S011004 000623
Characteristics of Switchgear
Explanations of the new terms as defined in IEC 947-1 / EN 60947-1
Terms
Opening delay
Closing delay
Safe isolation
(VDE 0106 Teil 101; 2)
Separating function
(IEC 947-1; 2.1.19)
Shock resistance
Overvoltage category
(IEC 947-1; 2.5.60)
(IEC 664)
(VDE 0109 part 1, preliminary)
Ambient temperature, open
(IEC 947-1; 2.1.9 / IEV 441-11-13)
Ambient temperature, enclosed
(IEC 947-1; 2.1.9 / IEV 441-11-13)
Pollution degree
(IEC 947-1; 6.1.3.2)
Power consumption
Coordination type
(IEC 947-4-1; 8.3.4.2.3)
Positively driven operation
(IEC 947-1; 2.4.11 / IEV 441-16-12)
Definition
The time between operating and first opening of a contact.
The time between operating and first closing of a contact.
Reinforced or double insulation which reliably prevents voltage transfer from one circuit to
another. Safe isolation is of particular significance between main and auxiliary circuits of switchgear.
A switching device whose switch contacts, when in the open position, achieve the prescribed
opening gap (separating gap) which is required to separate circuits. The entire system or part of it
can thus be disconnected from power supply for safety reasons.
The property of a switching device to withstand pulse-like motion without changing the operating
state and remain undamaged. Contacts shall not lift off while the switching devices are in the ON
position; the main contacts shall not strike together in the OFF position.
In accordance with overvoltages (e.g. by lightning or during switching on/off) which might occur
at the location where switchgear is installed, the following overvoltage categories have been
established.
Overvoltage category IV:
Applies to the use directly at the connecting point of the installation (direct lightning influence may
occur) e.g., on an overhead cable connection.
Overvoltage category III: (applies to switchgear for industrial use)
Equipment for connection in stationary installations which are protected by overvoltage suppressing
equipment, e.g., switches employed in low voltage distribution plants or controls for industrial use.
Overvoltage category II:
Power consumption equipment for connection to stationary installations, e.g. household appliances,
power-driven tools.
Overvoltage category I:
Equipment for connection to circuits using overvoltage protective equipment, e.g., electronic
equipment.
The temperature of the room in which a switching device is installed.
The temperature at which an enclosed switching device can be operated, taking into account that
power consumption of the switching device will cause additional rise of temperature inside the
enclosure.
Indicates the expected amount of conductive dust and humidity which might reduce the electric
strength of a switching device. The degrees of pollution are characterized as follows:
Pollution degree 1:
None or only dry nonconducting pollution, not having any influence.
Pollution degree 2:
Normally nonconducting pollution only. Temporary conductivity due to condensation, however, is
to be expected.
Pollution degree 3: (switchgear for industrial use)
Conducting pollution or dry non-conducting pollution which turns conductive by condensing.
Pollution degree 4:
Pollution will lead to continuous conductivity, e.g., caused by conducting dust, rain, or snow.
The energy inside equipment, e.g., by contact resistance of current paths, operating coils,
power supplies, or similar, which is converted to heat.
Describes the condition of a switchgear assembly (motor starter) during and after the test carried
out with the rated conditional short-circuit current:
Type "1" coordination:
- No danger to persons and systems.
- No immediate readiness for service required.
- Damage to starter is acceptable.
Type "2" coordination:
- No danger to persons and systems.
- Starter is suitable for further service.
- No damage to starter except slightly welded switch contacts after these have easily been
separated without significant deformation.
The auxiliary contacts of a switching device are always in the same (open or closed) switch
position as the supply voltage contacts.
1601