Collection of SANS standards in electronic format (PDF)

1. Copyright

This standard is available to staff members of companies that have subscribed to the
complete collection of SANS standards in accordance with a formal copyright
agreement. This document may reside on a CENTRAL FILE SERVER or INTRANET
SYSTEM only. Unless specific permission has been granted, this document MAY NOT
be sent or given to staff members from other companies or organizations. Doing so
would constitute a VIOLATION of SABS copyright rules.

2. Indemnity

The South African Bureau of Standards accepts no liability for any damage whatsoever
than may result from the use of this material or the information contain therein,
irrespective of the cause and quantum thereof.

I agree with the above

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ICS 29.060.20 NRS 068:2002

ISBN 0-626-13416-1 First edition

Rationalized User Specification

ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION

Cable earth fault indicator

Preferred requirements for applications in

the Electricity Supply Industry

N R S
This standard may only be used and printed by approved subscription and freemailing clients of the SABS.

This Rationalized User Specification is

issued by the NRS Project
on behalf of the
User Group given in the foreword
and is not a standard as contemplated in the Standards Act, 1993 (Act 29 of 1993).

Rationalized user specifications allow user

organizations to define the performance and quality
requirements of relevant equipment.

Rationalized user specifications may, after a certain

application period, be introduced as national standards.

Amendments issued since publication

Amdt No. Date Text affected

Correspondence to be directed to Printed copies obtainable from

South African Bureau of Standards South African Bureau of Standards

(Electrotechnical Standards) Private Bag X191
Private Bag X191 Pretoria 0001
Pretoria 0001
Telephone: (012) 428-7911
Fax: (012) 344-1568
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sabs.co.za

COPYRIGHT RESERVED

Printed on behalf of the NRS Project in the Republic of South Africa

by the South African Bureau of Standards
1 Dr Lategan Road, Groenkloof, Pretoria
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1 NRS 068:2002

Contents
Page

Foreword ........................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3
Key words ......................................................................................................................... 3
1 Scope ........................................................................................................................... 5
2 Normative references ...................................................................................................... 5
3 Definition and abbreviations ............................................................................................. 6
4 Requirements ................................................................................................................ 6
4.1 General ................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Non-mains powered EFI ............................................................................................ 8
4.3 Mains powered EFI ................................................................................................... 8
5 Test ............................................................................................................................. 9
5.1 Type tests ............................................................................................................... 9
5.2 Routine test ............................................................................................................. 9

6 Packing and marking ...................................................................................................... 9

7 Training ......................................................................................................................... 9
8 Documentation ............................................................................................................... 10
Annexes

A (informative) Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry .................................................. 11

B (informative) Model form for schedules A and B ................................................................. 13
Bibliography ...................................................................................................................... 14
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NRS 068:2002 2

Foreword
This specification has been prepared on behalf of the Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee (ESLC) and
has been approved by it for use by supply authorities.

This specification was prepared by a Working Group which, at the time of publication, comprised the
following members:

M Walter (Chairman) City Power Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd and AMEU

N J Mavhungu (Project Leader) NRS Project
S D Michie Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality
C Niemand City of Tshwane
M Takoorden Mangaung Municipality
R van Der Riet City of Cape Town (Tygerberg Administration)
G Whyte Eskom (Distribution Technology)

A Manufacturers’ Interest Group (MIG) was consulted on the contents of this specification and its
comments were incorporated where the Working Group was in agreement. The MIG comprised the
following members:

T Else Interswitch
R H Goodwin HV Test CC
L Kropp Suparule
B A Madeley ISO-Tech Systems CC
M F van Meygaarden Alstom

The working group was appointed by the ESLC, which, at the time of approval, comprised the following
members:

R Wienand (Chairman) eThekwini Electricity

M N Bailey Eskom (Distribution Technology)
A J Claasen SABS, Electrotechnical Standards
N Croucher City of Cape Town
P Crowdy Distribution, Eskom
W G H Dykman City of Tshwane, AMEU
A H L Fortmann Technical Secretary, AMEU
P A Johnson Technology Standardization, Eskom
J G Louw City of Cape Town (Tygerberg Administration), AMEU
D M Michie Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality, AMEU
A J van der Merwe Mangaung Electricity, AMEU
J S van Heerden SABS, NETFA
P J S van Niekerk City Power Johannesburg (Pty) Ltd
H R Whitehead eThekwini Electricity

Annexes A and B are for information only.

Recommendations for corrections, additions or deletions should be addressed to the NRS Project
Manager, c/o SABS, Private Bag X191, Pretoria, 0001.

ISBN 0-626-13416-1
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3 NRS 068:2002

Introduction
This specification was prepared to establish and promote uniform requirements for cable earth fault
indicators, to enable purchasers to acquire the specified equipment without the need for detailed and
extensive contract documents.

The Electricity Suppliers Liaison Committee expresses the wish that, in the national interest and in
support of government policy to foster local manufacture and stimulate export to all purchasers adopting
the requirements of this specification insofar as their particular conditions will permit. Any differences
between this specification and the corresponding purchaser’s requirements should, as far as possible, be
clearly indicated in the schedules attached to this specification and, where appropriate, be submitted for
consideration in future revisions thereof.

Keywords
Earth fault indicator; Control unit; Indicating unit.
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NRS 068:2002 4

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5 NRS 068:2002

SPECIFICATION

Electricity distribution

Cable earth fault indicator

Preferred requirements for applications in the Electricity Supply Industry

1 Scope
1.1 This specification covers the manufacture and test requirements for Earth Fault Indicators (EFIs) to
be used on MV cable networks. The EFI is used to assist field staff in identifying a section of MV cable
network that has faulted to earth.

1.2 The EFI is intended to be used under the following normal conditions for indoor use:

a) ambient air temperature −5 °C to 50 °C;

b) altitude not exceeding 1 800 m;

c) ambient air not significantly polluted by dust, smoke, salt or corrosive vapours;

d) average humidity not exceeding 95 %; and

e) negligible vibration due to external causes.

2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions which through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this specification. At the time of publication, the editions indicated were valid. All standards and
specifications are subject to revision, and parties to agreements based on this specification are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the documents listed
below. Information on currently valid national and international standards and specifications can be
obtained from the South African Bureau of Standards.

SABS 1507: 2001, Electric cables with extruded solid dielectric insulation for fixed installations
(300/500 V to 1 900/3 300 V).

SABS 1574: 2001, Electric cables — Flexible cords and flexible cables.

SABS IEC 60529: 1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code).

3 Definition and abbreviations

3.1 Definition

3.1.1 battery powered EFI: An EFI that is powered by means of a disposable battery.
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NRS 068:2002 6

3.2 Abbreviations

3.2.1 CU: control unit

3.2.2 EFI: earth fault indicator

3.2.3 IU: indicating unit

3.2.4 LED: light emitting diode

3.2.5 LV: low voltage

3.2.6 Mini sub: mini substation

3.2.7 MV: medium voltage

3.2.8 RMU: ring main unit

4 Requirements

4.1 General

4.1.1 Types of EFI's

As the EFI shall be used in two applications, two types of units are required namely:

a) a non-mains powered EFI which shall be used where there is no LV supply available, e.g. free
standing RMUs; and

b) a mains powered EFI which shall be used where an LV supply is available, e.g. mini subs.

The EFI shall primarily comprise a current sensor, a control unit (CU) and an indication unit (IU). The
individual components of the EFI shall be supplied fully wired as a complete unit.

The type of EFI required and the cable network voltage shall be specified in schedule A. (see annex B)

4.1.2 Trip current

4.1.2.1 The EFI shall be pre-set to a primary earth fault tripping current value of 50 A.

4.1.2.2 The EFI shall operate for an earth fault current value of 50 A within 50 ms.

4.1.2.3 The EFI shall not operate for current spikes or magnetizing inrush currents.

4.1.3 Control unit

4.1.3.1 The CU shall be housed in a weatherproof enclosure and shall have a degree of protection IP 65
of SABS IEC 60529.

4.1.3.2 The control unit shall provide a potential free changeover contact rated for 110 V d.c. at 0,5 A to
be used for remote indication.
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7 NRS 068:2002

4.1.4 Indication Unit

4.1.4.1 The EFI shall indicate an earth fault by means of either a flashing LED or reflective indicator. The
method of indication shall be stated in schedule B. (see annex B)

4.1.4.2 If specified in schedule A (see annex B), a remote IU shall be provided.

4.1.4.3 The remote IU shall be such that it is mountable on a flat steel plate of up to 5 mm thick and
shall be vandal-proof and weatherproof for outdoor mounting with a degree of protection IP65 of
SABS IEC 60529.

4.1.4.4 The remote IU housing shall be corrosion resistant.

4.1.4.5 The remote IU shall be easily visible from at least 5 m in daylight and at night.

NOTE Where a reflective indicator is used, visibility at night shall be possible by means of a torch.

4.1.4.6 It shall be possible to manually test and reset the IU. The method of testing and resetting shall
be stated in schedule B (see annex B).

4.1.5 Current sensor

4.1.5.1 The current sensor shall be a split core type and shall be fully encapsulated and corrosion
resistant.

4.1.5.2 The current sensor shall be provided with an adjustable, non-conductive fixing device that is
designed for use around medium-voltage cables with outside diameters ranging from 40 mm to 100 mm.

4.1.6 Cable connections

4.1.6.1 If applicable, the LV supply cable shall be 600/1000 V in accordance with the requirements of
SABS 1507.

4.1.6.2 The cable between the CU and the current sensor shall be in accordance with SABS 1574.

4.1.6.3 The cable between the CU and the remote IU (if applicable) shall be in accordance with
SABS 1574.

4.1.6.4 Unless otherwise specified in schedule A (see annex B), the cable lengths shall be supplied in a
minimum of 2 m lengths.

4.1.7 Samples

A sample of the EFI unit with installation instructions shall be supplied with the tender where specified in
schedule A of the enquiry document (see annexes A and B).

4.2 Non-mains powered EFI

4.2.1 General

4.2.1.1 The device shall be capable of operating without an LV a.c. supply. The preferred method of
supply i.e. battery, solar, capacitor, etc., will be as specified in schedule A (see annex B).
4.2.1.2 The EFI shall automatically reset after a time-out period, which is selectable up to 24 h.
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NRS 068:2002 8

4.2.2 Battery powered EFI

4.2.2.1 A battery powered EFI shall be marked as such.

4.2.2.2 The battery shall be of a long-life lithium type with a minimum shelf-life of 10 years.
4.2.2.3 For units that use a flashing LED for indication, the battery shall be capable of delivering a
minimum of 500 flashing h before replacing.
4.2.2.4 The battery shall be accessible and easy to remove, requiring no de-soldering of terminals or
special tools.
4.2.2.5 The battery shall be commercially available for replacement purposes.
4.2.2.6 The EFI shall be protected against battery reverse polarity.
4.2.2.7 It shall be possible to test the battery, the method of battery test shall be stated in schedule B
(see annex B).
4.2.2.8 The following battery information shall be provided in schedule B (see annex B):

a) manufacturer's name;
b) manufacturer's reference number;
c) battery type;
d) specification to which the battery complies;
e) battery capacity;
f) open circuit voltage; and
g) estimated life expectancy at 40 ºC.

4.2.3 Solar powered EFI

4.2.3.1 For solar powered EFI units that use a flashing LED for indication, the energy storage method
shall be capable of delivering a minimum of 8 flashing h before recharging.
4.2.3.2 The method of energy storage shall be indicated in schedule B (see annex B).

4.3 Mains powered EFI

4.3.1 The EFI shall be powered by 110 V or 230 V, 50 Hz single phase as specified in schedule A.
(see annex B).

4.3.2 The EFI shall have an energy storage method that is maintenance free e.g. capacitance discharge.
NOTE Energy storage method that utilize batteries are not considered to be maintenance free.

4.3.3 For units that use a flashing LED for indication, the energy storage method shall be capable of
delivering a minimum of 8 flashing h before recharging.

4.3.4 Following an earth fault, the EFI shall automatically reset within 20 s after restoration of supply.

5 Tests

5.1 Type tests

5.1.1 The EFI shall be type tested in accordance with SABS IEC 60529.
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9 NRS 068:2002

5.1.2 The EFI shall withstand a test voltage of 2 kV for 5 min. without breakdown of the dielectric, in
accordance with SABS 1574.

5.2 Routine test

A routine current injection test shall be performed on each EFI after manufacture.

6 Packing and marking

6.1 Packing

Each EFI shall be individually packed in corrugated cardboard boxes to prevent damage or deterioration
during transport, handling and storage. Each box shall contain:

a) an installation instruction; and

b) an operating instruction.

6.2 Marking

6.2.1 The EFI shall be legibly marked with the following information:

a) the manufacturer’s name or name trade mark,

b) a unique serial or identification number,

c) the year of manufacture,

d) type designation (i.e. mains powered or non-mains powered); and

e) battery shelf life expiry date (for battery powered).

6.2.2. Each EFI unit shall be clearly marked with a unique part number.

7 Training
If applicable, the supplier shall provide details with regard to training offered as specified in schedule B
(see annex B).

8 Documentation

8.1 Installation instructions

Installation instructions shall be written in English and shall:

a) contain all dimensional and mounting details of the EFI unit, and

b) be supported by legible illustrations that clearly indicate the application, connection and assembly of
all components of the EFI unit.

8.2 Test report

Type test report shall be submitted with a tender.

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NRS 068:2002 10

Annex A
(informative)

Guide to purchasers on preparing an enquiry

A.1 General

A model form is given in annex B to provide the purchaser with a convenient aid to purchasing. The use of
this form is intended to obviate the need for preparing a detailed technical specification.

The purchaser need only specify compliance with this specification, provide the tenderer with details of
any particular requirements, and set out the information required from the tenderer, as indicated below.

A.2 Schedules

A.2.1 General

The model form in annex B provides the purchaser with examples of a schedule A and a schedule B. In
his enquiry, the purchaser should provide his own schedule A and schedule B, based on these
examples.

A.2.2 Schedule A

Schedule A lists the requirements to be specified by the purchaser in enquiries and orders. These
requirements include references to the relevant subclauses in this specification, to assist in compiling the
schedules.

Where the text of any referenced standard stipulates that the purchaser shall indicate his requirements,
these requirements should also be specified in schedule A. The purchaser should set out his particular
requirements and choices in his own schedule A.

A.2.3 Schedule B

The purchaser should draw up his own schedule B (based on the schedule B in the model form) and
request the tenderer to fill in this schedule. By doing this, the tenderer will be stating compliance with
this specification and will provide the information the purchaser has requested.

NOTE 1 Where this specification allows the purchaser to make a choice, the example of schedule A (in the model form in
annex B) lists the preferred items/values/quantities. In the interests of standardization, purchasers are encouraged not to
deviate from these preferences.

NOTE 2 When preparing his own schedule A and schedule B from the examples in the model form in annex B, the purchaser
need include only the items he considers to be relevant or necessary.

NOTE 3 These schedules, when completed, become normative annexes to the enquiry specification.

A.3 Commercial conditions

A purchaser will furthermore need to indicate the commercial conditions applicable and draw up a price
schedule. Requirements for delivery, storage, packing and marking should be included in this part of the
enquiry.
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11 NRS 068:2002

Annex A
(concluded)

A.4 Quality assurance

This part of this specification does not cover the purchaser’s possible requirements in respect of quality
assurance, quality control, inspections, etc., since each purchaser needs to consider the criticality of the
application of each component's own policy towards these matters, etc. Purchasers are referred to
SABS ISO 9001: 2000 for guidance.

A.5 Testing

Attention should be paid to the subject of testing. An accredited laboratory should carry out tests, and
tenderers should be requested to provide assurances on this point.

A.6 Revisions of standards used as normative references

This specification, as has been indicated, is based on a set of defined standards, which may have been
revised or amended. Most purchasers would probably, in principle, wish to employ the latest standards.
The recommended approach to this question is to secure an undertaking from a supplier to review the
latest versions and amendments and to incorporate these where possible and agreeable to both parties.
A blanket commitment to work to the ‘latest’ versions of standards creates legal difficulties of
interpretation and risks for both parties and should be properly assessed. This invariably cannot be done
in the time available.
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NRS 068:2002 12

Annex B
(informative)

Model form for schedules A and B

Schedule A: Purchaser's specific requirements

Schedule B: Guarantees and technical particulars of equipment offered

Item Sub- Description Schedule A Schedule B

clause
1 4.1.1 Type of EFI required __________ xxxxxxxxxx
2 4.1.1 To be used on cable network voltage kV __________ xxxxxxxxxx
3 4.1.4.1 Method of indication xxxxxxxxxx __________
4 4.1.4.2 Remote IU required? Yes/No __________ xxxxxxxxxx

5 4.1.4.6 Method of testing and resetting the IU xxxxxxxxxx __________

4.1.6.4 Cable length required (if not 2 m) __________ xxxxxxxxxx

6

7 4.1.7 Installation instruction included? Yes/no xxxxxxxxxx __________

8 4.2.1.1 EFI operation mode battery,

solar,
__________ xxxxxxxxxx
capacitor,
etc.
9 4.2.2.7 Battery test method xxxxxxxxxx __________

10 4.2.2.8 Battery information xxxxxxxxxx __________

a) manufacturer's name
b) manufacturer's reference number
c) battery type
d) specification to which the battery complies
e) battery capacity
f) open circuit voltage
g) estimated life expectancy at 40 ºC
11 4.2.3.2 Energy storage method battery,
capacitor, xxxxxxxxxx __________
etc.

12 4.3.1 Power supply V __________ xxxxxxxxxx

13 7 Details of training offered, if any xxxxxxxxxx __________

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13 NRS 068:2002

Bibliography
The following document was a source of reference in the compilation of this specification. Although it
does not form an integral part of this specification, it is referenced for further information:

SABS ISO 9001: 2000, Quality management systems — Requirements

sabs pta