breaker;
• 1.2 is the tolerance at the trip threshold.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 73

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
Example
U Ur = 400 V
Ik = 30 kA
Choice of CB1
CB1
System data:
T1N160 In160
Rated voltage 400 V
Ik = 30 kA
Cable Section 50 mm2

Cable data:
PVC Cu L = 150 m

1SDC010011F0201
Insulated copper conductor in PVC
Length = 150 m Iz = 134.0 A
S = 50 mm2
Iz = 134 A
L
Protection against short-circuit at the beginning of the conductor
T1N160 In160 (breaking capacity 36 kA@400 V)
I2t (@30 kA) = 7.5 10-1 (kA)2s (for the curves of specific let-through energy, see
Volume 1, Chapter 3.4)
k2S2 = 1152 ⋅ 502 = 3.31.101 (kA)2s
The cable is therefore protected against short-circuit at the beginning of the
conductor.

Protection against short-circuit at end of the conductor

The minimum short-circuit current at end of the conductor (ksec=1 and kpar=1) is:
0.8 . U . k sec . k par
Ikmin = = 1.98 kA
2L
1.5 . .
S
The magnetic threshold of the circuit breaker T1N160 In160 is set at 1600 A. If
tolerance is 20%, the circuit breaker shall definitely trip if the values exceed
1920 A; the cable is therefore fully protected against short-circuit.

Maximum protected length

The formula (3), when solved for the length, enables the maximum length
protected by the protective device to be obtained for a precise instantaneous
trip threshold. In Table 3, the maximum protected length can be identified for a
given cross section of the cable and for the setting threshold of the instantaneous
protection of the circuit breaker against short-circuit:
- three-phase system, 400 V rated voltage;
- non-distributed neutral;
- copper conductor with resistivity equal to 0.018 Ωmm2/m.
The values on the table below take into account the 20% tolerance coefficient
for the magnetic trip value, the increase in cable resistivity due to heating caused
by the short-circuit current and the reduction of voltage due to the fault.
The correction factors shown after the table must be applied if the system
conditions are different from the reference conditions.

74 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
Table 3: Maximum protected length
section [mm2]
I3[A] 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 150 185 240 300
20 370 617
30 246 412 658
40 185 309 494 741
50 148 247 395 593
60 123 206 329 494
70 105 176 282 423 705
80 92 154 246 370 617
90 82 137 219 329 549
100 74 123 197 296 494 790
120 61 102 164 246 412 658
140 52 88 141 211 353 564
150 49 82 131 197 329 527
160 46 77 123 185 309 494 772
180 41 68 109 164 274 439 686
200 37 61 98 148 247 395 617
220 33 56 89 134 224 359 561 786
250 29 49 79 118 198 316 494 691
280 26 44 70 105 176 282 441 617
300 24 41 65 98 165 263 412 576
320 23 38 61 92 154 247 386 540 772
350 21 35 56 84 141 226 353 494 705
380 19 32 52 78 130 208 325 455 650
400 18 30 49 74 123 198 309 432 617
420 17 29 47 70 118 188 294 412 588
450 16 27 43 65 110 176 274 384 549 768
480 15 25 41 61 103 165 257 360 514 720
500 14 24 39 59 99 158 247 346 494 691
520 14 23 38 57 95 152 237 332 475 665
550 13 22 35 53. 90 144 224 314 449 629
580 12 21 34 51 85 136 213 298 426 596 809
600 12 20 32 49 82 132 206 288 412 576 782
620 11 19 31 47 80 127 199 279 398 558 757
650 11 19 30 45 76 122 190 266 380 532 722
680 10 18 29 43 73 116 182 254 363 508 690
700 10 17 28 42 71 113 176 247 353 494 670 847
750 16 26 39 66 105 165 230 329 461 626 790 840
800 15 24 37 62 99 154 216 309 432 586 667 787
850 14 23 34 58 93 145 203 290 407 552 627 741
900 13 21 32 55 88 137 192 274 384 521 593 700
950 13 20 31 52 83 130 182 260 364 494 561 663
1000 12 19 29 49 79 123 173 247 346 469 533 630 731
1250 15 23 40 63 99 138 198 277 375 427 504 585 711
1500 13 19 33 53 82 115 165 230 313 356 420 487 593
1600 12 18 31 49 77 108 154 216 293 333 394 457 556 667
2000 14 25 40 62 86 123 173 235 267 315 365 444 533
2500 11 20 32 49 69 99 138 188 213 252 292 356 427
3000 16 26 41 58 82 115 156 178 210 244 296 356
3200 15 25 39 54 77 108 147 167 197 228 278 333
4000 12 20 31 43 62 86 117 133 157 183 222 267
5000 10 16 25 35 49 69 94 107 126 146 178 213
6300 13 20 27 39 55 74 85 100 116 141 169
8000 10 15 22 31 43 59 67 79 91 111 133
9600 13 18 26 36 49 56 66 76 93 111
10000 12 17 25 35 47 53 63 73 89 107
12000 10 14 21 29 39 44 52 61 74 89
15000 12 16 23 31 36 42 49 59 71
20000 12 17 23 27 31 37 44 53
24000 10 14 20 22 26 30 37 44
30000 12 16 20 25 30 40 49

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 75

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
Correction factor for voltage other than 400 V: kv
Multiply the length value obtained from the table by the correction factor kv:

Ur [V] kv
(three-phase value)
2301 0.58
400 1
440 1.1
500 1.25
690 1.73
1
230 V single-phase is the equivalent of a three-phase 400 V system with distributed
neutral and with the cross section of the phase conductor the same as the cross section
area of the neutral conductor, so that kv is 0.58.

Correction factor for distributed neutral: kd

Multiply the length value obtained from the table by the correction factor kd:

2 . 1
kd =
3 1+ S
where SN
• S is the phase cross section [mm2];
• SN is the neutral cross section [mm2].

In particular:

if S = SN kd is 0.58;
if S = 2.S N kd is 0.39.

Correction factor for aluminium conductors: kr

If the cable is in aluminium, multiply the length value obtained from the table
above by the correction factor kr = 0.67.

76 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.4 Protection against short-circuit

2 Protection of feeders
To summarize:
On the table, for the cross section and magnetic trip threshold it is possible to
read a maximum protected value L0. This length shall then be multiplied, if
necessary, by the correction factors in order to obtain a value that is compatible
with the installation operating conditions:

L = L 0 k v kd k r
Example 1
Neutral not distributed
Rated voltage = 400 V
Protective device: T2N160 TMD In100
Magnetic threshold: I3 = 1000 A
Phase cross section = Neutral cross section = 70 mm2
The table shows that at I3 = 1000 A, the 70 mm2 cable is protected up to 346 m.

Example 2
Neutral distributed
Rated voltage = 400 V
Protective device: T3S250 In200
Magnetic threshold: I3 = 2000 A
Phase cross section = 300 mm2
Neutral cross section = 150 mm2
For I3 = 2000 A and S = 300 mm2, a protected length equivalent of L0= 533 m
is obtained.

By applying the correction factor kd required when the neutral is distributed:

2 . 1 2 . 1
kd = = = 0.39
3 1+ S 3 1+ 300
SN 150

L= L0 . 0.39 = 533 . 0.39 = 207.9 m

This is the maximum protected length with neutral distributed.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 77

 2 Protection of feeders

2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

Neutral conductor
The neutral conductor is a conductor that is connected to the system neutral
point (which generally but not necessarily coincides with the star centre of the
secondary windings of the transformer or the windings of the generator); it is
able to contribute to the transmission of electric power, thereby making available
a voltage that is different from the phase to phase voltage. In certain cases and
under specific conditions, the functions of neutral conductor and protective
conductor can be combined in a single conductor (PEN).

Protection and disconnection of the neutral conductor

If fault conditions arise, a voltage to earth may occur on the neutral conductor.
This may be caused by a phase to neutral short-circuit and by the disconnection
of the neutral conductor due to accidental breaking or to tripping of single-pole
devices (fuses or single-pole circuit breakers).
If the neutral conductor only is disconnected in a four-conductor circuit the
supply voltage to the single-phase loads may be altered so that they are supplied
by a voltage different from the U0 phase to neutral voltage (as shown in Fig. 1).
Therefore, all the necessary measures to prevent this type of fault shall be taken,
e.g. by not protecting the neutral conductor with single-pole devices.

P
P 3 . U0 . R 1
U1 =
P R1+ R2 1SDC010013F0001
N

U1 R1 R2

Figure 1: Disconnection of the neutral conductor

Moreover, in TN-C systems, voltage to earth arising on the neutral conductor
constitutes a hazard for people; in fact, since this conductor is also a protective
conductor, this voltage reaches the connected exposed conductive parts. For
TN-C systems, the Standards specify minimum cross sections (see next clause)
for the neutral conductor in order to prevent accidental breaking and they forbid
the use of any device (single-pole or multi-pole) that could disconnect the PEN.
The need for protection on the neutral conductor and the possibility of
disconnecting the circuit depend on the distribution system:

78 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders
TT or TN systems:
• if the cross section of the neutral conductor is the same or larger than the
cross section of the phase conductor, there is neither the need to detect
overcurrents on the neutral conductor nor to use a breaking device (neutral
conductor is not protected or disconnected); this requirement applies only if
there are no harmonics that may, at any instant, cause r.m.s. current values
on the neutral conductor higher than the maximum current detected on the
phase conductors;
• if the cross section of the neutral conductor is less than the cross section of
the phase conductor, overcurrents on the neutral conductor must be detected
so as to have the phase conductors, but not necessarily the neutral conductor,
disconnected (neutral conductor protected but not disconnected): in this case
the overcurrents on the neutral conductor do not need to be detected if the
following conditions are simultaneously fulfilled:
1.the neutral conductor is protected against short-circuit by
the protective device of the phase conductors;
2.the maximum current that can flow through the neutral
conductor during normal service is lower than the neutral
current carrying capacity.
In TN-S systems, the neutral need not be disconnected if the supply conditions
are such that the neutral conductor can be considered to be reliable at earth potential.
As already mentioned, in TN-C systems, the neutral conductor is also a
protective conductor and cannot therefore be disconnected. Furthermore, if
the neutral conductor is disconnected, the exposed conductive parts of the
single-phase equipment could take the system rated voltage to earth.
In certain specific cases, the neutral conductor has to be disconnected to
prevent currents circulating between parallel supply sources (see Figures 2 and 3)

Figure 2: Three-phase alternative power supply with a 4-pole switch

Power supply 1 Power supply 2

NOTE - This method

prevents electromagnetic
fields due to stray currents L1 L1
in the main supply system L2 L2
of an installation. The sum L3 L3
PEN
of the currents within one Supplier
PE
cable must be zero. This
ensures that the neutral
current will flow only in the
neutral conductor of the
respective switched on User
circuit. The 3rd harmonic
1SDC010012F0201

(150 Hz) current of the line

conductors will be added
with the same phase angle
to the neutral conductor
current.
Current using equipment

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 79

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders
Figure 3: Three-phase alternative power supply with non-suitable
3-pole switch

L1 L1
L2 L2
L3 L3
PEN
PE

NOTE – A three-phase
alternative power supply

1SDC010014F0001
with a non-suitable 3-pole
switch, due to
unintentional circular stray
currents generating
electromagnetic fields.

IT system:
The Standard advises against distributing the neutral conductor in IT systems.
If the neutral conductor is distributed, the overcurrents must be detected on
the neutral conductor of each circuit in order to disconnect all the live conductors
on the corresponding circuit, including the neutral one (neutral conductor
protected and disconnected).
Overcurrents do not need to be detected on the neutral conductor in any of the
following cases:
• the neutral conductor is protected against short-circuit by a protective device
fitted upstream;
• the circuit is protected by a residual current device with rated residual current
lower than 0.15 times the current carrying capacity of the corresponding neutral
conductor. This device must disconnect all the live conductors, the neutral
conductor included.

For all distribution systems, whenever necessary, connection and disconnection

of the neutral conductor, shall ensure that:
• the neutral conductor is not disconnected before the phase conductor;
• the neutral conductor is connected at the same moment or before the phase
conductor.

80 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders

START

Upstream protection TT/TN System? SN ≥ S?

no for the neutral? no yes yes
no
yes

Is the circuit protected

by a RCD with Is the neutral protected by
I∆n≤ 0.15 x Neutral the short-circuit protection
no carrying capacity ? no
of the phase conductor?

yes yes

Neutral max current

<
Neutral carrying capacity (Iz)? no

yes

1SDC010013F0201

It is necessary to: It is necessary to: It is necessary to: It is necessary to: It is not necessary:
detect the neutral current - open all the contacts -open the phase contacts -detect the neutral current; -the presence of a
in order to open all the contacts (phase and neutral) It is not necessary to: -open the phase contacts; breaking device
(phase and neutral). It is not necessary to: -detect the neutral overcurrent; It is not necessary to: for the neutral.
-detect the neutral current. -open the neutral contact. -open the neutral contact.

Neutral shall not be disconnected before the phase conductors

Neutral shall be reconnected at the same time as
or before the phase conductors

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 81

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders
Determination of the minimum cross section of the neutral conductor
The neutral conductor, if any, shall have the same cross section as the line
conductor:
• in single-phase, two-wire circuits whatever the section;
• in polyphase and single-phase three-wire circuits, when the size of the line
conductors is less than or equal to 16 mm2 in copper, or 25 mm2 in
aluminium.1
The cross section of the neutral conductor can be less than the cross section
of the phase conductor when the cross section of the phase conductor is
greater than 16 mm2 with a copper cable, or 25 mm2 with an aluminium cable,
if both the following conditions are met:
• the cross section of the neutral conductor is at least 16 mm2 for copper
conductors and 25 mm2 for aluminium conductors;
• there is no high harmonic distortion of the load current. If there is high harmonic
distortion (the harmonic content is greater than 10%), as for example in
equipment with discharge lamps, the cross section of the neutral conductor
cannot be less than the cross section of the phase conductors.

Table 1: Minimum cross sections of the neutral conductor

Phase cross section Min. neutral cross section
S [mm2] SN [mm2]
Single-phase/two-phase circuits
Cu/Al Any S*
Three-phase circuits S ≤ 16 S*
Cu S > 16 16
Three-phase circuits S ≤ 25 S*
Al S > 25 25
*
for TN-C systems, the Standards specify a minimum cross section of 10 mm2 for
copper and 16 mm2 for aluminium conductors

1
The cross section of phase conductors shall be dimensioned in compliance with the
instructions of the Chapter 2.2.1 “Current carrying capacity and methods of installation”

82 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders
Protective conductor
Determination of the minimum cross sections
The minimum cross section of the protective conductor can be determined by
using the following table:

Table 2: Cross section of the protective conductor

Cross section of Minimum cross section of the corresponding

line conductor S protective conductor
[mm2 ] [mm2 ]

If the protective conductor is of the If the protective conductor is not of the same
same material as the line conductor material as the line conductor

k1 .
S ≤ 16 S S
k
2

k1 .
16 < S ≤ 25 16* 16
k
2

S* k1 . S
S > 25
2 k2 2

Where
k1 is the value of k for the line conductor, selected from Table 1 Chapter 2.4 according to the materials of

1SDC010014F0201
the conductor and insulation;
k2 is the value of k for the protective conductor.
* For a PEN conductor, the reduction of the cross section is permitted only in accordance with the rules for sizing of the neutral conductor.

For a more accurate calculation and if the protective conductor is subjected to

adiabatic heating from an initial known temperature to a final specified tempe-
rature (applicable for fault extinction time no longer than 5s), the minimum cross
section of the protective conductor SPE can be obtained by using the following
formula:

I 2t
SPE = (1)
k
where:
• SPE is the cross section of the protective conductor [mm2];
• I is the r.m.s. current flowing through the protective conductor in the event of
a fault with low impedance [A];
• t is the trip time of the protective device [s];

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 83

 2.5 Neutral and protective conductors

2 Protection of feeders
• k is a constant which depends on the material of the protective conductor, on
the type of insulation and on initial and final temperature. The most common
values can be taken from Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3: Values of k for insulated protective conductors not

incorporated in cables and not bunched with other cables

Temperature Material of conductor

Conductor insulation °C b Copper Aluminium Steel
Initial Final Values for k
70 °C PVC 30 160/140 a 143/133 a 95/88 a 52/49 a
a a a
90 °C PVC 30 143/133 143/133 95/88 52/49 a
90 °C thermosetting 30 250 176 116 64
60 °C rubber 30 200 159 105 58
85 °C rubber 30 220 168 110 60

1SDC010015F0201
Silicon rubber 30 350 201 133 73

a
The lower value applies to PVC insulated conductors of cross section greater than 300 mm2.
b
Temperature limits for various types of insulation are given in IEC 60724.

Table 4: Values of k for protective conductors as a core incorporated

in a cable or bunched with other cables or insulated conductors

Temperature Material of conductor

Conductor insulation °C b Copper Aluminium Steel
Initial Final Values for k
70 °C PVC 70 160/140 a 115/103 a 76/68 a 42/37 a
90 °C PVC 90 160/140 a 100/86 a 66/57 a 36/31 a
90 °C thermosetting 90 250 143 94 52
60 °C rubber 60 200 141 93 51
85 °C rubber 85 220 134 89 48
1SDC010015F0201

Silicon rubber 180 350 132 87 47

a
The lower value applies to PVC insulated conductors of cross section greater than 300 mm2.
b
Temperature limits for various types of insulation are given in IEC 60724.

84 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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2 Protection of feeders
Further values of k can be taken from the Tables in Annex D, which provides
the formula for accurate calculation of the value of k.

If Table 2 or formula (1) do not provide a standardized cross section, a larger

standardized cross section shall be chosen.

Regardless of whether Table 2 or formula (1) are used, the cross section of the
protective conductor, which is not part of the supply cable, shall be at least:
- 2.5 mm2 Cu/16 mm2 Al, if a mechanical protection is provided;
- 4 mm2 Cu/16 mm2 Al, if no mechanical protection ise provided.

For current using equipment intended for permanent connection and with a
protective conductor current exceeding 10 mA, reinforced protective conductors
shall be designed as follows:
• either the protective conductor shall have a cross-sectional area of at least 10
mm2 Cu or 16 mm2 Al, through its total run;
• or a second protective conductor of at least the same cross-sectional area as
required for protection against indirect contact shall be laid up to a point
where the protective conductor has a cross-sectional area not less than 10
mm2 Cu or 16 mm2 Al. This requires that the appliance has a separate terminal
for a second protective conductor;

When overcurrent protective devices are used for protection against electric
shock, the protective conductor shall be incorporated in the same wiring system
as the live conductors or be located in their immediate proximity.

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2.6 Busbar trunking systems (BTSs)

In electrical installations for industrial environments, busbar trunking systems

(BTSs) optimize the power distribution despite the inevitable modifications that
are carried out (additions, displacements, replacement of loads) and to facilita-
te maintenance work and safety verifications.
They are mainly used for:
- supplying sources of light, safety and low power distribution;
- lighting lines (medium power);
- power supply and distribution (medium and large power);
- supplying moving equipment (bridge cranes).

Busbar trunking systems are subject to the following Standards:

- IEC 60439 – 1 “Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 1:
Type-tested and partially type-tested assemblies”
- IEC 60439 – 2 “Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2:
Particular requirements for busbar trunking systems (busways)”.

BTSs consist of:

- conductors/busbars;
- coupling: electrical and mechanical connecting elements for different elements;
- straight elements: base elements of the line for carrying energy from the source
to the loads;
- routing elements: flexible joints for the creation of curves or overcoming
obstacles, horizontal and vertical angles, tee joints and cross elements to
create any type of route;
- pull boxes: elements that enable lamps or operating machines to be supplied
directly with integrated protection (fuses or circuit breakers);
- suspensions/accessories: hanging and fixing elements for BTS and for any
support required for special loads (lighting components, etc).

Dimensioning of a BTS
To dimension a BTS, the load current must be determined using the following
data:

Power supply
• General type of load supply:
- single-phase
- three-phase.
• Type of BTS supply:
- from one end;
- from both ends;
- central power supply.
• Rated voltage
• Short-circuit current at the supply point
• Ambient temperature.

Loads

• Number, distribution, power and cosϕ and type of loads supplied by the same
BTS

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BTS geometry

• Type of installation:
- flat;
- edge-on;
- vertical.
• Length.

NOTE: BTSs shall be placed at a distance from the walls and the ceilings in such a way as
to enable visual inspection of connections during assembly and to facilitate insertion of the
branch units.
If possible, it is preferable to install the BTS edge-on so as to improve mechanical resistance
and reduce any possible deposit of powder and polluting substances that might affect the
level of internal insulation.

Load current calculation for three-phase system

Load current Ib for a three-phase system is calculated by the following formula:

Pt . b
Ib = [A] (1)
3 U . cos
.
r m
where:
• Pt is the sum of the active power of all the installed loads [W];
• b is the supply factor, which is:
- 1 if the BTS is supplied from one side only;
- 1/2 if the BTS is supplied from the centre or from both ends
simultaneously;
• Ur is the operating voltage [V];
• cosϕm is the average power factor of the loads.

Choice of BTS current carrying capacity

A BTS shall be chosen so that its current carrying capacity Iz complies with the
following formula:

I b ≤ I Z 0 . kt = I Z (2)

where:
• IZ0 is the current that the BTS can carry for an indefinite time at the reference
temperature (40 °C);
• Ib is the load current;
• kt is the correction factor for ambient temperature values other than the
reference ambient temperature shown on Table 1.

Table 1: Correction factor kt for ambient temperature other than 40 °C

Ambient
Temperature [°C] 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
kt 1.2 1.17 1.12 1.08 1.05 1 0.95 0.85

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Note: the following tables refer to Zucchini S.p.A. products

Table 2: Current carrying capacity IZ0 of copper BTS

Number of IZ0 rph* xph Ur
Size Type conductors [A] [mΩ/m] [mΩ/m] [V]
25 LB254 25A 4 cond. Cu 4 25 6.964 1.144 400
25 HL254 25A 4 cond. Cu 4 25 6.876 1.400 400
25 HL2544 25A 4+4 cond. Cu 4+4 25 6.876 1.400 400
40 LB404 40A 4 cond. Cu 4 40 3.556 0.792 400
40 HL404 40A 4 cond. Cu 4 40 3.516 1.580 400
40 HL4044 40A 4+4 cond. Cu 4+4 40 3.516 1.580 400
40 SL 40A 4 cond. Cu 4 40 2.173 0.290 400
63 SL 63A 4 cond. Cu 4 63 1.648 0.637 400
100 MS 100A 4 cond. Cu 4 100 0.790 0.366 400
160 MS 160A 4 cond. Cu 4 160 0.574 0.247 400
160 SB4 160A 4 cond. Cu 4 160 0.335 0.314 500
160 SB5 160A 5 cond. Cu 5 160 0.335 0.314 500
160 SB6 160A 5 cond. Cu 5 160 0.335 0.314 500
160 SB7 160A 4 cond. Cu 4 160 0.335 0.314 500
250 MR 250A 4 cond. Cu 4 250 0.285 0.205 1000
250 MRf 250A 5 cond. Cu 5 250 0.285 0.205 1000
250 SB4 250A 4 cond. Cu 4 250 0.194 0.205 500
250 SB5 250A 5 cond. Cu 5 250 0.194 0.205 500
250 SB6 250A 5 cond. Cu 5 250 0.194 0.205 500
250 SB7 250A 4 cond. Cu 4 250 0.194 0.205 500
315 MR 315A 4 cond. Cu 4 315 0.216 0.188 1000
315 MRf 315A 5 cond. Cu 5 315 0.216 0.188 1000
350 SB4 350A 4 cond. Cu 4 350 0.142 0.188 500
350 SB5 350A 5 cond. Cu 5 350 0.142 0.188 500
350 SB6 350A 5 cond. Cu 5 350 0.142 0.188 500
350 SB7 350A 4 cond. Cu 4 350 0.142 0.188 500
400 MR 400A 4 cond. Cu 4 400 0.115 0.129 1000
400 MRf 400A 5 cond. Cu 5 400 0.115 0.129 1000
500 SB4 500A 4 cond. Cu 4 500 0.092 0.129 500
500 SB5 500A 5 cond. Cu 5 500 0.092 0.129 500
500 SB6 500A 5 cond. Cu 5 500 0.092 0.129 500
500 SB7 500A 4 cond. Cu 4 500 0.092 0.129 500
630 MR 630A 4 cond. Cu 4 630 0.073 0.122 1000
630 MRf 630A 5 cond. Cu 5 630 0.073 0.122 1000
700 SB4 700A 4 cond. Cu 4 700 0.077 0.122 500
700 SB5 700A 5 cond. Cu 5 700 0.077 0.122 500

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Number of IZ0 rph* xph Ur

Size Type conductors [A] [mΩ/m] [mΩ/m] [V]
700 SB6 700A 5 cond. Cu 5 700 0.077 0.122 500
700 SB7 700A 4 cond. Cu 4 700 0.077 0.122 500
800 MR 800A 4 cond. Cu 4 800 0.047 0.122 1000
800 MRf 800A 5 cond. Cu 5 800 0.047 0.122 1000
800 SC 800A 4 cond. Cu 4 800 0.038 0.027 1000
800 SB4 800A 4 cond. Cu 4 800 0.072 0.122 500
800 SB5 800A 5 cond. Cu 5 800 0.072 0.122 500
800 SB6 800A 5 cond. Cu 5 800 0.072 0.122 500
800 SB7 800A 4 cond. Cu 4 800 0.072 0.122 500
1000 MR 1000A 4 cond. Cu 4 1000 0.038 0.120 1000
1000 MRf 1000A 5 cond. Cu 5 1000 0.038 0.120 1000
1000 SC 1000A 4 cond. Cu 4 1000 0.037 0.026 1000
1000 HRC1 1000A 4 cond. Cu 4 1000 0.038 0.097 1000
1000 SB4 1000A 4 cond. Cu 4 1000 0.068 0.120 500
1000 SB5 1000A 5 cond. Cu 5 1000 0.068 0.120 500
1000 SB6 1000A 5 cond. Cu 5 1000 0.068 0.120 500
1000 SB7 1000A 4 cond. Cu 4 1000 0.068 0.120 500
1200 SC 1200A 4 cond. Cu 4 1200 0.035 0.021 1000
1250 SC 1250A 4 cond. Cu 4 1250 0.034 0.023 1000
1250 HRC1 1250A 4 cond. Cu 4 1250 0.035 0.076 1000
1500 SC 1500A 4 cond. Cu 4 1500 0.030 0.022 1000
1600 SC 1600A 4 cond. Cu 4 1600 0.025 0.018 1000
1600 HRC1 1600A 4 cond. Cu 4 1600 0.034 0.074 1000
2000 SC 2000A 4 cond. Cu 4 2000 0.020 0.015 1000
2000 HRC1 2000A 4 cond. Cu 4 2000 0.025 0.074 1000
2400 SC 2400A 4 cond. Cu 4 2400 0.019 0.012 1000
2500 SC 2500A 4 cond. Cu 4 2500 0.016 0.011 1000
2500 HRC1 2500A 4 cond. Cu 4 2500 0.019 0.040 1000
3000 SC 3000A 4 cond. Cu 4 3000 0.014 0.011 1000
3000 HRC2 3000A 4 cond. Cu 4 3000 0.017 0.031 1000
3200 SC 3200A 4 cond. Cu 4 3200 0.013 0.009 1000
3200 HRC2 3200A 4 cond. Cu 4 3200 0.015 0.031 1000
4000 SC 4000A 4 cond. Cu 4 4000 0.011 0.007 1000
4000 HRC2 4000A 4 cond. Cu 4 4000 0.011 0.026 1000
5000 SC 5000A 4 cond. Cu 4 5000 0.008 0.005 1000
5000 HRC2 5000A 4 cond. Cu 4 5000 0.008 0.023 1000
*phase resistance at Iz0

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Table 3: Current carrying capacity IZ0 of aluminium BTS

Number of IZ0 rph* xph Ur

Size Type conductors [A] [mΩ/m] [mΩ/m] [V]
160 MR 160A 4 cond. Al 4 160 0.591 0.260 1000
160 MRf 160A 5 cond. Al 5 160 0.591 0.260 1000
160 SB4 160A 4 cond. Al 4 160 0.431 0.260 500
160 SB5 160A 5 cond. Al 5 160 0.431 0.260 500
160 SB6 160A 5 cond. Al 5 160 0.431 0.260 500
160 SB7 160A 4 cond. Al 4 160 0.431 0.260 500
250 MR 250A 4 cond. Al 4 250 0.394 0.202 1000
250 MRf 250A 5 cond. Al 5 250 0.394 0.202 1000
250 SB4 250A 4 cond. Al 4 250 0.226 0.202 500
250 SB5 250A 5 cond. Al 5 250 0.226 0.202 500
250 SB6 250A 5 cond. Al 5 250 0.226 0.202 500
250 SB7 250A 4 cond. Al 4 250 0.226 0.202 500
315 MR 315A 4 cond. Al 4 315 0.236 0.186 1000
315 MRf 315A 5 cond. Al 5 315 0.236 0.186 1000
315 SB4 315A 4 cond. Al 4 315 0.181 0.186 500
315 SB5 315A 5 cond. Al 5 315 0.181 0.186 500
315 SB6 315A 5 cond. Al 5 315 0.181 0.186 500
315 SB7 315A 4 cond. Al 4 315 0.181 0.186 500
400 MR 400A 4 cond. Al 4 400 0.144 0.130 1000
400 MRf 400A 5 cond. Al 5 400 0.144 0.130 1000
400 SB4 400A 4 cond. Al 4 400 0.125 0.130 500
400 SB5 400A 5 cond. Al 5 400 0.125 0.130 500
400 SB6 400A 5 cond. Al 5 400 0.125 0.130 500
400 SB7 400A 4 cond. Al 4 400 0.125 0.130 500
500 SB4 500A 4 cond. Al 4 500 0.102 0.127 500
500 SB5 500A 5 cond. Al 5 500 0.102 0.127 500
500 SB6 500A 5 cond. Al 5 500 0.102 0.127 500
500 SB7 500A 4 cond. Al 4 500 0.102 0.127 500
630 MR 630A 4 cond. Al 4 630 0.072 0.097 1000
630 MRf 630A 5 cond. Al 5 630 0.072 0.097 1000
630 SC 630A 4 cond. Al 4 630 0.072 0.029 1000

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Number of IZ0 rph* xph Ur

Size Type conductors [A] [mΩ/m] [mΩ/m] [V]
630 SB4 630A 4 cond. Al 4 630 0.073 0.097 500
630 SB5 630A 5 cond. Al 5 630 0.073 0.097 500
630 SB6 630A 5 cond. Al 5 630 0.073 0.097 500
630 SB7 630A 4 cond. Al 4 630 0.073 0.097 500
800 MR 800A 4 cond. Al 4 800 0.062 0.096 1000
800 MRf 800A 5 cond. Al 5 800 0.062 0.096 1000
800 SC 800A 4 cond. Al 4 800 0.067 0.027 1000
800 SB4 800A 4 cond. Al 4 800 0.071 0.096 500
800 SB5 800A 5 cond. Al 5 800 0.071 0.096 500
800 SB6 800A 5 cond. Al 5 800 0.071 0.096 500
800 SB7 800A 4 cond. Al 4 800 0.071 0.096 500
1000 SC 1000A 4 cond. Al 4 1000 0.062 0.023 1000
1000 HRC1 1000A 4 cond. Al 4 1000 0.068 0.087 1000
1200 SC 1200A 4 cond. Al 4 1200 0.054 0.023 1000
1250 SC 1250A 4 cond. Al 4 1250 0.044 0.021 1000
1250 HRC1 1250A 4 cond. Al 4 1250 0.044 0.066 1000
1500 SC 1500A 4 cond. Al 4 1500 0.041 0.023 1000
1600 SC 1600A 4 cond. Al 4 1600 0.035 0.017 1000
1600 HRC1 1600A 4 cond. Al 4 1600 0.041 0.066 1000
2000 SC 2000A 4 cond. Al 4 2000 0.029 0.016 1000
2000 HRC1 2000A 4 cond. Al 4 2000 0.034 0.053 1000
2250 HRC2 2250A 4 cond. Al 4 2250 0.032 0.049 1000
2400 SC 2400A 4 cond. Al 4 2400 0.028 0.012 1000
2500 SC 2500A 4 cond. Al 4 2500 0.022 0.011 1000
2500 HRC2 2500A 4 cond. Al 4 2500 0.022 0.034 1000
3000 SC 3000A 4 cond. Al 4 3000 0.020 0.011 1000
3200 SC 3200A 4 cond. Al 4 3200 0.017 0.009 1000
3200 HRC2 3200A 4 cond. Al 4 3200 0.020 0.034 1000
4000 SC 4000A 4 cond. Al 4 4000 0.014 0.008 1000
4000 HRC2 4000A 4 cond. Al 4 4000 0.017 0.024 1000
4500 HRC2 4500A 4 cond. Al 4 4500 0.014 0.024 1000
*phase resistance at Iz0

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BTS protection
Protection against overload
BTSs are protected against overload by using the same criterion as that used
for the cables. The following formula shall be verified:

I b ≤ In ≤ I z (3)
where:
• Ib is the current for which the circuit is designed;
• In is the rated current of the protective device; for adjustable protective devices,
the rated current In is the set current;
• Iz is the continuous current carrying capacity of the BTS.

Protection against short-circuit1

1 The protection against
short-circuit does not The BTS must be protected against thermal overload and electrodynamic effects
need to be checked if due to the short-circuit current.
MCBs up to 63 A are used
whenever correctly
dimensioned for overload
Protection against thermal overload
protection. In such cases, The following formula shall be fulfilled:
in fact, protection against
both thermal and I2t CB ≤ I2t BTS (4)
electrodynamic effects is
certainly adequate where:
because of the energy and • I2tCB is the specific let-through energy of the circuit-breaker at the maximum
peak limitations offered by
these protective devices.
short-circuit current value at the installation point. This can be extrapolated
from the curves shown in Volume 1 Chapter 3.4;
• I2tBTS is the withstood energy of the BTS and it is normally given by the
manufacturer (see Tables 4 and 5).

Protection against electrodynamic effects

The following formula shall be fulfilled:

Ikp CB ≤ Ikp BTS (5)

where:
• Ikp CB is the peak limited by the circuit-breaker at the maximum short-circuit
current value at the installation point. This can be extrapolated from the
limitation curves shown in Volume 1, Chapter 3.3;
• Ikp BTS is the maximum peak current value of the BTS (see Tables 4 and 5).

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START

Ib

yes
Temperature
<> 40 °C ?

no

kt from
kt=1 Table 1

BTS choice
(I b < kt*IZ0 =IZ )

Voltage drop no
OK ?

yes

Circuit-breaker
choice

no
Ib < InCB < IZ ?

yes

no
1SDC010017F0201

I2 t CB < I2 t BTS ?

yes

no
IkpCB < I kp BTS ?

yes

END

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Table 4: Values of the withstood energy and peak current of copper BTS

Size Type I2tph I2tN I2tPE Ipeakph IpeakN

[(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [kA] [kA]
25 LB254 25A 4 cond. Cu 0.48 0.48 0.48 10 10
25 HL254 25A 4 cond. Cu 0.64 0.64 0.64 10 10
25 HL2544 25A 4+4 cond. Cu 0.64 0.64 0.64 10 10
40 LB404 40A 4 cond. Cu 0.73 0.73 0.73 10 10
40 HL404 40A 4 cond. Cu 1 1 1 10 10
40 HL4044 40A 4+4 cond. Cu 1 1 1 10 10
40 SL 40A 4 cond. Cu 7.29 7.29 7.29 10 10
63 SL 63A 4 cond. Cu 7.29 7.29 7.29 10 10
100 MS 100A 4 cond. Cu 20.25 20.25 20.25 10 10
160 MS 160A 4 cond. Cu 30.25 30.25 30.25 10 10
160 SB4 160A 4 cond. Cu 100 60 60 17 10.2
160 SB5 160A 5 cond. Cu 100 100 100 17 10.2
160 SB6 160A 5 cond. Cu 100 100 100 17 10.2
160 SB7 160A 4 cond. Cu 100 100 100 17 10.2
250 MR 250A 4 cond. Cu 312.5 187.5 187.5 52.5 31.5
250 MRf 250A 5 cond. Cu 312.5 312.5 312.5 52.5 31.5
250 SB4 250A 4 cond. Cu 169 101.4 101.4 26 15.6
250 SB5 250A 5 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
250 SB6 250A 5 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
250 SB7 250A 4 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
315 MR 315A 4 cond. Cu 312.5 187.5 187.5 52.5 31.5
315 MRf 315A 5 cond. Cu 312.5 312.5 312.5 52.5 31.5
350 SB4 350A 4 cond. Cu 169 101.4 101.4 26 15.6
350 SB5 350A 5 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
350 SB6 350A 5 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
350 SB7 350A 4 cond. Cu 169 169 169 26 15.6
400 MR 400A 4 cond. Cu 900 540 540 63 37.8
400 MRf 400A 5 cond. Cu 900 900 900 63 37.8
500 SB4 500A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 453.75 453.75 58 34.8
500 SB5 500A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
500 SB6 500A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
500 SB7 500A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
630 MR 630A 4 cond. Cu 1296 777.6 777.6 75.6 45.4
630 MRf 630A 5 cond. Cu 1296 1296 1296 75.6 45.4
700 SB4 700A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 453.75 453.75 58 34.8
700 SB5 700A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8

94 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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Size Type I2tph I2tN I2tPE Ipeakph IpeakN

[(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [kA] [kA]
700 SB6 700A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
700 SB7 700A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
800 MR 800A 4 cond. Cu 1296 777.6 777.6 75.6 45.4
800 MRf 800A 5 cond. Cu 1296 1296 1296 75.6 45.4
800 SC 800A 4 cond. Cu 3969 3969 2381.4 139 83.4
800 SB4 800A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 453.75 453.75 58 34.8
800 SB5 800A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
800 SB6 800A 5 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
800 SB7 800A 4 cond. Cu 756.25 756.25 756.25 58 34.8
1000 MR 1000A 4 cond. Cu 1296 777.6 777.6 75.6 45.4
1000 MRf 1000A 5 cond. Cu 1296 1296 1296 75.6 45.4
1000 SC 1000A 4 cond. Cu 3969 3969 2381.4 139 83.4
1000 HRC1 1000A 4 cond. Cu 1600 1600 960 84 50.4
1000 SB4 1000A 4 cond. Cu 1024 614.4 614.4 60 36
1000 SB5 1000A 5 cond. Cu 1024 1024 1024 60 36
1000 SB6 1000A 5 cond. Cu 1024 1024 1024 60 36
1000 SB7 1000A 4 cond. Cu 1024 1024 1024 60 36
1200 SC 1200A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
1250 SC 1250A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
1250 HRC1 1250A 4 cond. Cu 2500 2500 1500 105 63
1500 SC 1500A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
1600 SC 1600A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
1600 HRC1 1600A 4 cond. Cu 2500 2500 1500 105 63
2000 SC 2000A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
2000 HRC1 2000A 4 cond. Cu 3600 3600 2160 132 79.2
2400 SC 2400A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
2500 SC 2500A 4 cond. Cu 7744 7744 4646.4 194 116.4
2500 HRC1 2500A 4 cond. Cu 4900 4900 2940 154 92.4
3000 SC 3000A 4 cond. Cu 30976 30976 18585.6 387 232.2
3000 HRC2 3000A 4 cond. Cu 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
3200 SC 3200A 4 cond. Cu 30976 30976 18585.6 387 232.2
3200 HRC2 3200A 4 cond. Cu 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
4000 SC 4000A 4 cond. Cu 30976 30976 18585.6 387 232.2
4000 HRC2 4000A 4 cond. Cu 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
5000 SC 5000A 4 cond. Cu 30976 30976 18585.6 387 232.2
5000 HRC2 5000A 4 cond. Cu 10000 10000 6000 220 132

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Table 5: Values of the withstood energy and peak current of
aluminium BTS
Size Type I2tph I2tN I2tPE Ipeakph IpeakN
[(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [kA] [kA]
160 MR 160A 4 cond. Al 112.5 67.5 67.5 30 18
160 MRf 160A 5 cond. Al 112.5 112.5 112.5 30 18
160 SB4 160A 4 cond. Al 100 60 60 17 10.2
160 SB5 160A 5 cond. Al 100 100 100 17 10.2
160 SB6 160A 5 cond. Al 100 100 100 17 10.2
160 SB7 160A 4 cond. Al 100 100 100 17 10.2
250 MR 250A 4 cond. Al 312.5 187.5 187.5 52.5 31.5
250 MRf 250A 5 cond. Al 312.5 312.5 312.5 52.5 31.5
250 SB4 250A 4 cond. Al 169 101.4 101.4 26 15.6
250 SB5 250A 5 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
250 SB6 250A 5 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
250 SB7 250A 4 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
315 MR 315A 4 cond. Al 625 375 375 52.5 31.5
315 MRf 315A 5 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
315 SB4 315A 4 cond. Al 169 101.4 101.4 26 15.6
315 SB5 315A 5 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
315 SB6 315A 5 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
315 SB7 315A 4 cond. Al 169 169 169 26 15.6
400 MR 400A 4 cond. Al 900 540 540 63 37.8
400 MRf 400A 5 cond. Al 900 900 900 63 37.8
400 SB4 400A 4 cond. Al 625 375 375 52.5 31.5
400 SB5 400A 5 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
400 SB6 400A 5 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
400 SB7 400A 4 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
500 SB4 500A 4 cond. Al 625 375 375 52.5 31.5
500 SB5 500A 5 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
500 SB6 500A 5 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
500 SB7 500A 4 cond. Al 625 625 625 52.5 31.5
630 MR 630A 4 cond. Al 1296 777.6 777.6 75.6 45.4
630 MRf 630A 5 cond. Al 1296 1296 1296 75.6 45.4
630 SC 630A 4 cond. Al 1444 1444 866.4 80 48

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Size Type I2tph I2tN I2tPE Ipeakph IpeakN

[(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [(kA)2s] [kA] [kA]
630 SB4 630A 4 cond. Al 1024 614.4 614.4 67.5 40.5
630 SB5 630A 5 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
630 SB6 630A 5 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
630 SB7 630A 4 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
800 MR 800A 4 cond. Al 1296 777.6 777.6 75.6 45.4
800 MRf 800A 5 cond. Al 1296 1296 1296 75.6 45.4
800 SC 800A 4 cond. Al 1764 1764 1058.4 88 52.8
800 SB4 800A 4 cond. Al 1024 614.4 614.4 67.5 40.5
800 SB5 800A 5 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
800 SB6 800A 5 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
800 SB7 800A 4 cond. Al 1024 1024 1024 67.5 40.5
1000 SC 1000A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
1000 HRC1 1000A 4 cond. Al 1600 1600 960 84 50.4
1200 SC 1200A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
1250 SC 1250A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
1250 HRC1 1250A 4 cond. Al 2500 2500 1500 105 63
1500 SC 1500A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
1600 SC 1600A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
1600 HRC1 1600A 4 cond. Al 2500 2500 1500 105 63
2000 SC 2000A 4 cond. Al 6400 6400 3840 176 105.6
2000 HRC1 2000A 4 cond. Al 3600 3600 2160 132 79.2
2250 HRC2 2250A 4 cond. Al 4900 4900 2940 154 92.4
2400 SC 2400A 4 cond. Al 25600 25600 15360 352 211.2
2500 SC 2500A 4 cond. Al 25600 25600 15360 352 211.2
2500 HRC2 2500A 4 cond. Al 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
3000 SC 3000A 4 cond. Al 25600 25600 15360 352 211.2
3200 SC 3200A 4 cond. Al 25600 25600 15360 352 211.2
3200 HRC2 3200A 4 cond. Al 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
4000 SC 4000A 4 cond. Al 25600 25600 15360 352 211.2
4000 HRC2 4000A 4 cond. Al 8100 8100 4860 198 118.8
4500 HRC2 4500A 4 cond. Al 10000 10000 6000 220 132

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 97

 2.6 Busbar trunking systems

2 Protection of feeders
Protection of the outgoing feeders
If the outgoing feeder, which generally consists of cable duct, is not already
protected against short-circuit and overload by the device located upstream of
the cable, the following measures shall be taken:

- protection against short-circuit:

there is no need to protect the feeder against the short-circuit if simultaneously:
a. the length does not exceed 3 metres;
b. the risk of short-circuit is minimized;
c. there is no inflammable material nearby.

In explosive environments and environments with greater risk of fire, protection

against short-circuit is always required;

- protection against overload:

the current carrying capacity of the feeder is generally lower than that of the
BTS. It is therefore necessary to protect also the feeder against overload.
The protection device against overload can be placed inside the pull box or on
the incoming panel.
In the latter case, protection against overload can also be provided by the
circuit breakers protecting the single outgoing feeder from the panel only if the
sum of their rated currents is lower or equal to the current carrying capacity Iz
of the outgoing feeder.
In locations with greater risk of fire, the overload protection device shall be
installed at the outgoing point, i.e. inside the pull box.

Voltage drop
If a BTS is particularly long, the value of the voltage drop must be verified.
For three-phase systems with a power factor (cosϕm) not lower than 0.8, the
voltage drop can be calculated by using the following simplified formula:

a . 3 . Ib . L. ( rt . cos m + x . sin m )
∆u= [V] (6a)
1000

For single-phase BTS the formula is:

a . 2 . Ib . L. ( rt . cos m + x . sin m )
∆ u= [V] (6b)
1000

where:
• a is the current distribution factor, which depends on the circuit supply and
the arrangement of the electric loads along the BTS, as shown in Table 6:

98 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 2.6 Busbar trunking systems

2 Protection of feeders
Table 6: Current distribution factor
Type of Arrangement Current distribution
supply of loads factor
From one end only Load concentrated at the end 1
Evenly distributed load 0.5
From both ends Evenly distributed load 0.25
Central Load concentrated at the ends 0.25
Evenly distributed load 0.125

• Ib is the load current [A];

• L is the BTS length [m];
• rt is the phase resistance per unit of length of BTS, measured under thermal
steady-state conditions [mΩ/m];
• x is the phase reactance per unit of length of BTS [mΩ/m];
• cosϕm is average power factor of the loads.

Percentage voltage drop is obtained from:

∆u .
∆ u% = 100 (7)
Ur
where Ur is rated voltage.

To reduce the voltage drop in very long BTS the power can be supplied at an
intermediate position rather than at the end (see Table 6).

Calculation of voltage drop for unevenly distributed loads

If the loads cannot be considered to be evenly distributed, the voltage drop can
be calculated more accurately by using the formulas below.
L3
L2
L1
1SDC010015F0001

l1 l2 l3

L L L

For the distribution of the three-phase loads shown in the figure, the voltage
drop can be calculated by the following formula if the BTS has a constant cross
section (as usual):

∆u = 3[ rt ( I 1L1 cos 1+ I 2 L2 cos 2 + I 3 L3 cos 3 ) + x( I 1L1 sin 1 + I 2 L2 sin 2 + I 3 L3 sin 3 )]

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 99

 2.6 Busbar trunking systems

2 Protection of feeders
Generally speaking, this formula becomes:

3 rt . I i . Li . cos mi + x . I i . Li . sin mi
∆u = [V] (8)
1000

where:
• rt is the phase resistance per unit of length of BTS, measured under thermal
steady-state conditions [mΩ/m];
• x is the phase reactance per unit of length of BTS [mΩ/m];
• cosϕm is average power factor of the i-th load;
• Ii is i-th load current [A];
• Li is the distance of the i-th load from the beginning of the BTS [m].

Joule-effect losses
Joule-effect losses are due to the electrical resistance of the BTS.
The losses are dissipated in heat and contribute to the heating of the trunking
and of the environment. Calculation of power losses is useful for correctly
dimensioning the air-conditioning system for the building.
Three-phase losses are:

3 . rt . I b2 . L
Pj = [W] (9a)
1000

while single-phase losses are:

2 . rt . I b2 . L
Pj = [W] (9b)
1000

where:
• Ib is the current used [A];
• rt is the phase resistance per unit of length of BTS measured under thermal
steady-state conditions [mΩ/m];
• L is the length of BTS [m].
For accurate calculations, losses must be assessed section by section on the
basis of the currents flowing through them; e.g. in the case of distribution of
loads shown in the previous figure:

Length Current Losses

1° section L1 I1+I2+I3 P1=3rtL1(I1+I2+I3)2
2° section L2-L1 I2+I3 P2=3rt(L2-L1)(I2+I3)2
3° section L3-L2 I3 P3=3rt(L3-L2)(I3)2
Total losses in BTS Ptot=P1+P2+P3

100 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3 Protection of electrical equipment

3.1 Protection and switching of lighting

circuits
Introduction
Upon supply of a lighting installation, for a brief period an initial current exceeding
the rated current (corresponding to the power of the lamps) circulates on the
network. This possible peak has a value of approximately 15÷20 times the
rated current, and is present for a few milliseconds; there may also be an inrush
current with a value of approximately 1.5÷3 times the rated current, lasting up
to some minutes. The correct dimensioning of the switching and protection
devices must take these problems into account.

Peak current diagram Inrush current diagram

I [A] I [A]

Peak
15÷20 In

1SDC010003F0901
Inrush

1.5÷3 In
In

4-5 milliseconds Time [milliseconds] 3- 5 min. Time [minutes]

The most commonly used lamps are of the following types:

- incandescent;
- halogen;
- fluorescent;
- high intensity discharge: mercury vapour, metal halide and sodium vapour.

Incandescent lamps
Incandescent lamps are made up of a glass bulb containing a vacuum or inert
gas and a tungsten filament. The current flows through this filament, heating it
until light is emitted.
The electrical behaviour of these lamps involves a high peak current, equal to
approximately 15 times the rated current; after a few milliseconds the current
returns to the rated value. The peak is caused by the lamp filament which,
initially cold, presents a very low electrical resistance. Subsequently, due to the
very fast heating of the element, the resistance value increases considerably,
causing the decrease in the current absorbed.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 101

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Halogen lamps
Halogen lamps are a special type of incandescent lamp in which the gas
contained within the bulb prevents the vaporized material of the tungsten filament
from depositing on the surface of the bulb and forces re-deposition on the
filament. This phenomenon slows the deterioration of the filament, improves
the quality of the light emitted and increases the life of the lamp.
The electrical behaviour of these lamps is the same as that of incandescent
lamps.

Fluorescent lamps
Fluorescent lamps are a so-called discharge light source. The light is produced
by a discharge within a transparent enclosure (glass, quartz, etc. depending on
the type of lamp) which contains mercury vapour at low pressure.
Once the discharge has started, the gas within the enclosure emits energy in
the ultraviolet range which strikes the fluorescent material; in turn, this material
transforms the ultraviolet radiation into radiation which has a wavelength within
the visible spectrum. The colour of the light emitted depends upon the fluorescent
material used.
The discharge is created by an appropriate peak in voltage, generated by a
starter. Once the lamp has been switched on, the gas offers an ever lower
resistance, and it is necessary to stabilize the intensity of the current, using a
controller (reactor); this lowers the power factor to approximately 0.4÷0.6;
normally a capacitor is added to increase the power factor to a value of more
than 0.9
There are two types of controllers, magnetic (conventional) and electronic, which
absorb from 10% to 20% of the rated power of the lamp. Electronic controllers
offer specific advantages such as a saving in the energy absorbed, a lower
dissipation of heat, and ensure a stable, flicker-free light. Some types of
fluorescent lamps with electronic reactors do not need a starter.
Compact fluorescent lamps are made up of a folded tube and a plastic base
which contains, in some cases, a conventional or electronic controller.
The value of the inrush current depends upon the presence of a power factor
correction capacitor:
- non PFC lamps have inrush currents equal to approximately twice the rated
current and a turn-on time of about ten seconds;
- in PFC lamps, the presence of the capacitor allows the reduction of the turn-
on time to a few seconds, but requires a high peak current, determined by
the charge of the capacitor, which can reach 20 times the rated current.
If the lamp is fitted with an electronic controller, the initial transient current may
lead to peak currents equal to, at maximum, 10 times the rated current.

102 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

High intensity discharge lamps: mercury vapour, metal
halide and sodium vapour
The functioning of high intensity discharge lamps is the same as that of
fluorescent lamps with the difference that the discharge occurs in the presence
of a gas at high pressure. In this case, the arc is able to vaporize the metallic
elements contained in the gas, releasing energy in the form of radiation which
is both ultraviolet and within the visible spectrum. The special type of bulb
glass blocks the ultraviolet radiation and allows only the visible radiation to
pass through. There are three main types of high intensity discharge lamps:
mercury vapour, metal halide and sodium vapour. The colour characteristics
and the efficiency of the lamp depend upon the different metallic elements
present in the gas, which are struck by the arc.
High intensity discharge lamps require a suitably sized controller and a heating
period which can last some minutes before the emission of the rated light output.
A momentary loss of power makes the restarting of the system and the heating
necessary.
Non PFC lamps have inrush currents of up to twice the rated current for
approximately 5 minutes.
PFC lamps have a peak current equal to 20 times the rated current, and an
inrush current of up to twice the rated current for approximately 5 minutes.

Lamp type Peak current Inrush current Turn-on time

Incandescent lamps 15In - -
Halogen lamps 15In - -
Fluorescent Non PFC − 2In 10 s
lamp PFC 20In 1÷6 s
High intensity Non PFC − 2In 2÷8 min
discharge lamps PFC 20In 2In 2÷8 min

Protection and switching devices

IEC 60947-4-1 identifies two specific utilization categories for lamp control
contactors:
• AC-5a switching of electric discharge lamps;
• AC-5b switching of incandescent lamps.
The documentation supplied by the manufacturer includes tables for contactor
selection, according to the number of lamps to be controlled, and to their type.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 103

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

For the selection of a protection device the following verifications shall be carried
out:

- the trip characteristic curve shall be above the turning-on characteristic curve
of the lighting device to avoid unwanted trips; an approximate example is
shown in Figure1;

- coordination shall exist with the contactor under short-circuit conditions (lighting
installations are not generally characterized by overloads).

With reference to the above verification criteria, the following tables show the
maximum number of lamps per phase which can be controlled by the
combination of ABB circuit breakers and contactors for some types of lamps,
according to their power and absorbed current Ib1 , for three phase installations
with a rated voltage of 400 V and a maximum short-circuit current of 15 kA.

1
For calculation see Annex B Calculation of load current Ib

Table 1: Incandescent and halogen lamps

Ur= 400 V Ik= 15 kA

Incandescent/halogen lamps
Circuit-Breaker type S270 D20 S270 D20 S270 D25 S270 D32 S270 D50 T2N160 In63
Setting PR221 DS ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- L= 0.68- A S= 8- B L=
Contactor type A26 A26 A26 A26 A30 A40
Rated Power [W] Rated current Ib [A] N° lamps per ph
60 0.27 57 65 70 103 142 155
100 0.45 34 38 42 62 85 93
200 0.91 17 19 20 30 42 46
300 1.37 11 12 13 20 28 30
500 2.28 6 7 8 12 16 18
1000 4.55 3 4 4 6 8 9

104 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Figure 1: Approximate diagram for the coordination of lamps with
protection and switching devices

[t]

Contactor Icw

Turning-on characteristics

1SDC010004F0901
[A]

Circuit-breaker characteristics

S270 D32 S270 D50 T2N160 In63 T2N160 In63 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In160
---- ---- L= 0.68- A S= 8- B L= 0.92- A S= 10- B L= 0.68- A S= 8- B L= 0.76- A S= 8- B L= 1- A S= 10- B L= 0.68- A S= 7- B
A26 A30 A40 A50 A63 A75 A95 A110
N° lamps per phase
103 142 155 220 246 272 355 390
62 85 93 132 147 163 210 240
30 42 46 65 73 80 105 120
1SDC010032F0201

20 28 30 43 48 53 70 80
12 16 18 26 29 32 42 48
6 8 9 13 14 16 21 24

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 105

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 2: Fluorescent lamps
Ur= 400 V Ik= 15 kA

Fluorescent lamps non PFC

Circuit-Breaker type S270 D16 S270 D20 S270 D20 S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D50
Setting PR221 DS
Contactor type A26 A26 A26 A26 A30 A40
Rated Power [W] Rated current Ib [A] N° lamps per
20 0.38 40 44 50 73 100 110
40 0.45 33 37 42 62 84 93
65 0.7 21 24 27 40 54 60
80 0.8 18 21 23 35 47 52
100 1.15 13 14 16 24 33 36
110 1.2 12 14 15 23 31 35

Ur= 400 V Ik= 15 kA

Fluorescent lamps PFC

Circuit-Breaker type S270 D25 S270 D25 S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D63 T2N160 In63
Setting PR221 DS --- --- --- --- --- L= 0.68- A S= 8- B
Contactor type A26 A26 A26 A26 A30 A40
Rated Power [W] Rated current Ib [A] Capacitor [µF] N° lamps per
20 0.18 5 83 94 105 155 215 233
40 0.26 5 58 65 75 107 150 160
65 0.42 7 35 40 45 66 92 100
80 0.52 7 28 32 36 53 74 80
100 0.65 16 23 26 29 43 59 64
110 0.7 18 21 24 27 40 55 59

106 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

0 S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D50 S270 D63 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In160
L= 0.68- A S= 10- B L= 0.76- A S= 10- B L= 0.96- A- S= 10- B S= 0.68- A S= 10- B
A26 A30 A40 A50 A63 A75 A95 A110
N° lamps per phase
73 100 110 157 173 192 250 278
62 84 93 133 145 162 210 234
40 54 60 85 94 104 135 150

1SDC010033F0201
35 47 52 75 82 91 118 132
24 33 36 52 57 63 82 92
23 31 35 50 55 60 79 88

S270 D40 S270 D63 T2N160 In63 T2N160 In63 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100
--- --- L= 0.68- A S= 8- B L= 1- A S= 10- B L= 0.68- A S= 10- B L= 0.76- A S= 10- B L= 0.96- A S= 10- B
A26 A30 A40 A50 A63 A75 A95
N° lamps per phase
155 215 233 335 360 400 530
107 150 160 230 255 280 365
66 92 100 142 158 173 225
53 74 80 115 126 140 180
43 59 64 92 101 112 145
40 55 59 85 94 104 135

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 107

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 3: High intensity discharge lamps

Ur= 400 V Ik= 15 kA

Fluorescent lamps non PFC
Circuit-Breaker type S270 D16 S270 D2 S270 D20 S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D40
Setting PR221 DS
Contactor type A26 A26 A26 A26 A30 A40
Rated Power [W] Rated current Ib [A] N° lamps per ph
150 1.8 6 7 8 11 15 17
250 3 4 4 5 7 9 10
400 4.4 3 3 3 4 6 7
600 6.2 1 2 2 3 4 5
1000 10.3 - 1 1 2 3 3

Ur= 400 V Ik= 15 kA

Fluorescent lamps PFC
Circuit-Breaker type S270 D16 S270 D20 S270 D20 S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D40
Setting PR221 DS --- --- --- --- --- --- L
Contactor type A26 A26 A26 A26 A30 A40
Rated Power [W] Rated current Ib [A] Capacitor [µF] N° lamps per ph
150 1 20 13 14 15 23 28 30
250 1.5 36 8 9 10 15 18 20
400 2.5 48 5 5 6 9 11 12
600 3.3 65 4 4 5 7 8 9
1000 6.2 100 - - - 4 4 5

108 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.1 Protection and switching of lighting circuits

3 Protection of electrical equipment

S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D40 S270 D50 S270 D63 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In160
L= 0.8- B S= 6.5- B L= 1- B S= 8- B L= 0.8- B S= 6.5- B
A26 A30 A40 A50 A63 A75 A95 A110
N° lamps per phase
11 15 17 23 26 29 38 41
7 9 10 14 16 17 23 25
4 6 7 9 10 12 15 17
3 4 5 7 8 8 11 12
2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7

S270 D32 S270 D40 S270 D40 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In100 T2N160 In160 T2N160 In160
--- --- --- L= 0.8- B S= 6.5- B L= 0.88- B S= 6.5- B L= 1- B S= 6.5- B L= 0.84- B S= 4.5- B L= 0.88- B S= 4.5- B
A26 A30 A40 A50 A63 A75 A95 A110
N° lamps per phase
23 28 30 50 58 63 81 88 1SDC010034F0201
15 18 20 33 38 42 54 59
9 11 12 20 23 25 32 36
7 8 9 15 17 19 24 27
4 4 5 8 9 10 13 14

Example:
Switching and protection of a lighting system, supplied by a three phase network
at 400 V 15 kA, made up of 55 incandescent lamps, of 200 W each, per phase.
In table 1, on the row corresponding to 200 W, select the cell showing the
number of controllable lamps immediately above the number of lamps per phase
present in the installation. In the specific case, corresponding to the cell for 65
lamps per phase the following equipment are suggested:
- ABB Tmax T2N160 In63 circuit breaker with PR221/DS type electronic release,
with protection L set at 0.92, curve A and protection S set at 10, curve B;
- A50 contactor.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 109

 3 Protection of electrical equipment

3.2 Protection and switching of generators

The need to guarantee an ever greater continuity of service has led to an increase
in the use of emergency supply generators, either as an alternative to, or in
parallel with the public utility supply network.

Typical configurations include:

• “Island supply” (independent functioning) of the priority loads in the case of a
lack of energy supply through the public network;
• Supply to the user installation in parallel with the public supply network.

Unlike the public supply network, which has a constant contribution, in case of
a short-circuit, the current supplied by the generator is a function of the
parameters of the machine itself, and decreases with time; it is possible to
identify the following successive phases:
1. a subtransient phase: with a brief duration (10÷50 ms), characterized
by the subtransient reactance X”d (5÷20% of the rated impedance value),
and by the subtransient time constant T”d (5÷30 ms);
2. a transitory phase: may last up to some seconds (0.5÷2.5 s), and is
characterized by the transitory reactance X’d (15÷40% of the rated
impedance value), and by the transitory time constant T’d (0.03÷2.5 s);
3. a synchronous phase: may persist until the tripping of external protection,
and is characterized by the synchronous reactance Xd (80÷300% of
the rated impedance value).

t [s] 101
Synchronous
phase

Transient
phase

10-1

Subtransient
phase
10-2
1SDC010018F0201

10-3
1 10 102
x Irg

110 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.2 Protection and switching of generators

3 Protection of electrical equipment

As a first approximation, it can be estimated that the maximum value of the
short-circuit current of a generator, with rated power Srg, at the rated voltage of
the installation Ur, is equal to:
Irg . 100
Ikg =
X 'd' %
where
Irg is the rated current of the generator:
Srg
Irg =
3 . Ur
The circuit breaker for the protection of the generator shall be selected according
to the following criteria:
• the set current higher than the rated current of the generator: I1 ≥ Irg;
• breaking capacity Icu or Ics higher than the maximum value of short-circuit
current at the installation point:
- in the case of a single generator: Icu(Ics) ≥ Ikg;
- in the case of n identical generators in parallel: Icu(Ics) ≥ Ikg·(n-1);
- in the case of operation in parallel with the network: Icu(Ics) ≥ IkNet,
as the short-circuit contribution from the network is normally
greater than the contribution from the generator;
• for circuit breakers with thermomagnetic releases: low magnetic trip threshold:
I3 =2.5/3·In;
• for circuit breakers with electronic releases:
- trip threshold of the delayed short-circuit protection function (S), set
between 1.5 and 4 times the rated current of the generator, in such
away as to “intercept” the decrement curve of the generator:
I2 = (1.5÷4)·Irg; if the function S is not present, function I can be set
at the indicated values I3 = (1.5÷4)·Irg;
- trip threshold of the instantaneous short-circuit protection function
(I) set at a value greater than the rated short-circuit current of the
generator, so as to achieve discrimination with the devices installed
downstream, and to allow fast tripping in the event of a short-circuit
upstream of the device (working in parallel with other generators or
with the network):

I 3 ≥ I kg

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 111

 3.2 Protection and switching of generators

3 Protection of electrical equipment

The following tables give ABB SACE suggestions for the protection and switching
of generators; the tables refer to 400 V (Table 1), 440 V (Table 2), 500 V (Table 3)
and 690 V (Table 4).

Table 1 400 V Table 2 440 V

Srg [kVA] MCB MCCB ACB Srg [kVA] MCB MCCB ACB
4 S20L/S260 B6 4 S20L/S260 B6
6 T2 160 In=10 6 S20L/S260 B8 T2 160 In=10
S20L/S260 B10
7 7 S20L/S260 B10
9 S20L/S260 B13 9 S20L/S260 B13
11 S20L/S260 B16 11 S20L/S260 B16
T2 160 In=25 T2 160 In=25
14 14 S20L/S260 B20
S20L/S260 B25
17 17 S20L/S260 B25
19 19
21 S20L/S260 B32 21 S20L/S260 B32
22 22
28 28 S20L/S260 B40
S20L/S260 B50 T2 160 In=63
31 31
S20L/S260 B50 T2 160 In=63
35 35
38 S20L/S260 B63 38
42 42 S20L/S260 B63
44 44
48 S280 B80 48
T2 160 In=100 S280 B80
55 55
69 T2 160 In=100
S280 B100 69 S280 B100
80 80
T2 160 In=160 T2 160 In=160
87 87
100 T2 160 100
T2 160 In=160
111 111
T4 250
138 138 T4 250
159 T3 250 159 T3 250
173 T4 250 173 T4 250
180 180
190 190
T4 320
208 208 T4 320
218 218
242 242
T5 400
277 277 T5 400
308 308
311 311
346 T5 630 346 T5 630
381 S6 800 381 S6 800
415 415
436 436
484 S6 800 484 S6 800
554 S7 1250 554 S7 1000
E1/E2 1250
692 692 E1/E2 1250
727 S7 1000
S7 1250 727
865 E2/E3 1600 865 S7 1250
1107 S7 1600 E2/E3 2000 1107 S7 1600 E2/E3 1600
1730 E3 3200 1730 E3 2500
2180 S8 3200 E3 3200/E4 4000 2180 S8 3200
1SDC010016F0001

2214 2214 E3 3200

2250 E4 4000 2250
2500 2500 E4 3600
2800 2800 E4 4000
3150 E6 5000/6300 3150
E6 5000/6300
3500 3500

112 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.2 Protection and switching of generators

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 3 500 V Table 4 690 V

Srg [kVA] MCB MCCB ACB MCB MCCB ACB

4 4
6 T2 160 In=10 6
7 7 T2 160 In=10
9 9
11 11
14 14
T2 160 In=25
17 17
19 19
T2 160 In=25
21 21
22 22
28 28
31 31
35 35
T2 160 In=63
38 38
42 42
T2 160 In=63
44 44
48 48
55 55
69 T2 160 In=100 69
80 80
87 87
T2 160 In=100
100 100
T2 160 In=160 111
111
138 138
159 T3 250 159 T2 160 In=160
173 T4 250 173
180 180
T3 250
190 T4 250 190
208 208
218 218
T4 250
242 T4 320 242
277 277
308 308
311 T5 400 311
T4 320
346 346
381 381
415 T5 630 415
T5 400
436 S6 800 436
484 484 T5 630
554 S6 800 554
T5 630
692 S7 1000 E1/E2 1250 692 E1 800
S6 800
727 727
S7 1250
865 865 S6 800
1107 S7 1600 E2/E3 1600 1107 S7 1000 E1/E2 1250
1730 S8 2500 E3 2500 1730 S7 1600 E2/E3 1600
2180 2180
1SDC010017F0001

E2 2000
2214 2214
S8 3200 E3 3200 E3 2500
2250 2250 S8 2500
2500 2500
E3 2500
2800 2800
E4 4000
3150 3150
S8 3200 E3 3200
3500 E6 5000/6300 3500
Note: It is always advisable to check that the settings of the releases are correct with respect to the
effective decrement curve of the current of the generator to be protected.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 113

 3.2 Protection and switching of generators

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Example:
Protection of a generator with Srg = 100 kVA, in a system with a rated voltage
of 440 V
The generator parameters are:
Ur = 440 V
Srg = 100 kVA
f = 50 Hz
Irg = 131.2 A
X’’d = 6.5 % (subtransient reactance)
X’d = 17.6 % (transient reactance)
Xd = 230 % (synchronous reactance)
T’’d = 5.5 ms (subtransient time constant)
T’d = 39.3 ms (transient time constant)

From table 2, an ABB SACE T2N160 circuit-breaker is selected, with In = 160

A, with electronic release PR221-LS. For correct protection of the generator,
the following settings are selected:

function L: 0.84 – A, corresponding to 134.4 A, value greater than Irg .

function I: 1.5

Time-Current Curves
10 4 s

10 3 s
T2 160

10 2 s

10 1 s

1s
100 kVA generator
decrement curve
-1
10 s
1SDC010019F0201

10-2s

10-1kA 1kA 101kA

114 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3 Protection of electrical equipment

3.3 Protection and switching of motors

Electromechanical starter
The starter is designed to:
- start motors;
- ensure continuous functioning of motors;
- disconnect motors from the supply line;
- guarantee protection of motors against working overloads.
The starter is typically made up of a switching device (contactor) and an overload
protection device (thermal release).
The two devices must be coordinated with equipment capable of providing
protection against short-circuit (typically a circuit breaker with magnetic release
only), which is not necessarily part of the starter.

The characteristics of the starter must comply with the international Standard
IEC 60947-4-1, which defines the above as follows:

Contactor: a mechanical switching device having only one position of rest,

operated otherwise than by hand, capable of making, carrying and breaking
currents under normal circuit conditions including operating overload conditions.

Thermal release: thermal overload relay or release which operates in the case
of overload and also in case of loss of phase.

Circuit-breaker: defined by IEC 60947-2 as a mechanical switching device,

capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit
conditions and also making, carrying for a specified time and breaking currents
under specified abnormal circuit conditions.

The main types of motor which can be operated and which determine the
characteristics of the starter are defined by the following utilization categories:

Table 1: Utilization categories and typical applications

Current type Utilization categories Typical applications
Slip-ring motors: starting,
AC-2
switching off
Alternating Current ac Squirrel-cage motors: starting,
AC-3
switching off during running(1)
Squirrel-cage motors: starting,
AC-4
plugging, inching
(1)
AC-3 categories may be used for occasionally inching or plugging for limited time periods
such as machine set-up; during such limited time periods the number of such operations
should not exceed five per minutes or more than ten in a 10 minutes period.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 115

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

The choice of the starting method and also, if necessary, of the type of motor to
be used depends on the typical resistant torque of the load and on the short-
circuit power of the motor supplying network.

With alternating current, the most commonly used motor types are as follows:
- asynchronous three-phase squirrel-cage motors (AC-3): the most widespread
type due to the fact that they are of simple construction, economical and
sturdy; they develop high torque with short acceleration times, but require
elevated starting currents;
- slip-ring motors (AC-2): characterized by less demanding starting conditions,
and have quite a high starting torque, even with a supply network of low
power.

Starting methods
The most common starting methods for asynchronous squirrel-cage motors
are detailed below:

Direct starting
With direct starting, the DOL (Direct On Line) starter, with the closing of line
contactor KL, the line voltage is applied to the motor terminals in a single
operation. Hence a squirrel-cage motor develops a high starting torque with a
relatively reduced acceleration time. This method is generally used with small
and medium power motors which reach full working speed in a short time.
These advantages are, however, accompanied by a series of drawbacks,
including, for example:
- high current consumption and associated voltage drop which may cause
damages to the other parts of the system connected to the network;
- violent acceleration which has negative effects on mechanical transmission
components (belts, chains and mechanical joints), reducing working life.

MCCB

KL

TOR
1SDC010018F0001

Motor

116 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

Other types of starting for squirrel-cage motors are accomplished by reducing
the supply voltage of the motor: this leads to a reduction in the starting current
and of the motor torque, and an increase in the acceleration time.

Star-Delta starter
The most common reduced voltage starter is the Star-Delta starter (Y-∆), in
which:
- on starting, the stator windings are star-connected, thus achieving the
reduction of peak inrush current;
- once the normal speed of the motor is nearly reached, the switchover to delta
is carried out.
After the switchover, the current and the torque follow the progress of the curves
associated with normal service connections (delta).

As can be easily checked, starting the motor with star-connection gives a voltage
reduction of √3, and the current absorbed from the line is reduced by 1/3
compared with that absorbed with delta-connection.
The start-up torque, proportional to the square of the voltage, is reduced by 3
times, compared with the torque that the same motor would supply when del-
ta-connected.
This method is generally applied to motors with power from 15 to 355 kW, but
intended to start with a low initial resistant torque.

MCCB

KL K∆

KY

TOR
1SDC010019F0001

Motor

Starting sequence
By pressing the start button, contactors KL and KY are closed. The timer starts
to measure the start time with the motor connected in star. Once the set time
has elapsed, the first contact of the timer opens the KY contactor and the
second contact, delayed by approximately 50 ms, closes the K∆ contactor.
With this new configuration, contactors KL and K∆ closed, the motor becomes
delta-connected.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 117

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

The thermal release TOR, inserted in the delta circuit, can detect any 3rd harmonic
currents, which may occur due to saturation of the magnetic pack and by
adding to the fundamental current, overload the motor without involving the line.

With reference to the connection diagram, the equipment used for a Star/Delta
starter must be able to carry the following currents:
Ir
KL line contactor and K∆ delta contactor
3

Ir
KY star contactor
3

Ir
overload protection release
3
where Ir is the rated current of the motor.

Starting with autotransformers

Starting with autotransformers is the most functional of the methods used for
reduced voltage starting, but is also the most expensive. The reduction of the
supply voltage is achieved by using a fixed tap autotransformer or a more
expensive multi tap autotransformer.
Applications can be found with squirrel-cage motors which generally have a
power from 50 kW to several hundred kilowatts, and higher power double-
cage motors.

MCCB

K2 K3 K1
1SDC010020F0001

TOR

Motor

The autotransformer reduces the network voltage by the factor K (K=1.25÷1.8),

and as a consequence the start-up torque is reduced by K2 times compared
with the value of the full rated voltage.
On starting, the motor is connected to the taps of the autotransformer and the
contactors K2 and K1 are closed.

118 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Therefore, the motor starts at a reduced voltage, and when it has reached
approximately 80% of its normal speed, contactor K1 is opened and main
contactor K3 is closed. Subsequently, contactor K2 is opened, excluding the
autotransformer so as to supply the full network voltage.

Starting with inductive reactors or resistors

This type of starting is used for simple or double-cage rotors. The reduction of
the supply voltage is achieved by the insertion of inductive reactors or resistors,
in series to the stator. On start-up, the current is limited to 2.5÷3.5 times the
rated value.
On starting, the motor is supplied via contactor K2; once the normal speed is
reached, the reactors are short-circuited by the closing of contactor K1, and
are then excluded by the opening of contactor K2.
It is possible to achieve exclusions by step of the resistors or reactors with
time-delayed commands, even for motors with power greater than 100 kW.
The use of reactors notably reduces the power factor, while the use of resistors
causes the dissipation of a high power (Joule effect), even if limited to the
starting phase.
For a reduction K (0.6÷0.8) of the motor voltage, the torque is reduced by K2
times (0.36÷0.64).

K1 K2

Inductance
1SDC010021F0001

TOR

Motor

In compliance with the above mentioned Standard, starters can also be classified
according to tripping time (trip classes), and according to the type of coordination
achieved with the short-circuit protection device (Type 1 and Type 2).

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 119

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Trip classes
The trip classes differentiate between the thermal releases according to their
trip curve.
The trip classes are defined in the following table 2:

Table 2: Trip class

Trip Class Tripping time in seconds (Tp)
10A 2 < Tp ≤ 10
10 4 < Tp ≤ 10
20 6 < Tp ≤ 20
30 9 < Tp ≤ 30

where Tp is the cold trip time of the thermal release at 7.2 times the set current
value (for example: a release in class 10 at 7.2 times the set current value must
not trip within 4 s, but must trip within 10 s).
It is normal procedure to associate class 10 with a normal start-up type, and
class 30 with a heavy duty start-up type.

Coordination type
Type 1
It is acceptable that in the case of short-circuit the contactor and the thermal
release may be damaged. The starter may still not be able to function and must
be inspected; if necessary, the contactor and/or the thermal release must be
replaced, and the breaker release reset.

Type 2
In the case of short-circuit, the thermal release must not be damaged, while
the welding of the contactor contacts is allowed, as they can easily be separated
(with a screwdriver, for example), without any significant deformation.

In order to clearly determine a coordination type, and therefore the equipment

necessary to achieve it, the following must be known:
• power of the motor in kW and type;
• rated system voltage;
• rated motor current;
• short-circuit current at installation point;
• starting type: DOL or Y/∆ - normal or heavy duty – Type 1 or Type 2.

The requested devices shall be coordinated with each other in accordance

with the prescriptions of the Standard.
For the most common voltages and short-circuit values (400 V - 440 V - 500 V
- 690 V 35 kA - 50 kA) and for the most frequently used starting types, such as
direct starting and Star/Delta starting, for asynchronous squirrel-cage motor
(AC-3), ABB supplies solutions with:
• magnetic circuit-breaker - contactor - thermal release;
• thermomagnetic circuit-breaker - contactor;
• thermomagnetic circuit-breaker with PR212 MP electronic release – contactor.

120 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

The following is an example of the type of tables available:

Table 3: 400 V 50 kA DOL Normal Type 2

(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)
Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

Current
setting

Pe Ir Type I3 Type Type min. max.

[kW] [A] [A] [A] [A]

0.37 1.1 T2S160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.4 1 1.4
0.55 1.5 T2S160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8 1.3 1.8
0.75 1.9 T2S160 MF 2 26 A9 TA25DU2.4 1.7 2.4
1.1 2.8 T2S160 MF 3.2 42 A9 TA25DU4 2.8 4
1.5 3.5 T2S160 MF 4 52 A16 TA25DU5 3.5 5
2.2 5 T2S160 MF 5 65 A26 TA25DU6.5 4.5 6.5
3 6.6 T2S160 MF 8.5 110 A26 TA25DU8.5 6 8.5
4 8.6 T2S160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU11 7.5 11
5.5 11.5 T2S160 MF 12.5 163 A30 TA25DU14 10 14
7.5 15.2 T2S160 MA 20 210 A30 TA25DU19 13 19
11 22 T2S160 MA 32 288 A30 TA42DU25 18 25
15 28.5 T2S160 MA 52 392 A50 TA75DU42 29 42
18.5 36 T2S160 MA 52 469 A50 TA75DU52 36 52
22 42 T2S160 MA 52 547 A50 TA75DU52 36 52
30 56 T2S160 MA 80 840 A63 TA75DU80 60 80
37 68 T2S160 MA 80 960 A75 TA75DU80 60 80
45 83 T2S160 MA 100 1200 A95 TA110DU110 80 110
55 98 T3S250 MA 160 1440 A110 TA110DU110 80 110
75 135 T3S250 MA 200 1800 A145 TA200DU175 130 175
90 158 T3S250 MA 200 2400 A185 TA200DU200 150 200
110 193 T4S320 PR221-I In320 2720 A210 E320DU320 100 320
132 232 T5S400 PR221-I In400 3200 A260 E320DU320 100 320
160 282 T5S400 PR221-I In400 4000 A300 E320DU320 100 320
1SDC010022F0201

200 349 T5S630 PR221-I In630 5040 AF400 E500DU500 150 500
250 430 T5S630 PR221-I In630 6300 AF460 E500DU500 150 500
290 520 S6S800 PR211-I In800 8000 AF580 E800DU800 250 800
315 545 S6S800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF580 E800DU800 250 800
355 610 S6S800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF750 E800DU800 250 800
MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 121

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 4: 400 V 50 kA DOL Heavy duty Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)
Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

Setting of No. of Setting

the turns of range
Type magnetic Type Type** the CT
Pe Ir release primary min. max.
[kW] [A] [A]
coil [A] [A]
0.37 1.1 T2S160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.4* 1 1.4
0.55 1.5 T2S160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8* 1.3 1.8
0.75 1.9 T2S160 MF 2 26 A9 TA25DU2.4* 1.7 2.4
1.1 2.8 T2S160 MF 3.2 42 A9 TA25DU4* 2.8 4
1.5 3.5 T2S160 MF 4 52 A16 TA25DU5* 3.5 5
2.2 5 T2S160 MF 5 65 A26 TA25DU6.5* 4.5 6.5
3 6.6 T2S160 MF 8.5 110 A26 TA25DU8.5* 6 8.5
4 8.6 T2S160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU11* 7.5 11
5.5 11.5 T2S160 MF 12.5 163 A30 TA450SU60 4 10 15
7.5 15.2 T2S160 MA 20 210 A30 TA450SU60 3 13 20
11 22 T2S160 MA 32 288 A30 TA450SU60 2 20 30
15 28.5 T2S160 MA 52 392 A50 TA450SU80 2 23 40
18.5 36 T2S160 MA 52 469 A50 TA450SU80 2 23 40
22 42 T2S160 MA 52 547 A50 TA450SU60 40 60
30 56 T2S160 MA 80 840 A63 TA450SU80 55 80
37 68 T2S160 MA 80 960 A95 TA450SU80 55 80
45 83 T2S160 MA 100 1200 A110 TA450SU105 70 105
55 98 T3S250 MA 160 1440 A145 TA450SU140 95 140
75 135 T3S250 MA 200 1800 A185 TA450SU185 130 185
90 158 T3S250 MA 200 2400 A210 TA450SU185 130 185
110 193 T4S320 PR221-I In320 2720 A260 E320DU320 100 320
132 232 T5S400 PR221-I In400 3200 A300 E320DU320 100 320
160 282 T5S400 PR221-I In400 4000 AF400 E500DU500 150 500 1SDC010020F0201

200 349 T5S630 PR221-I In630 5040 AF460 E500DU500 150 500
250 430 T5S630 PR221-I In630 6300 AF580 E500DU500*** 150 500
290 520 S6S800 PR211-I In800 8000 AF750 E800DU800 250 800
315 545 S6S800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF750 E800DU800 250 800
355 610 S6S800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF750 E800DU800 250 800

* Provide a by-pass contactor of the same size during motor start-up

** For type E releases choose tripping class 30
*** Connecting kit not available. To use the connecting kit, replacement with release E800DU800 is necessary
MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

122 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 4: 400 V 50 kA Y/∆ Normal Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

MOTOR MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

I3 LINE DELTA STAR

Pe [kW] Ir [A] Type [A] Type Type Type Type [A]
18.5 36 T2S160 MA52 469 A50 A50 A26 TA75DU25 18-25
22 42 T2S160 MA52 547 A50 A50 A26 TA75DU32 22-32
30 56 T2S160 MA80 720 A63 A63 A30 TA75DU42 29-42
37 68 T2S160 MA80 840 A75 A75 A30 TA75DU52 36-52
45 83 T2S160 MA100 1050 A75 A75 A30 TA75DU63 45 - 63
55 98 T2S160 MA100 1200 A75 A75 A40 TA75DU63 45 - 63
75 135 T3S250 MA160 1700 A95 A95 A75 TA110DU90 66 - 90
90 158 T3S250 MA200 2000 A110 A110 A95 TA110DU110 80 - 110

1SDC010023F0201
110 193 T3S250 MA200 2400 A145 A145 A95 TA200DU135 100 - 135
132 232 T4S320 PR221-I In320 2880 A145 A145 A110 E200DU200 60 - 200
160 282 T5S400 PR221-I In400 3600 A185 A185 A145 E200DU200 60 - 200
200 349 T5S630 PR221-I In630 4410 A210 A210 A185 E320DU320 100 - 320
250 430 T5S630 PR221-I In630 5670 A260 A260 A210 E320DU320 100 - 320

MA : magnetic only adjustable release

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 123

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 6: 440 V 50 kA DOL Normal Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

Current
setting
Pe Ir Type I3 Type Type min. max.
[kW] [A] [A] [A] [A]

0,37 1 T2H160 MF 1 13 A9 TA25DU1.4 1 1,4

0,55 1,4 T2H160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8 1,3 1,8
0,75 1,7 T2H160 MF 2 26 A9 TA25DU2.4 1,7 2,4
1,1 2,2 T2H160 MF 2.5 33 A9 TA25DU3.1 2,2 3,1
1,5 3 T2H160 MF 3.2 42 A16 TA25DU4 2,8 4
2,2 4,4 T2H160 MF 5 65 A26 TA25DU5 3,5 5
3 5,7 T2H160 MF 6.5 84 A26 TA25DU6.5 4,5 6,5
4 7,8 T2H160 MF 8.5 110 A30 TA25DU11 7,5 11
5,5 10,5 T2H160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU14 10 14
7,5 13,5 T2H160 MA 20 180 A30 TA25DU19 13 19
11 19 T2H160 MA 32 240 A30 TA42DU25 18 25
15 26 T2H160 MA 32 336 A50 TA75DU32 22 32
18,5 32 T2H160 MA 52 469 A50 TA75DU42 29 42
22 38 T2H160 MA 52 547 A50 TA75DU52 36 52
30 52 T2H160 MA 80 720 A63 TA75DU63 45 63
37 63 T2H160 MA 80 840 A75 TA75DU80 60 80
45 75 T2H160 MA 100 1050 A95 TA110DU90 65 90
55 90 T4H250 PR221-I In160 1200 A110 TA110DU110 80 110
75 120 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1750 A145 E200DU200 60 200
90 147 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2000 A185 E200DU200 60 200
110 177 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2500 A210 E320DU320 100 320
132 212 T4H320 PR221-I In320 3200 A260 E320DU320 100 320
1SDC010024F0201

160 260 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3600 A300 E320DU320 100 320
200 320 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4410 AF 400 E500DU500 150 500
250 410 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5355 AF 460 E500DU500 150 500
290 448 S6H630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF 580 E500DU500* 150 500
315 500 S6H800 PR211-I In800 8000 AF 580 E800DU800 250 800
355 549 S6H800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF 580 E800DU800 250 800
* Connection kit not available
MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

124 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 7: 440 V 50 kA DOL Heavy duty Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)
Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay
Type Setting of Type Type** No. of Setting
the turns of range
Pe Ir magnetic the CT
release primary min. max.
[kW] [A] [A]
coil [A] [A]
0.37 1 T2H160 MF 1 13 A9 TA25DU1.4* 1 1.4
0.55 1.4 T2H160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8* 1.3 1.8
0.75 1.7 T2H160 MF 2 26 A9 TA25DU2.4* 1.7 2.4
1.1 2.2 T2H160 MF 2.5 33 A9 TA25DU3.1* 2.2 3.1
1.5 3 T2H160 MF 3.2 42 A16 TA25DU4* 2.8 4
2.2 4.4 T2H160 MF 5 65 A26 TA25DU5* 3.5 5
3 5.7 T2H160 MF 6.5 84 A26 TA25DU6.5* 4.5 6.5
4 7.8 T2H160 MF 8.5 110 A30 TA25DU11* 7.5 11
5.5 10.5 T2H160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU14* 10 14
7.5 13.5 T2H160 MA 20 180 A30 TA450SU60 4 10 15
11 19 T2H160 MA 32 240 A30 TA450SU80 3 18 27
15 26 T2H160 MA 32 336 A50 TA450SU60 2 20 30
18.5 32 T2H160 MA 52 469 A50 TA450SU80 2 28 40
22 38 T2H160 MA 52 547 A50 TA450SU80 2 28 40
30 52 T2H160 MA 80 720 A63 TA450SU60 40 60
37 63 T2H160 MA 80 840 A95 TA450SU80 55 80
45 75 T2H160 MA 100 1050 A110 TA450SU105 70 105
55 90 T4H250 PR221-I In160 1200 A145 E200DU200 60 200
75 120 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1750 A185 E200DU200 60 200
90 147 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2000 A210 E320DU320 100 320
110 177 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2500 A260 E320DU320 100 320
132 212 T4H320 PR221-I In320 3200 A300 E320DU320 100 320

1SDC010021F0201
160 260 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3600 AF400 E500DU500 150 500
200 320 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4410 AF460 E500DU500 150 500
250 410 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5355 AF580 E500DU500*** 150 500
290 448 S6H630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF750 E500DU500*** 150 500
315 500 S6H800 PR211-I In800 8000 AF 750 E800DU800 250 800
355 549 S6H800 PR211-I In800 9600 AF 750 E800DU800 250 800
* Provide a by-pass contactor of the same size during motor start-up
** For type E releases choose tripping class 30
*** Connecting kit not available. To use the connecting kit, replacement with release E800DU800 is necessary
MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 125

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 8: 440 V 50 kA Y/∆ Normal Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

MOTOR MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

I3 LINE DELTA STAR
Pe [kW] Ir [A] Type [A] Type Type Type Type [A]
18.5 32 T2H160 MA52 392 A 50 A 50 A 16 TA75DU25 18-25
22 38 T2H160 MA52 469 A 50 A 50 A 26 TA75DU25 18-25
30 52 T2H160 MA80 720 A 63 A 63 A 26 TA75DU42 29-42
37 63 T2H160 MA80 840 A 75 A 75 A 30 TA75DU42 29-42
45 75 T2H160 MA80 960 A 75 A 75 A30 TA75DU52 36-52
55 90 T2H160 MA100 1150 A 75 A 75 A40 TA75DU63 45 - 63
75 120 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1625 A95 A95 A75 TA80DU80 60-80
90 147 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1875 A95 A95 A75 TA110DU110 80-110
110 177 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2250 A145 A145 A95 E200DU200 60-200

1SDC010025F0201
132 212 T4H320 PR221-I In320 2720 A145 A145 A110 E200DU200 60-200
160 260 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3200 A185 A185 A145 E200DU200 60-200
200 320 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4095 A210 A210 A185 E320DU320 100-320
250 410 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5040 A260 A260 A210 E320DU320 100-320
MA : Magnetic only adjustable release

126 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 9: 500 V 50 kA DOL Normal Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

Type Type Type Current
setting
Pe Ir I3 min. max.
[kW] [A] [A] [A] [A]
0.37 0.88 T2L160 MF 1 13 A9 TA25DU1.0 0.63 1
0.55 1.2 T2L160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.4 1 1.4
0.75 1.5 T2L160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8 1.3 1.8
1.1 2.2 T2L160 MF 2.5 33 A9 TA25DU3.1 2.2 3.1
1.5 2.8 T2L160 MF 3.2 42 A16 TA25DU4 2.8 4
2.2 4 T2L160 MF 4 52 A26 TA25DU5 3.5 5
3 5.2 T2L160 MF 6.5 84 A26 TA25DU6.5 4.5 6.5
4 6.9 T2L160 MF 8.5 110 A30 TA25DU8.5 6 8.5
5.5 9.1 T2L160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU11 7.5 11
7.5 12.2 T2L160 MF 12.5 163 A30 TA25DU14 10 14
11 17.5 T2L160 MA 20 240 A30 TA25DU19 13 19
15 23 T2L160 MA 32 336 A50 TA75DU25 18 25
18.5 29 T2L160 MA 52 392 A50 TA75DU32 22 32
22 34 T2L160 MA 52 469 A50 TA75DU42 29 42
30 45 T2L160 MA 52 624 A63 TA75DU52 36 52
37 56 T2L160 MA 80 840 A75 TA75DU63 45 63
45 67 T2L160 MA 80 960 A95 TA80DU80 60 80
55 82 T2L160 MA 100 1200 A110 TA110DU90 65 90
75 110 T4H250 PR221-I In160 1440 A145 E200DU200 60 200
90 132 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1875 A145 E200DU200 60 200
110 158 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2250 A185 E200DU200 60 200
132 192 T4H320 PR221-I In320 2720 A210 E320DU320 100 320
160 230 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3600 A260 E320DU320 100 320
1SDC010026F0201

200 279 T5H400 PR221-I In400 4000 A300 E320DU320 100 320
250 335 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4725 AF 400 E 500DU500 150 500
290 394 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5040 AF 460 E 500DU500 150 500
315 440 S6L630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF 580 E 500DU500* 150 500
355 483 S6L630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF 580 E 800DU800 250 800

* Connection kit not available

MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 127

 3.3 Protection and switching of motors

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 10: 500 V 50 kA DOL Heavy duty Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

Motor MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

Type Setting of Type Type** No. of Setting
the turns of range
Pe Ir magnetic the CT
release primary min. max.
[kW] [A] [A]
coil [A] [A]
0.37 0.88 T2L160 MF 1 13 A9 TA25DU1.0* 0.63 1
0.55 1.2 T2L160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.4* 1 1.4
0.75 1.5 T2L160 MF 1.6 21 A9 TA25DU1.8* 1.3 1.8
1.1 2.2 T2L160 MF 2.5 33 A9 TA25DU3.1* 2.2 3.1
1.5 2.8 T2L160 MF 3.2 42 A16 TA25DU4* 2.8 4
2.2 4 T2L160 MF 4 52 A26 TA25DU5* 3.5 5
3 5.2 T2L160 MF 6.5 84 A26 TA25DU6.5* 4.5 6.5
4 6.9 T2L160 MF 8.5 110 A30 TA25DU8.5* 6 8.5
5.5 9.1 T2L160 MF 11 145 A30 TA25DU11* 7.5 11
7.5 12.2 T2L160 MF 12.5 163 A30 TA450SU60 4 10 15
11 17.5 T2L160 MA 20 240 A30 TA450SU60 3 13 20
15 23 T2L160 MA 32 336 A50 TA450SU60 2 20 30
18.5 29 T2L160 MA 52 392 A50 TA450SU80 2 27.5 40
22 34 T2L160 MA 52 469 A50 TA450SU80 2 27.5 40
30 45 T2L160 MA 52 624 A63 TA450SU60 40 60
37 56 T2L160 MA 80 840 A75 TA450SU60 40 60
45 67 T2L160 MA 80 960 A95 TA450SU80 55 80
55 82 T2L160 MA 100 1200 A145 TA450SU105 70 105
75 110 T4H250 PR221-I In160 1440 A145 E200DU200 60 200
90 132 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1875 A185 E200DU200 60 200
110 158 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2123 A210 E320DU320 100 320
132 192 T4H320 PR221-I In320 2720 A260 E320DU320 100 320

1SDC010021F0201
160 230 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3200 A300 E320DU320 100 320
200 279 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3600 AF400 E500DU500 150 500
250 335 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4725 AF460 E500DU500 150 500
290 394 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5040 AF580 E500DU500*** 150 500
315 440 S6L630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF750 E500DU500*** 150 500
355 483 S6L630 PR211-I In630 7560 AF750 E500DU500 150 500
* Provide a by-pass contactor of the same size during motor start-up
** For type E releases choose tripping class 30
*** Connecting kit not available. To use the connecting kit, replacement with release E800DU800 is necessary
MA: magnetic only adjustable release
MF: fixed magnetic only release

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 11: 500 V 50 kA Y/∆ Normal Type 2
(Tmax, Isomax – Contactor – Thermal release)

MOTOR MCCB Contactor Thermal Overload Relay

I3 LINE DELTA STAR
Pe [kW] Ir [A] Type [A] Type Type Type Type [A]
22 34 T2L160 MA52 430 A 50 A 50 A 16 TA75DU25 18-25
30 45 T2L160 MA52 547 A 63 A 63 A 26 TA75DU32 22-32
37 56 T2L160 MA80 720 A 75 A 75 A 30 TA75DU42 29-42
45 67 T2L160 MA80 840 A 75 A 75 A30 TA75DU52 36 - 52
55 82 T2L160 MA100 1050 A 75 A 75 A30 TA75DU52 36 - 52
75 110 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1375 A95 A95 A50 TA80DU80 60-80
90 132 T4H250 PR221-I In250 1750 A95 A95 A75 TA110DU90 65-90
110 158 T4H250 PR221-I In250 2000 A110 A110 A95 TA110DU110 80-110
132 192 T4H320 PR221-I In320 2560 A145 A145 A95 E200DU200 60-200

1SDC010027F0201
160 230 T4H320 PR221-I In320 2880 A145 A145 A110 E200DU200 60-200
200 279 T5H400 PR221-I In400 3400 A210 A210 A145 E320DU320 100-320
250 335 T5H630 PR221-I In630 4410 A210 A210 A185 E320DU320 100-320
290 394 T5H630 PR221-I In630 5040 A260 A260 A210 E320DU320 100-320

MA: magnetic only adjustable release

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

Example:
For a Y/∆ Normal starting Type 2, of a three phase asynchronous squirrel-cage
motor with the following data:
rated voltage Ur = 400 V
short-circuit current Ik = 50 kA
rated motor power Pe = 200 kW
from Table 5, on the relevant row, the following information can be found:

• Ir (rated current): 349 A;

• short-circuit protection device: circuit breaker T5S630 PR221-I In630;
• magnetic trip threshold: I3 = 4410 A;
• line contactor: A210;
• delta contactor: A210;
• star contactor: A185;
• thermal release E320DU320, setting range 100-320 A
(to be set at I r = 202 A ).
3

130 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3 Protection of electrical equipment

3.4 Protection and switching of

transformers
General aspects
Transformers are used to achieve a change in the supply voltage, for both
medium and low voltage supplies.
The choice of the protection devices must take into account transient insertion
phenomena, during which the current may reach values higher than the rated
full load current; the phenomenon decays in a few seconds.
The curve which represents these transient phenomena in the time-current
diagram, termed “inrush current I0”, depends on the size of the transformer
and can be evaluated with the following formula (the short-circuit power of the
network is assumed equal to infinity) K ⋅ I ⋅ e ( – t / τ)
r1
I0 =
where: 2
K ratio between the maximum peak inrush current value ( I0 ) and the rated
current of the transformer (I1r): (K= I0 / I1r);
τ time constant of the inrush current;
I1r rated current of the primary;
t time.

The table below shows the indicative values for t and K parameters referred to
rated power Sr for oil transformers.

Sr [kVA] 50 100 160 250 400 630 1000 1600 2000

K = Io/I1r 15 14 12 12 12 11 10 9 8
τ [s] 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.22 0.25 0.30 0.35 0.40 0.45

Further to the above consideration, the follwing diagram shows the inrush
current curve for a 20/0.4kV of 400kVA transformer. This transformer has an
inrush current during the very first moments equal to about 8 times the rated
current; this transient phenomenon stops after a few tenths of a second.
10

[s]

10-1
1SDC010022F0001

10-2
10-3 10-2 10-1 1
[kA]

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

The transformer protection devices must also guarantee that the transformer
cannot operate above the point of maximum thermal overload under short-
circuit conditions; this point is defined on the time-current diagram by the value
of short-circuit current which can pass through the transformer and by a time
equal to 2 s, as stated by Standard IEC 60076-5. The short-circuit current (Ik)
flowing for a fault with low impedance at the LV terminals of the transformer is
calculated by using the following formula:

Ur
Ik = [A] (1)
3 ⋅ ( ZNet + Zt )
where:
• Ur is the rated voltage of the transformer [V];
• ZNet is the short-circuit impedance of the network [Ω];
• Zt is the short-circuit impedance of the transformer; from the rated power of
the transformer (Sr [VA]) and the percentage short-circuit voltage (uk%) is
equal to:

uk % U r2
Zt = ⋅ [Ω] (2)
100 Sr

Considering the upstream short-circuit power of the network to be infinite

(ZNet=0), formula (1) becomes:

Ur Ur 100 Sr
Ik = = = [A] (3)
3 ⋅ ( Zt )  uk % U r2  3 ⋅ uk %⋅ Ur

3⋅ ⋅ 

 100 Sr 

The diagram below shows the inrush current curve for a 20/0.4 kV of 400 kVA
transformer (uk% = 4 %) and the point referred to the thermal ability to with the
short-circuit current (Ik; 2 sec.).

1s

10-1s
1SDC010023F0001

10-2s

1kA 10kA

132 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

In summary: for the correct protection of the transformer and to avoid unwanted
trips, the trip curve of the protection device must be above the inrush current
curve and below the overload point.
The diagram below shows a possible position of the time-current curve of an
upstream protection device of a 690/400 V, 250 kVA transformer with uk% = 4 %.

10 4 s

10 3 s
T4N250 PR221 In=250 A
2
10 s

10 1 s

250 kVA Trafo

1s

10-1s

1SDC010024F0001
10-2s

10-1 kA 1kA 10kA

Criteria for the selection of protection devices

For the protection at the LV side of MV/LV transformers, the selection of a
circuit breaker shall take into account:
• the rated current at LV side of the protected transformer (this value is the
reference value for the rated current of the circuit breaker and the setting of
the protections);
• the maximum short-circuit current at the point of installation (this value
determines the minimum breaking capacity (Icu/Ics) of the protection device).

MV/LV unit with single transformer

The rated current at the LV side of the transformer (Ir) is determined by the
following formula:
1000⋅ Sr
Ir = [A] (4)
3 ⋅ U r 20

where:
• Sr is the rated power of the transformer [kVA];
• Ur20 is the rated LV no-load voltage of the transformer [V].

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 133

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

The full voltage three-phase short-circuit current (Ik), at the LV terminals of the
transformer, can be expressed as (assuming that the short-circuit power of the
network is infinite):
100⋅ I r
Ik = [A] (5)
uk %
where:
uk% is the short-circuit voltage of the transformer, in %.

The protection circuit-breaker must have:

In ≥ I r;
Icu (Ics) ≥ Ik.

If the short-circuit power of the upstream network is not infinite and cable or
busbar connections are present, it is possible to obtain a more precise value
for Ik by using formula (1), where ZNet is the sum of the impedance of the
network and of the impedance of the connection.

MV/LV substation with more than one transformer in parallel

For the calculation of the rated current of the transformer, the above applies
(formula 4).

The breaking capacity of each protection circuit-breaker on the LV side shall be

higher than the short-circuit current equivalent to the short-circuit current of
each equal transformer multiplied by the number of them minus one.
As can be seen from the diagram below, in the case of a fault downstream of a
transformer circuit-breaker (circuit-breaker A), the short-circuit current that flows
through the circuit-breaker is equal to the contribution of a single transformer.
In the case of a fault upstream of the same circuit-breaker, the short-circuit
current that flows is equal to the contribution of the other two transformers in
parallel.

134 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

For a correct dimensioning, a circuit-breaker with a breaking capacity higher
than twice the short-circuit current of one of the transformers must be chosen
(assuming that all the transformers are equal and the loads are passive).

The circuit-breakers positioned on the outgoing feeders (circuit-breakers B)

shall have a breaking capacity higher than the sum of the short-circuit currents
of the three transformers, according to the hypothesis that the upstream network
short-circuit power is 750 MVA and the loads are passive.

Ik1 Ik2 Ik3

Ik2 + Ik3 A

1SDC010025F0001
Ik = Ik1 + Ik2 + Ik3

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 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Selection of the circuit-breaker
The following tables show some possible choices of ABB SACE circuit-breakers,
according to the characteristics of the transformer to be protected.

Table 1: Protection and switching of 230 V transformers

Transformer Circuit Breaker "A" (LV side) Circuit B

Trafo
Sr uk Trafo Ir Busbar Ib ABB SACE Release Busbar Ik Fee
Feeder Ik
Circuit Breaker
[kVA] % [A] [A] [kA] size setting [kA] 32 A 63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A
1 x 63 158 158 3.9 T1B160 In=160 1 3.9 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 63 158 316 3.9 T1B160 In=160 1 7.9 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
1 x 100 251 251 6.3 T4N320 In=320 0.9 6.3 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 100 251 502 6.2 T4N320 In=320 0.9 12.5 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 125 314 314 7.8 T5N400 In=400 0.9 7.8 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
4
2 x 125 314 628 7.8 T5N400 In=400 0.9 15.6 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 160 402 402 10.0 T5N630 In=630 0.7 10.0 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
4
2 x 160 402 803 9.9 T5N630 In=630 0.7 19.9 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 200 502 502 12.5 T5N630 In=630 0.9 12.5 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 200 502 1004 12.4 T5N630 In=630 0.9 24.8 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 250 628 628 15.6 T5N630 In=630 1 15.6 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 250 628 1255 15.4 T5N630 In=630 1 30.9 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 315 791 791 19.6 S6N800 In=800 1 19.6 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
4
2 x 315 791 1581 19.4 S6N800 In=800 1 38.7 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 400 1004 1004 24.8 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 24.8 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
4
2 x 400 1004 2008 24.5 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 48.9 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 500 1255 1255 30.9 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 30.9 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
4
2 x 500 1255 2510 30.4 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 60.7 T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N63
1 x 630 1581 1581 38.7 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 1 38.7 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
2 x 630 4 1581 3163 37.9 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 1 75.9 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630
3 x 630 1581 4744 74.4 S7S1600/E3S1600 In=1600 1 111.6 T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 800 2008 2008 39.3 E3N2500 In=2500 0.9 39.3 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
2 x 800 5 2008 4016 38.5 E3N2500 In=2500 0.9 77.0 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630
3 x 800 2008 6025 75.5 E3H2500 In=2500 0.9 113.2 T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 1000 2510 2510 48.9 E3N3200 In=3200 0.8 48.9 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N63
2 x 1000 5 2510 5020 47.7 E3N3200 In=3200 0.8 95.3 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H63
3 x 1000 2510 7531 93.0 E3H3200 In=3200 0.8 139.5 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 1250 3138 3138 60.7 E3N3200 In=3200 1 60.7 T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N63
2 x 1250 5 3138 6276 58.8 E3N3200 In=3200 1 117.7 T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
3 x 1250 3138 9413 114.1 S8V3200/E6V3200 In=3200 1 171.2 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630

136 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Circuit Breaker "B" (Feeder Circuit Breaker)

Feeder Circuit Breaker type and rated current
2 A 63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800 A 1250 A 1600 A 2000 A 2500 A 3200 A 4000 A
250/S260 T1B160
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
250/S260 T1B160
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
250/S260 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E1N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E2N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E1N1250
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800 S7S1250/E2L1250 S7S1600/E2L1600 E3H2000 E3H2500
T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800 S7L1250/E2L1250 S7L1600/E2L1600 E3L2000 E3L2500 E6V3200
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E1B1250 S7S1600/E2B1600
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800 S7S1250/E2L1250 S7S1600/E2L1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200
T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800 S7L1250/E2L1250 S7L1600/E2L1600 E3L2000 E3L2500 E6V3200 E6V4000
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E1N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
1SDC010035F0201

T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6H800 S7H1250/E2L1250 S7H1600/E2L1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800 S7L1250 S7L1600 E6V3200 E6V3200 E6V3200 E6V4000
T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800 S7S1250/E2N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500
T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800 S7L1250/E2L1250 S7L1600/E2L1600 E3L2000 E3L2500 E6V3200 E6V4000
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800 S7L1250 S7L1600

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 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 2: Protection and switching of 400 V transformers

Transformer Circuit Breaker "A" (LV side) Circuit Break

Trafo
Sr uk Trafo I r Busbar Ib ABB SACE Release Busbar Ik Feeder C
Feeder Ik
Circuit Breaker
[kVA] % [A] [A] [kA] size setting [kA] 32 A 63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 80
1 x 63 91 91 2.2 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.96 2.2 S250/S260
4
2 x 63 91 182 2.2 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.96 4.4 S250/S260 T1B160
1 x 100 144 144 3.6 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.92 3.6 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 100 144 288 3.6 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.92 7.2 S250/S260 T1B160
1 x 125 180 180 4.5 T3N250 In=250 0.95/0.8 4.5 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 125 180 360 4.4 T3N250 In=250 0.95/0.8 8.8 S250/S260 T1B160
1 x 160 231 231 5.7 T3N250 In=250 0.95/0.95 5.7 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 160 231 462 5.7 T3N250 In=250 0.95/0.95 11.4 T1B160 T3N250
1 x 200 289 289 7.2 T4N320 In=320 0.95 7.2 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
4
2 x 200 289 578 7.1 T4N320 In=320 0.95 14.2 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 250 361 361 8.9 T5N400 In=400 0.95 8.9 S250/S260 T1B160 T3N250
4
2 x 250 361 722 8.8 T5N400 In=400 0.95 17.6 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 315 455 455 11.2 T5N630 In=630 0.8 11.2 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 315 455 910 11.1 T5N630 In=630 0.8 22.2 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
1 x 400 577 577 14.2 T5N630/S6N800 In=630/800 0.95/0.8 14.2 T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 400 577 1154 14 T5N630/S6N800 In=630/800 0.95/0.8 28 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
1 x 500 722 722 17.7 S6N800/S7S1250 In=800/1000 0.95/0.8 17.7 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
4
2 x 500 722 1444 17.5 S6N800/S7S1250 In=800/1000 0.95/0.8 35.9 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N
1 x 630 909 909 22.3 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.95 22.3 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
2 x 630 4 909 1818 21.8 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.95 43.6 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800
3 x 630 909 2727 42.8 S7S1250/E1N1250 In=1000 0.95 64.2 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/
1 x 800 1155 1155 22.6 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.95 22.6 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
2 x 800 5 1155 2310 22.1 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.95 44.3 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800
3 x 800 1155 3465 43.4 S7S1250/E1N1250 In=1250 0.95 65 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/
1 x 1000 1443 1443 28.1 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.95 28.1 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
2 x 1000 5 1443 2886 27.4 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.95 54.8 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H400 S6H800/
3 x 1000 1443 4329 53.5 S7H1600/E2N1600 In=1600 0.95 80.2 T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/
1 x 1250 1804 1804 34.9 E2B2000 In=2000 0.95 34.9 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
2 x 1250 5 1804 3608 33.8 E2B2000 In=2000 0.95 67.7 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/
3 x 1250 1804 5412 65.6 E3S2000 In=2000 0.95 98.4 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/
1 x 1600 2309 2309 35.7 E3N2500 In=2500 0.95 35.7 T2N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
2 x 1600 6.25 2309 4618 34.6 E3N2500 In=2500 0.95 69.2 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/
3 x 1600 2309 6927 67 E3S2000 In=2500 0.95 100.6 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 2000 2887 2887 44.3 E3N3200 In=3200 0.95 44.3 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800
2 x 2000 6.25 2887 5774 42.6 E3N3200 In=3200 0.95 85.1 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/
3 x 2000 2887 8661 81.9 E3H3200 In=3200 0.95 122.8 T4L250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630
1 x 2500 6.25 3608 3608 54.8 E4S4000 In=4000 1 54.8 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6H800/
1 x 3125 6.25 4510 4510 67.7 E6H5000 In=5000 1 67.7 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/

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Circuit Breaker "B" (Feeder Circuit Breaker)

Feeder Circuit Breaker type and rated current
A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800 A 1250 A 1600 A 2000 A 2500 A 3200 A 4000 A
0
0 T1B160
0 T1B160
0 T1B160
0 T1B160
0 T1B160
0 T1B160
T1B160 T3N250
0 T1B160 T3N250
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
0 T1B160 T3N250
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T1B160 T3N250 T5N400
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1N800 S7S1250/E1N1250
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1N800 S7S1250/E1N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H400 S6H800/E2N1250 S7H1250/E2N1250 S7H1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E3H1250 S7L1250/E3H1250 S7L1600/E3H1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250 S7S1600/E2B1600
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E3H1250 S7L1250/E3S1250 S7L1600/E3S1600 E3S2000 E3S2500 E3S3200
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E3H1250 S7L1250/E3H1250 S7L1600/E3H1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T2N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250 S7S1600/E2B1600
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E3S1250 S7L1250/E3S1250 S7L1600/E3S1600 E3S2000 E3S2500 E3S3200 E4S4000
1SDC010036F0201

T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2L1250 S8V2000/E2L1600 E3L2000 E3L2500 E6V3200 E6V4000
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1N800 S7S1250/E1N1250 S7S1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E3H1250 S7L1250/E3H1250 S7L1600/E3H1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T4L250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630 E2L1250 E2L1600 E3L2000 E3L2500 E6V3200 E6V4000
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6H800/E2N1250 S7H1250/E2N1250 S7H1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500 E3N3200
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E3S1250 S7L1250/E3S1250 S7L1600/E3S1600 E3S2000 E3S2500 E3S3200 E4S4000

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 139

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 3: Protection and switching of 440 V transformers

Transformer Circuit Breaker "A" (LV side) Circuit Breake

Trafo
Sr uk Trafo I r Busbar Ib ABB SACE Release Busbar Ik Feeder C
Feeder Ik
Circuit Breaker
[kVA] % [A] [A] [kA] size setting [kA] 32 A 63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800
1 x 63 83 83 2.1 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.9/0.88 2.1 S250/S260
4
2 x 63 83 165 2.1 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.9/0.88 4.1 S250/S260 T1B160
1 x 100 131 131 3.3 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.85/0.88 3.3 S250/S260
4
2 x 100 131 262 3.3 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.85/0.88 6.5 T1B160
1 x 125 164 164 4.1 T3N/T4N250 In=250 0.9/0.7 4.1 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 125 164 328 4.1 T3N/T4N250 In=250 0.9/0.7 8.1 T1B160 T3N250
1 x 160 210 210 5.2 T3N/T4N250 In=250 0.9 5.2 S250/S260 T1B160
4
2 x 160 210 420 5.2 T3N/T4N250 In=250 0.9 10.4 T1C160 T3N250
1 x 200 262 262 6.5 T5N400 In=320 0.9 6.5 T1B160
4
2 x 200 262 525 6.5 T5N400 In=320 0.9 12.9 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 250 328 328 8.1 T5N400 In=400 0.9 8.1 T1B160 T3N250
4
2 x 250 328 656 8.1 T5N400 In=400 0.9 16.1 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400
1 x 315 413 413 10.2 T5N630 In=630 0.7 10.2 T1C160 T3N250
4
2 x 315 413 827 10.1 T5N630 In=630 0.7 20.2 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
1 x 400 525 525 12.9 T5N630 In=630 0.9 12.9 T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 400 525 1050 12.8 T5N630 In=630 0.9 25.6 T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630
1 x 500 656 656 16.1 S6N800 In=800 0.9 16.1 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400
4
2 x 500 656 1312 15.9 S6N800 In=800 0.9 31.7 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S8
1 x 630 827 827 20.2 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 20.2 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
2 x 630 4 827 1653 19.8 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 39.7 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E
3 x 630 827 2480 38.9 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 58.3 T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
1 x 800 1050 1050 20.6 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 20.6 T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/
2 x 800 5 1050 2099 20.1 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 40.3 T2S160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6S800/E
3 x 800 1050 3149 39.5 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 59.2 T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
1 x 1000 1312 1312 25.6 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 25.6 T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/
2 x 1000 5 1312 2624 24.9 S7S1600/E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 49.8 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
3 x 1000 1312 3936 48.6 S7H1600/E2N1600 In=1600 0.9 72.9 T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E
1 x 1250 1640 1640 31.7 E2B2000 In=2000 0.9 31.7 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E
2 x 1250 5 1640 3280 30.8 E2B2000 In=2000 0.9 61.5 T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
3 x 1250 1640 4921 59.6 E2N2000 In=2000 0.9 89.5 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 1600 2099 2099 32.5 E2N2500 In=2500 0.9 32.5 T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E
2 x 1600 6.25 2099 4199 31.4 E2N2500 In=2500 0.9 62.9 T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
3 x 1600 2099 6298 60.9 E2N2500 In=2500 0.9 91.4 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 2000 2624 2624 40.3 E3N3200 In=3200 0.9 40.3 T2S160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6S800/E
2 x 2000 6.25 2624 5249 38.7 E3N3200 In=3200 0.9 77.4 S4L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E
3 x 2000 2624 7873 74.4 E3S3200 In=3200 0.9 111.7 T4V250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630
1 x 2500 6.25 3280 3280 49.8 E4S4000 In=4000 0.9 49.8 T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E
1 x 3125 6.25 4100 4100 61.5 E6H5000 In=5000 0.9 61.5 T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E

140 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Circuit Breaker "B" (Feeder Circuit Breaker)

Feeder Circuit Breaker type and rated current

63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800 A 1250 A 1600 A 2000 A 2500 A 3200 A 4000 A
260
260 T1B160
260
T1B160
260 T1B160
T1B160 T3N250
260 T1B160
T1C160 T3N250
T1B160
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
T1B160 T3N250
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400
T1C160 T3N250
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T1C160 T3N250 T5N400
T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250
T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
T1N160 T3N250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800
T2S160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6S800/E1B800 S7H1250/E1B1250 S7H1600/E2B1600
T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500 E3N3200 E4S4000
T2N160 T3S250 T5N400 T5N630 S6N800/E1B800
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7H1250/E1N1250 S7H1600/E2N1600 E2N2000
T2L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E3S1250 S7L1250/E3S1250 S7L1600/E3S1600 E3S2000 E3S2500 E3S3200
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250
T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2L1250 S8V2000/E2L1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T2S160 T3S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B800 S7S1250/E1B1250 S7S1600/E2B1600
T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500 E3N3200
1SDC010037F0201

T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2L1250 S8V2000/E2L1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T2S160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6S800/E1B800 S7H1250/E1N1250 S7H1600/E2B1600 E2B2000
S4L160 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S6L800/E3H1250 S7L1250/E3H1250 S7L1600/E3H1600 E3H2000 E3H2500 E3H3200 E4H4000
T4V250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630 E6V3200 E6V4000
T2H160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7H1250/E1N1250 S7H1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500
T2L160 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E2N1250 S7L1250/E2N1250 S7L1600/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500 E3N3200

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 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

Table 4: Protection and switching of 690 V transformers

Transformer Circuit Breaker "A" (LV side) Circuit Breaker "B"

Trafo
Sr uk Trafo I r Busbar Ib ABB SACE Release Busbar Ik Feeder Circuit
Feeder Ik
Circuit Breaker
[kVA] % [A] [A] [kA] size setting [kA] 32 A 63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800 A
1 x 63 53 53 1.3 T1B/T2N160 In=63 0.9/0.88 1.3 T1B160
4
2 x 63 53 105 1.3 T1B/T2N160 In=63 0.9/0.88 2.6 T1B160
1 x 100 84 84 2.1 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.9/0.92 2.1 T1B160
4
2 x 100 84 167 2.1 T1B/T2N160 In=100 0.9/0.92 4.2 T1N160
1 x 125 105 105 2.6 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.9/0.72 2.6 T1B160
4
2 x 125 105 209 2.6 T1B/T2N160 In=160 0.9/0.72 5.2 T1N160
1 x 160 134 134 3.3 T1C/T2N160 In=160 0.9/0.88 3.3 T1C160
4
2 x 160 134 268 3.3 T1C/T2N160 In=160 0.9/0.88 6.6 T2S160
1 x 200 167 167 4.2 T3N250/T4N250 In=250 0.9/0.8 4.2 T1N160
4
2 x 200 167 335 4.1 T3N250/T4N250 In=250 0.9/0.8 8.3 T2L160 T4N250
1 x 250 209 209 5.2 T3S250/T4N250 In=250 0.9 5.2 T1N160
4
2 x 250 209 418 5.1 T3S250/T4N250 In=250 0.9 10.3 T4N250 T4N250
1 x 315 264 264 6.5 T4N320 In=320 0.9 6.5 T2S160
4
2 x 315 264 527 6.5 T4N320 In=320 0.9 12.9 T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
1 x 400 335 335 8.3 T5N400 In=400 0.9 8.3 T2L160 T4N250
4
2 x 400 335 669 8.2 T5N400 In=400 0.9 16.3 T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
1 x 500 418 418 10.3 T5N630 In=630 0.7 10.3 T4N250 T4N250
4
2 x 500 418 837 10.1 T5N630 In=630 0.7 20.2 T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630
1 x 630 527 527 12.9 T5N630 In=630 0.9 12.9 T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
2 x 630 4 527 1054 12.6 T5N630 In=630 0.9 25.3 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630
3 x 630 527 1581 24.8 T5S630 In=630 0.9 37.2 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630
1 x 800 669 669 13.1 S6N800 In=800 0.9 13.1 T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
2 x 800 5 669 1339 12.8 S6N800 In=800 0.9 25.7 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800
3 x 800 669 2008 25.2 S6L800 In=800 0.9 37.7 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630
1 x 1000 837 837 16.3 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 16.3 T4N250 T4N250 T5N400 T5N630
2 x 1000 5 837 1673 15.9 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 31.8 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S7L1250/E1B
3 x 1000 837 2510 31.0 S7L1250/E1B1250 In=1000 0.9 46.5 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V
1 x 1250 1046 1046 20.2 S7H1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 20.2 T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B
2 x 1250 5 1046 2092 19.6 S7S1250/E1B1250 In=1250 0.9 39.2 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S8H
3 x 1250 1046 3138 38.0 E2B1250 In=1600 0.7 57.1 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 1600 1339 1339 20.7 E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 20.7 T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B
2 x 1600 6.25 1339 2678 20.1 E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 40.1 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V
3 x 1600 1339 4016 38.9 E2B1600 In=1600 0.9 58.3 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630
1 x 2000 1673 1673 25.7 E2B2000 In=2000 0.9 25.7 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E1B
2 x 2000 6.25 1673 3347 24.7 E2B2000 In=2000 0.9 49.3 T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V
3 x 2000 1673 5020 47.5 E2B2000 In=2000 0.9 71.2 T4V250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630
1 x 2500 6.25 2092 2092 31.8 E3N2500 In=2500 0.9 31.8 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S7L1250/E1B
1 x 3125 6.25 2615 2615 39.2 E3N3200 In=3200 0.9 39.2 T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S8H

142 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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3 Protection of electrical equipment

Circuit Breaker "B" (Feeder Circuit Breaker)

Feeder Circuit Breaker type and rated current
63 A 125 A 160 A 250 A 400 A 630 A 800 A 1250 A 1600 A 2000 A 2500 A 3200 A 4000 A
0
160
160
T1N160
160
T1N160
160
T2S160
T1N160
T2L160 T4N250
T1N160
T4N250 T4N250
T2S160
T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
T2L160 T4N250
T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
T4N250 T4N250
T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630
T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 E2B1600
T4N250 T4N250 T5N400
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 E2B1600
T4N250 T4N250 T5N400 T5N630
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S7L1250/E1B800 S7L1250/E1B1250
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2N1250 S8V2000/E2N1600 E2N2000
T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B800
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S8H2000/E2B1250 S8H2000/E2B1600
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 E3N2500
T4S250 T4S250 T5S400 T5S630 S6S800/E1B800
1SDC010037F0201

T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2B1250 S8V2000/E2B1600 E2B2000

T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 E3N2500 E3N3200
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S6L800/E1B800 S7L1250/E1B1250
T4L250 T4L250 T5L400 T5L630 S8V2000/E2N1250 S8V2000/E2N1600 E2N2000 E3N2500
T4V250 T4V250 T5V400 T5V630 E2L1250 E2L1600 E3S2000 E3S2500 E3S3200 E4S4000
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S7L1250/E1B800 S7L1250/E1B1250 S7L1600/E2B1600
T4H250 T4H250 T5H400 T5H630 S8H2000/E2B1250 S8H2000/E2B1600 E2B2000

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 143

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

NOTE
The tables refer to the previously specified conditions; the information for the
selection of circuit-breakers is supplied only with regard to the current in use
and the prospective short-circuit current. For a correct selection, other factors
such as selectivity, back-up protection, the decision to use limiting circuit-
breakers etc. must also be considered. Therefore, it is essential that the design
engineers carry out precise checks.
It must also be noted that the short-circuit currents given are determined using
the hypothesis of 750 MVA power upstream of the transformers, disregarding
the impedances of the busbars or the connections to the circuit-breakers.

Example:
Supposing the need to size breakers A1/A2/A3, on the LV side of the three
transformers of 630 kVA 20/0.4 kV with uk% equal to 4% and outgoing feeder
circuit-breakers B1/B2/B3 of 63-400-800 A:

A1 A2 A3

B1 B2 B3
1SDC010026F0001

63 A 400 A 800 A

144 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 3.4 Protection and switching of transformers

3 Protection of electrical equipment

From Table 2, corresponding to the row relevant to 3x630 kVA
transformers, it can be read that:

Level A circuit-breakers (LV side of transformer)

• Trafo Ir (909 A) is the current that flows through the transformer circuit-breakers;
• Busbar Ib (2727 A) is the maximum current that the transformers can supply;
• Trafo Feeder Ik (42.8 kA) is the value of the short-circuit current to consider for
the choice of the breaking capacity of each of the transformer circuit-breakers;
• S7S1250 or E1N1250 is the size of the transformer circuit-breaker;
• In (1000 A) is the rated current of the transformer circuit-breaker (electronic
release chosen by the user);
• Setting (0.95) indicates the set value of function L of the electronic release.

Level B circuit-breakers (outgoing feeder)

• Busbar Ik (64.2 kA) is the short-circuit current due to the contribution of all
three transformers;
• corresponding to 63 A, read circuit-breaker B1 Tmax T2H160;
• corresponding to 400 A, read circuit-breaker B2 Tmax T5H400;
• corresponding to 800 A, read circuit-breaker B3 Isomax S6L800 or E2N1250.

The choice made does not take into account discrimination/back-up

requirements. Refer to the relevant chapters for selections appropriate to the
various cases.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 145

 4 Power factor correction

4.1 General aspects

In alternating current circuits, the current absorbed by the user can be
represented by two components:
U
- the active component IR, in phase with the supply voltage, is directly correlated
to the output (and therefore to the part of electrical energy transformed into
energy of a different type, usually electrical with different characteristics,
IR P
I S
mechanical, light and/or thermal);
- the reactive component IQ, in quadrature to the voltage, is used to produce
IQ Q the flow necessary for the conversion of powers through the electric or
magnetic field. Without this, there could be no flow of power, such as in the
core of a transformer or in the air gap of a motor.
In the most common case, in the presence of ohmic-inductive type loads, the
total current (I) lags in comparison with the active component IR.
In an electrical installation, it is necessary to generate and transmit, other than
the active power P, a certain reactive power Q, which is essential for the
conversion of electrical energy, but not available to the user. The complex of
the power generated and transmitted constitutes the apparent power S.

Power factor (cosϕ) is defined as the ratio between the active component IR
and the total value of the current l; ϕ is the phase shifting between the voltage
U and the current l.
It results:
IR P
cos = = (1)
I S

The reactive demand factor (tanϕ) is the relationship between the reactive power
and the active power:
Q
tan = (2)
P

146 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 4.1 General aspects

4 Power factor correction

Table 1 shows some typical power factors:

Table 1: Typical power factor

Load cosϕ tanϕ

power factor reactive demand factor
Transformers (no load condition) 0.1÷0.15 9.9÷6.6
Motor (full load) 0.7÷0.85 1.0÷0.62
Motor (no load) 0.15 6.6
Metal working apparatuses:
- Arc welding 0.35÷0.6 2.7÷1.3
- Arc welding compensated 0.7÷0.8 1.0÷0.75
- Resistance welding: 0.4÷0.6 2.3÷1.3
- Arc melting furnace 0.75÷0.9 0.9÷0.5
Fluorescent lamps
- compensated 0.9 0.5
- uncompensated 0.4÷0.6 2.3÷1.3
Mercury vapour lamps 0.5 1.7
Sodium vapour lamp 0.65÷0.75 1.2÷0.9
AC DC converters 0.6÷0.95 1.3÷0.3
DC drives 0.4÷0.75 2.3÷0.9
AC drives 0.95÷0.97 0.33÷0.25
Resistive load 1 0

The power factor correction is the action increasing the power factor in a specific
section of the installation by locally supplying the necessary reactive power, so
as to reduce the current value to the equivalent of the power required, and
therefore the total power absorbed from the upstream side. Thus, both the line
as well as the supply generator can be sized for a lower apparent power value
required by the load.
In detail, as shown by Figure 1 and Figure 2, increasing the power factor of the
load:
- decreases the relative voltage drop urp per unit of active power transmitted;
- increases the transmittable active power and decreases the losses, the other
dimensioning parameters remaining equal.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 147

 4.1 General aspects

4 Power factor correction

Figure 1: Relative voltage drop
Voltage drop per unit of active power transmitted
10

Cable cross section

Relative voltage drop

1SDC010039F0201
1
0.50
Load power factor

Figure 2: Transmittable active power

Active power increase with equal dimensioning factors
1000
original power factor
0.4 0.5 0.6

0.7 0.8 0.9

Active Power % increase

100

10
1SDC010040F0201

1
0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00
Improved power factor

148 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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4 Power factor correction

The distribution authority is responsible for the production and transmission of
the reactive power required by the user installations, and therefore has a series
of further inconveniences which can be summarized as:
- oversizing of the conductors and and of the components of the transmission
lines;
- higher Joule-effect losses and higher voltage drops in the components and
lines.
The same inconveniences are present in the distribution installation of the final
user. The power factor is an excellent index of the size of the added costs and
is therefore used by the distribution authority to define the purchase price of
the energy for the final user.
The ideal situation would be to have a cosϕ slightly higher than the set reference
so as to avoid payment of legal penalties, and at the same time not to risk
having, with a cosϕ too close to the unit, a leading power factor when the
power factor corrected device is working with a low load.
The distribution authority generally does not allow others to supply reactive
power to the network, also due to the possibility of unexpected overvoltages.

In the case of a sinusoidal waveform, the reactive power necessary to pass

from one power factor cosϕ1 to a power factor cosϕ2 is given by the formula:

Qc = Q2 - Q1 = P ⋅ ( tan 1 - tan 2 ) (3)

where:
P is the active power;
Q1,ϕ1 are the reactive power and the phase shifting before power factor correction;
Q2,ϕ2 are the reactive power and the phase shifting after power factor correction;
Qc is the reactive power for the power factor correction.

P Q2
S2 Q2 Q1
Qc
S2
P
S1
Qc P Q1 S1

Power factor correction unit Motor

(reactive power generator)
1SDC010041F0201

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 4.1 General aspects

4 Power factor correction

Table 2 shows the value of the relationship

Qc
Kc = = tan 1 - tan 2 (4)
P
for different values of the power factor before and after the correction.

Table 2: Factor Kc
Kc cosϕ2
cosϕ1 0.80 0.85 0.90 0.91 0.92 0.93 0.94 0.95 0.96 0.97 0.98 0.99 1
0.60 0.583 0.714 0.849 0.878 0.907 0.938 0.970 1.005 1.042 1.083 1.130 1.191 1.333
0.61 0.549 0.679 0.815 0.843 0.873 0.904 0.936 0.970 1.007 1.048 1.096 1.157 1.299
0.62 0.515 0.646 0.781 0.810 0.839 0.870 0.903 0.937 0.974 1.015 1.062 1.123 1.265
0.63 0.483 0.613 0.748 0.777 0.807 0.837 0.870 0.904 0.941 0.982 1.030 1.090 1.233
0.64 0.451 0.581 0.716 0.745 0.775 0.805 0.838 0.872 0.909 0.950 0.998 1.058 1.201
0.65 0.419 0.549 0.685 0.714 0.743 0.774 0.806 0.840 0.877 0.919 0.966 1.027 1.169
0.66 0.388 0.519 0.654 0.683 0.712 0.743 0.775 0.810 0.847 0.888 0.935 0.996 1.138
0.67 0.358 0.488 0.624 0.652 0.682 0.713 0.745 0.779 0.816 0.857 0.905 0.966 1.108
0.68 0.328 0.459 0.594 0.623 0.652 0.683 0.715 0.750 0.787 0.828 0.875 0.936 1.078
0.69 0.299 0.429 0.565 0.593 0.623 0.654 0.686 0.720 0.757 0.798 0.846 0.907 1.049
0.70 0.270 0.400 0.536 0.565 0.594 0.625 0.657 0.692 0.729 0.770 0.817 0.878 1.020
0.71 0.242 0.372 0.508 0.536 0.566 0.597 0.629 0.663 0.700 0.741 0.789 0.849 0.992
0.72 0.214 0.344 0.480 0.508 0.538 0.569 0.601 0.635 0.672 0.713 0.761 0.821 0.964
0.73 0.186 0.316 0.452 0.481 0.510 0.541 0.573 0.608 0.645 0.686 0.733 0.794 0.936
0.74 0.159 0.289 0.425 0.453 0.483 0.514 0.546 0.580 0.617 0.658 0.706 0.766 0.909
0.75 0.132 0.262 0.398 0.426 0.456 0.487 0.519 0.553 0.590 0.631 0.679 0.739 0.882
0.76 0.105 0.235 0.371 0.400 0.429 0.460 0.492 0.526 0.563 0.605 0.652 0.713 0.855
0.77 0.079 0.209 0.344 0.373 0.403 0.433 0.466 0.500 0.537 0.578 0.626 0.686 0.829
0.78 0.052 0.183 0.318 0.347 0.376 0.407 0.439 0.474 0.511 0.552 0.599 0.660 0.802
0.79 0.026 0.156 0.292 0.320 0.350 0.381 0.413 0.447 0.484 0.525 0.573 0.634 0.776
0.80 0.130 0.266 0.294 0.324 0.355 0.387 0.421 0.458 0.499 0.547 0.608 0.750
0.81 0.104 0.240 0.268 0.298 0.329 0.361 0.395 0.432 0.473 0.521 0.581 0.724
0.82 0.078 0.214 0.242 0.272 0.303 0.335 0.369 0.406 0.447 0.495 0.556 0.698
0.83 0.052 0.188 0.216 0.246 0.277 0.309 0.343 0.380 0.421 0.469 0.530 0.672
0.84 0.026 0.162 0.190 0.220 0.251 0.283 0.317 0.354 0.395 0.443 0.503 0.646
0.85 0.135 0.164 0.194 0.225 0.257 0.291 0.328 0.369 0.417 0.477 0.620
0.86 0.109 0.138 0.167 0.198 0.230 0.265 0.302 0.343 0.390 0.451 0.593
0.87 0.082 0.111 0.141 0.172 0.204 0.238 0.275 0.316 0.364 0.424 0.567
0.88 0.055 0.084 0.114 0.145 0.177 0.211 0.248 0.289 0.337 0.397 0.540
0.89 0.028 0.057 0.086 0.117 0.149 0.184 0.221 0.262 0.309 0.370 0.512
0.90 0.029 0.058 0.089 0.121 0.156 0.193 0.234 0.281 0.342 0.484

150 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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4 Power factor correction

Example
Supposing the need to change from 0.8 to 0.93 the power factor of a three-
phase installation (Ur= 400 V) which absorbs an average power of 300 kW.
From Table 2, at the intersection of the column corresponding to the final power
factor (0.93), and the row corresponding to the starting power factor (0.8), the
value of Kc (0.355) can be read. The reactive power Qc which must be generated
locally shall be:

Qc = K c . P = 0.355 . 300 = 106.5 kvar

Due to the effect of power factor correction, the current absorbed decreases
from 540 A to 460 A (a reduction of approximately 15%).

Characteristics of power factor correction capacitor banks

The most economical means of increasing the power factor, especially for an
installation which already exists, is installing capacitors.
Capacitors have the following advantages:
- low cost compared with synchronous compensators and electronic power
converters;
- ease of installation and maintenance;
- reduced losses (less than 0.5 W/kvar in low voltage);
- the possibility of covering a wide range of powers and different load profiles,
simply supplying in parallel different combinations of components, each with
a relatively small power.

The disadvantages are sensitivity to overvoltages and to the presence of non-

linear loads.

The Standards applicable to power factor correction capacitors are as follows:

- IEC 60831-1 “Shunt power capacitors of the self-healing type for a.c. systems
having a rated voltage up to and including 1000 V - Part 1: General - Perfor-
mance, testing and rating - Safety requirements - Guide for installation and
operation”;

- IEC 60931-1 “Shunt power capacitors of the non-self-healing type for a.c.
systems having a rated voltage up to and including 1000 V - Part 1: General-
Performance, testing and rating - Safety requirements - Guide for installation
and operation”.

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 4.1 General aspects

4 Power factor correction

The characteristics of a capacitor, given on its nameplate, are:

• rated voltage Ur, which the capacitor must withstand indefinitely;

• rated frequency fr (usually equal to that of the network);
•rated power Qc, generally expressed in kvar (reactive power of the capacitor
bank).

From this data it is possible to find the size characteristics of the capacitors by
using the following formulae (5):

Single-phase Three-phase Three-phase

connection star-connection delta-connection

Qc Qc Qc
Capacity of the capacitor bank C= 2 C= 2 C= 2
2 π fr ⋅ U r 2π f r ⋅ U r 2π f r ⋅ U r ⋅ 3

1SDC010005F0901
Rated current of the components Irc = 2 π f r ⋅ C ⋅ U r Irc = 2 π f r ⋅ C ⋅ U r / 3 I rc = 2 π f r ⋅ C ⋅ U r

Line current I l = I rc I l = Irc I l = Irc ⋅ 3

With three-phase systems, for the same reactive power, the star-connection
requires a capacity 3 times larger and subjects the capacitors to a voltage and
a current times less than the analogous delta-connection.
Capacitors are generally supplied with connected discharge resistance,
calculated so as to reduce the residual voltage at the terminals to 75 V in 3
minutes, as stated in the reference Standard.

4.2 Power factor correction method

Single PFC
Single or individual power factor correction is carried out by connecting a
capacitor of the correct value directly to the terminals of the device which absorbs
reactive power.
Installation is simple and economical: capacitors and load can use the same
overload and short-circuit protection, and are connected and disconnected
simultaneously.
The adjustment of cosϕ is systematic and automatic with benefit not only to
the energy distribution authority, but also to the whole internal distribution system
of the user.
This type of power factor correction is advisable in the case of large users with
constant load and power factor and long connection times.
Individual PFC is usually applied to motors and fluorescent lamps. The capacitor
units or small lighting capacitors are connected directly to loads.

152 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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4 Power factor correction

Individual PFC of motors
The usual connection diagrams are shown in the following Figure:

Starter Starter

Starter

1SDC010028F0001
M c M c M c
Diagram 1 Diagram 2 Diagram 3

In the case of direct connection (diagrams 1 and 2) there is a risk that after
disconnection of the supply, the motor will continue to rotate (residual kinetic
energy) and self-excite with the reactive energy supplied by the capacitor bank,
acting as an asynchronous generator. In this case, the voltage is maintained on
the load side of the switching and control device, with the risk of dangerous
overvoltages of up to twice the rated voltage value.

However, in the case of diagram 3, to avoid the risk detailed above, the normal
procedure is to connect the PFC bank to the motor only when it is running, and
to disconnect it before the disconnection of the motor supply.

As a general rule, for a motor with power Pr, it is advisable to use a PFC with
reactive power Qc below 90% of the reactive power absorbed by the no-load
motor Q0, at rated voltage Ur, to avoid a leading power factor.
Considering that under no-load conditions, the current absorbed I0 [A] is solely
reactive, if the voltage is expressed in volts, it results:

3 ⋅U r ⋅ I 0
Qc = 0.9 ⋅ Q0 = 0.9 ⋅ [kvar] (6)
1000

The current I0 is generally given in the documentation supplied by the

manufacturer of the motor.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 153

 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

Table 3 shows the values of reactive power for power factor correction of some
ABB motors, according to the power and the number of poles.

Table 3: Reactive power for power factor motor correction

Pr Qc Before PFC After PFC
[kW] [kvar] cosϕr Ir [A] cosϕ2 I2 [A]

400V / 50 Hz / 2 poles / 3000 r/min

7.5 2.5 0.89 13.9 0.98 12.7
11 2.5 0.88 20 0.95 18.6
15 5 0.9 26.5 0.98 24.2
18.5 5 0.91 32 0.98 29.7
22 5 0.89 38.5 0.96 35.8
30 10 0.88 53 0.97 47.9
37 10 0.89 64 0.97 58.8
45 12.5 0.88 79 0.96 72.2
55 15 0.89 95 0.97 87.3
75 15 0.88 131 0.94 122.2
90 15 0.9 152 0.95 143.9
110 20 0.86 194 0.92 181.0
132 30 0.88 228 0.95 210.9
160 30 0.89 269 0.95 252.2
200 30 0.9 334 0.95 317.5
250 40 0.92 410 0.96 391.0
315 50 0.92 510 0.96 486.3

400V / 50 Hz / 4 poles / 1500 r/min

7.5 2.5 0.86 14.2 0.96 12.7
11 5 0.81 21.5 0.96 18.2
15 5 0.84 28.5 0.95 25.3
18.5 7.5 0.84 35 0.96 30.5
22 10 0.83 41 0.97 35.1
30 15 0.83 56 0.98 47.5
37 15 0.84 68 0.97 59.1
45 20 0.83 83 0.97 71.1
55 20 0.86 98 0.97 86.9
75 20 0.86 135 0.95 122.8
90 20 0.87 158 0.94 145.9
110 30 0.87 192 0.96 174.8
132 40 0.87 232 0.96 209.6
160 40 0.86 282 0.94 257.4
200 50 0.86 351 0.94 320.2
250 50 0.87 430 0.94 399.4
315 60 0.87 545 0.93 507.9

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 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

Pr Qc Before PFC After PFC

[kW] [kvar] cosϕr Ir [A] cosϕ2 I2 [A]

400V / 50 Hz / 6 poles / 1000 r/min

7.5 5 0.79 15.4 0.98 12.4
11 5 0.78 23 0.93 19.3
15 7.5 0.78 31 0.94 25.7
18.5 7.5 0.81 36 0.94 30.9
22 10 0.81 43 0.96 36.5
30 10 0.83 56 0.94 49.4
37 12.5 0.83 69 0.94 60.8
45 15 0.84 82 0.95 72.6
55 20 0.84 101 0.96 88.7
75 25 0.82 141 0.93 123.9
90 30 0.84 163 0.95 144.2
110 35 0.83 202 0.94 178.8
132 45 0.83 240 0.95 210.8
160 50 0.85 280 0.95 249.6
200 60 0.85 355 0.95 318.0
250 70 0.84 450 0.94 404.2
315 75 0.84 565 0.92 514.4

400V / 50 Hz / 8 poles / 750 r/min

7.5 5 0.7 18.1 0.91 13.9
11 7.5 0.76 23.5 0.97 18.4
15 7.5 0.82 29 0.97 24.5
18.5 7.5 0.79 37 0.93 31.5
22 10 0.77 45 0.92 37.5
30 12.5 0.79 59 0.93 50.0
37 15 0.78 74 0.92 62.8
45 20 0.78 90 0.93 75.4
55 20 0.81 104 0.93 90.2
75 30 0.82 140 0.95 120.6
90 30 0.82 167 0.93 146.6
110 35 0.83 202 0.94 178.8
132 50 0.8 250 0.93 214.6

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 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

Example
For a three-phase asynchronous motor, 110 kW (400 V - 50 Hz - 4 poles), the
PFC power suggested in the table is 30 kvar.

Individual power factor correction of three-phase transformers

A transformer is an electrical device of primary importance which, due to the

system requirements, is often constantly in service.
In particular, in installations constituted by several transformer substations, it is
advisable to carry out power factor correction directly at the transformer.
In general, the PFC power (Qc) for a transformer with rated power Sr [kVA]
should not exceed the reactive power required under minimum reference load
conditions.
Reading the data from the transformer nameplate, the percentage value of the
no-load current i0%, the percentage value of the short-circuit voltage uk%, the
iron losses Pfe and the copper losses Pcu [kW], the PFC power required is
approximately:

2 2
i %  2 2 u %  2 i %  2 u % 
Qc =  0 ⋅ Sr  − Pfe + K L ⋅  k ⋅ Sr  − Pcu ≈  0 ⋅ Sr  + K L ⋅  k ⋅ Sr  [kvar] (7)
 100   100   100   100 

where KL is the load factor, defined as the relationship between the minimum
reference load and the rated power of the transformer.

Example
Supposing the need for PFC of a 630 kVA oil-distribution transformer which
supplies a load which is less than 60% of its rated power.
From the data on the transformer nameplate:
i0% = 1.8%
uk% = 4%
Pcu = 8.9 kW
Pfe = 1.2 kW
The PFC power of the capacitor bank connected to the transformer is:

2 2 2 2
i %  2 2 u %  2  1.8%   4% 
Qc =  0 ⋅ Sr  − Pfe + K L ⋅  k ⋅ Sr  − Pcu =  ⋅ 630 1.22−+ 0.62 ⋅  ⋅ 630 − 8.92 =19.8 kvar
 100   100   100   100 

while, when using the simplified formula, the result is:

i %  2 u %   1.8%   4% 
Qc =  0 ⋅ Sr  + K L ⋅  k ⋅ Sr  =  ⋅ 630 + 0.62 ⋅  ⋅ 630 = 20.4 kvar
 100   100   100   100 

156 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

Table 4 shows the reactive power of the capacitor bank Qc [kvar] to be connected
on the secondary side of an ABB transformer, according to the different minimum
estimated load levels.
Table 4: PFC reactive power for ABB transformers
Qc [kvar]
Sr uk% io% Pfe Pcu load factor KL
[kVA] [%] [%] [kW] [kW] 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1

Oil Distribution Transformer MV-LV

50 4 2.9 0.25 1.35 1.4 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.9
100 4 2.5 0.35 2.30 2.5 2.7 3.3 4.3 5.7
160 4 2.3 0.48 3.20 3.6 4 5 6.8 9.2
200 4 2.2 0.55 3.80 4.4 4.8 6.1 8.3 11
250 4 2.1 0.61 4.50 5.2 5.8 7.4 10 14
315 4 2 0.72 5.40 6.3 7 9.1 13 18
400 4 1.9 0.85 6.50 7.6 8.5 11 16 22
500 4 1.9 1.00 7.40 9.4 11 14 20 28
630 4 1.8 1.20 8.90 11 13 17 25 35
800 6 1.7 1.45 10.60 14 16 25 40 60
1000 6 1.6 1.75 13.00 16 20 31 49 74
1250 6 1.6 2.10 16.00 20 24 38 61 93
1600 6 1.5 2.80 18.00 24 30 47 77 118
2000 6 1.2 3.20 21.50 24 31 53 90 142
2500 6 1.1 3.70 24.00 27 37 64 111 175
3150 7 1.1 4.00 33.00 34 48 89 157 252
4000 7 1.4 4.80 38.00 56 73 125 212 333

Cast Resin Distribution Transformer MV-LV

100 6 2.3 0.50 1.70 2.2 2.6 3.7 5.5 8
160 6 2 0.65 2.40 3.1 3.7 5.5 8.4 12
200 6 1.9 0.85 2.90 3.7 4.4 6.6 10 15
250 6 1.8 0.95 3.30 4.4 5.3 8.1 13 19
315 6 1.7 1.05 4.20 5.3 6.4 9.9 16 24
400 6 1.5 1.20 4.80 5.9 7.3 12 19 29
500 6 1.4 1.45 5.80 6.8 8.7 14 23 36
630 6 1.3 1.60 7.00 8 10 17 29 45
800 6 1.1 1.94 8.20 8.6 12 20 35 56
1000 6 1 2.25 9.80 9.7 13 25 43 69
1250 6 0.9 3.30 13.00 11 15 29 52 85
1600 6 0.9 4.00 14.50 14 20 38 67 109
2000 6 0.8 4.60 15.50 15 23 45 82 134
2500 6 0.7 5.20 17.50 17 26 54 101 166
3150 8 0.6 6.00 19.00 18 34 81 159 269

Example
For a 630 kVA oil-distribution transformer with a load factor of 0.5, the necessary
PFC power is 17 kvar.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 157

 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

PFC in groups

1SDC010029F0001
Group of loads to be power factor corrected

This consists of local power factor correction of groups of loads with similar
functioning characteristics by installing a dedicated capacitor bank.
This method achieves a compromise between the economical solution and the
correct operation of the installation, since only the line downstream of the
installation point of the capacitor bank is not correctly exploited.

Centralized PFC

1SDC010030F0001

C
LV
Feeders

The daily load profile is of fundamental importance for the choice of the most
suitable type of power factor correction.
In installations, in which not all loads function simultaneously and/or in which
some loads are connected for only a few hours a day, the solution of using
single PFC becomes unsuitable as many of the capacitors installed could stay
idle for long periods.
In the case of installations with many loads occasionally functioning, thus having
a high installed power and a quite low average power absorption by the loads
which function simultaneously, the use of a single PFC system at the installation
origin ensures a remarkable decrease in the total power of the capacitors to be
installed.

158 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 4.2 Power factor connection method

4 Power factor correction

Centralized PFC normally uses automatic units with capacitor banks divided
into several steps, directly installed in the main distribution switchboards; the
use of a permanently connected capacitor bank is only possible if the absorption
of reactive energy is fairly regular throughout the day.
The main disadvantage of centralized PFC is that the distribution lines of the
installation, downstream of the PFC device, must be dimensioned taking into
account the full reactive power required by the loads.

4.3 Circuit-breakers for the protection and

switching of capacitor banks

The circuit-breakers for the protection and switching of capacitor banks in LV

shall:

1. withstand the transient currents which occur when connecting and

disconnecting the banks. In particular, the instantaneous magnetic and
electronic releases shall not trip due to these peak currents;
2. withstand the periodic or permanent overcurrents due to the voltage
harmonics and to the tolerance (+15%) of the rated value of capacity;
3. perform a high number of no-load and on-load operations, also with high
frequency;
4. be coordinated with any external device (contactors).

Furthermore, the making and breaking capacity of the circuit-breaker must be

adequate to the short- circuit current values of the installation.

Standards IEC 60831-1 and 60931-1 state that:

- the capacitors shall normally function with an effective current value up to
130% of their rated current Irc (due to the possible presence of voltage
harmonics in the network);
- a tolerance of +15% on the value of the capacity is allowed.
The maximum current which can be absorbed by the capacitor bank Icmax is:

Qc
Ic max = 1.3⋅ 1.15⋅ ≈ 1.5 ⋅ I rc (8)
3 ⋅U r
Therefore:
- the rated current of the circuit-breaker shall be greater than 1.5⋅Irc;
- the overload protection setting shall be equal to 1.5⋅Irc.

The connection of a capacitor bank, similar to a closing operation under short-

circuit conditions, associated with transient currents with high frequency (1÷15
kHz), of short duration (1÷3 ms), with high peak (25÷200 Irc).
Therefore:
- the circuit-breaker shall have an adequate making capacity;
- the setting of the instantaneous short-circuit protection must not cause
unwanted trips.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 159

 4.3 Circuit-breakers for the protection and switching of capacitor banks

4 Power factor correction

The second condition is generally respected:
• for thermomagnetic releases, the magnetic protection shall be set at a value
not less than 10⋅Icmax
Qr
I3 ≥ 10 ⋅ Icmax = 15⋅Irc= 15⋅ (9)
3 ⋅U r
• for electronic releases, the instantaneous short-circuit protection shall be
deactivated (I3 = OFF).
Hereunder, the selection tables for circuit-breakers: for the definition of the version
according to the required breaking capacity, refer to Volume 1, Chapter 3.1
“General characteristics”.
The following symbols are used in the tables (they refer to maximum values):
- InCB = rated current of the protection release [A];
- Irc= rated current of the connected capacitor bank [A];
- QC= power of the capacitor bank which can be connected [kvar] with reference
to the indicated voltage and 50 Hz frequency;
- Nmech = number of mechanical operations;
- fmech = frequency of mechanical operations [op/h];
- Nel = number of electrical operations with reference to a voltage of 415 V for
Tmax and Isomax moulded-case circuit breakers (Tables 5 and 6), and to a
voltage of 440 V for Emax air circuit-breakers (Table 7);
- fel = frequency of electrical operations [op/h].
Table 5: Selection table for Tmax moulded-case circuit-breakers
InCB Irc QC [kvar] Nmech fmech Nel fel
CB Type [A] [A] 400 V 440 V 500 V 690 V [op/h] [op/h]
T1 B-C-N 160 160 107 74 81 92 127 25000 240 8000 120
T2 N-S-H-L 160* 160 107 74 81 92 127 25000 240 8000 120
T3 N-S 250* 250 167 115 127 144 199 25000 240 8000 120
T4 N-S-H-L-V 250 250 167 115 127 144 199 20000 240 8000 120
T4 N-S-H-L-V 320 320 213 147 162 184 254 20000 240 6000 120
T5 N-S-H-L-V 400 400 267 185 203 231 319 20000 120 7000 60
T5 N-S-H-L-V 630 630 420 291 320 364 502 20000 120 5000 60
* for plug-in version reduce the maximum power of the capacitor bank by 10%

Table 6: Selection table for SACE Isomax S moulded-case circuit-breakers

InCB Irc QC [kvar] Nmech fmech Nel fel
S6 N-S-H-L 800 800 533 369 406 462 637 20000 120 5000 60
S7 S-H-L 1250 1250 833 577 635 722 996 10000 120 7000 20
S7 S-H-L 1600 1600 1067 739 813 924 1275 10000 120 5000 20
S8 H-V 2000 2000 1333 924 1016 1155 1593 10000 120 3000 20
S8 H-V 2500 2500 1667 1155 1270 1443 1992 10000 120 2500 20
S8 H-V 3200 3200 2133 1478 1626 1847 2550 10000 120 1500 10

160 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 4.3 Circuit-breakers for the protection and switching of capacitor banks

4 Power factor correction

Table 7: Selection table for SACE Emax air circuit-breakers
InCB Irc QC [kvar] Nmech fmech Nel fel
CB Type [A] [A] 400 V 440 V 500 V 690 V [op/h] [op/h]
E1 B N 1250 834 578 636 722 997 25000 60 10000 30
E2 B-N 1250 834 578 636 722 997 25000 60 15000 30
E2 B-N 1600 1067 739 813 924 1275 25000 60 12000 30
E2 B-N 2000 1334 924 1017 1155 1594 25000 60 10000 30
E3 N-S-H 1250 834 578 636 722 997 20000 60 12000 20
E3 N-S-H 1600 1067 739 813 924 1275 20000 60 10000 20
E3 N-S-H 2000 1334 924 1017 1155 1594 20000 60 9000 20
E3 N-S-H 2500 1667 1155 1270 1444 1992 20000 60 8000 20
E3 N-S-H 3200 2134 1478 1626 1848 2550 20000 60 6000 20
E4 S-H 3200 2134 1478 1626 1848 2550 15000 60 7000 10
E6 H-V 3200 2134 1478 1626 1848 2550 12000 60 5000 10

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 161

 5 Protection of human beings

5.1 General aspects: effects of current on

human beings
Danger to persons due to contact with live parts is caused by the flow of the
current through the human body. The effects are:

- tetanization: the muscles affected by the current flow involuntary contract

and letting go of gripped conductive parts is difficult. Note: very high currents
do not usually induce muscular tetanization because, when the body touches
such currents, the muscular contraction is so sustained that the involuntary
muscle movements generally throw the subject away from the conductive
part;

- breathing arrest: if the current flows through the muscles controlling the
lungs, the involuntary contraction of these muscles alters the normal respiratory
process and the subject may die due to suffocation or suffer the consequences
of traumas caused by asphyxia;

- ventricular fibrillation: the most dangerous effect is due to the superposition

of the external currents with the physiological ones which, by generating
uncontrolled contractions, induce alterations of the cardiac cycle. This anomaly
may become an irreversible phenomenon since it persists even when the
stimulus has ceased;

- burns: they are due to the heating deriving, by Joule effect, from the current
passing through the human body.

The Standard IEC 60479-1 “Effects of current on human being and livestock”
is a guide about the effects of current passing through the human body to
be used for the definition of electrical safety requirements. This Standard shows,
on a time-current diagram, four zones to which the physiological effects of
alternating current (15 ÷100 Hz) passing through the human body have been
related.

162 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.1 General aspect: effects of current on human beings

5 Protection of human beings

Figure 1: Time-current zones of the effects of alternating current on
the human body
ms 10.000

1SDC010042F0201
a b c1 c2 c3
5.000
AC-4.1
AC-4.2
2.000
AC-4.3
1.000
Duration of current flow t

500
AC-1 AC-2 AC-3 AC-4
200

100

50

20

10
0,1 0,2 0,5 1 2 5 10 20 50 100 200 500 1.000 2.000 5.000 10.000
Body current IB mA
Zone Zone
designation limits Physiological effects
AC-1 Up to 0.5 mA Usually no reaction.
line a
AC-2 0.5 mA Usually no harmful physiological effects.
up to
line b*
AC-3 Line b Usually no organic damage to be expected. Likelihood of cramplike
up to muscular contractions and difficulty in breathing for durations of
curve c1 current-flow longer than 2 s. Reversible disturbances of formation and
conduction of impulses in the heart, including atrial fibrillation and
transient cardiac arrest without ventricular fibrillation increasing with
current magnitude and time.
AC-4 Above Increasing with magnitude and time, dangerous pathophysiological
curve c1 effects such as cardiac arrest, breathing arrest and severe burns may
occur in addition to the effects of zone 3.
AC-4.1 c1 - c2 Probability of ventricular fibrillation increasing up to about 5%.
AC-4.2 c2 - c3 Probability of ventricular fibrillation up to about 50%.
AC-4.3 Beyond Probability of ventricular fibrillation above 50%.
curve c3
* For durations of current-flow below 10 ms, the limit for the body current for line b
remains constant at a value of 200 mA.

This Standard gives also a related figure for direct current.

By applying Ohm’s law it is possible to define the safety curve for the allowable
voltages, once the human body impedance has been calculated. The electrical
impedance of the human body depends on many factors. The above mentioned
Standard gives different values of impedance as a function of the touch voltage
and of the current path.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 163

 5.1 General aspect: effects of current on human beings

5 Protection of human beings

The Standard IEC 60479-1 has adopted precautionary values for the impedance
reported in the figure so as to get the time-voltage safety curve (Figure 2) related
to the total touch voltage UT (i.e. the voltage which, due to an insulation failure,
is present between a conductive part and a point of the ground sufficiently far,
with zero potential).
This represents the maximum no-load touch voltage value; thus, the most
unfavorable condition is taken into consideration for safety’s sake.

Figure 2: Safety curve

2
t [s] 10

10

10-1
1SDC010031F0001

10-2
10 10 2 10 3
UT [V]
From this safety curve it results that for all voltage values below 50 V, the tolerance
time is indefinite; at 50 V the tolerance time is 5 s. The curve shown in the figure
refers to an ordinary location; in particular locations, the touch resistance of the
human body towards earth changes and consequently the tolerable voltage
values for an indefinite time shall be lower than 25 V.
Therefore, if the protection against indirect contact is obtained through the
disconnection of the circuit, it is necessary to ensure that such breaking is
carried out in compliance with the safety curve for any distribution system.

164 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5 Protection of human beings

5.2 Distribution systems

The earth fault modalities and the consequences caused by contact with live
parts, are strictly related to the neutral conductor arrangement and to the
connections of the exposed conductive parts.

For a correct choice of the protective device, it is necessary to know which is

the distribution system of the plant.
IEC 60364-1 classifies the distribution systems with two letters.

The first letter represents the relationship of the power system to earth:
- T: direct connection of one point to earth, in alternating current systems,
generally the neutral point;
- I: all live parts isolated from earth, or one point, in alternating current systems,
generally the neutral point, connected to earth through an impedance.

The second letter represents the relationship of the exposed conductive parts
of the installation to earth:
- T: direct electrical connection of the exposed conductive parts to earth;
- N: direct electrical connection of the exposed conductive parts to the earthed
point of the power system.

Subsequent letters, if any, represent the arrangement of neutral and protective

conductors:
- S: protective function is provided by a conductor separate from the neutral
conductor;
- C: neutral and protective functions combined as a single conductor (PEN
conductor).

Three types of distribution system are considered:

TT System
L1
L2
L3
N
1SDC010032F0001

PE

TN System
(TN-C) (TN-S)
L1
L2
L3
PEN N
1SDC010033F0001

PE

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 165

 5.2 Distribution systems

5 Protection of human beings

IT System L1
L2
L3

1SDC010034F0001
PE

In TT systems, the neutral conductor and the exposed conductive parts are
connected to earth electrodes electrically independent; the fault current flows
towards the power supply neutral point through earth (Fig. 1):

Figure 1: Earth fault in TT systems

Ik
L1
L2
L3
N

1SDC010035F0001
RB RA
Ik

In TT installations, the neutral conductor is connected to the supply star center,

it is usually distributed and has the function of making the phase voltage (e.g.
230 V) available, useful for single-phase load supply. The exposed conductive
parts, on the contrary, singularly or collectively, are locally connected to earth.
TT systems are generally used for civil installations.
TN systems are typically used when the power supply is distributed to loads
having their own electrical substation. The neutral conductor is directly earthed
in the substation; the exposed conductive parts are connected to the same
earthing point of the neutral conductor, and can be locally earthed.
Three types of TN system are considered according to the arrangement of
neutral and protective conductors:

1. TN-C neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor

(PEN conductor);
2. TN-S neutral and protective conductors are always separated;
3. TN-C-S neutral and protective functions are combined in a single conductor
in a part of the system (PEN) and are separated in another part (PE + N).

166 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.2 Distribution systems

5 Protection of human beings

In TN systems, the fault current flows towards the power supply neutral point
through a solid metallic connection, practically without involving the earth
electrode (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Earth fault in TN systems

Ik
L1
L2
L3
PEN
0 (TN-C) Ik (TN-S)
PE N

1SDC010036F0001
IT systems have no live parts directly connected to earth, but they can be
earthed through a sufficiently high impedance. Exposed conductive parts shall
be earthed individually, in groups or collectively to an independent earthing
electrode.
The earth fault current flows towards the power supply neutral point through
the earthing electrode and the line conductor capacitance (Figure 3).

Figure 3: Earth fault in IT systems

L1
L2
L3
Ik

C3 C2 C1
1SDC010037F0001

Ik

These distribution systems are used for particular plants, where the continuity
of supply is a fundamental requirement, where the absence of the supply can
cause hazards to people or considerable economical losses, or where a low
value of a first earth fault is required. In these cases, an insulation monitoring
device shall be provided for optical or acoustic signalling of possible earth
faults, or failure of the supplied equipment.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 167

 5 Protection of human beings

5.3 Protection against both direct and

indirect contact
Contacts of a person with live parts can be divided in two categories:
- direct contacts;
- indirect contacts.
A direct contact occurs when a part of the human body touches a part of the
plant, usually live (bare conductors, terminals, etc.).
A contact is indirect when a part of the human body touches an exposed
conductive parts, usually not live, but with voltage presence due to a failure or
wear of the insulating materials.

The measures of protection against direct contact are:

- insulation of live parts with an insulating material which can only be removed
by destruction (e.g. cable insulation);
- barriers or enclosures: live parts shall be inside enclosures or behind barriers
providing at least the degree of protection IPXXB or IP2X; for horizontal surfaces
the degree of protection shall be of at least IPXXD or IP4X (for the meaning of
the degree of protection codes please refer to Volume 1, Chapter 6.1 Electrical
switchboards);
- obstacles: the interposition of an obstacle between the live parts and the
operator prevents unintentional contacts only, but not an intentional contact
by the removal of the obstacle without particular tools;
- placing out of reach: simultaneously accessible parts at different potentials
shall not be within arm’s reach.

An additional protection against direct contact can be obtained by using residual

current devices with a rated operating residual current not exceeding 30 mA. It
must be remembered that the use of a residual current device as a mean of
protection against direct contacts does not obviate the need to apply one of
the above specified measures of protection.

The measures of protection against indirect contact are:

- automatic disconnection of the supply: a protective device shall automatically
disconnect the supply to the circuit so that the touch voltage on the exposed
conductive part does not persist for a time sufficient to cause a risk of harmful
physiological effect for human beings;
- supplementary insulation or reinforced insulation, e.g. by the use of Class II
components;

168 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.3 Protection against both direct and indirect contact

5 Protection of human beings

- non-conducting locations: locations with a particular resistance value of
insulating floors and walls (≥ 50 kΩ for Ur ≤ 500 V; ≥ 100 kΩ for Ur > 500 V)
and without protective conductors inside
- electrical separation, e.g. by using an isolating transformer to supply the circuit;
- earth-free local equipotential bonding: locations where the exposed conductive
parts are connected together but not earthed.

Finally, the following measures provide combined protection against both direct
and indirect contact:
- SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) system and PELV (Protective Extra Low
Voltage) system;
- FELV (Functional Extra Low Voltage) system.

The protection against both direct and indirect contact is ensured if the
requirements stated in 411 from IEC 60364-4-41 are fulfilled; particularly:
- the rated voltage shall not exceeds 50 V ac r.m.s. and 120 V ripple-free dc;
- the supply shall be a SELV or PELV source;
- all the installation conditions provided for such types of electrical circuits shall
be fulfilled.

A SELV circuit has the following characteristics:

1) it is supplied by an independent source or by a safety source. Independent
sources are batteries or diesel-driven generators. Safety sources are supplies
obtained through an isolating transformer;
2) there are no earthed points. The earthing of both the exposed conductive
parts as well as of the live parts of a SELV circuit is forbidden;
3) it shall be separated from other electrical systems. The separation of a SELV
system from other circuits shall be guaranteed for all the components; for
this purpose, the conductors of the SELV circuit may be contained in multi-
conductor cables or may be provided with an additional insulating sheath.

A PELV circuit has the same prescription of a SELV system, except for the
prohibition of earthed points; in fact in PELV circuits, at least one point is always
earthed.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 169

 5.3 Protection against both direct and indirect contact

5 Protection of human beings

FELV circuits are used when for functional reasons the requirements for SELV
or PELV circuits cannot be fulfilled; they require compliance with the following rules:
a) protection against direct contact shall be provided by either:
- barriers or enclosures with degree of protection in accordance with what
stated above (measures of protection against direct contact);
- insulation corresponding to the minimum test voltage specified for the
primary circuit. If this test is not passed, the insulation of accessible non-
conductive parts of the equipment shall be reinforced during erection so
that it can withstand a test voltage of 1500 V ac r.m.s. for 1 min.;
b) protection against indirect contact shall be provided by:
- connection of the exposed conductive parts of the equipment of the FELV
circuit to the protective conductor of the primary circuit, provided that the
latter is subject to one of the measures of protection against direct contact;
- connection of a live conductor of the FELV circuit to the protective
conductor of the primary circuit provided that an automatic disconnection
of the supply is applied as measure of protection;
c) plugs of FELV systems shall not be able to enter socket-outlets of other
voltage systems, and plugs of other voltage systems shall not be able to
enter socket-outlets of FELV systems.
Figure 1 shows the main features of SELV, PELV and FELV systems.

Figure 1: SELV, PELV, FELV systems

safety isolating transformer no safety source,

or equivalent source, connection to earth
connection to earth is admissible
is admissible
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
PE PE

safety isolating E E
transformer
or equivalent
source,
no earthing
SELV PELV FELV

Class II
equipment
1SDC010043F0201

PELV circuit FELV circuit

voltage limits for E earth connections by estraneous conductive parts,
extra-low voltages: e.g. by metal pipe or structural steelwork

50 V ac PE protective conductor
120 V dc earth electrode

Note 1: Overcurrent protective devices are not shown in this figure.

170 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5 Protection of human beings

5.4 TT System

An earth fault in a TT system involves the circuit represented in Figure 1:

Figure 1: Earth fault in TT system

Ik
L1
L2
L3
N

1SDC010035F0001
RB RA
Ik

The fault current involves the secondary winding of the transformer, the phase
conductor, the fault resistance, the protective conductor and the earth electrode
resistance (plant earthing system (RA) and earthing system which the neutral is
connected to (RB)).
According to IEC 60364-4 requirements, the protective devices must be co-
ordinated with the earthing system in order to rapidly disconnect the supply, if
the touch voltage reaches harmful values for the human body.
Assuming 50 V (25 V for particular locations) as limit voltage value, the condition
to be fulfilled in order to limit the touch voltage on the exposed conductive
parts under this limit value is:

50 50
Rt ≤ or Rt ≤
Ia I ∆n

where:
Rt is the total resistance, equal to the sum of the earth electrode (RA)
and the protective conductor for the exposed conductive parts [Ω];
Ia is the current causing the automatic operation within 5 s of the
overcurrent protective device, read from the tripping curve of the
device [A];
I∆n is the rated residual operating current, within one second, of the
circuit-breaker [A].

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 171

 5.4 TT System

5 Protection of human beings

From the above, it is clear that Rt value is considerably different when using
automatic circuit breakers instead of residual current devices.
In fact, with the former, it is necessary to obtain very low earth resistance values
(usually less than 1 Ω) since the 5 s tripping current is generally high, whereas,
with the latter, it is possible to realize earthing systems with resistance value of
thousands of ohms, which are easier to be carried out.

Table 1 reports the maximum earth resistance values which can be obtained
using residual current devices, with reference to an ordinary location (50 V):

Table 1: Earth resistance values

I∆n Rt
[A] [Ω]
0.01 5000
0.03 1666
0.1 500
0.3 166
0.5 100
3 16
10 5
30 1.6

Example:
Assuming to provide protection by using an automatic circuit breaker Tmax
T1B160 In125, the trip current value in less than 5 s, read from the tripping
characteristic curve, is about 750 A, when starting from cold conditions (the
worst case for thermomagnetic releases).

So:
50
Rt ≤ = 0.06 Ω
750

In order to provide the required protection, it must be necessary to carry out an

earthing system with an earth resistance Rt ≤ 0.06 Ω, which is not an easily
obtainable value.

On the contrary, by using the same circuit breaker mounting ABB SACE RC221
residual current release, with rated residual operating current I∆n = 0.03 A, the
required value of earth resistance is:

50
Rt ≤ = 1666.6 Ω
0.03

which can be easily obtained in practice.

172 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.4 TT System

5 Protection of human beings

104 s

103 s

102 s

10s

5s

1s

10-1 s

1SDC010038F0001
10-2 s

750 A

0.1kA 1kA 10kA

In an electrical installation with a common earthing system and loads protected

by devices with different tripping currents, for the achievement of the coordination
of all the loads with the earthing system, the worst case - represented by the
device with the highest tripping current - shall be considered.

As a consequence, when some feeders are protected by overcurrent devices

and some others by residual current devices, all the advantages deriving from
the use of residual current releases are nullified, since the Rt shall be calculated
on the basis of the I5s of the overcurrent device and since it is the highest
tripping current between these two kind of devices.

Therefore, it is advisable to protect all the loads of a TT system by means of

residual current circuit-breakers coordinated with the earthing system to obtain
the advantages of both a quick disconnection of the circuit when the fault occurs
as well as an earthing system which can be easily accomplished.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 173

 5 Protection of human beings

5.5 TN System

An earth fault in a TN system involves the circuit represented in Figure 1:

Figure 1: Earth fault in TN system

Ik
L1
L2
L3
PEN
0 (TN-C) Ik (TN-S)
PE N

1SDC010036F0001
The fault loop does not affect the earthing system and is basically formed by
the connection in series of the phase conductor and of the protective conductor.
To provide a protection with automatic disconnection of the circuit, according
to IEC 60364-4 prescriptions, the following condition shall be fulfilled:

Z s . I a ≤ U0

where:
Zs is the impedance of the fault loop comprising the source, the live
conductor up to the point of the fault and the protective conductor
between the point of the fault and the source [Ω];
U0 is the nominal ac r.m.s. voltage to earth [V];
Ia is the current causing the automatic operation of the disconnecting
protective device within the time stated in Table 1, as a function of
the rated voltage U0 or, for distribution circuits, a conventional
disconnecting time not exceeding 5 s is permitted [A]; if the protection
is provided by means of a residual current device, Ia is the rated
residual operating current I∆n.

Table 1: Maximum disconnecting times for TN system

U0 [V] Disconnecting time [s]
120 0.8
230 0.4
400 0.2
> 400 0.1

174 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.5 TN System

5 Protection of human beings

In TN installations, an earth fault with low impedance occurring on the LV side
causes a short circuit current with quite high value, due to the low value of the
impedance of the fault loop. The protection against indirect contact can be
provided by automatic circuit-breakers: it is necessary to verify that the operating
current within the stated times is lower than the short-circuit current.

The use of residual current devices improves the conditions for protection in
particular when the fault impedance doesn’t have a low value, thus limiting the
short-circuit current; this current can persist for quite long time causing
overheating of the conductors and fire risks.

Finally, it is important to highlight the fact that the residual current devices cannot
be used in TN-C system, since the neutral and protective functions are provided
by a unique conductor: this configuration prevents the residual current device
from working.

Example:

In the plant represented in Figure 2, the earth fault current is:

IkLG = 3 kA

The rated voltage to earth is 230 V, therefore, according to Table 1, it shall be

verified that:
U0
I a ( 0.4s) ≤ = I kLG = 3 kA
Zs

Figure 2

-U1
U Ur = 400 V
LLLN / TN-S

-QF1
T1B 160 In125

-WC1
3x(1x50)+1x(1x25)+1G25
PVC Cu
dV = 0.38%
Iz = 134.0 A
L = 20 m
-B1
1SDC010039F0001

Ik LG = 3.0 kA

Sr = 70.00 kVA
L cosϕ = 0.90

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 175

 5.5 TN System

5 Protection of human beings

From the tripping curve (Figure 3), it is clear that the circuit-breaker trips in 0.4 s
for a current value lower than 950 A. As a consequence, the protection against
indirect contact is provided by the same circuit-breaker which protects the
cable against short-circuit and overload, without the necessity of using an
additional residual current device.

Figure 3: LG Time-Current curves

IkLG=3.0 kA
104 s

103 s
3x(1x50)+1x(1x25)+1G25

102 s

T1B160
In125
101 s

1s

0.4s 1SDC010040F0001

10-1 s

950 A
0.1kA 1kA 10kA

176 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5 Protection of human beings

5.6 IT System
As represented in Figure 1, the earth fault current in an IT system flows through
the line conductor capacitance to the power supply neutral point. For this reason,
the first earth fault is characterized by such an extremely low current value to
prevent the overcurrent protections from disconnecting; the deriving touch
voltage is very low.

Figure1: Earth fault in IT system

L1
L2
L3
Ik

C3 C2 C1

1SDC010037F0001
Ik

According to IEC 60364-4, the automatic disconnection of the circuit in case of

the first earth fault is not necessary only if the following condition is fulfilled:

Rt . I d ≤ U L
where:
Rt is the resistance of the earth electrode for exposed conductive parts [Ω];
Id is the fault current, of the first fault of negligible impedance between
a phase conductor and an exposed conductive part [A];
UL is 50 V for ordinary locations (25 V for particular locations).

If this condition is fulfilled, after the first fault, the touch voltage value on the
exposed conductive parts is lower than 50 V, tolerable by the human body for
an indefinite time, as shown in the safety curve (see Chapter 5.1 “General
aspects: effects of current on human beings”).
In IT system installations, an insulation monitoring device shall be provided to

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 177

 5.6 IT System

5 Protection of human beings

indicate the occurrence of a first earth fault; in the event of a second fault, the
supply shall be disconnected according to the following modalities:

a) where exposed conductive parts are earthed in groups or individually,

the conditions for protection are the same as for TT systems (see
Chapter 5.4 “TT system”);
b) where exposed conductive parts are interconnected by a protective
conductor collectively earthed, the conditions of a TN system apply;
in particular, the following conditions shall be fulfilled:
if the neutral is not distributed:
U
Zs ≤ . r
2 Ia
if the neutral is distributed:

U
Z 's ≤ . 0
2 Ia
where
• U0 is the rated voltage between phase and neutral [V];
• Ur is the rated voltage between phases [V];
• Zs is the impedance of the fault loop comprising the phase conductor and the
protective conductor of the circuit [Ω];
• Z’s is the impedance of the fault loop comprising the neutral conductor and
the protective conductor of the circuit [Ω];
• Ia is the operating current of the protection device in the disconnecting time
specified in Table 1, or within 5 s for distribution circuits.

Table 1: Maximum disconnecting time in IT systems

Rated voltage disconnecting time [s]
U0/Ur [V] neutral not distributed neutral distributed
120/240 0.8 5
230/400 0.4 0.8
400/690 0.2 0.4
580/1000 0.1 0.2

IEC 60364-4 states that, if the requirements mentioned at point b) cannot be

fulfilled by using an overcurrent protective device, the protection of every supplied
load shall be provided by means of a residual current device.

The residual current device threshold shall be carefully chosen in order to avoid
unwanted tripping, due also to the particular path followed by the first fault
current through the line conductor capacitance to the power supply neutral
point (instead of the faulted line, another sound line with higher capacitance
could be affected by a higher fault current value).

178 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5 Protection of human beings

5.7 Residual current devices (RCDs)

Generalities on residual current circuit-breakers
The operating principle of the residual current release is basically the detection
of an earth fault current, by means of a toroid transformer which embraces all
the live conductors, included the neutral if distributed.

Figure 1: Operating principle of the residual current device

L N

1SDC010041F0001

In absence of an earth fault, the vectorial sum of the currents I∆ is equal to zero;
in case of an earth fault if the I∆ value exceeds the rated residual operating
current I∆n, the circuit at the secondary side of the toroid sends a command
signal to a dedicated opening coil causing the tripping of the circuit-breaker.
A first classification of RCDs can be made according to the type of the fault
current they can detect:
- AC type: the tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents,
whether suddenly applied or slowly rising;
- A type: tripping is ensured for residual sinusoidal alternating currents and
residual pulsating direct currents, whether suddenly applied or slowly rising;
- B type: tripping is ensured for residual direct currents, for residual sinusoidal
alternating currents and residual pulsating direct currents, whether suddenly
applied or slowly rising.

Another classification referred to the operating time delay is:

- undelayed type;
- time delayed S-type.

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 5.7 Residual current devices

5 Protection of human beings

RCDs can be coupled, or not, with other devices; it is possible to distinguish
among:
- pure residual current circuit-breakers (RCCBs): they have only the residual
current release and can protect only against earth fault. They must be coupled
with thermomagnetic circuit-breakers or fuses, for the protection against
thermal and dynamical stresses;
- residual current circuit-breakers with overcurrent protection (RCBOs): they
are the combination of a thermomagnetic circuit-breaker and a RCD; for this
reason, they provide the protection against both overcurrents as well as earth
fault current;
- residual current circuit-breakers with external toroid: they are used in industrial
plants with high currents. They are composed by a release connected to an
external toroid with a winding for the detection of the residual current; in case
of earth fault, a signal commands the opening mechanism of a circuit-breaker
or a line contactor.
Given I∆n the operating residual current, a very important parameter for residual
current devices is the residual non-operating current, which represents the
maximum value of the residual current which does not cause the circuit breaker
trip; it is equal to 0.5 I∆n. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that:
- for I∆ < 0.5⋅I∆n the RCD shall not operate;
- for 0.5⋅I∆n < I∆ < I∆n the RCD could operate;
- for I∆ > I∆n the RCD shall operate.
For the choice of the rated operating residual current, it is necessary to consider,
in addition to the coordination with the earthing system, also the whole of the
leakage currents in the plant; their vectorial sums on each phase shall not be
greater than 0.5⋅I∆n. in order to avoid unwanted tripping.

Discrimination between RCDs

The Standard IEC 60364-5-53 states that discrimination between residual
current protective devices installed in series may be required for service reasons,
particularly when safety is involved, to provide continuity of supply to the parts
of the installation not involved by the fault, if any. This discrimination can be
achieved by selecting and installing RCDs in order to provide the disconnection
from the supply by the RCD closest to the fault.
There are two types of discrimination between RCDs:
- horizontal discrimination: it provides the protection of each line by using a
dedicated residual current circuit-breaker; in this way, in case of earth fault,
only the faulted line is disconnected, since the other RCDs do not detect any
fault current. However, it is necessary to provide protective measures against
indirect contacts in the part of the switchboard and of the plant upstream the
RCD;
- vertical discrimination: it is realized by using RCDs connected in series.

Figure 2: Horizontal discrimination between RCDs

I∆ 0.3 A I∆ 0.3 A
I∆ t 0.5 s I∆ t 0.5 s

180 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

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5 Protection of human beings

Figure 3: Vertical discrimination between RCDs

I∆ 1 A
I∆
t1s

I∆ 0.3 A
I∆ t 0.5 s

I∆ I∆ 0.03 A
t inst.

According to IEC 60364-5-53, to ensure discrimination between two residual

current protective devices in series, these devices shall satisfy both the following
conditions:
- the non-actuating time-current characteristic of the residual current protective
device located on the supply side (upstream) shall lie above the total operating
time-current characteristic of the residual current protective device located
on the load side (downstream);
- the rated residual operating current on the device located on the supply side
shall be higher than that of the residual current protective device located on
the load side.

The non-actuating time-current characteristic is the curve reporting the

maximum time value during which a residual current greater than the residual
non-operating current (equal to 0.5.I∆n) involves the residual current circuit-
breaker without causing the tripping.
As a conclusion, discrimination between two RCDs connected in series can be
achieved:
- for S type residual current circuit-breakers, located on the supply side,
(complying with IEC 61008-1 and IEC 61009), time-delayed type, by choosing
general type circuit-breakers located downstream with I∆n equal to one third
of I∆n of the upstream ones;
- for electronic residual current releases (RC221/222/223, RCQ) by choosing
the upstream device with time and current thresholds directly greater than
the downstream device, keeping carefully into consideration the tolerances
(see Vol. 1, Chapter 2.3: Type of release).
For the protection against indirect contacts in distribution circuits in TT system,
the maximum disconnecting time at I∆n shall not exceed 1 s (IEC 60364-4-41,§
413.1)

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 181

 5 Protection of human beings

5.8 Maximum protected length for the

protection of human beings
As described in the previous chapters, the Standards give indications about
the maximum disconnecting time for the protective devices, in order to avoid
pathophysiological effects for people touching live parts.
For the protection against indirect contact, it shall be verified that the circuit-
breaker trips within a time lower than the maximum time stated by the Standard;
this verification is carried out by comparing the minimum short-circuit current
of the exposed conductive part to be protected with the operating current
corresponding to the time stated by the Standard.
The minimum short-circuit current occurs when there is a short-circuit between
the phase and the protective conductors at the farthest point on the protected
conductor.
For the calculation of the minimum short-circuit current, an approximate method
can be used, assuming that:
- a 50 % increasing of the conductors resistance, with respect to the 20 °C
value, is accepted, due to the overheating caused by the short-circuit
current;
- a 80 % reduction of the supply voltage is considered as effect of the
short-circuit current;
- the conductor reactance is considered only for cross sections larger
than 95 mm2.
The formula below is obtained by applying Ohm’s law between the protective
device and the fault point.

Legend of the symbols and constants of the formula:

- 0.8 is the coefficient representing the reduction of the voltage;
- 1.5 is the coefficient representing the increasing in the resistance;
- Ur is the rated voltage between phases;
- U0 is the rated voltage between phase and ground;
- S is the phase conductor cross section;
- SN is the neutral conductor cross section;
- SPE is the protection conductor cross section;
- ρ is the conductor resistivity at 20 °C;
- L is the length of the cable;
S⋅ n
- m= is the ratio between the total phase conductor cross section
SPE
(single phase conductor cross section S multiplied by n, number of
conductors in parallel) and the protective conductor cross section SPE
assuming they are made of the same conductor material;
SN ⋅ n
- m1= is the ratio between the total neutral conductor cross section
SPE
(single neutral conductor cross section SN multiplied by n, number of
conductors in parallel) and the protective conductor cross section SPE
assuming they are made of the same conductor material;
- k1 is the correction factor which takes into account the reactance of
cables with cross section larger than 95 mm2, obtainable from the
following table:
Phase conductor cross section
[mm2] 120 150 185 240 300
k1 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.75 0.72

182 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

- k2 is the correction factor for conductors in parallel, obtainable by the
following formula:
n−1
k2 = 4
n

where n is the number of conductor in parallel per phase;

- 1.2 is the magnetic threshold tolerance allowed by the Standard.

TN system
The formula for the evaluation of the minimum short circuit current is:
0.8 ⋅U 0 ⋅ S
I k min = ⋅ k1 ⋅ k2
1.5 ⋅1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ L
and consequently:

0.8 ⋅ U 0 ⋅ S
L= ⋅ k1 ⋅ k2
1.5 ⋅ 1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ I k min

Dy
L1
L2
L3
N
PE

PE PE

Ik N L3 L2 L1
1SDC010043F0001

REN

IT system
The formulas below are valid when a second fault turns the IT system into a TN
system.
It is necessary to separately examine installations with neutral not distributed
and neutral distributed.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 183

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

Neutral not distributed
When a second fault occurs, the formula becomes:
0.8 ⋅U r ⋅ S
I k min = ⋅ k1 ⋅ k2
2 ⋅1.5 ⋅1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ L
and consequently:
0.8 ⋅U r ⋅ S
L= ⋅ k1⋅ k 2
2 ⋅1.5 ⋅1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ I k min
Dy
L1
L2
L3

PE

PE PE
Z
Ik L3 L2 L1 Ik L3 L2 L1

1SDC010044F0001
PE

REN

Neutral distributed
Case A: three-phase circuits in IT system with neutral distributed
The formula is:
0.8 ⋅ U 0 ⋅ S
I k min = ⋅ k1⋅ k2
2 ⋅ 1.5 ⋅ 1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ L
and consequently:
0.8 ⋅ U 0 ⋅ S
L= ⋅ k1⋅ k2
2 ⋅1.5 ⋅1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m) ⋅ I k min

Case B: three-phase + neutral circuits in IT system with neutral distributed

The formula is:

0.8 ⋅ U 0 ⋅ SN
I k min = ⋅ k1⋅ k 2
2 ⋅ 1.5 ⋅ 1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m1) ⋅ L
and consequently:
0.8 ⋅U 0 ⋅ SN
L= ⋅ k1⋅ k 2
2 ⋅1.5 ⋅1.2 ⋅ ρ ⋅ (1 + m1) ⋅ I k min

184 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

Dy
L1
L2
L3
N
PE

PE PE
Z
Ik L3 L2 L1 Ik N L3 L2 L1

1SDC010045F0001
PE

REN A B

Note for the use of the tables

The tables showing the maximum protected length (MPL) have been defined
considering the following conditions:
- one cable per phase;
- rated voltage equal to 400 V (three-phase system);
- copper cables;
- neutral not distributed, for IT system only;
- protective conductor cross section according to Table 1:

Table 1: Protective conductor cross section

Phase conductor cross section S Protective conductor cross section SPE
[mm2] [mm2]
S ≤ 16 S
16 < S ≤ 35 16
S > 35 S/2
Note: phase and protective conductors having the same isolation and conductive materials

Whenever the S function (delayed short-circuit) of electronic releases is used

for the definition of the maximum protected length, it is necessary to verify that
the tripping time is lower than the time value reported in Chapter 5.5 Table 1 for
TN systems and in Chapter 5.6 Table 1 for IT systems.

For conditions different from the reference ones, the following correction factors
shall be applied.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 185

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

Correction factors
Correction factor for cable in parallel per phase: the value of the maximum
protected length read in Table 2 (TN system) or Table 3 (IT system) shall be
multiplied by the following factor:

n 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
kp 2 2.7 3 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5
n is the number of conductors in parallel per phase.

Correction factor for three-phase voltage different from 400 V: the value
of the maximum protected length read in Table 2 (TN system) or Table 3 (IT
system) shall be multiplied by the following factor:

voltage [V] 230 400 440 500 690

kV 0.58 1 1.1 1.25 1.73

For 230 V single-phase systems, no correction factor is necessary.

Correction factor for aluminium cables: the value of the maximum protected
length read in Table 2 (TN system) or Table 3 (IT system) shall be multiplied by
the following factor:

kAl 0.64

Correction factor for protective conductor cross section SPE different

from the cross sections stated in Table 1: the value of the maximum
protected length shall be multiplied by the coefficient corresponding to the
phase conductor cross section and to the ratio between the protective conductor
(PE) and the phase cross sections:

SPE/S 0.5 0.55 0.6 0.66 0.75 0.87 1 1.25 1.5 2

S kPE
≤16 mm2 0.67 0.71 0.75 0.80 0.86 0.93 1.00 1.11 1.20 1.33
25 mm2 0.85 0.91 0.96 1.02 1.10 1.19 1.28 1.42 1.54 1.71
35 mm2 1.06 1.13 1.20 1.27 1.37 1.48 1.59 1.77 1.91 2.13
>35 mm2 1.00 1.06 1.13 1.2 1.29 1.39 1.5 1.67 1.8 2.00

Correction factor for neutral distributed in IT system (for Table 3 only):

the value of the maximum protected length shall be multiplied by 0.58.

186 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCB Table 2.1: Curve Z

CURVE Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
In ≤10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63
I3 30 39 48 60 75 96 120 150 189
S SPE
1.5 1.5 173 133 108 86 69 54 43
2.5 2.5 288 221 180 144 115 90 72 58 45
4 4 461 354 288 231 185 144 115 92 72
6 6 692 532 432 346 277 216 173 138 108
10 10 1153 886 721 577 461 360 288 231 180
16 16 1845 1419 1153 923 738 577 461 369 288
25 16 2250 1730 1406 1125 900 703 563 450 352

Table 2.2: Curve B

CURVE B B B B B B B B B B B B B
In ≤6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100
I3 30 40 50 65 80 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500
S SPE
1.5 1.5 173 130 104 80 65 52 42 32 26
2.5 2.5 288 216 173 133 108 86 69 54 43 35 27
4 4 461 346 277 213 173 138 111 86 69 55 44 35 28
6 6 692 519 415 319 259 208 166 130 104 83 66 52 42
10 10 1153 865 692 532 432 346 277 216 173 138 110 86 69
16 16 1845 1384 1107 852 692 554 443 346 277 221 176 138 111
25 16 2250 1688 1350 1039 844 675 540 422 338 270 214 169 135
35 16 190 152

Table 2.3: Curve C

CURVE C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
In ≤3 4 6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125
I3 30 40 60 80 100 130 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 1000 1250
S SPE
1.5 1.5 173 130 86 65 52 40 32 26 21 16 13
2.5 2.5 288 216 144 108 86 67 54 43 35 27 22 17 14
4 4 461 346 231 173 138 106 86 69 55 43 35 28 22 17 14 11
6 6 692 519 346 259 208 160 130 104 83 65 52 42 33 26 21 17
10 10 1153 865 577 432 346 266 216 173 138 108 86 69 55 43 35 28
16 16 1845 1384 923 692 554 426 346 277 221 173 138 111 88 69 55 44
25 16 2250 1688 1125 844 675 519 422 338 270 211 169 135 107 84 68 54
35 16 95 76 61

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 187

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCB Table 2.4: Curve K

CURVE K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K
In ≤2 ≤3 4 4.2 5.8 6 8 10 11 13 15 16 20 25 26 32 37 40 41 45 50 63
I3 28 42 56 59 81 84 112 140 154 182 210 224 280 350 364 448 518 560 574 630 700 882
S SPE
1.5 1.5 185 123 92 88 64 62 46 37 34 28 25 23 18 15 14 12 10 9
2.5 2.5 308 205 154 146 106 103 77 62 56 47 41 38 31 25 24 19 17 15 15 14
4 4 492 328 246 234 170 164 123 98 89 76 66 62 49 39 38 31 27 25 24 22 20 16
6 6 738 492 369 350 255 246 185 148 134 114 98 92 74 59 57 46 40 37 36 33 30 23
10 10 1231 820 615 584 425 410 308 246 224 189 164 154 123 98 95 77 67 62 60 55 49 39
16 16 1969 1313 984 934 681 656 492 394 358 303 263 246 197 158 151 123 106 98 96 88 79 63
25 16 2401 1601 1201 1140 830 800 600 480 437 369 320 300 240 192 185 150 130 120 117 107 96 76

Table 2.5: Curve D

CURVE D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
In ≤2 3 4 6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100
I3 40 60 80 120 160 200 260 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1260 1600 2000
S SPE
1.5 1.5 130 86 65 43 32 26 20 16 13 10 8 6
2.5 2.5 216 144 108 72 54 43 33 27 22 17 14 11 9 7
4 4 346 231 173 115 86 69 53 43 35 28 22 17 14 11 9 7
6 6 519 346 259 173 130 104 80 65 52 42 32 26 21 16 13 10
10 10 865 577 432 288 216 173 133 108 86 69 54 43 35 27 22 17
16 16 1384 923 692 461 346 277 213 173 138 111 86 69 55 44 35 28
25 16 1688 1125 844 563 422 338 260 211 169 135 105 84 68 54 42 34
35 16 47 38

188 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCCB Table 2.6: TmaxT1 TMD

T1 T1 T1 T1 T1 T1
In ≤50 63 80 100 125 160
I3 500 A 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 6
2.5 2.5 10
4 4 15 12 10 8 6
6 6 23 18 14 12 9 7
10 10 38 31 24 19 15 12
16 16 62 49 38 31 25 19
25 16 75 60 47 38 30 23
35 16 84 67 53 42 34 26
50 25 128 102 80 64 51 40
70 35 179 142 112 90 72 56
95 50 252 200 157 126 101 79

Table 2.7: Tmax T2 TMD

T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2
In 1.6 2 2.5 3.2 4 5 6.3 8 10 12.5 16÷50 63 80 100 125 160
I3 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 500 A 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 246 197 157 123 98 79 62 49 39 31 8
2.5 2.5 410 328 262 205 164 131 104 82 66 52 13
4 4 655 524 419 328 262 210 166 131 105 84 21 17 13 10 8
6 6 983 786 629 491 393 315 250 197 157 126 31 25 20 16 13 10
10 10 1638 1311 1048 819 655 524 416 328 262 210 52 42 33 26 21 16
16 16 2621 2097 1677 1311 1048 839 666 524 419 335 84 67 52 42 34 26
25 16 1598 1279 1023 812 639 511 409 102 81 64 51 41 32
35 16 1151 914 720 576 460 115 91 72 58 46 36
50 25 1092 874 699 175 139 109 87 70 55
70 35 979 245 194 153 122 98 76
95 50 343 273 215 172 137 107
120 70 417 331 261 209 167 130
150 95 518 411 324 259 207 162
185 95 526 418 329 263 211 165

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 189

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCCB Table 2.8: Tmax T3 TMD
T3 T3 T3 T3 T3 T3 T3
In 63 80 100 125 160 200 250
I3 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
4 4 17 13 10 8
6 6 25 20 16 13 10 8
10 10 42 33 26 21 16 13 10
16 16 67 52 42 34 26 21 17
25 16 81 64 51 41 32 26 20
35 16 91 72 58 46 36 29 23
50 25 139 109 87 70 55 44 35
70 35 194 153 122 98 76 61 49
95 50 273 215 172 137 107 86 69
120 70 331 261 209 167 130 104 83
150 95 411 324 259 207 162 130 104
185 95 418 329 263 211 165 132 105
240 120 499 393 315 252 197 157 126

Table 2.9: Tmax T4 TMD/TMA

T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4
In 20 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320
I3 320 A 10 In 10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 14 14 9 11…5 9…4 7…3 5…3 4…2 3…2 3…1
2.5 2.5 23 23 14 18…9 14…7 12…6 9…5 7…4 6…3 5…2
4 4 36 36 23 29…14 23…12 18…9 14…7 12…6 9…5 7…4
6 6 54 54 35 43…22 35…17 28…14 22…11 17…9 14…7 11…5
10 10 90 90 58 72…36 58…29 46…23 36…18 29…14 23…12 18…9
16 16 144 144 92 115…58 92…46 74…37 58…29 46…23 37…18 29…14
25 16 176 176 113 141…70 113…56 90…45 70…35 56…28 45…23 35…18
35 16 198 198 127 158…79 127…63 101…51 79…40 63…32 51…25 40…20
50 25 300 300 192 240…120 192…96 154…77 120…60 96…48 77…38 60…30
70 35 420 420 269 336…168 269…135 215…108 168…84 135…67 108…54 84…42
95 50 590 590 378 472…236 378…189 302…151 236…118 189…94 151…76 118…59
120 70 717 717 459 574…287 459…229 367…184 287…143 229…115 184…92 143…72
150 95 891 891 570 713…356 570…285 456…228 356…178 285…143 228…114 178…89
185 95 905 905 579 724…362 579…290 463…232 362…181 290…145 232…116 181…90
240 120 1081 1081 692 865…432 692…346 554…277 432…216 346…173 277…138 216…108
300 150 1297 1297 830 1038…519 830…415 664…332 519…259 415…208 332…166 259…130

190 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCCB Table 2.10: Tmax T5 TMA
T5 T5 T5 T5
In 320 400 500 630
I3 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In
S SPE
1,5 1,5 3…1 2…1 2…1 1…1
2,5 2,5 5…2 4…2 3…1 2…1
4 4 7…4 6…3 5…2 4…2
6 6 11…5 9…4 7…3 5…3
10 10 18…9 14…7 12…6 9…5
16 16 29…14 23…12 18…9 15…7
25 16 35…18 28…14 23…11 18…9
35 16 40…20 32…16 25…13 20…10
50 25 60…30 48…24 38…19 31…15
70 35 84…42 67…34 54…27 43…21
95 50 118…59 94…47 76…38 60…30
120 70 143…72 115…57 92…46 73…36
150 95 178…89 143…71 114…57 91…45
185 95 181…90 145…72 116…58 92…46
240 120 216…108 173…86 138…69 110…55
300 150 259…130 208…104 166…83 132…66

Table 2.11: Tmax T2 with PR221 DS-LS

T2 T2 T2 T2 T2
In 10 25 63 100 160
I3 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 79 31 12
2.5 2.5 131 52 21
4 4 210 84 33 21
6 6 315 126 50 31 20
10 10 524 210 83 52 33
16 16 839 335 133 84 52
25 16 1023 409 162 102 64
35 16 1151 460 183 115 72
50 25 1747 699 277 175 109
70 35 2446 979 388 245 153
95 50 3434 1374 545 343 215
120 70 4172 1669 662 417 261
150 95 5183 2073 823 518 324
185 95 5265 2106 836 526 329
Note: if the setting of function I is different from the reference value (5.5) the value of the
MPL shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 191

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

TN system MPL
by MCCB Table 2.12: Tmax T4-T5 with PR221 - PR222

T4 T4 T4 T4 T5 T5 T5
In 100 160 250 320 320 400 630
I3 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In
S SPE
1,5 1,5
2,5 2,5
4 4
6 6 29 18
10 10 48 30 19
16 16 77 48 31 24 24 19
25 16 94 59 38 30 30 24 15
35 16 106 66 43 33 33 27 17
50 25 161 101 65 50 50 40 26
70 35 226 141 90 71 71 56 36
95 50 317 198 127 99 99 79 50
120 70 385 241 154 120 120 96 61
150 95 478 299 191 150 150 120 76
185 95 486 304 194 152 152 121 77
240 120 581 363 232 181 181 145 92
300 150 697 435 279 218 218 174 111
Note: if the setting of function I is different from the reference value (6.5) the value of the
MPL shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value.

Table 2.13: SACE Isomax S6÷S8 with PR211- PR212

S6 S7 S7 S7 S8 S8 S8 S8
In 800 1000 1250 1600 1600 2000 2500 3200
I3 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In
S SPE

2.5 2.5
4 4
6 6
10 10
16 16
25 16
35 16
50 25 20
70 35 28 22 18 14 14
95 50 39 31 25 20 20 16 13 10
120 70 48 38 31 24 24 19 15 12
150 95 59 48 38 30 30 24 19 15
185 95 60 48 39 30 30 24 19 15
240 120 72 58 46 36 36 29 23 18
300 150 86 69 55 43 43 35 28 22
Note: if the setting of function S or I is different from the reference value (6) the MPL
value shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value.
Besides, using function S the MPL shall be multiplied by 1.1.

192 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL
by MCB Table 3.1: Curve Z

CURVE Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
In ≤8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63
I3 30 30 39 48 60 75 96 120 150 189
S SPE
1.5 1.5 150 150 115 94 75 60 47 37
2.5 2.5 250 250 192 156 125 100 78 62 50 40
4 4 400 400 307 250 200 160 125 100 80 63
6 6 599 599 461 375 300 240 187 150 120 95
10 10 999 999 768 624 499 400 312 250 200 159
16 16 1598 1598 1229 999 799 639 499 400 320 254
25 16 1949 1949 1499 1218 974 780 609 487 390 309

Table 3.2: Curve B

CURVE B B B B B B B B B B B B B
In ≤6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100
I3 30 40 50 65 80 100 125 160 200 250 315 400 500
S SPE
1.5 1.5 150 112 90 69 56 45 36 28 22
2.5 2.5 250 187 150 115 94 75 60 47 37 30 24
4 4 400 300 240 184 150 120 96 75 60 48 38 30 24
6 6 599 449 360 277 225 180 144 112 90 72 57 45 36
10 10 999 749 599 461 375 300 240 187 150 120 95 75 60
16 16 1598 1199 959 738 599 479 384 300 240 192 152 120 96
25 16 1949 1462 1169 899 731 585 468 365 292 234 186 146 117
35 16 165 132

Table 3.3: Curve C

CURVE C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
In ≤3 4 6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125
I3 30 40 60 80 100 130 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 1000 1250
S SPE
1.5 1.5 150 112 75 56 45 35 28 22 18 14 11
2.5 2.5 250 187 125 94 75 58 47 37 30 23 19 15 12
4 4 400 300 200 150 120 92 75 60 48 37 30 24 19 15 12 10
6 6 599 449 300 225 180 138 112 90 72 56 45 36 29 22 18 14
10 10 999 749 499 375 300 230 187 150 120 94 75 60 48 37 30 24
16 16 1598 1199 799 599 479 369 300 240 192 150 120 96 76 60 48 38
25 16 1949 1462 974 731 585 450 365 292 234 183 146 117 93 73 58 47
35 16 82 66 53

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 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL
by MCB Table 3.4: Curve K
CURVE K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K K
In ≤2 ≤3 4 4.2 5.8 6 8 10 11 13 15 16 20 25 26 32 37 40 41 45 50 63
I3 28 42 56 59 81 84 112 140 154 182 210 224 280 350 364 448 518 560 574 630 700 882
S SPE
1.5 1.5 161 107 80 76 55 54 40 32 29 25 21 20 16 13 12 10 9 8
2.5 2.5 268 178 134 127 92 89 67 54 49 41 36 33 27 21 21 17 14 13 13 12
4 4 428 285 214 204 148 143 107 86 78 66 57 54 43 34 33 27 23 21 21 19 17 14
6 6 642 428 321 306 221 214 161 128 117 99 86 80 64 51 49 40 35 32 31 29 26 20
10 10 1070 713 535 510 369 357 268 214 195 165 143 134 107 86 82 67 58 54 52 48 43 34
16 16 1712 1141 856 815 590 571 428 342 311 263 228 214 171 137 132 107 93 86 84 76 68 54
25 16 2088 1392 1044 994 720 696 522 418 380 321 278 261 209 167 161 130 113 104 102 93 84 66

Table 3.5: Curve D

CURVE D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
In ≤2 3 4 6 8 10 13 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100
I3 40 60 80 120 160 200 260 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1260 1600 2000
S SPE
1.5 1.5 112 75 56 37 28 22 17 14 11 9 7 6
2.5 2.5 187 125 94 62 47 37 29 23 19 15 12 9 7 6
4 4 300 200 150 100 75 60 46 37 30 24 19 15 12 10 7 6
6 6 449 300 225 150 112 90 69 56 45 36 28 22 18 14 11 9
10 10 749 499 375 250 187 150 115 94 75 60 47 37 30 24 19 15
16 16 1199 799 599 400 300 240 184 150 120 96 75 60 48 38 30 24
25 16 1462 974 731 487 365 292 225 183 146 117 91 73 58 46 37 29
35 41 33

194 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL
by MCCB Table 3.6: Tmax T1 TMD
T1 T1 T1 T1 T1 T1
In ≤50 63 80 100 125 160
I3 500 A 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 5
2.5 2.5 8
4 4 13 11 8 7 5
6 6 20 16 12 10 8 6
10 10 33 26 21 17 13 10
16 16 53 42 33 27 21 17
25 16 65 52 41 32 26 20
35 16 73 58 46 37 29 23
50 25 111 88 69 55 44 35
70 35 155 123 97 78 62 49
95 50 218 173 136 109 87 68

Table 3.7: Tmax T2 TMD

T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2 T2
In 1.6 2 2.5 3.2 4 5 6.3 8 10 12.5 16÷50 63 80 100 125 160
I3 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 500 A 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 213 170 136 106 85 68 54 43 34 27 7
2.5 2.5 355 284 227 177 142 113 90 71 57 45 11
4 4 567 454 363 284 227 182 144 113 91 73 18 14 11 9 7
6 6 851 681 545 426 340 272 216 170 136 109 27 22 17 14 11 9
10 10 1419 1135 908 709 567 454 360 284 227 182 45 36 28 23 18 14
16 16 2270 1816 1453 1135 908 726 576 454 363 291 73 58 45 36 29 23
25 16 1384 1107 886 703 554 443 354 89 70 55 44 35 28
35 16 997 791 623 498 399 100 79 62 50 40 31
50 25 946 757 605 151 120 95 76 61 47
70 35 847 212 168 132 106 85 66
95 50 297 236 186 149 119 93
120 70 361 287 226 181 145 113
150 95 449 356 281 224 180 140
185 95 456 362 285 228 182 142

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 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL
by MCCB Table 3.8: Tmax T3 TMD
T3 T3 T3 T3 T3 T3 T3
In 63 80 100 125 160 200 250
I3 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In 10 In
S SPE
4 4 14 11 9 7
6 6 22 17 14 11 9 7
10 10 36 28 23 18 14 11 9
16 16 58 45 36 29 23 18 15
25 16 70 55 44 35 28 22 18
35 16 79 62 50 40 31 25 20
50 25 120 95 76 61 47 38 30
70 35 168 132 106 85 66 53 42
95 50 236 186 149 119 93 74 59
120 70 287 226 181 145 113 90 72
150 95 356 281 224 180 140 112 90
185 95 362 285 228 182 142 114 91
240 120 432 340 272 218 170 136 109

Table 3.9: Tmax T4 TMD/TMA

T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4 T4
In 20 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 320
I3 320 A 10 In 10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In
S SPE
1,5 1,5 12 12 7 9…5 7…4 6…3 5…2 4…2 3…1 2…1
2,5 2,5 20 20 12 16…8 12…6 10…5 8…4 6…3 5…2 4…2
4 4 31 31 20 25…12 20…10 16…8 12…6 10…5 8…4 6…3
6 6 47 47 30 37…19 30…15 24…12 19…9 15…7 12…6 9…5
10 10 78 78 50 62…31 50…25 40…20 31…16 25…12 20…10 16…8
16 16 125 125 80 100…50 80…40 64…32 50…25 40…20 32…16 25…12
25 16 152 152 97 122…61 97…49 78…39 61…30 49…24 39…19 30…15
35 16 171 171 110 137…69 110…55 88…44 69…34 55…27 44…22 34…17
50 25 260 260 166 208…104 166…83 133…67 104…52 83…42 67…33 52…26
70 35 364 364 233 291…146 233…117 186…93 146…73 117…58 93…47 73…36
95 50 511 511 327 409…204 327…164 262…131 204…102 164…82 131…65 102…51
120 70 621 621 397 497…248 397…199 318…159 248…124 199…99 159…79 124…62
150 95 772 772 494 617…309 494…247 395…198 309…154 247…123 198…99 154…77
185 95 784 784 502 627…313 502…251 401…201 313…157 251…125 201…100 157…78
240 120 936 936 599 749…375 599…300 479…240 375…187 300…150 240…120 187…94
300 150 1124 1124 719 899…449 719…360 575…288 449…225 360…180 288…144 225…112

196 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL
by MCCB Table 3.10: Tmax T5 TMA
T5 T5 T5 T5
In 320 400 500 630
I3 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In 5...10 In
S SPE
1,5 1,5 2…1 2…1 1…1 1…1
2,5 2,5 4…2 3…2 2…1 2…1
4 4 6…3 5…2 4…2 3…2
6 6 9…5 7…4 6…3 5…2
10 10 16…8 12…6 10…5 8…4
16 16 25…12 20…10 16…8 13…6
25 16 30…15 24…12 19…10 15…8
35 16 34…17 27…14 22…11 17…9
50 25 52…26 42…21 33…17 26…13
70 35 73…36 58…29 47…23 37…18
95 50 102…51 82…41 65…33 52…26
120 70 124…62 99…50 79…40 63…32
150 95 154…77 123…62 99…49 78…39
185 95 157…78 125…63 100…50 80…40
240 120 187…94 150…75 120…60 95…48
300 150 225…112 180…90 144…72 114…57

Table 3.11: Tmax T2 with PR221DS-LS

T2 T2 T2 T2 T2
In 10 25 63 100 160
I3 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In 5.5 In
S SPE
1.5 1.5 68 27 11
2.5 2.5 113 45 18
4 4 182 73 29 18
6 6 272 109 43 27 17
10 10 454 182 72 45 28
16 16 726 291 115 73 45
25 16 886 354 141 89 55
35 16 997 399 158 100 62
50 25 1513 605 240 151 95
70 35 2119 847 336 212 132
95 50 2974 1190 472 297 186
120 70 3613 1445 573 361 226
150 95 4489 1796 713 449 281
185 95 4559 1824 724 456 285

Note: if the setting of function I is different from the reference value (5.5) the MPL value
shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 197

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL Table 3.12: Tmax T4-T5 with PR221-PR222
by MCCB
T4 T4 T4 T4 T5 T5 T5
In 100 160 250 320 320 400 630
I3 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In 6.5 In
S SPE
1,5 1,5
2,5 2,5
4 4
6 6 25 16
10 10 42 26 17
16 16 67 42 27 21 21 17
25 16 82 51 33 26 26 20 13
35 16 92 58 37 29 29 23 15
50 25 140 87 56 44 44 35 22
70 35 196 122 78 61 61 49 31
95 50 275 172 110 86 86 69 44
120 70 333 208 133 104 104 83 53
150 95 414 259 166 129 129 104 66
185 95 421 263 168 132 132 105 67
240 120 503 314 201 157 157 126 80
300 150 603 377 241 189 189 151 96

Note: if the setting of function I is different from the reference value (6.5) the value of the
MPL shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value.

198 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 5.8 Maximum protected length for the protection of human beings

5 Protection of human beings

IT system MPL Table 3.13: SACE Isomax S6-S8 with PR211-212
by MCCB
S6 S7 S7 S7 S8 S8 S8 S8
In 800 1000 1250 1600 1600 2000 2500 3200
I3 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In 6 In
S SPE
2.5 2.5
4 4
6 6
10 10
16 16
25 16
35 16
50 25 17
70 35 24 19 16 12 12
95 50 34 27 22 17 17 14 11 9
120 70 41 33 26 21 21 17 13 10
150 95 51 41 33 26 26 21 16 13
185 95 52 42 33 26 26 21 17 13
240 120 62 50 40 31 31 25 20 16
300 150 75 60 48 37 37 30 24 19
Note: if the setting of function S or I is different from the reference value (6) the MPL value
shall be multiplied by the ratio between the reference value and the set value. Besides,
using function S, the MPL shall be multiplied by 1.1.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 199

 Annex A: Calculation tools

A.1 Slide rules

These slide rules represent a valid instrument for a quick and approximate
dimensioning of electrical plants.
All the given information is connected to some general reference conditions;
the calculation methods and the data reported are gathered from the IEC
Standards in force and from plant engineering practice. The instruction manual
enclosed with the slide rules offers different examples and tables showing the
correction coefficients necessary to extend the general reference conditions to
those actually required.

These two-sided slide rules are available in four different colors, easily identified
by subject:
- yellow slide rule: cable sizing;
- orange slide rule: cable verification and protection;
- green slide rule: protection coordination;
- blue slide rule: motor and transformer protection.

200 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 A.1 Slide rules

Annex A: Calculation tools

Yellow slide rule: cable sizing

Side
Definition of the current carrying capacity, impedance and voltage drop of cables.

Side
Calculation of the short-circuit current for three-phase fault on the load side of
a cable line with known cross section and length.
In addition, a diagram for the calculation of the short-circuit current on the load
side of elements with known impedance.

1SDC008059F0001

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 201

 A.1 Slide rules

Annex A: Calculation tools

Orange slide rule: cable verification and protection
Side
Verification of cable protection against indirect contact and short-circuit with
ABB SACE MCCBs (moulded-case circuit-breakers).

Side
Verification of cable protection against indirect contact and short-circuit with
ABB MCBs (modular circuit-breakers).

1SDC008060F0001

202 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 A.1 Slide rules

Annex A: Calculation tools

Green slide rule: protection coordination
Side
Selection of the circuit-breakers when back-up protection is provided.

Side
Definition of the discrimination limit current for the combination of two circuit-
breakers in series.

1SDC008061F0001

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 203

 A.1 Slide rules

Annex A: Calculation tools

Blue slide rule: motor and transformer protection
Side
Selection and coordination of the protection devices for the motor starter, DOL
start-up (coordination type 2 in compliance with the Standard IEC 60947-4-1).

Side
Sizing of a transformer feeder.
In addition, a diagram for the calculation of the short-circuit current on the load
side of transformers with known rated power.

1SDC008062F0001

204 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 A.2 DOCWin

Annex A: Calculation tools

A.2 DOCWin
DOCWin is a software for the dimensioning of electrical networks, with low or
medium voltage supply.
Networks can be completely calculated through simple operations starting from
the definition of the single-line diagram and thanks to the drawing functions
provided by an integrated CAD software.

Drawing and definition of networks

Creation of the single-line diagram, with no limits to the network complexity.
Meshed networks can also be managed.
• The diagram can be divided into many pages.
• The program controls the coherence of drawings in real time.
• It is possible to enter and modify the data of the objects which form the
network by using a table.
• It is possible to define different network configurations by specifying the status
(open/closed) of the operating and protective devices.

Supplies
• There are no pre-defined limits: the software manages MV and LV power
supplies and generators, MV/LV and LV/LV transformers, with two or three
windings, with or without voltage regulator, according to the requirements.

Network calculation
• Load Flow calculation using the Newton-Raphson method. The software can
manage networks with multiple slacks and unbalances due to single- or two-
phase loads. Magnitude and phase shift of the node voltage and of the branch
current are completely defined for each point of the network, for both MV as
well as LV.
• Calculation of the active and reactive power required by each single power
source.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 205

 A.2 DOCWIN

Annex A: Calculation tools

• Management of local (motors) and centralized power factor correction with
capacitor banks.
• Management of the demand factor for each single node of the network and
of the utilization factor on the loads.
• Short-circuit current calculation for three-phase, phase-to-phase, phase-to-
neutral, phase-to-ground faults. The calculation is also carried out for MV
sections, in compliance with the Standards IEC 60909-1, IEC 61363-1 (naval
installations) or with the method of symmetric components, taking into account
also the time-variance contribution of rotary machines (generators and motors).
• Calculation of switchboard overtemperature in compliance with Standard IEC
60890. The power dissipated by the single apparatus is automatically derived
by the data files of the software, and can be considered as a function of the
rated current or of the load current.

Cable line sizing

• Cable line sizing according to thermal criteria in compliance with the following
Standards: CEI 64-8 (tables CEI UNEL 35024-35026), IEC 60364, VDE 298-
4, NFC 15-100, IEC 60092 (naval installations) and IEC 60890.
• Possibility of setting, as additional calculation criterion, the economic criteria
stated in the Standard IEC 60827-3-2.
• Possibility of setting, as additional calculation criterion, the maximum allowed
voltage drop.
• Automatic sizing of busbar trunking system.
• Sizing and check on the dynamic withstand of busbars in compliance with
the Standard IEC 60865.

Curves and verifications

• Representation of:
- time / current curves (I-t),
- current / let-through energy curves (I-I2t),
- current limiting curves (peak): visual check of the effects of the settings on the
trip characteristics of protection devices.

206 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 A.2 DOCWin

Annex A: Calculation tools

• Representation of the curves of circuit-breakers, cables, transformers, motors
and generators.
• Possibility of entering the curve of the utility and of the MV components point
by point, to verify the tripping discrimination of protection devices.
• Verification of the maximum voltage drop at each load.
• Verification of the protection devices, with control over the setting parameters
of the adjustable releases (both thermomagnetic as well as electronic).

Selection of operating and protection devices

• Automatic selection of protection devices (circuit-breakers and fuses)
• Automatic selection of operating devices (contactors and switch disconnectors)
• Discrimination and back-up managed as selection criteria, with discrimination
level adjustable for each circuit-breaker combination.

• Discrimination and back-up verification also through quick access to

coordination tables.

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 207

 A.2 DOCWIN

Annex A: Calculation tools

• Motor coordination management through quick access to ABB tables.

Printouts
• Single-line diagram, curves and reports of the single components of the
network can be printed by any printer supported by the hardware
configuration.
• All information can be exported in the most common formats of data exchange.
• All print modes can be customized.

208 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Annex B: Calculation of load current Ib
Generic loads
The formula for the calculation of the load current of a generic load is:
P
Ib =
k ⋅ U r ⋅ cos ϕ
where:
• P is the active power [W];
• k is a coefficient which has the value:
- 1 for single-phase systems or for direct current systems;
- for three-phase systems;
• Ur is the rated voltage [V] (for three-phase systems it is the line voltage, for
single-phase systems it is the phase voltage);
• cosϕ is the power factor.

Table 1 allows the load current to be determined for some power values
according to the rated voltage. The table has been calculated considering cosϕ
to be equal to 0.9; for different power factors, the value from Table 1 must be
multiplied by the coefficient given in Table 2 corresponding to the actual value
of the power factor (cosϕact).

Table 1: Load current for three-phase systems with cosϕ = 0.9

Ur [V]
230 400 415 440 500 600 690
P [kW] Ib [A]
0.03 0.08 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03
0.04 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.04
0.06 0.17 0.10 0.09 0.09 0.08 0.06 0.06
0.1 0.28 0.16 0.15 0.15 0.13 0.11 0.09
0.2 0.56 0.32 0.31 0.29 0.26 0.21 0.19
0.5 1.39 0.80 0.77 0.73 0.64 0.53 0.46
1 2.79 1.60 1.55 1.46 1.28 1.07 0.93
2 5.58 3.21 3.09 2.92 2.57 2.14 1.86
5 13.95 8.02 7.73 7.29 6.42 5.35 4.65
10 27.89 16.04 15.46 14.58 12.83 10.69 9.30
20 55.78 32.08 30.92 29.16 25.66 21.38 18.59
30 83.67 48.11 46.37 43.74 38.49 32.08 27.89
40 111.57 64.15 61.83 58.32 51.32 42.77 37.19
50 139.46 80.19 77.29 72.90 64.15 53.46 46.49
60 167.35 96.23 92.75 87.48 76.98 64.15 55.78
70 195.24 112.26 108.20 102.06 89.81 74.84 65.08
80 223.13 128.30 123.66 116.64 102.64 85.53 74.38
90 251.02 144.34 139.12 131.22 115.47 96.23 83.67
100 278.91 160.38 154.58 145.80 128.30 106.92 92.97
110 306.80 176.41 170.04 160.38 141.13 117.61 102.27
120 334.70 192.45 185.49 174.95 153.96 128.30 111.57
130 362.59 208.49 200.95 189.53 166.79 138.99 120.86
140 390.48 224.53 216.41 204.11 179.62 149.68 130.16
150 418.37 240.56 231.87 218.69 192.45 160.38 139.46
200 557.83 320.75 309.16 291.59 256.60 213.83 185.94

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 209

 Calculation of load curremt Ib

Annex B: Calculation of load current Ib

Ur [V]
230 400 415 440 500 600 690
P [kW] Ib[A]
250 697.28 400.94 386.45 364.49 320.75 267.29 232.43
300 836.74 481.13 463.74 437.39 384.90 320.75 278.91
350 976.20 561.31 541.02 510.28 449.05 374.21 325.40
400 1115.65 641.50 618.31 583.18 513.20 427.67 371.88
450 1255.11 721.69 695.60 656.08 577.35 481.13 418.37
500 1394.57 801.88 772.89 728.98 641.50 534.58 464.86
550 1534.02 882.06 850.18 801.88 705.65 588.04 511.34
600 1673.48 962.25 927.47 874.77 769.80 641.50 557.83
650 1812.94 1042.44 1004.76 947.67 833.95 694.96 604.31
700 1952.39 1122.63 1082.05 1020.57 898.10 748.42 650.80
750 2091.85 1202.81 1159.34 1093.47 962.25 801.88 697.28
800 2231.31 1283.00 1236.63 1166.36 1026.40 855.33 743.77
850 2370.76 1363.19 1313.92 1239.26 1090.55 908.79 790.25
900 2510.22 1443.38 1391.21 1312.16 1154.70 962.25 836.74
950 2649.68 1523.56 1468.49 1385.06 1218.85 1015.71 883.23
1000 2789.13 1603.75 1545.78 1457.96 1283.00 1069.17 929.71

Table 2: Correction factors for load current with cosϕ other than 0.9

cosϕact 1 0.95 0.9 0.85 0.8 0.75 0.7

kcosϕ* 0.9 0.947 1 1.059 1.125 1.2 1.286

0.9
*
For cosϕact values not present in the table, kcosϕ =
cos ϕ act
Table 3 allows the load current to be determined for some power values
according to the rated voltage. The table has been calculated considering cosϕ
to be equal to 1; for different power factors, the value from Table 3 must be
multiplied by the coefficient given in Table 4 corresponding to the actual value
of the power factor (cosϕact).
Table 3: Load current for single-phase systems with cosϕ = 1 or dc
systems
Ur [V]
230 400 415 440 500 600 690
P [kW] Ib [A]
0.03 0.13 0.08 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04
0.04 0.17 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06
0.06 0.26 0.15 0.14 0.14 0.12 0.10 0.09
0.1 0.43 0.25 0.24 0.23 0.20 0.17 0.14
0.2 0.87 0.50 0.48 0.45 0.40 0.33 0.29
0.5 2.17 1.25 1.20 1.14 1.00 0.83 0.72
1 4.35 2.50 2.41 2.27 2.00 1.67 1.45
2 8.70 5.00 4.82 4.55 4.00 3.33 2.90
5 21.74 12.50 12.05 11.36 10.00 8.33 7.25
10 43.48 25.00 24.10 22.73 20.00 16.67 14.49
20 86.96 50.00 48.19 45.45 40.00 33.33 28.99

210 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Calculation of load curremt Ib

Annex B: Calculation of load current Ib

Ur [V]
230 400 415 440 500 600 690
P [kW] Ib [A]
30 130.43 75.00 72.29 68.18 60.00 50.00 43.48
40 173.91 100.00 96.39 90.91 80.00 66.67 57.97
50 217.39 125.00 120.48 113.64 100.00 83.33 72.46
60 260.87 150.00 144.58 136.36 120.00 100.00 86.96
70 304.35 175.00 168.67 159.09 140.00 116.67 101.45
80 347.83 200.00 192.77 181.82 160.00 133.33 115.94
90 391.30 225.00 216.87 204.55 180.00 150.00 130.43
100 434.78 250.00 240.96 227.27 200.00 166.67 144.93
110 478.26 275.00 265.06 250.00 220.00 183.33 159.42
120 521.74 300.00 289.16 272.73 240.00 200.00 173.91
130 565.22 325.00 313.25 295.45 260.00 216.67 188.41
140 608.70 350.00 337.35 318.18 280.00 233.33 202.90
150 652.17 375.00 361.45 340.91 300.00 250.00 217.39
200 869.57 500.00 481.93 454.55 400.00 333.33 289.86
250 1086.96 625.00 602.41 568.18 500.00 416.67 362.32
300 1304.35 750.00 722.89 681.82 600.00 500.00 434.78
350 1521.74 875.00 843.37 795.45 700.00 583.33 507.25
400 1739.13 1000.00 963.86 909.09 800.00 666.67 579.71
450 1956.52 1125.00 1084.34 1022.73 900.00 750.00 652.17
500 2173.91 1250.00 1204.82 1136.36 1000.00 833.33 724.64
550 2391.30 1375.00 1325.30 1250.00 1100.00 916.67 797.10
600 2608.70 1500.00 1445.78 1363.64 1200.00 1000.00 869.57
650 2826.09 1625.00 1566.27 1477.27 1300.00 1083.33 942.03
700 3043.48 1750.00 1686.75 1590.91 1400.00 1166.67 1014.49
750 3260.87 1875.00 1807.23 1704.55 1500.00 1250.00 1086.96
800 3478.26 2000.00 1927.71 1818.18 1600.00 1333.33 1159.42
850 3695.65 2125.00 2048.19 1931.82 1700.00 1416.67 1231.88
900 3913.04 2250.00 2168.67 2045.45 1800.00 1500.00 1304.35
950 4130.43 2375.00 2289.16 2159.09 1900.00 1583.33 1376.81
1000 4347.83 2500.00 2409.64 2272.73 2000.00 1666.67 1449.28

Table 4: Correction factors for load current with cosϕ other than 1

cosϕact 1 0.95 0.9 0.85 0.8 0.75 0.7

kcosϕ* 1 1.053 1.111 1.176 1.25 1.333 1.429

1
*
For cosϕact values not present in the table, kcosϕ =
cos ϕ act
Lighting circuits
The current absorbed by the lighting system may be deduced from the lighting
equipment catalogue, or approximately calculated using the following formula:
PL nL kBkN
Ib=
where: U rL cos ϕ
• PL is the power of the lamp [W];
• nL is the number of lamps per phase;
• kB is a coefficient which has the value:
- 1 for lamps which do not need any auxiliary starter;
- 1.25 for lamps which need auxiliary starters;
• kN is a coefficient which has the value:
- 1 for star-connected lamps;
- for delta-connected lamps;
• UrL is the rated voltage of the lamps;
• cosϕ is the power factor of the lamps which has the value:
- 0.4 for lamps without compensation;
- 0.9 for lamps with compensation.
ABB SACE - Electrical devices 211
 Calculation of load curremt Ib

Annex B: Calculation of load current Ib

Motors
Table 5 gives the approximate values of the load current for some three-phase
squirrel-cage motors, 1500 rpm at 50 Hz, according to the rated voltage.
Note: these values are given for information only, and may vary according to the motor manifacturer
and depending on the number of poles
Table 5: Motor load current
Motor power Rated current of the motor at:

220-230 V 240 V 380-400 V 415 V 440 V 500 V 600 V 660-690 V

[kW] PS = hp [A] [A] [A] [A] [A] [A] [A] [A]
0.06 1/12 0.38 0.35 0.22 0.20 0.19 0.16 0.12 –
0.09 1/8 0.55 0.50 0.33 0.30 0.28 0.24 0.21 –
0.12 1/6 0.76 0.68 0.42 0.40 0.37 0.33 0.27 –
0.18 1/4 1.1 1 0.64 0.60 0.55 0.46 0.40 –
0.25 1/3 1.4 1.38 0.88 0.85 0.76 0.59 0.56 –
0.37 1/2 2.1 1.93 1.22 1.15 1.06 0.85 0.77 0.7
0.55 3/4 2.7 2.3 1.5 1.40 1.25 1.20 1.02 0.9
0.75 1 3.3 3.1 2 2 1.67 1.48 1.22 1.1
1.1 1.5 4.9 4.1 2.6 2.5 2.26 2.1 1.66 1.5
1.5 2 6.2 5.6 3.5 3.5 3.03 2.6 2.22 2
2.2 3 8.7 7.9 5 5 4.31 3.8 3.16 2.9
2.5 3.4 9.8 8.9 5.7 5.5 4.9 4.3 3.59 3.3
3 4 11.6 10.6 6.6 6.5 5.8 5.1 4.25 3.5
3.7 5 14.2 13 8.2 7.5 7.1 6.2 5.2 4.4
4 5.5 15.3 14 8.5 8.4 7.6 6.5 5.6 4.9
5 6.8 18.9 17.2 10.5 10 9.4 8.1 6.9 6
5.5 7.5 20.6 18.9 11.5 11 10.3 8.9 7.5 6.7
6.5 8.8 23.7 21.8 13.8 12.5 12 10.4 8.7 8.1
7.5 10 27.4 24.8 15.5 14 13.5 11.9 9.9 9
8 11 28.8 26.4 16.7 15.4 14.4 12.7 10.6 9.7
9 12.5 32 29.3 18.3 17 15.8 13.9 11.6 10.6
11 15 39.2 35.3 22 21 19.3 16.7 14.1 13
12.5 17 43.8 40.2 25 23 21.9 19 16.1 15
15 20 52.6 48.2 30 28 26.3 22.5 19.3 17.5
18.5 25 64.9 58.7 37 35 32 28.5 23.5 21
20 27 69.3 63.4 40 37 34.6 30.6 25.4 23
22 30 75.2 68 44 40 37.1 33 27.2 25
25 34 84.4 77.2 50 47 42.1 38 30.9 28
30 40 101 92.7 60 55 50.1 44 37.1 33
37 50 124 114 72 66 61.9 54 45.4 42
40 54 134 123 79 72 67 60 49.1 44
45 60 150 136 85 80 73.9 64.5 54.2 49
51 70 168 154 97 90 83.8 73.7 61.4 56
55 75 181 166 105 96 90.3 79 66.2 60
59 80 194 178 112 105 96.9 85.3 71.1 66
75 100 245 226 140 135 123 106 90.3 82
80 110 260 241 147 138 131 112 96.3 86
90 125 292 268 170 165 146 128 107 98
100 136 325 297 188 182 162 143 119 107
110 150 358 327 205 200 178 156 131 118
129 175 420 384 242 230 209 184 153 135
132 180 425 393 245 242 214 186 157 140
140 190 449 416 260 250 227 200 167 145
147 200 472 432 273 260 236 207 173 152
160 220 502 471 295 280 256 220 188 170
180 245 578 530 333 320 289 254 212 190
184 250 590 541 340 325 295 259 217 200
200 270 626 589 370 340 321 278 235 215
220 300 700 647 408 385 353 310 260 235
250 340 803 736 460 425 401 353 295 268
257 350 826 756 475 450 412 363 302 280
295 400 948 868 546 500 473 416 348 320
315 430 990 927 580 535 505 445 370 337
355 480 1080 1010 636 580 549 483 405 366
400 545 1250 1130 710 650 611 538 450 410
450 610 1410 1270 800 740 688 608 508 460
475 645 1490 1340 850 780 730 645 540 485
500 680 1570 1420 890 830 770 680 565 510
560 760 1750 1580 1000 920 860 760 630 570
600 810 – – 1080 990 920 810 680 610
670 910 – – 1200 1100 1030 910 760 680

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A short-circuit is a fault of negligible impedance between live conductors having
a difference in potential under normal operating conditions.

Fault typologies
In a three-phase circuit the following types of fault may occur:
• three phase fault;
• two phase fault;
• phase to neutral fault;
• phase to PE fault.
In the formulas, the following symbols are used:
• Ik short-circuit current;
• Ur rated voltage;
• ZL phase conductor impedance;
• ZN neutral conductor impedance;
• ZPE protective conductor impedance.
The following table briefly shows the type of fault and the relationships between
the value of the short-circuit current for a symmetrical fault (three phase) and
the short-circuit current for asymmetrical faults (two phase and single phase) in
case of faults far from generators. For more accurate calculation, the use of
DOCWin software is recommended.

Three phase fault

ZL IkLLL

ZL IkLLL
ZC = R C2 + X C2
ZL IkLLL

ZN

Two phase fault

ZL

ZL
Ur 3
IkLL = = IkLLL = 0.87 IkLLL
ZL IkLL 2Z L 2

ZN

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Phase to neutral fault Ur

IkLN =
ZL 3( ZL + ZN )
If Z L = Z N (cross section of neutral conductor equal to the
phase conductor one):

ZL Ur Ur
IkLN = = = 0.5 IkLLL
3( ZL + ZN ) 3(2ZL )
If Z N = 2Z L (cross section of neutral conductor half the phase
ZL conductor one):
Ur Ur
IkLN = = = 0.33IkLLL
3( ZL + ZN ) 3(3Z L )
ZN IkLN If Z N ≅ 0 limit condition:
Ur Ur
IkLN = = = I kLLL
3( ZL + ZN ) 3( ZL )

Phase to PE fault IkLPE = Ur

ZL 3( ZL + ZPE )
If Z L = Z PE (cross section of protective conductor equal
to the phase conductor one):
Ur Ur
ZL IkLPE = = = 0.5I kLLL
3( ZL + ZPE ) 3(2ZL )
If Z PE= 2Z L (cross section of protective conductor
ZL half to the phase conductor one):
Ur Ur
IkLPE = = = 0.33I kLLL
3(ZL + ZPE ) 3(3ZL )
ZPE IkLPE If Z PE ≅ 0 limit condition:
IkLPE = Ur Ur
= = IkLLL
3( ZL + ZPE ) 3 (ZL)

The following table allows the approximate value of a short-circuit current to be

found quickly.

Three-phase Two-phase Phase to neutral Phase to PE short-circuit

Note short-circuit short-circuit short-circuit (TN system)

IkLLL IkLL IkLN IkLPE

ILN=0.5IkLLL (ZL = ZN) ILPE=0.5IkLLL (ZL = ZPE)
IkLLL - IkLL=0.87IkLLL ILN=0.33IkLLL (ZL = 0,5ZN) ILPE=0.33IkLLL (ZL = 0.5ZPE)
ILN=IkLLL (ZN ≅ 0) ILPE=IkLLL (ZPE ≅ 0)
IkLN=0.58IkLL (ZL = ZN) IkLPE=0.58IkLL (ZL = ZPE)
IkLL IkLLL=1.16IkLL - IkLN=0.38IkLL (ZL = 0,5ZN) IkLPE=0.38IkLL (ZL = 0.5ZPE)
IkLN=1.16IkLL (ZN ≅ 0) IkLPE=1.16IkLL (ZPE ≅ 0)
IkLLL=2IkLN (ZL = ZN) IkLL=1.73IkLN (ZL = ZN)
IkLN IkLLL=3IkLN (ZL = 2ZN) IkLL=2.6IkLN (ZL = 2ZN) -
IkLLL=IkLN (ZN ≅ 0) IkLL=0.87IkLN (ZN ≅ 0)

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Determination of the short-circuit current

In order to determine the short-circuit current the “short-circuit power method”
can be used. This method allows the determination of the approximate short-
circuit current at a point in an installation in a simple way; the resultant value is
generally acceptable. However, this method is not conservative and gives more
accurate values, the more similar the power factors of the considered
components are (network, generators, transformers, motors and large section
cables etc.).
For more accurate calculation, the use of DOCWin software for the dimensioning
of installations is recommended.
The “short-circuit power method” calculates the short-circuit current Ik based
on the formula:
Sk
Three-phase short-circuit Ik =
3 ⋅ Ur

Sk
Two-phase short-circuit Ik =
2 ⋅ Ur
where:
• Sk is the short-circuit apparent power seen at the point of the fault;
• Ur is the rated voltage.

To determine the short-circuit apparent power Sk, all the elements of the network
shall be taken into account, which may be:
• elements which contribute to the short-circuit current:
network, generators, motors;
• elements which limit the value of the short-circuit current:
conductors and transformers.

The procedure for the calculation of the short-circuit current involves the following
steps:
1. calculation of the short-circuit power for the different elements of the
installation;
2. calculation of the short-circuit power at the fault point;
3. calculation of the short-circuit current.

Calculation of the short-circuit power for the different elements of

the installation
The short-circuit apparent power Sk shall be determined for all the
components which are part of the installation:

Network
An electrical network is considered to include everything upstream of the point
of energy supply.

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Generally, the energy distribution authority supplies the short-circuit apparent

power (Sknet) value at the point of energy supply. However, if the value of the
short-circuit current Iknet is known, the value of the power can be obtained by
using, for three-phase systems, the following formula:

S knet = 3Ur Iknet

where Ur is the rated voltage at the point of energy supply.

If the aforementioned data are not available, the values for Sknet given in the
following table can be taken as reference values:

Net voltage Ur [kV] Short-circuit power Sknet [MVA]

Up to 20 500
Up to 32 750
Up to 63 1000

Generator
The short-circuit power is obtained from:

Sr ⋅100
Skgen =
X* d%

where X*d% is the percentage value of the subtransient reactance (Xd”) or of the
transient reactance (Xd’) or of the synchronous reactance (Xd), according to the
instant in which the value of the short-circuit power is to be evaluated.
In general, the reactances are expressed in percentages of the rated impedance
of the generator (Zd) given by:
2
Ur
Zd =
Sr
where Ur and Sr are the rated voltage and power of the generator.
Typical values can be:
- Xd” from 10 % to 20 %;
- Xd’ from 15 % to 40 %;
- Xd from 80 % to 300 %.
Normally, the worst case is considered, that being the subtransient reactance.
The following table gives the approximate values of the short-circuit power of
generators (Xd” = 12.5 %):

Sr [kVA] 50 63 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 4000
Skgen [MVA] 0.4 0.5 1.0 1.3 1.6 2.0 2.6 3.2 4.0 5.0 6.4 8.0 10.0 12.8 16.0 20.0 25.6 32.0

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Asynchronous three phase motors

Under short circuit conditions, electric motors contribute to the fault for a brief
period (5-6 periods).
The power can be calculated according to the short circuit current of the motor
(Ik), by using the following expression:

Skmot = 3 ⋅U r ⋅ I k

Typical values are:

Skmot= 5÷7 Srmot
(Ik is about 5÷7 Irmot: 5 for motors of small size, and 7 for larger motors).

Transformers
The short circuit power of a transformer (Sktrafo) can be calculated by using the
following formula:
100
Sktrafo = ⋅ Sr
uk %
The following table gives the approximate values of the short circuit power of
transformers:

Sr [kVA] 50 63 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600 2000 2500 3200 4000
uk% 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6
Sktrafo [MVA] 1.3 1.6 3.1 4 5 6.3 8 10 12.5 15.8 16 20 25 26.7 33.3

Cables
A good approximation of the short-circuit power of cables is:
2
Ur
S kcable =
Zc
where the impedance of the cable (Zc) is:
2 2
ZC = RC + X C

The following table gives the approximate values of the short-circuit power of
cables, at 50 and 60 Hz, according to the supply voltage (cable length = 10 m):

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230 [V] 400 [V] 440 [V] 500 [V] 690 [V] 230 [V] 400 [V] 440 [V] 500 [V] 690 [V]
S [mm2] Skcable [MVA] @50 Hz Skcable [MVA] @60 Hz
1.5 0.44 1.32 1.60 2.07 3.94 0.44 1.32 1.60 2.07 3.94
2.5 0.73 2.20 2.66 3.44 6.55 0.73 2.20 2.66 3.44 6.55
4 1.16 3.52 4.26 5.50 10.47 1.16 3.52 4.26 5.50 10.47
6 1.75 5.29 6.40 8.26 15.74 1.75 5.29 6.40 8.26 15.73
10 2.9 8.8 10.6 13.8 26.2 2.9 8.8 10.6 13.7 26.2
16 4.6 14.0 16.9 21.8 41.5 4.6 13.9 16.9 21.8 41.5
25 7.2 21.9 26.5 34.2 65.2 7.2 21.9 26.4 34.1 65.0
35 10.0 30.2 36.6 47.3 90.0 10.0 30.1 36.4 47.0 89.6
50 13.4 40.6 49.1 63.4 120.8 13.3 40.2 48.7 62.9 119.8
70 19.1 57.6 69.8 90.1 171.5 18.8 56.7 68.7 88.7 168.8
95 25.5 77.2 93.4 120.6 229.7 24.8 75.0 90.7 117.2 223.1
120 31.2 94.2 114.0 147.3 280.4 29.9 90.5 109.5 141.5 269.4
150 36.2 109.6 132.6 171.2 326.0 34.3 103.8 125.6 162.2 308.8
185 42.5 128.5 155.5 200.8 382.3 39.5 119.5 144.6 186.7 355.6
240 49.1 148.4 179.5 231.8 441.5 44.5 134.7 163.0 210.4 400.7
300 54.2 164.0 198.4 256.2 488.0 48.3 146.1 176.8 228.3 434.7

With n cables in parallel, it is necessary to multiply the value given in the table
by n. If the length of the cable (Lact) is other than 10 m, it is necessary to
multiply the value given in the table by the following coefficient:
10
L act
Calculation of the short-circuit power at the fault point
The rule for the determination of the short-circuit power at a point in the
installation, according to the short-circuit power of the various elements of the
circuit, is analogue to that relevant to the calculation of the equivalent admittance.
In particular:
• the power of elements in series is equal to the inverse of the sum of the
inverses of the single powers (as for the parallel of impedances);
1
Sk =
1
∑S
i
• the short-circuit power of elements in parallel is equal to the sum of the single
short-circuit powers (as for the series of impedances).

Sk = ∑ S i

The elements of the circuit are considered to be in series or parallel, seeing the
circuit from the fault point.
In the case of different branches in parallel, the distribution of the current between
the different branches shall be calculated once the short-circuit current at the
fault point has been calculated. This must be done to ensure the correct choice
of protection devices installed in the branches.

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Calculation of the short-circuit current

To determine the short-circuit current in an installation, both the fault point as
well as the configuration of the system which maximize the short-circuit current
involving the device shall be considered. If appropriate, the contribution of the
motors shall be taken into account.
For example, in the case detailed below, for circuit-breaker CB1, the worst
condition occurs when the fault is right upstream of the circuit-breaker itself. To
determine the breaking capacity of the circuit-breaker, the contribution of two
transformers in parallel must be considered.

Fault right downstream of CB1

1SDC010050F0001
CB1 CB2 CB3
Fault

Fault right upstream of CB1

(worst condition for CB1)

Fault
1SDC010051F0001

CB1 CB2 CB3

Once the short-circuit power equivalent at the fault point has been determined,
the short-circuit current can be calculated by using the following formula:

Sk
Three-phase short-circuit Ik =
3 ⋅ Ur

Sk
Two-phase short-circuit Ik =
2 ⋅ Ur

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Annex C: Calculation of short-circuit current

As a first approximation, by using the following graph, it is possible to evaluate

the three phase short-circuit current downstream of an object with short-circuit
power (SkEL) known; corresponding to this value, knowing the short-circuit
power upstream of the object (SkUP), the value of Ik can be read on the y-axis,
expressed in kA, at 400 V.

Figure 1: Chart for the calculation of the three phase short-circuit

current at 400 V

Ik [kA]
150

140
SkUP = 1000 MVA
130
SkUP
SkUP = 750 MVA
120 SkUP = ∞
SkUP = 500 MVA
110
SkEL
100
SkUP = 250 MVA
90
Ik
80

70
SkUP = 100 MVA
60
SkUP = 50 MVA
50

40
SkUP = 40 MVA
30 SkUP = 30 MVA

20 SkUP = 20 MVA
1SDC010052F0001

10 SkUP = 10 MVA

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 SkEL [MVA]

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Examples:
The following examples demonstrate the calculation of the short-circuit current
in some different types of installation.

Example 1 U
Upstream network: Ur = 20000 V A
Sknet = 500 MVA

Transformer: Sr = 1600 kVA

uk% = 6%
CB1
U1r / U2r =20000/400
B
Motor: Pr = 220 kW
CB2 CB3

1SDC010053F0001
Ikmot/Ir = 6.6
cosϕr = 0.9
η = 0.917

Generic load: IrL= 1443.4 A

M L
cosϕr= 0.9

Calculation of the short-circuit power of different elements

Network: Sknet= 500 MVA

100
Transformer: S ktrafo = ⋅ S r = 26.7 MVA
uk %

Pr
Motor: S rmot = = 267 kVA
η ⋅ cos ϕ r

Skmot = 6.6.Srmot = 1.76 MVA for the first 5-6 periods (at 50 Hz about 100 ms)

Calculation of the short-circuit current for the selection of circuit-breakers

Selection of CB1
For circuit-breaker CB1, the worst condition arises when the fault occurs right
downstream of the circuit-breaker itself. In the case of a fault right upstream,
the circuit-breaker would be involved only by the fault current flowing from the
motor, which is remarkably smaller than the network contribution.

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Annex C: Calculation of short-circuit current

The circuit, seen from the fault point, is represented by the series of the network
with the transformer. According to the previous rules, the short-circuit power is
determined by using the following formula:
S knet ⋅ S ktrafo
S kCB1 = = 25.35 MVA
S knet + S ktrafo
the maximum fault current is:
S kCB1
IkCB1 = = 36.6 kA
3 ⋅ Ur
The transformer LV side rated current is equal to 2309 A; therefore the circuit-
breaker to select is an Emax E3N 2500.
Using the chart shown in Figure 1, it is possible to find IkCB1 from the curve with
SkUP = Sknet = 500 MVA corresponding to SkEL = Sktrafo = 26.7 MVA:

Ik [kA]
150

140

130

120

110 SkUP = 500 MVA

100

90

80

70

60

50

40
Ik = 36.5 kA
30
1SDC010054F0001

20

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
SkUP = 26.7 MVA SkEL [MVA]

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Selection of CB2
For circuit-breaker CB2, the worst condition arises when the fault occurs right
downstream of the circuit-breaker itself. The circuit, seen from the fault point, is
represented by the series of the network with the transformer. The short-circuit
current is the same used for CB1.
SkCB1
IkCB1 = = 36.6 kA
3 ⋅ Ur
The rated current of the motor is equal to 385 A; the circuit-breaker to select is
an Isomax S5H 400.

Selection of CB3
For CB3 too, the worst condition arises when the fault occurs right downstream
of the circuit-breaker itself.
The circuit, seen from the fault point, is represented by two branches in parallel:
the motor and the series of the network and transformer. According to the
previous rules, the short circuit power is determined by using the following
formula:
Motor // (Network + Transformer)
1
S kCB3 = Skmot + = 27.11 MVA
1 1
+
S knet Sktrafo

SkCB3
IkCB3 = = 39.13 kA
3 ⋅ Ur
The rated current of the load L is equal to 1443 A; the circuit-breaker to select
is a SACE Isomax S7S 1600, or an Emax E2N1600.

Example 2
The circuit shown in the diagram is constituted by the supply, two transformers
in parallel and three loads.
U

Trafo 1 Trafo 2
Upstream network: Ur1=20000 V
Sknet = 500 MVA
CB1 CB2
Transformers 1 and 2: Sr = 1600 kVA
uk% = 6% B
U1r /U2r =20000/400
1SDC010055F0001

CB3 CB4 CB5

Load L1: Sr = 1500 kVA; cosϕ = 0.9;

Load L2: Sr = 1000 kVA; cosϕ = 0.9;
Load L3: Sr = 50 kVA; cosϕ = 0.9.
L1 L2 L3

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Calculation of the short-circuit powers of different elements:

Network Sknet = 500 MVA

Sr
Transformers 1 and 2 S ktrafo = . 100 = 26.7 MVA
uk %

Selection of CB1 (CB2)

For circuit-breaker CB1 (CB2) the worst condition arises when the fault occurs
right downstream of the circuit-breaker itself. According to the previous rules,
the circuit seen from the fault point, is equivalent to the parallel of the two
transformers in series with the network: Network + (Trafo 1 // Trafo 2).
The short-circuit current obtained in this way corresponds to the short-circuit
current at the busbar. This current, given the symmetry of the circuit, is distributed
equally between the two branches (half each). The current which flows through
CB1 (CB2) is therefore equal to half of that at the busbar.

S knet ⋅ (Srtrafo1 + S ktrafo2 )

S kbusbar = = 48.2 MVA
S knet + (Sktrafo1 + S ktrafo2 )

S kbusbar
Ikbusbar = = 69.56 kA
3 ⋅ Ur

Ikbusbar
IkCB1(2) = = 34.78 kA
2

The circuit-breakers CB1(CB2) to select, with reference to the rated current of

the transformers, are Emax E3N 2500.

Selection of CB3-CB4-CB5
For these circuit-breakers the worst condition arises when the fault occurs
right downstream of the circuit-breakers themselves. Therefore, the short-circuit
current to be taken into account is that at the busbar:

IkCB3 = Ikbusbar = 69.56 kA

The circuit-breakers to select, with reference to the current of the loads, are:
CB3: Emax E3S 2500
CB4: Emax E3S 1600
CB5: Tmax T2H 160

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Determination of the short-circuit current Ik downstream

of a cable as a function of the upstream one
The table below allows the determination, in a conservative way, of the three-
phase short-circuit current at a point in a 400 V network downstream of a
single pole copper cable at a temperature of 20 °C. Known values:
- the three phase short-circuit current upstream of the cable;
- the length and cross section of the cable.
Cable
section Length
[mm2] [m]
1.5 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.8 2.5 3.5 5.3 7 9.4 14
2.5 0.9 1 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.3 2.9 4.1 5.9 8.8 12 16 24
4 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.3 2.8 3.7 4.7 6.6 9.4 14 19 25 38
6 0.8 1.1 1.4 1.8 2.1 2.5 2.8 3.5 4.2 5.6 7 10 14 21 28 38 56
10 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.9 2.3 2.9 3.5 4.1 4.7 5.8 7 9.4 12 16 23 35 47 63 94
16 0.9 1.1 1.5 1.9 2.2 3 3.7 4.7 5.6 6.5 7.5 9.3 11 15 19 26 37 56 75 100 150
25 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.7 2.3 2.9 3.5 4.6 5.8 7.2 8.7 10 12 14 17 23 29 41 58 87 116 155 233
35 1.2 1.6 2 2.4 3.2 4 4.8 6.4 8 10 12 14 16 20 24 32 40 56 80 121 161 216 324
50 1.1 1.7 2.3 2.8 3.4 4.5 5.7 6.8 9 11 14 17 20 23 28 34 45 57 79 113 170 226 303 455
70 0.8 1.5 2.3 3.1 3.8 4.6 6.2 7.7 9.2 12 15 19 23 27 31 38 46 62 77 108 154 231 308 413
95 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 16 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 80 100 140 200 300 400
120 1.2 2.4 3.6 4.8 6 7.2 10 12 14 19 24 30 36 42 48 60 72 96 120 168 240 360 481
150 1.4 2.8 4.2 5.6 7 8.4 11 14 17 23 28 35 42 49 56 70 84 113 141 197 281 422
185 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.4 8 10 13 16 19 26 32 40 48 56 64 80 96 128 160 224 320 480
240 1.8 3.7 5.5 7.3 9.1 11 15 18 22 29 37 46 55 64 73 91 110 146 183 256 366 549
300 2 4 6 8 10 12 16 20 24 32 40 50 60 70 80 100 120 160 200 280 400
2x120 2.4 4.8 7.2 10 12 14 19 24 29 38 48 60 72 84 96 120 144 192 240 336 481
2x150 2.8 5.6 8.4 11 14 17 23 28 34 45 56 70 84 98 113 141 169 225 281 394 563
2x185 3.2 6.4 10 13 16 19 26 32 38 51 64 80 96 112 128 160 192 256 320 448
3x120 3.6 7.2 11 14 18 22 29 36 43 58 72 90 108 126 144 180 216 288 360 505
3x150 4.2 8.4 13 17 21 25 34 42 51 68 84 105 127 148 169 211 253 338 422
3x185 4.8 10 14 19 24 29 38 48 58 77 96 120 144 168 192 240 288 384 480
Ik upstream Ik downstream
[kA] [kA]
100 96 92 89 85 82 78 71 65 60 50 43 36 31 27 24 20 17 13 11 7.8 5.6 3.7 2.7 2.0 1.3
90 86 83 81 78 76 72 67 61 57 48 42 35 31 27 24 20 17 13 11 7.8 5.6 3.7 2.7 2.0 1.3
80 77 75 73 71 69 66 62 57 53 46 40 34 30 27 24 20 17 13 10 7.7 5.5 3.7 2.7 2.0 1.3
70 68 66 65 63 62 60 56 53 49 43 38 33 29 26 23 19 16 13 10 7.6 5.5 3.7 2.7 2.0 1.3
60 58 57 56 55 54 53 50 47 45 40 36 31 28 25 23 19 16 12 10 7.5 5.4 3.7 2.7 2.0 1.3
50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 41 39 35 32 29 26 23 21 18 15 12 10 7.3 5.3 3.6 2.6 2.0 1.3
40 39 39 38 38 37 37 35 34 33 31 28 26 24 22 20 17 15 12 10 7.1 5.2 3.6 2.6 2.0 1.3
35 34 34 34 33 33 32 32 31 30 28 26 24 22 20 19 16 14 11 10 7.1 5.1 3.5 2.6 2.0 1.3
30 30 29 29 29 28 28 28 27 26 25 23 22 20 19 18 16 14 11 9.3 7.0 5.0 3.5 2.6 1.9 1.3
25 25 24 24 24 24 24 23 23 22 21 21 19 18 17 16 14 13 11 9.0 6.8 5.0 3.4 2.6 1.9 1.3
20 20 20 20 19 19 19 19 18 18 18 17 16 15 15 14 13 12 10 8.4 6.5 4.8 3.3 2.5 1.9 1.3
15 15 15 15 15 15 14 14 14 14 14 13 13 12 12 12 11 10 8.7 7.6 6.1 4.6 3.2 2.5 1.9 1.3
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 9.3 8.8 7.8 7.0 5.7 4.4 3.1 2.4 1.9 1.3
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9.5 9.4 9.2 9.0 8.8 8.5 8.3 8.1 7.7 7.3 6.5 5.9 5.0 3.9 2.9 2.3 1.8 1.2
8.0 8.0 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.8 7.8 7.7 7.7 7.6 7.5 7.4 7.2 7.1 6.9 6.8 6.5 6.2 5.7 5.2 4.5 3.7 2.8 2.2 1.7 1.2
6.0 6.0 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.8 5.8 5.8 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.4 5.3 5.2 5.1 4.9 4.8 4.4 4.1 3.6 3.1 2.4 2.0 1.6 1.1
3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.9 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.2 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.2 0.9

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 225

 Calculation of short-circuit current

Annex C: Calculation of short-circuit current

Note:
• In the case of the Ik upstream and the length of the cable not being included
in the table, it is necessary to consider:
- the value right above Ik upstream;
- the value right below for the cable length.
These approximations allow calculations which favour safety.
• In the case of cables in parallel not present in the table, the length must be
divided by the number of cables in parallel.

Example
Data
Rated voltage = 400 V
Cable section = 120 mm2
Conductor = copper
Length = 29 m

Upstream short-
circuit current = 32 kA
400 V

Ik upstream = 32 kA

QF A

120 mm2
Cu/PVC
1SDC010056F0001

L = 29 m Ik downstream = ?

QF B QF C

Procedure
In the row corresponding to the cable cross section 120 mm2, it is possible to
find the column for a length equal to 29 m or right below (in this case 24). In the
column of upstream short-circuit current it is possible to identify the row with a
value of 32 kA or right above (in this case 35). From the intersection of this last
row with the previously identified column, the value of the downstream short-
circuit current can be read as being equal to 26 kA.

226 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Calculation for the cables

Annex D: Calculation of the coefficient k for

the cables (k2S2)
By using the formula (1), it is possible to determine the conductor minimum
section S, in the hypothesis that the generic conductor is submitted to an
adiabatic heating from a known initial temperature up to a specific final tempe-
rature (applicable if the fault is removed in less than 5 s):

S=
√I t 2
(1)
k
where:
• S is the cross section [mm2];
• I is the value (r.m.s) of prospective fault current for a fault of negligible
impedance, which can flow through the protective device [A];
• t is the operating time of the protective device for automatic disconnection [s];
k can be evaluated using the tables 2÷7 or calculated according to the formula (2):

θf - θi
k=
√
Qc (B+20)
ρ20 (
ln 1+
B+θi ) (2)

where:
• Qc is the volumetric heat capacity of conductor material [J/°Cmm3] at 20 °C;
• B is the reciprocal of temperature coefficient of resistivity at 0 °C for the
conductor [°C];
• ρ20 is the electrical resistivity of conductor material at 20 °C [Ωmm];
• θi initial temperature of conductor [°C];
• θf final temperature of conductor [°C].

Table 1 shows the values of the parameters described above.

Table 1: Value of parameters for different materials

Qc (B+20)
Material

Copper
B
[°C]
234.5
Qc
[J/°Cmm3]
3.45⋅10-3
ρ20
[Ωmm]
17.241⋅10-6
√ ρ20
226
Aluminium 228 2.5⋅10-3 28.264⋅10-6 148
Lead 230 1.45⋅10-3 214⋅10-6 41
Steel 202 3.8⋅10-3 138⋅10-6 78

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 227

 Calculation for the cables

Annex D: Calculation of the coefficient k for

the cables (k2S2)
Table 2: Values of k for phase conductor
Conductor insulation
PVC PVC EPR Rubber Mineral
≤ 300 mm2 ≤ 300 mm2 XLPE 60 °C PVC Bare
Initial temperature °C 70 70 90 60 70 105
Final temperature °C 160 140 250 200 160 250
Material of conductor:
copper 115 103 143 141 115 135/115 a
aluminium 76 68 94 93 - -
tin-soldered joints 115 - - - - -
in copper conductors
a
This value shall be used for bare cables exposed to touch.

Table 3: Values of k for insulated protective conductors not

incorporated in cables and not bunched with other cables
Temperature °C b Material of conductor
Copper Aluminium Steel
Conductor insulation Initial Final Value for k
70 °C PVC 30 160/140 a 143/133 a 95/88 a 52/49 a
90 °C PVC 30 160/140 a 143/133 a 95/88 a 52/49 a
90 °C thermosetting 30 250 176 116 64
60 °C rubber 30 200 159 105 58
85 °C rubber 30 220 166 110 60
Silicone rubber 30 350 201 133 73
a
The lower value applies to PVC insulated conductors of cross section greater than
300 mm2 .
b
Temperature limits for various types of insulation are given in IEC 60724.

Table 4: Values of k for bare protective conductors in contact with

cable covering but not bunched with other cables
Temperature °C a Material of conductor
Copper Aluminium Steel
Cable covering Initial Final Value for k
PVC 30 200 159 105 58
Polyethylene 30 150 138 91 50
CSP 30 220 166 110 60
a
Temperature limits for various types of insulation are given in IEC 60724.

228 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Calculation for the cables

Annex D: Calculation of the coefficient k for

the cables (k2S2)
Table 5: Values of k for protective conductors as a core incorporated in
a cable or bunched with other cables or insulated conductors
Temperature °C b Material of conductor
Copper Aluminium Steel
Conductor insulation Initial Final Value for k
70 °C PVC 70 160/140 a 115/103 a 76/68 a 42/37 a
90 °C PVC 90 160/140 a 100/86 a 66/57 a 36/31 a
90 °C thermosetting 90 250 143 94 52
60 °C rubber 60 200 141 93 51
85 °C rubber 85 220 134 89 48
Silicone rubber 180 350 132 87 47
a
The lower value applies to PVC insulated conductors of cross section greater than
300 mm2 .
b
Temperature limits for various types of insulation are given in IEC 60724..

Table 6: Values of k for protective conductors as a metallic layer of a

cable e.g. armour, metallic sheath, concentric conductor, etc.
Temperature °C Material of conductor
Copper Aluminium Lead Steel
Conductor insulation Initial Final Value for k
70 °C PVC 60 200 141 93 26 51
90 °C PVC 80 200 128 85 23 46
90 °C thermosetting 80 200 128 85 23 46
60 °C rubber 55 200 144 95 26 52
85 °C rubber 75 220 140 93 26 51
Mineral PVC covered a 70 200 135 - - -
Mineral bare sheath 105 250 135 - - -
a
This value shall also be used for bare conductors exposed to touch or in contact with
combustible material.

Table 7: Value of k for bare conductors where there is no risk of damage

to any neighbouring material by the temperature indicated
Material of conductor
Copper Aluminium Steel
Initial Maximum Maximum Maximum
temperature temperature temperature temperature
Conductor insulation °C k value °C k value °C k value °C
Visible and in restricted area 30 228 500 125 300 82 500
Normal conditions 30 159 200 105 200 58 200
Fire risk 30 138 150 91 150 50 150

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 229

 Main physical quantities

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
The International System of Units (SI)
SI Base Units
Quantity Symbol Unit name
Length m metre
Mass kg kilogram
Time s Second
Electric Current A ampere
Thermodynamic Temperature K kelvin
Amount of Substance mol mole
Luminous Intensity cd candela

Metric Prefixes for Multiples and Sub-multiples of Units

Decimal power Prefix Symbol Decimal power Prefix Symbol

1024 yotta Y 10-1 deci d
1021 zetta Z 10-2 centi c
1018 exa E 10-3 milli m
1015 peta P 10-6 mikro µ
1012 tera T 10-9 nano n
109 giga G 10-12 pico p
106 mega M 10-15 femto f
103 kilo k 10-18 atto a
102 etto h 10-21 zepto z
10 deca da 10-24 yocto y

230 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Main physical quantities

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Main quantities and SI units
Quantity SI unit Other units Conversion
Symbol Name Symbol Name Symbol Name
Length, area, volume
in inch 1 in = 25.4 mm
ft foot i ft = 30.48 cm
l length m metre fathom fathom 1 fathom = 6 ft = 1.8288 m
mile mile 1 mile = 1609.344 m
sm sea mile 1 sm = 1852 m
yd yard 1 yd = 91.44 cm
A area m2 square metre a are 1 a = 102 m2
ha hectare 1 ha = 104 m2
l litre 1 l = 1 dm3 = 10-3 m3
V volume m3 cubic metre UK pt pint 1 UK pt = 0.5683 dm3
UK gal gallon 1 UK gal = 4.5461 dm3
US gal gallon 1 US gal = 3.7855 dm3
Angles
α, β, γ plane angle rad radian ° degrees
π .
1°= rad
180
Ω solid angle sr steradian
Mass
m mass, weight kg kilogram lb pound 1 lb = 0.45359 kg
ρ density kg/m3 kilogram
υ specific volume m3/kg cubic metre
for kilogram
M moment of inertia kg⋅m2 kilogram for
square metre
Time
t duration s second
f frequency Hz Hertz 1 Hz = 1/s
ω angular 1/s reciprocal second ω = 2pf
frequency
v speed m/s metre per second km/h kilometre 1 km/h = 0.2777 m/s
per hour
mile/h mile per hour 1 mile/h = 0.4470 m/s
knot kn 1 kn = 0.5144 m/s
g acceleration m/s2 metre per second
squared
Force, energy, power
F force N newton 1 N = 1 kg⋅m/s2
kgf 1 kgf = 9.80665 N
p pressure/stress Pa pascal 1 Pa = 1 N/m2
bar bar 1 bar = 105 Pa
W energy, work J joule 1 J = 1 W⋅s = 1 N⋅m
P power W watt Hp horsepower 1 Hp = 745.7 W
Temperature and heat
T temperature K kelvin °C Celsius T[K] = 273.15 + T [°C]
°F Fahrenheit T[K] = 273.15 + (5/9)⋅(T [°F]-32)
Q quantity of heat J joule
S entropy J/K joule per kelvin
Photometric quantities
I luminous intensity cd candela
L luminance cd/m2 candela per square metre
F luminous flux lm lumen 1 lm = 1 cd⋅sr
E illuminance lux 1 lux = 1 lm/m2

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 231

 Main physical quantities

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Main electrical and magnetic quantities and SI units
Quantity SI unit Other units Conversion
Symbol Name Symbol Name Symbol Name
I current A ampere
V voltage V volt
R resistance Ω ohm
G conductance S siemens G = 1/R
X reactance Ω ohm XL = ωL
XC =-1/ωC
B susceptance S siemens BL = -1/ωL
BC = ωC
Z impedance Ω ohm
Y admittance S siemens
P active power W watt
Q reactive power var reactive volt
ampere
S apparent power VA volt ampere
Q electric charge C coulomb Ah ampere/hour 1 C = 1 A⋅s
1 Ah = 3600 A⋅s
E electric field V/m volt per metre
strength
C electric capacitance F farad 1 F = 1 C/V
H magnetic field A/m ampere per metre
B magnetic induction T tesla G gauss 1 T = 1 V⋅s/m2
1 G = 10-4 T
L inductance H henry 1 H = 1 Ω⋅s

Resistivity values, conductivity and temperature coefficient at

20 °C of the main electrical materials
conductor conductivity temperature
resistivity ρ20 χ20=1/ρ20 coefficient α20
[mm2Ω/m] [m/mm2Ω] [K-1]
Aluminium 0.0287 34.84 3.8⋅10-3
Brass, CuZn 40 ≤ 0.067 ≥ 15 2⋅10-3
Constantan 0.50 2 -3⋅10-4
Copper 0.0175 57.14 3.95⋅10-3
Gold 0.023 43.5 3.8⋅10-3
Iron wire 0.1 to 0,15 10 to 6.7 4.5⋅10-3
Lead 0.208 4.81 3.9⋅10-3
Magnesium 0.043 23.26 4.1⋅10-3
Manganin 0.43 2.33 4⋅10-6
Mercury 0.941 1.06 9.2⋅10-4
Ni Cr 8020 1 1 2.5⋅10-4
Nickeline 0.43 2.33 2.3⋅10-4
Silver 0.016 62.5 3.8⋅10-3
Zinc 0.06 16.7 4.2⋅10-3

232 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Electrotechnical formulas

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Main electrotechnical formulas
Impedance

resistance of a conductor at temperature ϑ l

Rθ=ρθ⋅
S

conductance of a conductor at temperature ϑ Gθ= 1 = χθ ⋅ S

Rθ l

resistivity of a conductor at temperature ϑ ρϑ= ρ20 [1 + α20 (ϑ – 20)]

capacitive reactance XC= -1 = - ⋅ 1

ω ⋅C 2 ⋅π ⋅f ⋅C

inductive reactance XL= ω ⋅ L = 2 ⋅ π ⋅ f ⋅ L

impedance Z = R + jX

module impedance Z = R2 + X2

phase impedance ϕ = arctan R

X

conductance G= 1
R

capacitive susceptance BC= -1 = ω ⋅ C = 2 ⋅ π ⋅ f ⋅ C

XC

inductive susceptance BL= -1 = – 1 = – 1

XL ω ⋅L 2 ⋅π ⋅f ⋅L

admittance Y = G – jB

module admittance Y = G2 + B2

phase admittance ϕ = arctan B

G

+
Z jXL
R
R X +
U -jXC
–

+
Y
jBC
G
U G B +
-jBL
–

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 233

 Electrotechnical formulas

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Indipendences in serie
Z = Z 1 + Z2 + Z3 + … Z1 Z2 Z3

Admittances in serie
1
Y= Y1 Y2 Y3
1 1 1
+ + +…
Y1 Y2 Y 3

Indipendences in parallel

1
Z= Z1 Z2 Z3
1 1 1
+ + +…
Z1 Z2 Z3

Admittances in serie

Y = Y1 + Y 2 + Y 3 + … Y1 Y2 Y3

Delta-star and star-delta transformations

1

Z1
Z13 Z12

Z3 0 Z2

3 2
Z23

Y→∆ ∆→Y
Z 1 ⋅ Z2 Z12 ⋅ Z13
Z12 = Z1 + Z2 + Z1 =
Z3 Z12 + Z13 + Z23

Z 2 ⋅ Z3 Z12 ⋅ Z23
Z23 = Z2 + Z3 + Z2 =
Z1 Z12 + Z13 + Z23
Z 3 ⋅ Z1 Z23 ⋅ Z13
Z13 = Z3 + Z1 + Z3 =
Z2 Z12 + Z13 + Z23

234 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

 Electrotechnical formulas

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Transformers
Two-winding transformer

Sr
rated current Ir =
3 ⋅ Ur
Sr
short-circuit power Sk = ⋅ 100
uk%
Sk Ir
short-circuit current Ik = = ⋅ 100
3 ⋅ Ur uk%
uk% U2r u% Sr
longitudinal impedance ZT = ⋅ = k ⋅
100 Sr 100 3 ⋅ I2r
pk% U2r p% Sr
longitudinal resistance RT = ⋅ = k ⋅
100 Sr 100 3 ⋅ I2r
longitudinal reactance XT = ZT2 – RT2

Three-winding transformer
1

Z1

Z3 Z2

3 2

u12 Ur2 1
Z12 = ⋅ Z1 = (Z12 + Z13 – Z23)
100 Sr12 2

u13 Ur2 1
Z13 = ⋅ Z2 = (Z12 + Z23 – Z13)
100 Sr13 2

u23 Ur2 1
Z23 = ⋅ Z3 = (Z13 + Z23 – Z12)
100 Sr23 2

ABB SACE - Electrical devices 235

 Electrotechnical formulas

Annex E: Main physical quantities and

electrotechnical formulas
Voltage drop and power

single-phase three-phase continuous

voltage drop ∆U = 2 ⋅ I ⋅ l ⋅ (r ⋅ cosϕ x ⋅ sinϕ) ∆U = 3 ⋅ I ⋅ l ⋅ (r ⋅ cosϕ x ⋅ sinϕ) ∆U = 2 ⋅ I ⋅ l ⋅ r

perceutage ∆U ∆U ∆U
voltage drop ∆u = ⋅ 100 ∆u = ⋅ 100 ∆u = ⋅ 100
Ur Ur Ur
active power P = U ⋅ I ⋅ cosϕ P = 3 ⋅ U ⋅ I ⋅ cosϕ P= U⋅I
reactive power Q = U ⋅ I ⋅ sinϕ Q = 3 ⋅ U ⋅ I ⋅ sinϕ –
apparent power S=U⋅I= P +Q 2 2 S= 3⋅U⋅I= P +Q 2 2 –

P P
power factor cosϕ = cosϕ = –
S S

power loss ∆P = 2 ⋅ l ⋅ r ⋅ I2 ∆P = 3 ⋅ l ⋅ r ⋅ I2 ∆P = 2 ⋅ l ⋅ r ⋅ I2

Caption
ρ20 resistivity at 20 °C
l total length of conductor
S cross section of conductor
α20 temperature coefficient of conductor at 20 °C
θ temperature of conductor
ρθ resistivity against the conductor temperature
ω angular frequency
f frequency
r resistance of conductor per length unit
x reactance of conductor per length unit
uk% short-circuit percentage voltage of the transformer
Sr rated apparent power of the transformer
Ur rated voltage of the transformer
pk% percentage impedance losses of the transformer under short-circuit
conditions

236 ABB SACE - Electrical devices

copertine 2004 21-02-2004 12:18 Pagina 2
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Electrical installation handbook

Volume 2 Electrical devices
nd
2 edition

1SDC010001D0202

Electrical devices
02/04
1SDC010001D0202
Printed in Italy

Due to possible developments of standards as well as of

materials, the characteristics and dimensions specified in
this document may only be considered binding after
confirmation by ABB SACE.

ABB SACE S.p.A.

An ABB Group Company
L.V. Breakers
Via Baioni, 35
24123 Bergamo - Italy ABB SACE
Tel.: +39 035.395.111 - Telefax: +39 035.395.306-433
http://www.abb.com

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