Materials System Specification

16-SAMSS-510

28 April 2013

Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents
1

Scope.............................................................. 2

Conflicts and Deviations................................. 2

References..................................................... 2

Vendor Experience......................................... 3

Information Required with Quotation.............. 4

Service Conditions.......................................... 4

General Requirements.................................... 4

Weatherproof Outer Enclosure....................... 6

Switch Way Configuration............................... 8

Data Schedule..................................................... 10
Appendix A......................................................... 11

Previous Issue: 22 May 2012

Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin
Primary contact: Basel A. Ishwait on +966-3-8809664
CopyrightSaudi Aramco 2013. All rights reserved.

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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Scope
1.1

This specification defines the mandatory requirements for outdoor, manually

operated, dead-front, pad-mounted SF6 switchgear assemblies designed,
manufactured and tested to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
Standards or North American (NA) Standards. This equipment is used in
primary distribution loops to provide radial feeds on distribution systems with
nominal voltages up to 36 kV.

1.2

Switchgear in compliance with this specification is housed in metal-enclosed,

free-standing, weatherproof enclosure(s) for outdoor use and contains all
necessary switching, current carrying, control and protection equipment.

1.3

This specification defines switchgear that utilizes fully rated equipment. SF6 gas
is used as the insulating medium. SF6 gas or vacuum is used for interruption.
The bus maybe contained within an SF6 insulted compartment or be insulated
with a solid insulating material. Tape insulation of bus and or bus joints is
unacceptable. The switchgear cable terminations are designed for use with
fully-shielded, dead-front, separable cable connectors.

1.4

This specification defines the basic features of the equipment required and shall
take precedence over all standards and codes as referenced. The equipment
manufacturer shall ensure that the applicable standards are adhered to in
addition to this specification.

Conflicts and Deviations

2.1

If there are any conflicts between this Specification and associated purchasing,
project or engineering documents, this specification shall take precedence.

2.2

Direct all requests to deviate from this Specification in writing to the Company
or Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company waiver procedure.

2.3

The designation Commentary is used to label a sub-paragraph that contains

comments that are explanatory or advisory. These comments are not mandatory,
except to the extent that they explain mandatory requirements contained in this
SAMSS.

References
The following is a summary of all the documents which have been mentioned within
this Specification. The specific part(s) of these documents which are applicable have
been identified throughout this Specification.
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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

3.1

Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard
SAES-P-100

Basic Power System Design Criteria

Saudi Aramco Inspection Requirements

Form 175-162600

Manually-Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear:

1 kV to 36 kV

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

Form NMR-7920

Non-Material Requirements for Disconnect

Switches

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

3.2

Industry Codes and Standards

National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 70

National Electrical Code (NEC)

American National Standards Institute

ANSI/IEEE C37.72

Manually-Operated, Dead-Front Padmounted

Switchgear with Load-Interrupting Switches and
Separable Connectors for AC Systems

ANSI/IEEE C57.12.28 Switchgear and Transformers Pad-Mounted

Equipment - Enclosure Integrity
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NEMA ICS 6

Enclosures for Industrial Control and Systems

International Electrotechnical Commission

IEC 62271

AC Metal-Enclosed Switchgear up to and including

52 kV

IEC 60529

Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures

IEC 60227

Polyvinyl Chloride Insulated Cables of Rated

Voltages up to and Including 450 / 750 V

Vendor Experience
Designs and materials used shall have a minimum of two (2) years of verifiable, proven
field experience.
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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Information Required with Quotation

The following is a list of the information which shall be supplied with the Quotation:

5.1

A detailed listing of all deviations from this specification with an explanation

against each item. In addition, written certification shall be provided that the
proposed equipment shall fully comply with all other items within this specification.

5.2

Completed Data Schedule.

Service Conditions
6.1

The pad-mounted switchgear assembly shall be for outdoor application, and

shall be designed for mounting on a precast concrete pad/foundation.

6.2

Unless otherwise specified it shall be suitable for continuous operation at

locations up to an altitude of 1000 meters.

6.3

Unless otherwise specified this equipment shall be suitable for use in locations that
are subject to sand and dust storms, fog, and airborne contaminants, including NaCl
(Sodium Chloride) to 300 ppm and MgCl (Magnesium Chloride) to 50 ppm.

6.4

Unless otherwise specified, equipment shall be suitable for use in locations with
the following ambient temperatures: Average monthly normal maximum
(hottest month), 45C; Average daily temperature (hottest month), 40C;
Maximum daily peak 50C.

General Requirements
7.1

This specification shall take precedence over any referenced third party
document(s).

7.2

Refer to Section 2 for direction on conflict resolution between documents.

For example, if there are any conflicts between this Specification and associated
project or engineering documents, this specification shall take precedence.

7.3

Whenever this specification requires compliance to a third party document

(e.g., ANSI, IEC, etc.), that document shall be the edition which was in effect
on the date of the Quotation Request.

7.4

All documentation shall be in the English language.

7.5

The Buyer's inspection requirements are presented within Saudi Aramco Form
175-162600. This form is included with the Quotation Request or the Purchase
Order documents.

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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

7.6

The Buyer's nonmaterial requirements are presented within Saudi Aramco Form
NMR-7920. This form is included with the Quotation Request or the Purchase
Order documents.

7.7

The switchgear supplied under this specification shall be furnished with

appropriate bushings suitable for use with fully-shielded, dead-front, non-loadbreak, 600 amp minimum separable connectors. Bushings must be supplied
with removable fixing studs, with SAE 5/8-11 UNC threads for fastening the
connector in position. (SAE-Society of Automotive Engineers; UNC-Unified
National Course).
Space shall be provided within the enclosure/cable covers for the termination of
two cables per phase on the loop feed switches.
All cables shall be horizontally isolatable.

7.8

The switchgear assembly shall have a specifically designed pressure-relief

feature. It shall not rely on fortuitous relief by burn-through or overpressure
induced failure of the basic switchgear structure.
7.8.1

The manufacturer shall provide evidence of pressure-relief operation

which ensures consistent performance at design overpressure and ensures
physical integrity of the basic switchgear enclosure during and
immediately after internal arcing at the rated short circuit current,
voltage and duration.

7.8.2

Tests to establish internal arc performance shall be performed at, or

endorsed by, an independent laboratory in general compliance with the
internal arcing criteria of IEC 62271-Annex AA. Test evidence must be
approved by the Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee
Chairman before purchase.

7.8.3

Vent ducting is required to direct internal arc products from the

switchgear tank(s) through the rear, side wall, or bottom of the outer,
weatherproof enclosure.

7.9

For grounding purposes, a minimum 6 mm x 50 mm copper ground bus shall be

provided which runs the full length of the switchgear assembly, suitably positioned
to allow grounding of the switchgear frame and cable shields. The ground bus shall
be bonded to the base frame. Provisions shall be made on the ground bus for
connecting cable shields and armors, grounding conductors, and ground rods.

7.10

Operating handles shall be provided and be located in a proper storage mounting

arrangement. The operating mechanism shall be pad-lockable in the OFF and
GROUND positions.
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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

7.11

Each Way shall be provided with three (3) positions: ON-OFF-GROUND.

The ON and GROUND positions shall be rated for momentary (close &
latch) and short time current withstand. The switch mechanism shall be
constructed in such a way that only one action at a time can be taken, so that
switching from ON directly to GROUND will be prevented. Switching shall
be from ON to OFF then from OFF to GROUND. Separate interlocked
switches and selectors may be provided to meet the above requirements.

7.12

The circuit breaker, load-break and ground switch functions shall be storedenergy, spring-operated, to provide fast and reliable operation. The speed of
operation of the switch shall be independent of the operator. When a separate
selector is provided the switching device must be mechanically interlocked so
that it can only be operated (Closed) when the selector is in a determinate
position (ON/OFF/Ready to Earth).

7.13

Springs and moving parts of the switch operating mechanism(s) shall be located
inside the weatherproof enclosure protected from environmental conditions.

7.14

Viewing windows and/or indicators positively driven by direct linkage, clearly

delineating the CLOSED, OPEN and GROUND positions are required.

7.15

A permanent mimic bus diagram shall be provided to represent the equipment

single-line configuration. This shall be mounted on the operating face of the
equipment.

7.16

Low voltage wiring shall be ANSI/NFPA 70; Type SIS, XHHW or

THHN/THWN or 85 rated meeting the requirements of IEC 60227.

7.17

Cable potential detection system shall be provided.

Weatherproof Outer Enclosure

8.1

The enclosures for outdoor use shall be NEMA ICS 6 Type 3 or IEC 60529
Type IP54, fabricated from a minimum of 2 mm (14 gage) 316 stainless steel
sheet. The enclosure door(s) shall be provided with pad-lockable handles.
Commentary Note:
This enclosure shall be used for the protection of switchgear not inherently
designed for use outdoor which includes equipment intended for subsurface use.

8.2

The base frame of the enclosure shall be made of hot-dipped galvanized steel.
The switchgear shall be fixed to this base. The assembly shall be adequately
braced to provide strength and rigidity under normal operating conditions and
during transportation.

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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

8.3

Bolts, hinges, and associated hardware shall be Type 316 stainless steel.
Gasketing materials and adhesives shall be suitable for the environmental
conditions specified in Section 5.

8.4

The enclosure/switchgear assembly shall be suitable for mounting on a concrete

pad or foundation by means of anchor bolts.

8.5

The enclosure assembly structure shall be provided with adequate lifting or

jacking means and shall be capable of being lifted or slid into position.

8.6

All exterior and interior surfaces of the equipment shall be painted and shall meet
the requirements of ANSI/IEEE C57.12.28 -Pad Mounted Equipment-Enclosure
Integrity, Section 5 -Enclosure Coating System, except the paint color shall be
white, or light gray unless otherwise specified. A wet paint process is described in
the paint system requirements of ANSI/IEEE C57.12.28. However, an equivalent
coating system utilizing an electrostatic powder coating process is acceptable.

8.7

The weatherproof enclosure shall be suitable for severe corrosive environment

locations as noted below when specified in the Data Schedule and shall be
manufactured of 316 stainless steel.
Commentary Note:
The following locations are deemed as severe corrosive environments for the
purposes of selection of electrical equipment:

8.8

Outdoor offshore locations

Outdoor onshore locations within one kilometer from the shoreline of the
Arabian Gulf

Outdoor onshore locations within three kilometers from the shoreline of the
Red Sea.

All of the Ras Tanura Refinery and Terminal.

A nameplate shall be permanently attached on the front of the switchgear

assembly, not the inside of the weatherproof enclosure.
8.8.1

The nameplates shall be stainless steel and attached with stainless steel
hardware. Entries shall be marked by etching, engraving or other
permanent marking method.

8.8.2

The nameplates shall be in the English language according to American

usage.

8.8.3

Danger and warning labels shall be written in both Arabic and English,
utilizing white characters on a red background. If specifically noted
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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Arabic warning indicators will be supplied by others.

8.9

In addition to the standard switchgear data the nameplate information shall

include the following, which may be on a separate plate:
a)

Buyer's Purchase Order number

b)

Manufacturer's location

c)

Manufacturer's order reference number

d)

Equipment Serial Number

e)

Date of Manufacture

Switch Way Configuration

9.1

Switching Device Variations

The assembly shall be limited to a maximum of six (6) switch way positions as
specified in the DATA SCHEDULE and shall include the option of:

9.2

Load-break Switches, and/or;

Circuit Breakers (including control and protection equipment).

Load-break Switches
Load-break switches shall comply with the requirements of this specification as
described in Sections 6 and 7.

9.3

Circuit Breakers
9.3.1

Circuit breakers shall be provided in combination with three (3) position

disconnect switch as specified in Sections 6 and 7.

9.3.2

When compliance to Appendix A is specified, requests for alternative

manufacturers, models or functional application require concurrence of
the Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee Chairman.
Refer to SAES-P-100 for the factors that will be considered when
evaluating the request for alternatives to Appendix A.

9.3.3

A solid-state protection package shall be as specified in Appendix A or

equipment manufacture's equivalent. This protection package shall be
suitable for service in environmental conditions as described in
Section 5. The protection shall be self-powered from the current
provided by the protection Current Transformers (CT's).

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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

9.4

Cable Fault Detectors

When specified in the Data Schedule cable fault detectors shall be provided for
loop feed applications. As a minimum, two (2) sets shall be supplied; each set
shall comprise two (2) short circuit elements and one (1) ground fault element
together with all necessary controls and indication (NORTROLL-CABLETROLL
2000 or equivalent). Cable fault detection shall be indicated by red color LEDs.

16 May 2007
14 October 2008
22 May 2012
28 April 2013

Revision Summary
Major revision.
Editorial revision to replace Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee
Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Editorial revision to update the next planned update and change primary contact.
Minor revision. Due to its compactness, this type of gear has been over deployed in Saudi
Aramco facilities and we have recently been experiencing failures due to corrosion.
This revision is necessary to define the correct application for this equipment.

Page 9 of 11

Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Data Schedule
Attachment to Specification 16-SAMSS-510
Manually-Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV
Minimum Ratings
(Select Value)

Description
Rated Voltage

15 kV

Rated Continuous Current

600 A

Rated Load Break Current

600 A

Short Time Withstand Current

1 sec.

25 kA

Vendor's
Proposed Values

Short Time Making Current

52.5 kA

Interrupting Current Rating

(Circuit Breaker only)

25 kA

Impulse Withstand BIL(min)

95 kV

Power Frequency Withstand

Voltage AC (1 min)

35 kV

Manufacturer

--------

--------

--------

--------

Model/Type

--------

--------

--------

--------

Manufacturing Location

--------

--------

--------

--------

Switchgear Location

X _ Standard Environment
Severe Corrosive environment

Cable Termination Compartment Required

Yes _ X_____

No ______

____________________________________________________________________________________________

* Required Switch Way Configuration

Position
(From Front Left)
1
2
3
4
5
6

Load-Break
Switch

Circuit
Breaker

Cable Fault
Detectors

___YES__
___YES__
___YES__
___YES__
___YES__
_________

___NO___
___YES__
___YES__
___YES__
___YES__
_________

__YES___
__YES___
__YES___
__YES___
__YES___
_________

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Document Responsibility: Electrical Substations Equipment Standards Committee

16-SAMSS-510
Issue Date: 28 April 2013
Next Planned Update: 22 May 2017
Manually Operated Pad Mounted SF6 Switchgear: 1 kV to 36 kV

Appendix A
Acceptable Protective Devices
Packaged Switchgear Relays
Type Protection

Manufacturer

Manufacturer's
Number

ANSI Function #

HV Phase Overcurrent for ABB or

Siemens Packaged Switchgear only.

Siemens

7SJ45 with 4MC63

or 4MC703 current
transformers

Ground Overcurrent for ABB or

Siemens Packaged Switchgear only.

Siemens

7SJ457SJ45 with 4MC63

or 4MC703 current
transformers

50/51N

Merlin Gerin

VIP300

50/51/50N/51N

Feeder protection for Merlin Gerin

packaged switchgear only.

50/51

Note: number of switching position shall be limited to a maximum of six (6).

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