Protective Link Expulsion Fuse Type Prolink, Oil Immersed,

PTAP-APR925 IZUA 5670-100 Technical Guide 15 kV, 23 kV, & 35 kV

ABB

General Description
The Protective link is an oil immersed, expulsion type, fuse assembly for use in the high voltage circuit of a distribution transformer. Used in coordination with the CSP circuit breaker, the protective links function is to disconnect a defective transformer from the feeder circuit, and to limit the severity of the damage to the transformer in case of an internal fault. The link consists of a fuse wire element contained within a hard fiber tube. The wire is welded to a top electrode at one end and crimped to a bottom electrode or welded directly to the cable lead at the other end. Protective links are available in a wide variety of fuse sizes and kV classes for proper coordination with CSP circuit breakers.

Table 1: Interruption Rating

Application Voltage1 Interrupting Rating2 (rms symmetrical Amperes) 5,000 4,800 3,500 3,000 2,500 1,200 1,200

2,400 4,800 7,200 12,000 14,400 23,000 34,500

Application Information Fuse Curve Selection

When designing a CSP protection scheme, the secondary CSP circuit breaker is selected first. After the secondary circuit breaker is selected, the protective link is chosen so that proper coordination between the primary side protective link and the secondary side circuit breaker is achieved. The simplest way to determine if proper coordination has been achieved is to compare the time versus current characteristics curves (TCC curves) of both devices. Coordination is acceptable when,
1

Application Voltage listed as: Single Phase: Line to Ground Three Phase: Line to Line

2 Interruption ratings are based on a well constructed round tank distribution transformer. Ratings will generally be greater for pad mounted distribution transformers because of the rectangular tank's ability to absorb a considerable ammount of energy during high current fault interruption.

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of CSP Transformer

for all values of secondary fault current, the circuit breaker will clear the fault before the protective link melts. The protective links are produced in a wide range of fuse sizes which are described on curve drawing 697700 for minimum melt characteristics and curve drawing 735701 for average clearing characteristics.

Circuit Connection
The protective link is connected between the primary winding and high voltage bushing. In a transformer with a single high voltage bushing (where one end of the primary winding is connected to the ground), one protective link per transformer is used. In a transformer with two high voltage bushings, two protective links are used. A typical CSP transformer schematic diagram is shown in Figure 1. A jack bolt (style number 240A394H01 ordered separate) fits into the 0.25 x 28 thread in the top terminal of the protective link and may be used to make up the top connection to the link. In lieu of this bolt, any standard 0.25 diameter x 28 threads per inch x 0.38 thread length bolt will work. The lower connection to the protective link is made through the flexible cable lead. The flexible cable lead is specified on the dimension sheets as: number of wire strands - individual wire strand thickness (example 259-0.005 = 259 strands of 0.005 diameter wire).

Mounting Information
Protective links may be mounted in any orientation as long as the expulsion arc will be under oil during arc interruption. Standard mounting configuration is in a near vertical to vertical

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position in round tank transformers and horizontal to vertical in pad mounted units. All energized parts of the protective link must be under oil and spaced away from all other energized or grounded parts with sufficient distance to withstand all operating and test voltages. The transformer tank design must be capable of absorbing the arc energy of the protective link through tank venting or other means. The interrupting rating of this device is a function of the tank design and the live part insulation. See the appropriate breaker application manual for coordination with CSP breakers.

Figure 3: Block Mounting - 584B903H01

Protective Link

Mounting Accessories
Three different methods may be used to mount Protective Links: a narrow groove flat clip bolted to an insulator, retaining rings and terminal block, or directly mounted to an insulating mounting block. The narrow groove flat clip (75D0426H01) is placed in the small groove around the protective link, the ends are closed together, the mounting bolt is run through the eye ends of the mounting clip, and is bolted to the insulating structure. The bolt holds the clip closed around the protective link, as well as securing the link to the insulating structure. The retaining rings (style number 9820A65H05) fit into two small grooves on the fiber tube body and secures the fuse in the terminal block (style number 584B903H01). This mounting arrangement is shown in Figure 3. The protective link may also be mounted using an insulating block. This mounting scheme is shown in Figure 4. Details

Mounting Hole - bolt to insulating member of transformer superstructure

Retaining Clips (above & below)

Terminal Block

Cable Lead

and dimensional information for this block may be found on Dimension Sheet 44-889 Pg 13.

Figure 2: Part Identification

Link Operation
When the fuse wire melts due to a fault current, an arc is established within the fiber tube. The interaction of the arc on the fiber tubes interior wall generates gases, which (in combination with the expulsive action of the protective link) extinguishes the arc rapidly and clears the circuit.

Flat Clip Groove

Features & Advantages Multiple Ratings

Protective links are manufactured in three voltage classes and up to thirteen different fuse curve variations. The three voltage classes are 15 kV, 23 kV, and 35 kV. These ratings apply to a single phase transformers line to ground voltage, or a three phase transformers line to line voltage. For example, a three phase transformer connected to an 11kV system would use the 15kV links and if connected to a 22kV system would use the 23kV links. The various fuse curves are shown on TCC curves 697700 and 735701.

Cable Lead Fiber Tube Top Electrode

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Ordering Information
Curve Number 2 3 3A 4 5 5A 6 7 7A 8 9 10 11 12 13 Current Rating 4.5 6.2 7 8.2 11 13 16 21 24 30 49 71 102 160 230 <= 15kV 592B581G01 592B581G02 592B581G11 592B581G06 592B581G03 592B581G12 592B581G04 592B581G05 592B581G13 592B581G07 592B581G08 592B581G09 592B581G14 592B581G31 592B581G32 <=23 kV 779C667G01 779C667G02 779C667G03 779C667G08 779C667G04 779C667G09 779C667G05 779C667G06 779C667G33 779C667G07 779C667G34 Contact ABB Contact ABB Contact ABB Contact ABB <=35 kV 345B995G21 345B995G29 345B995G22 345B995G33 345B995G23
Printed in USA by Tennessee Industrial Printing Services, Inc. IZUA 5670-100en Replaces TPL 44-839, February 2003

345B995G24 345B995G28 345B995G25 345B995G34 345B995G26 345B995G27 345B995G31 345B995G32 Contact ABB Contact ABB

Figure 4: Block Mounted 35kV Protective Link

Design Tests
The protective link assembly has passed a series of design tests which offer verification of the design reliability: 1. Interruption Tests 2. Minimum Melt Tests 3. Safe Transit Test

Production Tests
In addition to the initial design testing that was performed, the following tests are run on daily production units: 1. Dimension check to verify critical dimensions. 2. Visual inspection to verify assembly process.

Warning
The misapplication of the protective link constitutes a potential hazard to life & property. Accordingly, the user must exercise due care in utilizing this information to ensure that the protective link is properly applied.

ABB
ABB Inc. 1128 S. Cavalier Drive Alamo, TN 38001, USA Telephone: 731-696-5561 Fax: 731-696-5362 www.abb.com