n°150

development of
LV circuit
breakers to
standard IEC 947-
2
Etienne Blanc

Having graduated as an IEG

Engineer in 1968, he joined
Merlin Gerin in 1970.
For three years he was in charge of
LV technical literature in the
Communication Department, which
he left to join the Research,
Development and Quality
Department where he was engaged
in network research (dynamic
stability, protection, discrimination,
harmonic currents and security...).
He moved to the Industrial
Circuit-breaker Department in 1983
where he now works as a Product
Manager.

E/CT 150 first published november 1991

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.2
development of LV circuit breakers to
standard IEC 947-2
summary
1. Introduction
2. The circuit breaker, a
multi-function safety device
3. A test standard based on reality
4. Practical consequences for the
installation designer
5. Appendices
Publication IEC 947-2 p. 4
Stages of its application p. 5
The main new features p. 6
Performance and new tests to
ensure better protection
against overcurrents p. 6
Dielectric strengh for p. 9
"insulation co-ordination"
Disconnection and residual p. 10
current protection: two extra
functions now recognised
Sequence tests p. 13
Very wide sampling of circuit p. 13
breakers tested
Fundamental selection criteria p. 13
for circuit breakers are
unchanged
Use of p. 13
"service breaking capacity" Ics
Two devices in one: p. 14
the circuit breaker-disconnector
All risks insurance: p. 15
conformity to IEC 947-2
Definitions and symbols p. 16
according to IEC 947-2
Calculation of probable p. 16
Isc on load side of a circuit
breaker installed as outgoer
Main differences between p. 17
standards IEC 157-1 and
IEC 947-2
Standard IEC 898 for domestic p. 18
circuit breakers
Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.3
1. introduction
As with all electrical devices, industrial
Low Voltage circuit breakers are
designed, manufactured and verified
according to rules collected in the
standards known as "product
standards" (see fig.1). Each country
has it own standards: UTE for France,
BSI for the UK, VDE for Germany, etc.
Whatever the country, in addition to
their standardising function the IEC
publications (IEC: International
Electrotechnical Commission) serve as
reference and the conformity of
products to these texts is very often a
requisite in the specifications of a
contract (see fig. 2).
Also, the standards covering
LV industrial circuit breakers are today,
in Europe as in a large number of other
countries, based on the standard
IEC 157-1 published in 1973.
publication IEC 947-2
An extra step towards an
international standard.
The desire for a still wider international
recognition of IEC recommendations,
as well as the technical and
technological progress achieved since
1973 by the manufacturers, have
prompted IEC sub-committee 17B to
work on a revision of publication 157-1.
This sub-committee, made up of
representatives from more than 40
countries (of which the expert for
France is from Merlin Gerin), resulted
in the publication in 1989 of standard
IEC 947-2.
After a vote of approval, this gained
considerable world-wide agreement
(Europe, United States, Canada,
Australia, South Africa) with the sole
exception of ... Japan! (see fig. 3).
IEC 947-2 is part of a much more
comprehensive work IEC 947.
This work comprises seven documents
which constitute the IEC standards for
all Low Voltage electrical switchgear for
industrial use:
■ IEC 947-1: General rules
(published in 1989);
■ IEC 947-2: Circuit breakers
(formerly IEC 157-1);
Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.4
In the electrotechnical field there are two different types of standards which the various participants have to
consider:
1. "product" standard
These standards exist for each component in an electrical installation.That a product conforms to its
standard is, for the user, an assurance of quality and reliability.
■ distribution boards,
■ power supplies (transformers, generators, etc),
■ devices (circuit breakers, isolators, contactors, etc),
■ cables,
■ loads (motors, lighting, etc).
2. installation standards
These bring together the various rules concerning the design, construction and use of an electrical
installation to ensure:
■ correct supply to loads (voltage, frequency, etc);
■ safety of personnel and equipment;
■ maintenance of these requirements throughout the life of the installation.
In France, NF C 15-100 comes into this category.
Product Standards Installation Standards
These are rules concerning the manufacture and These are rules for the use of
control of products, for example: products, taking into account the
following main parameters:
■ power sources; G G
■ neutral system;
■ current-carrying capacity;
■ short-circuit current;
■ main distribution board ■ earth leakage current;
(devices and enclosures); ■ temperature;
■ type and method of installation
of cables;
■ cables; ■ maximum permissible volt-drop;
■ particular risks (fire, vibration,
■ secondary distribution explosion), discrimination;
board (devices and enclosures); ■ limits on use;
■ cables; ■ etc.
■ loads.
M
fig. 1: product standards.
CSA
IEC
IEC
UL JIS
IEC
IEC
IEC
UL
IEC IEC
IEC
fig. 2: map showing the influence of various standards bodies.
■ IEC 947-3: Switches, disconnectors,
switch-disconnectors, and use-
combinations (formerly IEC 408);
■ IEC 947-4: Contactors and starters
(formerly IEC 158-1 and IEC 292);
■ IEC 947-5.1: Control circuit devices
and switching elements (formerly
IEC 337);
■ IEC 947-5.2: Proximity sensors
(published in 1989);
■ IEC 947-6.1: Automatic transfer
switching equipment (published in
1989);
■ IEC 947-7.1: Terminal blocks for
copper conductors (published in 1989).
This structuring allowed
homogenisation of the vocabulary and
general rules of the various product
fields; but in order to determine all the
rules relating to one category of device,
one has to consult two documents:
■ a first one named "General rules"
(IEC 947-1) which gathers together the
definitions, instructions and tests
common to all industrial LV material;
■ a second one named "Products"
(IEC 947-2 to 7) which deals with the
instructions and tests specific to the
product concerned.
Thus the texts applicable to industrial
LV circuit breakers are IEC 947-1 and
IEC 947-2.
stages of its application
In Europe
The texts published by the IEC are first
of all studied at the level of the
European Committee for
Electrotechnical Standardisation
(CENELEC) which brings together the
18 countries of Western Europe.
From the basic text, CENELEC
establishes whether:
■ it is a European Norm "EN..." which is
then ratified as a national standard by
all the member countries;
■ it is, in the event of differences, a
harmonisation document "HD..." which
is then transformed into a national
standard with the incorporation of
points specific to each country.
As far as publications IEC 947-1 and 2
are concerned, no notable differences
have emerged to date. Further, in 1991
CENELEC should publish two EN
European Norms which by end 91/
beginning 92 will find their way into the
national standards of the various
member countries.

IEC
Worldwide representation

standard
IEC 947-2

text approved text approved text rejected

and applied but not applied and not applied

CENELEC
Western Europe

UTE
(France)
VDE
(Germany)
BSI
(UK)
AS CEI UL JIS
(Australia) (Italy) USA Japan
SABS UNE CSA
(South Africa) (Spain) Canada

fig. 3: worldwide adoption of IEC 947–2.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.5

In the USA and Canada
Although favourable comment has
been expressed, the standards in force
(UL in the USA and CSA in Canada)
are very different from IEC 947-2 and a
reaction of conservatism, even a
certain protectionism, has meant that
these two countries will probably retain
their specific standards for a long time
yet.
In Japan
The only country to have voted in the
negative, Japan will not adopt the IEC
text.
In other countries of the world
2. the circuit breaker, a multi-function safety device
performances and new
tests to ensure better
protection against
overcurrents
What the user of a circuit breaker
requires, above all else, is that it fulfils,
without fail, its main purpose: in all
circumstances and completely safely to
protect electrical installations against
overcurrents whatever their values,
between In and the breaking capacity
of the device.
In view of this need, IEC 947-2 has
taken the main well-known
characteristics of a circuit breaker,
already defined in the former 157-1
(breaking capacity, rated current,
operating voltage, etc); but it clarifies
them and complements them with new
principles and new performances
(ref.appendix 1) which constitute a
better guarantee of its ability to break
any value of current.
Clarification of breaking capacity
With IEC 157-1, for any one circuit
breaker there existed two breaking
capacities called "P1" and "P2" defined
both by the test cycle and the post-
break requirements.
IEC 947-2 dispels this ambiguity.
From now on, each circuit breaker has
only one breaking capacity called Icu
(ultimate breaking capacity) expressed
in kA.
Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.6
Each country can ratify the IEC text as
a national standard after studying it and
making any modifications necessary.
Considering the very wide approval
achieved by IEC 947-2, it could well be
that most countries will adopt it with
very few modifications.
the main new features
First of all it is very important to note
that the new text does not change the
fundamental circuit breaker selection
criteria, which are still its breaking
capacity and its rated current.
On the other hand, the new text
Icu corresponds, in practice, to
breaking capacity P1 in the former
standard and it is defined in the same
way:
Icu (947-2) = breaking capacity P1 (157-
1).
It is this characteristic which, from the
design of a network, is to be compared
with the three phase short-circuit
current value at the point of installation
of the circuit breaker.
Icu (of the device) ≥ Ics three phase (of
the system)
Service breaking capacity: Ics
Icu represents the maximum short-
circuit current which a circuit breaker
can break. The Isc calculation normally
assumes the worst case with all
parameters applied in the direction of
safety, in particular:
■ the short-circuit is three-phase;
■ it is said to be "bolted", i.e. without
arc;
■ resistance of connections is not taken
into account;
■ the short-circuit is considered to
occur at the load side terminals of the
circuit breaker without intervening
cables;
■ cable resistances are calculated at
normal operating temperatures (in
short-circuit, these resistances are
greater because they increase at the
same time as the cables heat up).
The result is that, when a short-circuit
provides for the user a better
assurance of quality and performance,
introducing extra requirements which
take into account more fully the actual
operating conditions of a circuit breaker
in use.
Moreover, this standard recognises a
circuit breaker's ability to fulfil other
functions, in addition to the usual ones
of overcurrent protection, isolation, or
personal protection by residual current
device.
occurs (already a very rare occurence),
its value is much lower than the
assumed Isc.
On the other hand, it is important that
those currents of higher probability be
disconnected under very good
conditions so that after elimination of
the fault, the return to service is sure to
be quick, and safe for the entire
installation.
It is for this reason that IEC 947-2
introduces a new characteristic Ics,
known as "service breaking capacity",
generally expressed as a percentage of
Icu (value to be chosen by the
manufacturer from 25, 50, 75 or 100 %)
defined in the following way:
■ the circuit breaker carries out three
successive disconnections of Ics
current;
■ the ability of the device to fulfil all its
functions is then verified by a series of
measurements (temperature rise,
insulation level, trip operation, etc).
This establishes Ics as a performance
which can be considered not simply as
breaking capacity (as was the breaking
capacity P2 of 157-1), but as the ability
of the circuit breaker to ensure
completely normal service, even after
having disconnected several short-
circuit currents (see fig. 4).
 The short-time withstand current Icw
(for category B circuit breakers)
IEC 157-1 new standard IEC 947-2
IEC 947-2 defines two categories of
breaking capacity 2 breaking capacities ultimate breaking capacity
P1 (O-CO) Icu O-CO circuit breakers:
P2 (O-CO-CO) ■ those of category A for which no
in-service performance nothing service breaking capacity Ics short-circuit trip delay is
O-CO-CO provided.These are generally moulded
+serviceable condition afterwards case circuit breakers, such as
Compact C250N;
■ those of category B for which, in
Icu Isc 3 phase order to achieve chronometric
short-circuit very low
discrimination, it is possible to delay
1 on load side probability tripping during short-circuit conditions
terminals of breaker with values lower than Icw. These are
generally air circuit breakers
(Masterpact type) and some of the
short-circuit with low probability higher rated moulded case circuit
2 arc at the load but greater breakers such as Compact C1250N.
end of the supply than 1 For the latter, the new IEC imposes an
extra test to verify their ability to
withstand, thermally and
electrodynamically, the Icw current
during the associated delay, without
repulsion of the contacts which would
give rise to excessive wear and tear
fig. 4: IEC 947-2 better approaches the needs of installations. (see fig. 5).
Co-ordination between circuit
breakers
short time withstand required for Icw associated delay The term co-ordination concerns the
∆t (secs) behavious of two devices C1 and C2
In 2,500 A In > 2,500 A placed in series in an electrical
values for Icw 12 In Icw 30 kA 0.05 minimun value distribution circuit, with a short-circuit
IEC 947-2 (mini. 5 kA) 0.1 downstream of C2 (see fig. 6).
0.25 preferred
0.5 values It covers two principles:
1 ■ the first is well known: discrimination,
example which is researched more and more in
Masterpact Icw = 75 kA 1 modern low voltage electrical
M20H2 distribution systems;
■ the other is less well known (although
t recognised in installation standards):
cascading, which consists of installing a
device C2, whose breaking capacity

C1

max.delay
∆t.
C2

Ir I cw I cs I cu I
fig. 6: two circuit breakers C1 and C2 placed
fig. 5: supplementary test for category B circuit breakers. in series in one circuit

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.7

Icu2 is less than the three-phase short-
circuit current at its terminals Isc2 and
which is protected or "helped" by C2 opens only C1 and C2 open
device C1 for any current between Icu2
and Isc2 (see fig. 7). The main I
advantage of this technique is to be Is Icu2 Isc2 Icu1
able to install at C2 a device of a lesser
performance, thus more economical,
without endangering the safety of the discrimination zone cascading
zone
installation.
To determine and guarantee co-
ordination between two circuit breakers,
fig. 7: the principle of cascading between 2 circuit breakers, breaker C2, having a breaking
it is necessary to carry out a preliminary
capacity less than the three phase short circuit level at its terminals (Isc2), is protected or
theoretical approach, and to confirm the
assisted by breaker C1.
results by means of suitable tests.This
is how it has been done by Merlin
Gerin, to draw up tables of
discrimination and cascading which are
at present ratified in appendix A of Y Y
IEC 947-2.
The theoretical methods are: C2 circuit breaker C1 circuit breaker
■ for discrimination, comparing the limitation curve limitation curve
limitation characteristics of the loadside
circuit breaker with the non-tripping C1 circuit breaker
tripping curve C2 circuit breaker
characteristics of the lineside device
maximun withstand
(see fig. 8). This method is very precise
and requires little in the way of
confirmation testing;
■ for cascading, comparing the
cascading
limitation characteristics of the lineside Is prospective Isc zone
device with the maximum withstand of Icu1
the loadside device (see fig. 9). This discrimination
limit Icu2 Is prospective Isc
method is much less precise, also
IEC 947-2 requires that the results are
cascading limit
verified by more numerous tests.
It should be noted that the SELLIM Depending on which type of circuit
technique (see fig. 10), developed by breaker C1 is, Y is expressed in:
■ I 2t (energy) for a thermal magnetic In this case determination is done using
Merlin Gerin and which connects
circuit breaker. energy in I2t and kA peak current.
discrimination and cascading, is
■ kA peak for an electronic circuit breaker.
officially recognised by 947-2. It is in
fact stated that during the tests, C1
contacts might separate momentarily fig. 8: theoretical determination of fig. 9: theoretical determination of cascading
when the fault is cleared, to close again discrimination between two circuit breakers. limit between two circuit breakers.
immediately after breaking of the
current.

C1 (SELLIM)
opens momentarily
C2 opens only C2 open

Icu2 Isc2 Icu1 I

cascading

discrimination zone

fig. 10: application of the Sellim technique.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.8

dielectric strength for (see fig. 12) are carried out on the In this table, note:
switchgear. ■ that for the value Uimp to be valid up
"insulation co-ordination" Thus for industrial circuit breakers of to 2,000 m altitude, the tests which are
What is insulation co-ordination? Uimp = 8 kV, the tests detailed in the generally carried out at sea level are
Every electrical installation is subject to table in figure 13 are carried out. raised by 23 %;
occasional overvoltages of various
origins such as:
■ atmospheric overvoltage; nominal system applications
■ operational overvoltage; voltage
■ overvoltages arising from faults;
■ overvoltages following MV/LV
flashover;
■ etc.
The study of these overvoltages (origin,
value, location, etc) and the rules
applied in order to achieve protection
against them, are known as insulation
co-ordination (see "Cahier Technique"
no 151).
In industrial LV systems, overvoltage at the main system main and final loads
protection is considered to be achieved incomer or distribution
when the equipment can withstand the LV transformer circuits
following two types of test without 230 / 400 V 6 4 2.5
suffering damage: 400 / 690 V 8 6 4
■ the familiar dielectric tests at 50 Hz,
e.g. withstand at (2 Ui + 1000 V)/1 min,
which simulates the risk of installation
faults at higher voltages;
■ impulse voltage tests (1.2/50 µs) of overvoltage levels
value Uimp (imp as in impulse) variable chosen for Merlin Gerin devices
according to location of the installation; 6 kV = Multi 9
newly introduced, these are 8 kV = Compact and Masterpact
representative of atmospheric and
operational overvoltages.
The performance Uimp, which the
switchgear must withstand, is defined in fig. 11: assumed overvoltage levels (source: IEC publication 38 and NF C 15-100 1990, at
the installation standards according to 2,000 m altitude).
the table in figure 11.
Impulse voltage tests
Publications IEC 947 take into account
the rules of insulation co-ordination and Since Uimp must be valid for altitudes, up to 2,000 metres, while testing is done generally
at sea level, the test impulse level is increased by 23 % (or 9.8 kV for Uimp = 8 kV)
require that impulse voltage tests
impulse voltage impulse voltage levels
applied circuit breakers switch-disconnectors switch-disconnectors
(see below) (with class II front face)
kV
between phases 9.8 kV 9.8 kV 9.8 kV
between upstream 9.8 kV 12.3 kV 12.3 kV
and downstream,
9.8 kV contacts open
between phases 9.8 kV 9.8 kV 14.7 kV
50 % and earth

tests relevant
to Compact and
1.2 50 µs Masterpact

fig. 12: impulse wave for industrial circuit fig 13: voltage impulse withstand test for industrial circuit breakers: during the tests, no
breakers 1.2 / 50 µs. breakdown shall occur between phases, between open contacts, or between phase and earth.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.9

■ that a specific test is required for
devices with class II front face; this
characteristic, in addition to the extra
safety it provides for operators, allows
the assembly of class II equipment
while keeping the manual control
handle accessible (see fig. 14). All
Compact and Masterpact circuit
breakers have class II front faces.
class II enclosure
disconnection and residual
current protection: two
extra functions now
recognised
For a number of years, certain
manufacturers including Merlin Gerin
have worked within major constraints
when proposing suitable circuit
breakers for disconnection.
Likewise, during the sixties Merlin Gerin
was the first manufacturer to propose
residual current circuit breakers
comprising a circuit breaker plus an
additional block ensuring protection of
persons in the event of an insulation
fault on the loadside.
These two functions are now taken into
consideration by IEC 947-2.
Disconnector circuit breaker
A circuit breaker can be said to be
suitable for disconnection if it has been
successfully subjected to a whole
series of tests described in the table in
figure 15. It will then bear the
disconnector circuit breaker symbol
visible on its front face
(see fig. 16 & 17).

class II front face

1. measurement of leakage currents

fig. 14: class II equipment with circuit
breaker having class II front face.
Intended to ensure that an open-circuit breaker conducts no leakage current which could
endanger a user.
■ four tests are done at 110% of the maximum rated voltage:
■ new device, leakage current should not be greater than 0.5 mA per pole;
■ after the breaking test at Ics, leakage current must not be greater than 2 mA per pole;
■ after endurance testing, leakage current must not be greater than 6 mA per pole;
■ after the breaking test at Icu, leakage current must not be greater than 6 mA per pole.
■ In the last two cases, the breaker is at the end of its life and we can say, therefore, that a
circuit breaker or isolator will never have a leakage current greater than 6 mA (a very low
current which is not dangerous).
2. voltage impulse withstand
This test involves applying an impulse voltage between the incoming and outgoing terminals
with the contacts open; this impulse voltage is greater for an "isolating" circuit breaker than for
a non-isolating circuit breaker.
Thus for a device which is considered to be "isolating", with Uimp = 8 kV, then the value of
impulse voltage applied across open contacts at sea level will be 12.3 kV instead of 9.8 kV.

3. mechanical strength test

This test, often called "welded contact test", consists in holding the contacts closed while
applying a force, of 3 times the normal force, to the handle for 10 secs.
During this test, the position indicator must not indicate open and no locking-off device may be
engaged.

fig. 15: three tests to demonstrate isolation.

a b
fig. 16:
a: circuit breaker symbol fig. 17: front face of a Compact circuit
b: disconnector circuit breaker symbol breaker (Merlin Gerin)

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.10

Residual current circuit breakers
Numerous manufacturers have again
made use of Merlin Gerin technology
(see fig. 18). Today the industrial
residual current circuit breaker is a
very widely-used device for which
there is no construction standard, the
quality of which might therefore vary
considerably from one manufacturer
to another.
At the request of French breaking at Icu and Ics;
representatives, and based upon a ■ absence of unwanted tripping in
project set up in France, IEC 947-2 the event of:
has devoted an appendix (appendix ■ balanced overcurrent
B) to this type of product. Among the ■ impulse current wave (being
important points covered, the studied)
following verifications should be ■ impulse voltage
noted: ■ operation under severe
■ non degradation of residual current environmental conditions: 28 day
protection units (Vigi blocks) after cycle of moist heat (see fig. 19).

percentage
relative humidity
100

95

90

0 3 12 14h30 24 duration (h)

temperature
deg C
55

25

period of cooling
temperature period
increase
1st 2nd
constant constant
temperature temperature
phase phase
fig. 18: Vigicompact, industrial residual
current circuit breaker fig. 19: test cycle for humidity/heat endurance, repeated over 28 consecutive days

3. a test standard based on reality

The life of a circuit breaker in an
electrical installation is punctuated with
a certain number of successive events
such as:
■ opening/closing: manual or remote
with electronic control, idle or at
current ≤ In;
■ tripping by undervoltage release or
shunt trip;
■ overvoltage impulses (atmospheric or
operational);
■ overload tripping;
■ exceptional tripping on short-circuit or
fault;
■ locking in the OPEN position for
circuit maintenance;
■ etc.
It is therefore usual for a test standard
relating to protective devices such as
circuit breakers, not only to guarantee
all the published performances but also
to simulate more closely the successive
constraints to which they may be
subjected during use.
It is with this in mind that the type tests
required in IEC 947-2 have been
grouped in sequences and that they are
to be repeated on a specified number
of devices.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.11

test sequence type of circuit breaker tests to be done successively supplementary tests
on one circuit breaker for isolating circuit breakers
Cat. A Cat. B
Icw Icw Icw
< Ics = Ics = Ics
= Icu

Sequence 1 1. verification of disconnection limits 1. ditto

General X X X X 2. dielectric properties 2. dielectric properties
operating Uimp between phases ditto
characteristics Uimp between phase and earth ditto
Uimp between incoming & outgoing terminals Uimp + 25 % between I/O + leakage
current test
(< 0.5 mA per pole at 110 % Ue)
3. mechanical endurance 3. ditto
4. electrical endurance 4. ditto
5. operation of overcurrent release at 6 In 5. ditto
6. dielectric withstand at 2 Ui (50 Hz - 1 min) 6. ditto
+ leakage current test
(< 6 mA per pole at 110 % Ue)
7. temperature rise at In 7. ditto
8. verify overcurrent release calibration 8. ditto

Sequence 2 1. 3 successive breaks 1. ditto

service X X at Ics with cycle 0 - 3 min - CO - 3 min - CO
short-circuit 2. dielectric withstand at 2 Ui (50 Hz, 1 min) 2. ditto
breaking + leakage current test
capacity Ics (≤ 2 mA per pole at 110 % Ue)

3. temperature rise at In 3. ditto

4. verify the calibration of the overcurrent releases 4. ditto

Sequence 3 1. verify the overcurrent releases at 2 Ir 1. ditto

Ultimate X X X 2. two successive breaks at Icu, 2. ditto
breaking (1) (1) (1) cycle 0 - 3 min - CO
capacity Icu 3. dielectric withstand at 2 Ue (50 Hz, 1 min) 3. ditto
+ leakage current test
(≤ 6 mA per pole at 110 % Ue)
4. verify the calibration of the overcurrent releases 4. ditto

Sequence 4 1. verify the overcurrent releases at 2 Ir

short-time X 2. short-time withstand test for the
withstand test, time duration indicated by the manufacturer
Icw 3. temperature rise test at In
4. two successive breaks at the highest value of voltage
for the required Icw, cycle 0 - 3 min - CO
5. dielectric withstand at 2 Ui (50 Hz, 1 min)
6. verify the calibration of the overcurrent releases

Combined X X 1. verify the overcurrent releases at 2Ir 1. ditto

test 2. short-time current withstand at Icw during 2. ditto
sequence the time indicated by the manufacturer
3. three successive breaks at Ics, cycle 3. ditto
0 - 3 min - CO - 3 min - CO
4. dielectric withstand at 2Ui (50 Hz, 1min) 4. ditto + leakage current test
(≤ 2 mA per pole at 110 % Ue)
5. temperature rise at In 5. ditto
6. verify the calibration of the overcurrent releases 6. ditto

(1) if Ics = Icu this test sequence is not necessary

fig. 20: IEC 947-2 test sequences.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.12


Ultimate breaking capacity sequence Icu.
Applied to a circuit breaker, eg,
Compact C250, the sequence has to be
repeated on six devices :
■ sample 1: test Icu at Ue max: 690 V on a
device fitted with the smallest trip unit
(D160) set to its minimum 112 A. Supply via
upstream terminals.
■ sample 2: test Icu at Ue min: 230 V on a
device fitted with the largest trip unit (D250)
adjusted to its maximum 250 A. Supply via
downstream terminals.
■ sample 3: test Icu at intermediate voltage
Ue = 415 V with a device fitted with the
smallest rated trip unit adjusted to its
minimum value 112 A. Supply via down-
stream terminals.
■ sample 4, 5, 6: same test cycle but with
using a device fitted with a residual current
block (Vigi)
figure 21: example of an IEC 947-2 test
sequence.
4. practical consequences for the installation designer
fundamental selection
criteria for circuit breakers
are unchanged
To determine the circuit breaker to be
installed for protection of an outgoer in
an electrical installation, it is primarily
necessary to know two parameters:
■ the load current Is;
■ the value of the three phase short-
circuit current (assumed Isc) at the
origin of the wiring system.
The circuit breaker is selected, as
always, by comparing its setting current
Isc prospective
Ir Is
load current Icu Isc prospective
Is
fig 22: basic parameters governing the
selection of an outgoing circuit breaker.
sequence tests
With IEC 157-1 each test was carried
out on a new device.
From now on, with IEC 947-2, the same
device is subjected to a series of
cumulative tests grouped in sequence.
Five sequences are defined and each
type of circuit breaker must be
subjected to two, three or four of these
sequences according to its
characteristics (see the table in
figure 20). Without a doubt, one of the
most significant is sequence 1: the
exceptional constraints imposed on the
devices under test are well illustrated.
very wide sampling of
circuit breakers tested
For the purpose of covering all of the
published possibilities, the preceding
sequences are repeated on several
circuit breakers of the same type but
with load and its breaking capacity Icu
with the assumed Isc (see fig. 22).
These two comparisons, or basic
rules, are included in the installation
standard NF C 15-100 and remain
unchanged.
use of "service breaking
capacity" Ics
A short-circuit of value equal to the
assumed Isc is extremely rare, one
might say almost impossible to achieve.
For this reason, IEC 947-2 has defined
the new characteristic Ics, service
breaking capacity (see chapter 2),
which refers to the ability of a device to
provide completely normal service,
after short-circuit breaking at a
"probable" value.
Although there may be no regulations
in the installation standards (IEC 364 or
NF C 15-100) corresponding to the use
of performance Ics, it is important, and
wise, in order to gain optimum
continuity of service, to choose a
with different configurations
(see fig. 21):
■ three pole and four pole;
■ fitted with different trips;
■ at different voltages;
■ with different settings;
■ with loadside and lineside supply if
the circuit breaker is suitable;
■ with or without residual current
protection, if provided;
■ etc.
Thus the certification report covers all
the published performances and
guarantees to the user that the device
will correctly fulfil its function,
regardless of:
■ characteristics of the network;
■ circuit breaker equipment;
■ settings chosen.
device whose performance Ics is such
that Ics ≥ prospective Ics.
a) high rated circuit breakers
(Masterpact):
These devices are usually installed as
general incomers, connecting up the
switchboard, etc with the result that
their field of protection is often limited
to the switchboard itself.
In these conditions, the prospective
short-circuit currents will be only slightly
less in comparison with the assumed
Isc theoretical value; it is therefore
important to select devices whose Ics
performance is close to or equal to Icu.
It is logical therefore that the whole
Masterpact range has Ics = 100 % Icu.
b) lower rated circuit breakers
(Compact):
These devices, usually installed as
outgoers, protect cabling between
switchboards, or between switchboards
and receptors.
In this case, the prospective
short-circuits are greatly diminished
Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.13
because when they occur they are
nearly always single phase or two
Imperatives Characteristics of a network Characteristics
phase, and located at the extremity of
supplied from a 400 kVA transformer of the C630N
the protected wiring system. Various
calculations (see appendix 2) show Icu > Isc prospective Isc prospective = 14.5 kVA Icu = 35 kA
that the prospective short-circuit Ics > Isc probable Isc probable = 14 kA Ics = 50 % Icu
current is: = 17.5 kA
■ usually less than 25 % of assumed
figure 23: it is possible to install a Compact C630N circuit breaker as the main incomer from a
Isc at the origin of the wiring system;
400 kVA transformer.
■ and in almost all cases less than
50 % of that same assumed Isc.
Although this may not be an installation
regulation from the standards point of
view, the use of circuit breakers having
Ics equal to 25 % or, better still, 50 %
for protection of outgoers is a wise
precaution for prolonging the working
life of the installation.
All devices in the Compact range offer
this possibility, with a service breaking
capacity equal to 50 % Icu.
Note: use of a Compact device as
incomer
As explained in the preceding
paragraph, the prospective short-circuit
currents in this case are only lightly less
in comparison with the assumed Isc
theoretical value. On the other hand,
the value of the assumed Isc is low,
since it is related to the short-circuit
power of the associated transformer.
Thus, for example, it is possible to
install a Compact C630N circuit breaker
as a main incomer after a 400 kVA
transformer, according to the table in
figure 23.
Generally speaking, Compact circuit
breakers, with service breaking
capacity equal to 50 % Icu, can be
used with complete safety as an
incoming circuit breaker on the load
side of a transformer.

figure 24: interlocking device on a Masterpact circuit breaker.

two devices in one: The most flexible solution is believed to

the circuit breaker-
disconnector
Among the qualities required of an
electrical installation, one in particular is of
major importance for the user and that is
the capability in the event of a breakdown,
to take out of service only the absolute
minimum of the installation.
figure 25: padlocking device on a Compact
Note:take out of service = isolate + lock in
circuit breaker.
"isolated" position (by padlock or switch-
lock)
be the ability to fit such devices at all
stages of distribution.
Nowadays it is possible at no extra cost
with circuit breaker-disconnectors,
represented by the symbol:
All Compact and Masterpact industrial
circuit breakers manufactured by Merlin
Gerin are circuit breaker-disconnectors
lockable by padlock (see fig. 24) and/or
switch-lock (see fig. 25).

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.14

"all risks insurance":
conformity with IEC 947-2
For the designer, a circuit breaker's
conformity with IEC 947-2, or with the
national standards derived from it,
constitutes the best possible assurance
of quality and reliability in the
environment of LV electrical
installations.
This assurance results from the fact
that the technological progress
achieved by the leading manufacturers
has been taken into consideration by
the standards, together with a
comprehensive test standard which
closely resembles actual operating
conditions.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.15

appendix 1

definitions and symbols
according to IEC 947-2
Definitions relating to voltage
Ue: rated service voltage(s).
Ui: rated insulation voltage (≥ Ue
max.).
Uimp: rated impulse withstand.
Definitions relating to current
Icm: rated short-circuit making
capacity.
Ics: rated service short-circuit breaking
capacity.
Icu: rated ultimate short-circuit breaking
capacity.
Icw: rated short time withstand current
I∆n: rated residual operating current
(often called residual sensitivity).
In: rated current = maximum value of
current used for the temperature rise
test (for example, for a Compact
C250N: In = 250 A).
Is: discriminating current limit.
Various definitions and symbols
symbol for circuit breaker.
symbol for circuit breaker-
disconnector.
Cat A: category of circuit breakers
without time-delay on opening under
short-circuit conditions.
Cat B: category of circuit breakers
with time-delay on opening under
short-circuit conditions ≤ Icw.
∆t: trip delay of residual current
devices.

appendix 2

calculation of probable Isc

on load side of a circuit
breaker installed as
outgoer

Formulae : R mΩ X mΩ
400 V - 50 kA

Isc prospective = 50 kA; cos ϕ = 0.2 ⇒ Z upstream = 230 = 4.6 mΩ 0.92 4.5
50 x 103

Compact C400H
connecting cable, 240 mm2 ⇒ RC = 22.5 x 50 = 4.7 mΩ 4.7
240 Icu = 50 kA
Ics : 50 %,
XC = 0.1 x 50 = 5 mΩ 5 or 25 kA

Total 5.62 9.5 50 m 1p 240 mm 2 cable

Isc probable < 0.8 Isc two-phase = 0,8 x 3 x 230 = 14.4 kA ZT = 11.03
2 11,03 probable Isc < 14.4 kA

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.16

appendix 3

main differences between IEC 157-7 and IEC 947-2

IEC 157-1 New standard IEC 947-1/2 Comments

Breaking capacity P1 cycle. Ultimate breaking capacity Equivalent

Icu (sequence 3)

Breaking capacity P2 cycle.

Service breaking capacity Obligatory on all devices and more

Ics (sequence 2) rigorous than P2 in IEC 157-1
because the test includes a
temperature rise test at In

Each test done on a new device Tests are conducted in sequence More severe because of the
(operation, endurance, overloads, cumulative testing on one device,
breaking capacity) but closer to real conditions

Verify (three poles loaded) at Verify (three poles loaded) at with: t

the two points: the two points:
Ind = 1.05 Ir Ind = 1.05 Ir t = 1 h (≤ 63 A)
Id = 1.35 Ir (≤ 63A) Id = 1.30 Ir or
or t = 2 h (> 63 A)
Id = 1.25 Ir (> 63A) Ir Ind Id I

No other verification of Verification of tripping: Better guarantee of operation of

overcurrent releases ■ each pole individually releases
(sequences 3,4,5)
■ all poles loaded (sequence 2)

Nothing Definition of tests for isolation with The circuit breaker-disconnector is

the associated symbol: recognised by installation standards to
ensure the isolating function

Nothing Voltage impulse withstand test Allows insulation coordination

Characteristic Uimp throughout the installation

Co-ordination only between fuse Includes a co-ordination appendix Takes into account two circuit
and circuit breaker breakers in series

Nothing One appendix intended solely for Standardisation of industrial

circuit breakers with residual residual current circuit breakers
current protection

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.17

 (1) (4)
appendix 4 ■ standard 947-2 does not provide an EN 60 898 gives a test for the purpose
upper or lower limit. 947-2 circuit of verifying the absence of projection
breakers are used in the range of "a of material towards the front (giving rise
few amps to a few thousand amps". to danger to the skin and eyes).
■ EN 60 898 defines the ratings Possible projections are shown up by a
standard IEC 898 for (assigned current: In): polyethylene film.
domestic circuit breakers paragraph 10,13,16,20,25,32,40,50,63,100 It also gives a test for the purpose of
Industrial circuit breakers covered by and 125 A. verifying that there are insufficient
the standard IEC 947-2 are selected, (2) projections to propagate a flashover.
installed and used by experienced ■ standard 947-2 does not fix the range
professionals.This is not always the of operation and leaves the
case with circuit breakers for final manufacturer to define the magnetic
distribution, particularly where they are trip threshold, which must then fall
used in the domestic field (by within ± 20 %.
inexperienced users), hence the For Merlin Gerin circuit breakers of
standard IEC 898. ratings higher than 250 A, the magnetic
IEC 898 circuit breakers which form thresholds are:
part of "domestic and similar ■ G type adjustable from 2 to 5 Irth
switchgear" are easier to install (for ■ D type adjustable from 5 to 10 Irth
example they do not have an ■ MA type adjustable from 6.3 to
adjustable threshold), guaranteeing a 12.5 Irth
high level of safety. Their use by ■ EN 60 898 modifies standard practice
professionals means that some of them (curves L, U, D) and introduces some
also come under IEC 947-2. new curves:
IEC 898 dates from 1987. It became a ■ curve B: 3 to 5 In (2.6 to 3.85 for L)
European Norm in mid-1990, and in ■ curve C: 5 to 10 In (3.85 to 8.8 for U)
member countries of CENELEC, mid- ■ curve D: 10 to 20 In (10 to 14 for D
1991 will see the issue of national and MA)
standards harmonised with the
(3)
European Norm EN 60 898.
■ standard 947-2 gives an "ultimate
There are some notable differences
breaking capacity" corresponding to an
between IEC 947-2 and EN 60 898. It is
O-CO test and a "service breaking
of interest to be aware of them since
capacity" of which the value, as a
small circuit breakers are often used in
percentage of Icu, is fixed by the
industrial final distribution.
manufacturer and corresponds to an
IEC 947-2 EN 60 898 O-CO-CO test (see table 1 in figure 4).
■ EN 60 898 gives an assigned
Voltage Un (V) < 1,000 < 440
breaking capacity Icn corresponding to
Current (1) In ≤ 125 A
an O-CO test and a service
Thermal 1.05 1.13 performance of which the value, as a
trip to 1.03 In to 1.45 In percentage of Icn, is fixed by the
Magnetic (2) curves standard and corresponds to an O-CO-
trip B-C-D CO test for:
Breaking Icu Icn (3) ■ Icn ≤ 6 kA Ics = Icn
capacity ■ Icn > 6 kA Ics = 0.75 Icn (min 6 kA)
Service Ics Ics (3) ■ Icn ≤ 10 kA Ics = 0.75 Icn (min 6 kA)
capacity ■ Icn > 10 kA Ics = 0.5 Icn (min 7.5
Isolation Yes Under study kA)
External Safety test (4) Moreover this standard limits its field of
Safety perimeters for no application to circuit breakers of
respected emissions breaking capacity ≤ 25 kA: short-circuit
current which there is little chance of
observing in a domestic or commercial
installation.

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.18

Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.19
 Réal. : E.R.I. - Lyon - Photo. : IPV
Cahier Technique Merlin Gerin n° 150 / p.20 IPV - 12-91 - 2500 - Imprimeur : Léostic