MV SWITCHGEAR

CONTENTS
THEORY AND APPLICATIONS
DESIGN FEATURES
CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
TESTS
EXHIBITS

THEORY AND APPLICATION

Voltage Classification as per Indian Electricity Rules 1956:
Low Voltage (LV) Voltages up to 250 Volts.
Medium Voltage (MV) Voltages from 251 to 650 Volts.
High Voltage (HV) Voltages from 651 to 33000 Volts.
Extra high voltage (EHV) Voltages above 33000 Volts.

MV SWITCHGEAR
a) In India the utilization system voltage is at 415 Volts, 3phase. Hence switchgear (SG) for this
system is designated as MV switchgear.
b) Switchgear (SG) is a generic term which is used in this document to include:
i) Load centre / Power Control Centre (PCC) - Receive bulk power from transformer and
distribute the same to motor control centers, distribution boards etc.
ii) Motor Control Centre (MCC) - receive power from load centre / PCC and supply to
various motors in a plant section through motor starter modules.
iii) Power and Motor Control Centre (PMCC) – This is a combination of (i) and (ii).
iv) Distribution board – Receive power from load centre / PCC / MCC and supply to smaller
loads such as lighting panels, heating, etc.,

SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE (SCPD) Refer to IS13947

a) SCPD options available are
i) Circuit Breaker
ii) Moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB)
iii) High rupturing capacity (HRC) fuses with load break switch.
iv) Miniature circuit breaker (MCB)

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b) SCPD unit in addition to tripping under short circuit condition does the following duties:-
i) Make, break and continuously carry the maximum load current of the circuit.
ii) Withstand starting currents during switching on the load particularly Squirrel cage
induction Motors.

INCOMING AND OUTGOING FEEDERS

The components of feeder module include :-
a) SCPD unit
b) CTs and VTs as required.
c) Instruments, meters, protection relays, auxiliary relays, time delay relays etc as required.
d) Control switches, selector switches, push buttons, indicating lamps as required.

MOTOR STARTER
a) Motor starter for three phase motor comprise:-
i) MCCB or HRC fuses with load break isolating switch.
ii) Contactor(s). Number of contactors to be provided as per mode of starting.
iii) Thermal overload relay (49OL)
iv) CTs, instruments, Protection relays, auxiliary relays, push buttons, indicating lamps etc as
required.
b) Motor starters are arranged as modules in MCC.
c) Separate motor starters comprising contactor and 49OL are also available in dust and vermin
proof enclosure made of sheet steel or cast iron for individual motor application. These are to be
supplied through SCPD unit. Motor starter up to certain size is also available with built in switch
and fuses.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS
MV circuit breakers are generally air break type. Hence, these are called Air Circuit Breaker (ACB)

UTILIZATION CATEGORIES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS (IS13947: PART 2)

Utilization category is stated with references to whether or not the breaker is intended for selectivity as
follows:-
Category A Not specifically intended for selectivity under short circuit conditions with respect to other
SCPD in series on the load side. i.e. without an intended short time delay provided under
short circuit conditions and therefore without a short time withstand current rating.

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Category B Specifically intended for selectivity as above and has a short time withstand current rating.
ACB is generally manufactured as category B with short time withstand current assigned.

OPERATING MECHANISM OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

Options Available :-
a) Manual, spring assisted, quick make, quick break mechanism. This is adopted for manual
operation of the breaker from the SG.
b) Manual spring charged stored energy mechanism. With the mechanism charged manually the
breaker can be closed manually by a push button from SG or electrically via a closing release from a
remote point. With the breaker closed, mechanism can be charged again in advance for next closing
operation.
c) Motor wound spring charged stored energy mechanism. The closing spring is charged by an AC
or DC Motor. After the breaker is switched on, the spring is discharged and the motor automatically
recharges the mechanism.
d) Stored energy mechanism is preferred for reliability and safety in operation.

TRIP MECHANISM OF CIRCUIT BREAKER

Options available are Shunt trip or Series trip
a) Shunt trip is provided when breaker is intended to be electrically opened from SG / remote panel
and tripped by protection relays.
b) Series trip is provided when the breaker is intended to be operated manually from switchgear. It
has built in Overload and Short circuit releases which trip the breaker mechanically by directly
operating the tripping spring. Optional earth fault and under voltage releases are also available.

MOULDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCCB)

Advantages of MCCB
a) Compact, all live parts are inside insulated housing. Arcing is totally contained within the
housing.
b) Replacement is not needed like fuse after every operation.
c) Excellent fault cutoff characteristic with current limiting feature.
d) Fast fault clearances in about 20 millisecond.
e) In view of (c) and (d) above, let through energy under fault condition is small. Hence, outgoing
cables need not be rated for short time fault current duty.

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OPERATING MECHANISM OF MCCB

a) As standard practice breaker is suitable for operation manually from the SG but shunt release can
be provided for tripping from remote location.
b) Operating mechanism is quick make, quick break, and trip free.
c) The tripping mechanism is provided with overload (OL) and short-circuits (SC) releases with
fixed or adjustable settings. Optional earth leakage and under voltage protection are also
available.
d) All releases operate on a common trip bar and thus prevent single phasing.
e) The releases are direct acting.
f) The OL and SC releases can be either of the following two types :-
 Thermal-magnetic type - OL release operates on thermal effect of current and SC release
operates on electromagnetic effect of current.
 Full magnetic type - both releases operate on electro-magnetic forces of current.

UTILIZATION CATEGORY OF MCCB

Type A is standard. Hence no short time current withstand capacity is assigned. Some manufactures
offer class B for higher current ratings of 800A and above.

CO- ORDINATION BETWEEN MCCBS

Co-ordination between upstream (incomer) and down stream (outgoing feeder) MCCBs are difficult
unless ratings are quite different. Manufacturer’s advice may be taken.

CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN MCCB AND CONTACTOR

As per IS 13947 two types of co-ordination are permissible between SCPD and contactor:-
i. Type 1- Under short circuit condition contactor shall cause no danger to persons or installation
and may not be suitable for further use without repair and replacement of parts.
ii. Type2- Similar to above but contactor shall be suitable for further use.
Type2 co-ordination should generally be specified and verified by tests.
Motors require very close overload protection Thermal overload relays (49OL) with proper range are
provided to open contactor in the event of overload. OL release is also available in MCCB. One of the
two which suits the motor should be provided. Some manufacturers offer special OL release in MCCB to
suit motor application.

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HIGH RUPTURING CAPACITY (HRC) FUSES

The fuse link consists of a ceramic body within which fuse elements are positioned and connected to end
plates. The assembly is then filled with dry graded granular quartz sand.

FEATURES OF HRC FUSES AS SCPD

Has dual characteristic with inverse time operation in overload region and quick operation in short circuit
region.
Very fast in clearing short circuit (around 5 millisecond)
Very low let through energy on occurrence of fault.
Type 2 co-ordination with associated contactor is assured.
Outgoing cables need not be sized for short time fault current duty.
Requires replacement after every operation.
Discrimination between upstream and down stream fuses are more easily achieved. As a thumb rule two
fuses will discriminate if the ratio of their ratings is 2:1.
Fuses in motor circuits are to be sized for :-
a) Withstanding the starting current for the acceleration time. This may be critical for motors with
long acceleration time.
b) Under overload condition, allow 49OL to operate first with fuses providing back up.

MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCB)

MCB is used as SCPD for circuits having smaller load and low fault level.
MCB has current limiting feature and is provided with built in over load and short circuit releases.
MCB is generally manually operated.
MCB can be fitted with the following optional accessories :-
a) Shunt trip for tripping from a remote location.
b) Under voltage release.
c) Auxiliary switch for remote indication of ‘OFF’ and ‘ON’ position
d) Alarm switch for tripping of MCB.

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CONTACTOR :
OPERATIONAL DUTIES OF CONTACTOR
Switch ON and OFF the motor.
Make & break the starting current of the motor.
Withstand thermal stresses due to the starting current flowing for the acceleration time of the motor.
Trip on over load.

DUTY CATEGORIES OF CONTACTOR (IS 13947)

Eight hour duty
Uninterrupted duty
Intermittent duty
For general application, uninterrupted duty may be specified.

UTILIZATION CATEGORIES OF CONTACTOR (IS 13947)

BASED ON MAKING AND BREAKING CAPACITIES
AC-1 Non inductive loads, resistance furnaces.
AC-2 Slip ring motors starting, switching off.
AC-3 Squirrel cage motors, starting, switching off during running.
AC- 4 Squirrel cage motors, starting, plugging, inching.
AC-6a Switching of transformer
AC-6b Switching of capacitor banks.

SELECTION OF UTILIZATION CATEGORIES

Following guidelines may be used for squirrel cage induction motors
a) One direction rotation with motor being switched off during running. AC-3.
b) Two direction of rotation but running in the second direction is realized after the motor has
completely stopped. AC-3
c) One direction of rotation with frequent inching (jogging) AC-4
d) Two direction of rotation but with the possibility of reversing supply connections to the motor
while running in the first direction (plugging) AC-4

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PREFERRED CONTROL SUPPLY VOLTAGE (IS13947) FOR CONTACTOR:

Single phase AC – 24, 48,110,240 volts
For general industrial plants, 240V AC may be used tapped from the module itself.
For power plants and major industrial plants, 110V AC may be used for safety reasons. This is obtained
through 415 / 110v control transformer as per following alternatives:-
Individual control transformer in each modules
Or
Common control transformer for each switchgear section with 100% standby. 110V AC auxiliary
bus bars run throughout the length of the switchgear

MODE OF MOTOR STARTING

Squirrel cage induction motors can be started in either of the following modes:-
a) Direct on line (DOL)
b) Star-delta
c) Auto transformer
d) Soft start

DOL STARTING
a) Motor is directly switched on to the power supply by the contactor (starting at full voltage).
b) The starting current is very high and also highly inductive. Starting current is 6-7 times full load
current + 20% tolerance at 0.25 power factor
c) Voltage at the motor terminals will considerably drop during starting due to additional regulations in
the transformer and voltage drop in the cables particularly for long lengths.
Motors are designed to start and accelerate satisfactorily at 85% of rated voltage. Hence voltage drops
must be limited to less than 15%
DOL starting is permissible for power plants and for industrial plants where power supply is obtained
from captive power plant or at EHV from State Electricity Board (SEB).
Where power is obtained at HV or MV from SEB, DOL starting is not permissible beyond certain rating
of motor. Check restrictions put by concerned SEB.
DOL is cheapest and most reliable mode of starting.

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STAR-DELTA STARTING
Both the ends of the winding of three phases are brought to motor terminal box i.e. 6 terminals.
Motor windings are connected in star during starting and reconnected in delta during running condition.
Motor is started at √ 3 times voltage. Hence line current is also √ 3 times less than DOL starting.
Voltage drop during starting is correspondingly less.
Starting torque is 1\3 of DOL starting. Hence requirement of driven equipment to be checked.
Three contactors are required :-
One for line connection
One to connect windings in star during starting
One to connect windings in Delta during running.
Only one over load relay provided with line contactor.
Fully automatic starter
Change over from star to delta is automatic (controlled by a timer).
Semi-automatic starter - Change over is controlled by start push button. When start push button is
pressed star connection is made and when released delta connection is made through respective contactor.

AUTO TRANSFORMER STARTING

Another method of reduced voltage starting.
Reduced voltage can be adjusted to suit requirement.
During starting, the motor is connected through auto-transformer with adjustable fixed taps say 40%,
50% or 60%.
During running motor is directly connected to supply lines. Auto transformer is de-energised.
Three contactors are required. Two for switching ON and OFF autotransformer, one for motor in run
position. Change over from start to run is automatic through timer.
Starting current and starting torque are in accordance with reduced voltage selected.

REVERSING STARTER
Certain applications such as valves need bidirectional rotation of motor to close and open.
Needs two contactors, one for forward run and other for reverse run.
The two contactors are electrically interlocked to permit operation of one contactor at a time.

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THERMAL OVER LOAD RELAY (49OL)

a) The relay is intended to protect the motor against overheating due to either overload or presence
of negative sequence currents under both hot and cold conditions.
b) The thermal relay with inverse characteristic sensing and compensating for both the positive and
negative sequence components of the load current simulate a thermal image of the motor under
hot and cold conditions.
However some of the relays sense only the total load current. Hence separate relay (single phase
preventor) is needed to protect against unbalance supply.
Temperature compensation device is provided to prevent relay from being affected by ambient
temperature variation.
Relay is manually reset after tripping but reset can be done only after bimetal strips have cooled down
sufficiently thus allowing the motor to cool down also.

49OL RELAY APPLICATION FOR HEAVY DUTY STARTING

a) Normal acceleration time of motor is 8 – 10 seconds.
b) Acceleration time beyond 10 seconds could be considered as heavy duty starting and 49OL relay
application needs to be checked carefully.
Alternative schemes to avoid tripping of 490L relay due to long acceleration time :-
 Check with manufacturers for special heavy duty relay.
 By pass 490L relay for part of the acceleration time by a contactor and timer.
 Use saturable CT for 490L relay whereby tripping characteristic is delayed beyond 1.5
times set current.

DESIGN FEATURES
SWITCHGEAR
a Rated voltage, phases and frequency 415 volts, 3 phases and neutral, 50 HZ
b Max.system voltage 457 volts
c Max.system fault current As per system detail in KA (rms)
d Short circuit withstand current for 1 Same as item (c)
sec (or 3 sec if required)
e One minute power frequency
withstand voltage
Main circuit 2500 volts
Control circuits. 1500 volts

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MINIMUM CLEARANCES IN AIR ;-

Between phases 20mm
Between phases and earth 20mm

BUS BARS
a Material Electrical grade Aluminium E91E grade
as per IS5082 (copper optional)
b No of Busbars 3 phases and neutral
c Max. permissible 90˚c for non silver plated joints.
Temperature 105˚c for silver plated joints.
d Rated continuous current As per total load current
e Short time current withstand for 1 As per system fault current.
second (or 3 second if required)
f Bus bar insulation i) Air insulated or
ii) Fully insulated

AIR CIRCUIT BREAKER (ACB)

a Type Air break, draw out
b No of poles 3
c Rated voltage 415 volts
d Rated current As per circuit requirement. 630 -6400
Amps available.
e Rated operating duty B – 3 min- MB – 3 min – MB
f Rated service breaking current As per system fault level.
up to 50 kA is available.
g Rated making current 2.5 x item (f)
h Rated short time withstand capacity for Specify same as item (f)
1 second
i Total break time Around 60 millisecond
J Utilisation category B
k Operating mechanism (option to be i. Manual spring assisted quick
specified) make quick break mechanism.
ii. Manual spring charged stored
energy mechanism.
iii. Motor wound, spring charged
stored energy mechanism.

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l Type of operating mechanism Trip free, Anti pumping

m Motor wound spring charged mechanism
i. Motor voltage 240 V, single phase AC
ii. Total charging time Around 15 seconds
iii. Standard accessories:
iv. Provision for manual spring charging
v. Mechanical position indicator to show ‘charged’ & ‘discharged’ condition of spring

n Trip Mechanism i) series trip

(option to be specified) or
ii) shunt trip
o Series trip provided with i) Overload release
ii) Short circuit release
iii) Earth fault protection (optional)
iv) Under voltage release (optional)
p Control Supply Voltage 24 / 48 / 110 / 220 volts
DC preferred.
q Limits of operation (IS 13947)
i) Closing coil 85 – 110% of rated voltage
ii) Shunt trip coil 70 – 110% of rated voltage
r Standard breaker accessories
i) 6 NO and6 NC potential free auxiliary contacts for purchaser’s use
ii) Mechanical position indicators to show ‘open’, ‘closed’, ‘Test’ and ‘service’
positions
iii) Emergency manual trip push button (red) shrouded to prevent accidental
operation
iv) Indicating lamps to show ‘closed’ (red), ‘open’ (green) and ‘Auto-trip’
(amber) conditions
s Safety interlocks for draw out type breaker:
Plug into service position or withdrawal to test position shall be possible only
when the breaker is open.
Operation of the breaker shall be possible only when the same is in plugged in or
test or fully isolated position
t Automatic safety shutters shall be provided to shield live stationary contacts when
the breaker is withdrawn. Provision for pad locking the shutters in closed position
shall be made.

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MOULDED CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER (MCCB)

a Rated voltage Up to 600 volts
b No of poles 1p, 3p, 4p
c Rated current As per max load current. Upto 1250 Amps
available
d Service breaking current As per system fault level Upto 65 KA available
e Total break time Around 20 millisecond
f Utilization category A (B for 800 A and above)
g Built in protection provided i) over load
ii) short circuit
h Type of built in protection i) Full magnetic type
or
ii) Thermal magnetic type
i Standard accessories Mechanical position indicator for ‘ON’, ‘OFF’

j Optional accessories( to be specified)

Remote closing facility
Shunt trip
Under voltage release
Earth fault protection
Auxiliary switches 2 NO & 2NC for local/remote indications
Alarm switch 2 NO & 2 NC for auto trip indication
Type of mounting Usually fixed type only in available.

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MINIATURE CIRCUIT BREAKERS (MCB)

a Rated voltage
b No of poles
c Rated current
d Utilization category
e Rated breaking current
f Built in protection
g Standard accessories
240 & 415 volts
1p, 2p, 3p and 4p available
up to 63 Amp available
10 KA standard
15 KA from some make
Thermal trip for over load
Magnetic trip for short circuit
‘ON’, ‘OFF’ mechanical position indicator

h Optional accessories Shunt trip release

Under voltage release
Auxiliary switches for remote ‘ON’, ‘OFF’ indication
Alarm switch for trip

LOAD BREAK SWITCH

a Type Air break, heavy duty, group operated,
load break, fault make

b Operating mechanism Manual, spring assisted quick make and

quick break

c Rated current As per load current. The switch in motor

circuit to withstand starting current

d Provision for pad locking the switch in ‘OFF’ position.

e Compartment door interlocks
i) Door can be opened only when switch is in ‘OFF’ position
ii) Switch can not be closed when door is open

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HRC FUSES
a Rated voltage 500 volts
b Rated current As per circuit requirement. Available up
to 1000 Amps
c Rupturing capacity ( Prospective As per system fault level.
current ) Available up to 80 kA
d Applicable standard IS 9224

CONTACTORS
a Type Electro-magnetic, double air break, non
gravity type
b Rated voltage 415 volts
c Rated current To suit motor current, ratings up to 300
Amp available
d No of poles 3
e Rated duty Uninterrupted duty. Other duty category
may be specified if required.
f Utilisation category for squirrel cage
induction motor:
i) DOL/star-Delta/Auto transformer AC3
starter
ii) Reversing starter AC4
iii) Starter for inching operation AC4
g Insulation class of coil Class E or better
h Preferred control (coil) voltage 110 or 240 volts, single phase AC
i Limits of operation of control supply
voltage
i) Voltage variation for closing 85% to 110%
ii) Coil drop out voltage 75%
j Auxiliary contacts to be provided 2 NO and 2 NC

THERMAL OVERLOAD RELAY

a Type Three element, ambient temperature
compensated, time lagged, thermal overload
relay with adjustable setting
b Current rating To suit motor rating
c Auxiliary contacts One change over contact or 1NO and 1 NC
contact
d Reset facility Hand reset

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CURRENT TRANSFORMERS ( CTs)

a Type Cast resin, bar primary, multicore as
required.
b Insulation Class E or better
c Rated primary Current IL ( Load current rounded off ) Amps
d Rated secondary current 1 Amp
e Ratio Primary Current/1
f Metering CT -
Accuracy Class 1.0
Burden Based on burdens of connected
instruments & meters.
g Protection CT -
Accuracy 5 P 10 for over current & earth fault
relays. Class PS for special relays such
as differential.
Burden Based on burdens of connected relays.
h Applicable Standard IS 2705

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS (VTS):

a Type Cast resin, Single phase, Draw out, dual
secondary if required.
b Insulation Class E or better
c Rated Primary Voltage System Voltage / Ö 3
d Rated Secondary Voltage 110 / Ö 3 volts
e Method of connection Primary / Star / Star
Secondary
f Accuracy class 1.0 for Metering
3 P for Protection (wherever applicable)
g Burden Based on connected meters and relays.
h Over Voltage Factors:
Continuous 1.2
Short time for effectively earthed 1.5 for 30 seconds
system
Short time for non effectively earthed
system 1.9 for 8 hours
i Applicable Standards IS 3156

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METERING
a Metering schemes

i. Incomer Ammeter (AM) with ammeter selector

switch (AS) KW, power factor and KWH
meters

ii. Outgoing feeders 100 Amp and

above AM with AS
iii. Motors 50 kW and above AM with AS
iv. Bus voltage Voltmeter with voltmeter switch
b Technical particulars of indicating
instruments(AM, VM, KW, PF)
i) Accuracy class 1.5
ii) Case size 110 or 96 sq mm
iii) Angle of deflection 240˚
iv) Current/voltage coil burden 3 – 4 VA
v) Type of mounting Flush or semi flush
c Technical particulars of energy meters
Accuracy class 1.0

d Digital instruments and meters are

acceptable in place of conventional
ones

PROTECTION
Protection schemes and relay particulars are discussed in a separate lecture.

CONTROL SCHEMES
Control Schemes shall be according to the various module types mentioned below :-
i) Incoming circuit with ACB/ MCCB/ Switch fuse.
ii) Outgoing feeder with ACB/MCCB/ Switch fuse.
iii) Bus coupler with ACB/ MCCB/Switch fuse.
iv) Motor Control with DOL starting.
v) Motor Control with Star Delta Staring.
vi) Motor Control with Auto-transformer starting.
vii) Motor Control with reversing starter.

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Module type are further sub classified on the basis of control locations :-
 Controlled from SG / MCC only.
 Controlled remote from SG / MCC also.

CONTROL WIRING
a) Wires 660V grade, single core, stranded & tinned copper conductor, PVC
insulated colour coded as per standard
b) Size of the conductor Minimum 1.5sq.mm for general wiring 2.5 sq.mm for CT circuits.

TERMINAL BLOCKS
Type and Rating: 10Amp, 660V grade, one piece Moulded with insulated barriers.
Wire termination: i. Tinned copper
ii. Solder less crimping type

ACCESSORIES
240 V, single phase cubicle heater with thermostat, switch and fuse to prevent moisture condensation in
each vertical module.

CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES
SWITCHGEAR ARRANGEMENT
Switchgear should comprise several distinct vertical section comprising:
a) Busbar Compartment
Metal Enclosed main bus bar compartment with busbars running horizontally at the top or bottom.
b) Feeder Modules
i) Individual feeder modules are arranged in multi -tier formation.
ii) All equipment associated with a single circuit are housed in the respective feeder module
compartment.
iii) Sheet steel enclosures on all sides except on the cable alley side.
iv) On the Cable alley side a plate cover with slots is provided for cable connections.
v) Hinged door for each compartment.
vi) Control and selector switches, Push buttons, Relays, Meters etc., are mounted on the front
door of the compartment.

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c) Vertical Busbars:
One set of vertical Busbars from the main horizontal Busbars is provided in each vertical section
to serve all the feeder modules in that section.
d) Vertical cable alley:
i) Vertical cable alley covering full height of the SG is provided adjacent to the multitier
feeders to lead power and control cables to the Individual modules.
ii) The cable alley is provided with separate hinged door.
iii) Minimum width of cable alley:
- 500mm for Circuit Breaker modules.
- 200mm for all other modules.
e) Cable Entry facility:
i) Cable entry can be form top or bottom.
ii) Removable gland plates to be provided.
f) One Metal Sheet to be provided between two adjacent vertical sections running to the full length
of SG except for the bus bar chamber.

SHEET METAL WORK

SHEET METAL
a) SG frame could be fabricated using either structural steel sections or pressed and shaped cold
rolled sheet steel.
b) Minimum Thickness of cold rolled sheet steel:
I) Switchgear frame 2.5 MM.
ii) Doors 1.6 MM.
Iii) All other sheet metal work 2.0 MM.
c) Painting:
All sheet metal work shall be thoroughly cleaned and painted with two coats of primer and two
coats of finishing synthetic enamel paint of specific shade.

SINGLE / DOUBLE FRONT ARRANGEMENT

a) Single front arrangement:
All the module fronts are on one side. Rear side is sheet metal enclosed with removable panels.

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b) Double front arrangement:

i) Feeder modules are arranged back to back in a vertical section I.e. both on front side and
rear side.
ii) Operation of modules are from both sides.
iii) Arrangement is possible for feeder modules with MCCB / Switch fuse and motor starter
modules.
iv) Depth of Circuit Breaker module is more and cannot be mounted in double front
arrangement.
c) Advantages of double front arrangement:
i) Economical where large number of motors are involved.
ii) Saves space in switchgear room.

SWITCHGEAR HEIGHT
Should be limited to 2450MM for the convenience of operation and maintenance
Degree of protection- IP-52

CIRCUIT BREAKER MODULE

a) The Circuit Breaker can have fixed type mounting or horizontal draw out arrangement. Draw out
arrangement is preferred.
b) In the drawout design the breaker along with its operating mechanism is mounted on a withdrawal
carrier (Breaker truck).
c) The Breaker truck should have distinct “Service” & “Test” Position. When the breaker is drawn
out into test position, it should be possible to test the breaker operation without energizing the
power circuit.
d) The Breaker truck should remain fully housed inside the module in test position.

FEEDER MODULE
a) All the feeder modules including motor starter modules not incorporating Circuit Breaker should
have the following mounting arrangement.
b) All the equipment associated with a single circuit is mounted on a withdrawable chassis.
c) The withdrawable chassis have alternative arrangements as follows :-
i) Fully Drawout type.
ii) Semi Drawout type.
iii) Fixed type

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Fully Drawout type

All power and control connections mounted on the chassis should be through stab in or sliding type, self
aligning drawout connections. Hence, chassis can be withdrawn without unbolting or unscrewing any
connection.

Semi Drawout type

The power connections are drawout type as above but control circuits are connected by manually
operated plug & socket arrangement. Hence chassis can be withdrawn after unplugging the control
connection.

Fixed type chassis

The Power connections are bolted type and control connections are screwed to the terminal block. Hence
chassis can be withdrawn after unbolting and unscrewing power and control connections.

SAFETY EARTHING
a) Earth busbar runs along entire length of SG.
b) Material of Earth Bus - Galvanized Steel (GS) (copper optional).
c) Positive connection to be made between all equipment mounted in the SG and the earth bus.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Preferred dimension for locating SG.
a SG front space :
i) Front to front distance between two rows of SG 2000 MM
ii) Front of SG to nearest obstruction (wall, column etc.,)
In single row arrangement. 1500 MM
b SG back space from deepest part of SG to nearest 1000 MM
obstruction (min. 800 MM as
per code)
c Sides and Top of SG 800 MM

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SWITCHGEAR ROOM REQUIREMENT

a) Good Ventilation.
b) At least two exit doors. Doors should open outwards. Wooden doors & sliding doors not
acceptable.
c) Doors and Windows are to be fire proof.
d) Pipes carrying steam, water, oil or other fluids not to be routed through the room.
e) All floor and wall openings for cable entries to be sealed with fire proof material after cable
laying.
f) Adequate fire detection & protection to be provided.

TESTS
Test for Switchgear
Switchgear shall be subjected to the following tests :-
a) Temperature rise test on power circuits.
b) Short time current withstand test on power circuits.
c) Mechanical operation test.
d) Insulation resistance of power & control circuits.
e) Electrical control, Interlock & sequential operation tests.

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