Issued by : Switchgear Contracts Division LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED Powai Works, Mumbai 400 072.
October – December 1996
Prospect/
Retrospect
IS/IEC Specifica-
tion
In the previous three issues of L&T
Current Trends, we have published
an article on IS/IEC specification for
Low Voltage Switchgear and
Controlgear (IS 13947) in three parts.
Our readers have written to us to
give a condensed summary of these
three parts.
In this issue, we are publishing the
summary alongwith important tables
which were included in main article.
Though our efforts are to make this
summary as exhaustive as possible,
so that it can be preserved by our
readers as a handy reference, if any
clarification is required, we suggest
that our readers refer to the original
Indian Standards.
FEATURE
Introduction to IS 13947 :
A new Indian Standard on
Switchgear and Controlgear Products
- Summary
- H.T. Mistry, Senior Executive-Design,
Switchgear Design and Product Development
In a major revision, International as general have been consolidated in
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) this first part.
introduced a new specification, IEC
947, on low voltage switchgear and 2) Product standard
controlgear in 1988. Bureau of
Indian Standards also decided to Specific testing and performance
adopt the text of IEC 947 and conse- requirements of the products are
quently, in1993, introduced a new covered by relevant product stand-
dual number specification IS 13947/ ards. These are :
IEC pub 947 on switchgear and
controlgear products. National Part 2 : Circuit breakers
Annex has been added to IEC text in
IS to cover typical requirements e.g. Part 3 : Switches, disconnectors,
use of aluminium conductors, ambi- switch disconnectors and fuse
ent conditions, preferred voltages. combination units
etc.
Part 4 : Contactors and motor
This specification is divided into two starters (section 1 : Electromechan-
documents. cal contactors and starters)
1) General rules (Part 1) : Part 5 : Control circuit devices and
switching elements
All those parts of various prooduct
standards which can be considered Part 6 : Multiple function devices
Part 7 : Ancillary equipments
PART 1 : GENERAL RULES :
This standard states those general
rules and requirements which are
common to low voltage switchgear
products e.g. definitions; characteris-
tics; normal service, mounting and
transport conditions; information to
be supplied with the equipment;
constructional and performance
requirements and verification of
these requirements.
Following are the major revisions
introduced in part 1 :
I) DEFINITIONS :
Disconnector:
Definition of disconnector has been
enlarged. A disconnector has now
been defined as a mechanical device
which in the open position complies
with the requirements of isolating
function. As per the new definition, a
disconnector needs to meet perform-
ance requirements in addition to
minimum isolating distance.
II) RATINGS AND LIMITING
VALUES :
i) Conventional thermal currents
Following two new limiting currents
have been introduced to define
thermal characteristics of the prod-
uct.
a) Conventional free air thermal
current (Ith)
b) Conventional enclosed thermal
current (Ithe)
These currents are defined as the
maximum values of currents to be
used for temperature rise tests on
unenclosed equipment (Ith) or on
equipment in smallest enclosure
specified by the manufacturer (Ithe).
These currents are not the ratings
and need not be marked on the
equipment.
ii) Rated impulse withstand
voltage (Uimp) :
Overvoltages originate from causes
like load fluctuations, switching
operations, resonances, faults and
lightening discharges on low voltage
(LV) systems.
These overvoltages affect common
LV installations and equipment. In
view of this, in order to evaluate
adequacy of design of low voltage
switchgear products to withstand
overvoltages, concept of rated
impulse withstand voltage has been
introduced.
Preferred values of rated impulse
withstand voltage are specified in
new IS. Theses are reproduced in
table 1.
Overvoltage category for the equip-
ment is decided by its location in the
installation. (Origin of installation,
distribution, load etc.)
Preferred value of impulse withstand b) Terminals :
voltage reduces as the equipment is
located further away from the source Constructional requirements e.g.
of energy.
I) NORMAL SERVICE
CONDITIONS :
Pollution degrees :
In order to define environmental
conditions more precisely and to
evaluate clearance and creepage
distances following four pollution
degrees are established.
Pollution degree 1 :
No pollution or only dry, non-conduc- c) Clearance and creepage
tive pollution occurs.
Pollution degree 2 :
Normally non-conductive pollution
occurs. Occasionally, however, a
temporary conductivity caused by
condensation may be expected.
Pollution degree 3 :
Conductive pollution occurs or dry,
non-conductive pollution occurs
which becomes conductive due to
condensation.
Pollution degree 4 :
The pollution generates persistent
conductivity caused, for instance, by
conductive dust or rain of snow.
Unless otherwise specified equip-
ment or industrial application is
generally suitable for use in
pollution degree 3 environment.
II) CONSTRUCTIONAL
REQUIREMENTS :
a) Materials :
The suitability of insulating material is
verified with respect to its resistance
to abnormal heat and fire through
elaborate tests. These tests are
either conducted on the equipment
(glow wire test) or on specimen of the
material (hot wire ignition and arc
ignition tests).
strength, size etc. for terminals
suitable for unprepared copper
conductors are evaluated through
following tests.
i) Tests for verification of mechani-
cal strength
ii) Flexion test (test for damage to
conductors and their accidental
loosening)
iii) Pull out test
iv) Test for insertability of conduc-
tors
distances :
Clearance :
Minimum clearance values have
been specified in new IS on the basis
of – rated impulse withstand voltage
and pollution degree. Clearance is
verified through a type a test for
verification of dielectric properties.
To account for deterioration of
properties of insulating materials
minimum creepage distance are
specified based on following factors
- Rated insulation voltage
- Environmental conditions or
pollution degree
- Insulating materials used
b) Short circuit ratings :
Following two new short circuit
ratings have been introduced.
i) Rated ultimate short circuit
breaking capacity (Icu) :
Minimum number of operations for
breakers for ratings up to 100A and
above 1250A have been revised as
shown in table VI.
c) Number of units to be tested :

Insulating materials can be roughlyUltimate short circuit breaking Number of units to be tested is
characterized according to the capacity is assigned by the manufac- arrived at based on whether
damage they suffer due to flow and turer.
interruption of leakage current on - the product is assigned more
contaminated surfaces. Though no As the term indicates, continued than one operational voltage
direct relationship exists, it has been
service from the breaker is not
found by tests and experience that expected after the breaker has - terminals for line and load
insulating materials with higher cleared a short circuit fault of such connections are identified
comparative tracking index (CTI) magnitude.
have relatively better performance. d) Conductors for short circuit
Hence for the purpose of specifyingThis rating is similar to P1 category test :
minimum creepage distance, rating defined in IS 2516.
insulating materials have been For circuit breakers of ratings upto
ii) Service short circuit breaking 630A, conductors to be used for
classified into four material groups in
terms of CTI, as given in table II. capacity (Ics) : terminal connections in short circuit
tests (Ics and Icu) have now been
Minimum creepage distances for low Service short circuit breaking capac- specified as given below.
voltage switchgear products are ity is also assigned by the manufac-
given in table III. turer and can be expressed as "A cable of 75 cm in length having a
percentage of ultimate short circuit cross section corresponding to the
PART 2 : CIRCUIT BREAKERS breaking capacity (Icu). The ratio conventional thermal current shall be
shall be selected from standard ratios included as follows:
This standard replaces IS 2516 indicated in table IV.
(Parts 1&2/Sec. 1)-1985 - 50 cm on supply side
This rating is similar to P2 category
I) CHARACTERISTICS : rating specified in the earlier stand- - 25 cm on load side."
ard.
a) Utilization category : PART 3 : SWITCHES,
II) PERFORMANCE DISCONNECTORS, SWITCH
In the new IS, utilization categories REQUIREMENTS : DISCONNECTORS AND FUSE
have been specified for circuit COMBINATION UNITS
breakers also. These have been a) Test sequences :
defined with reference to selectivity This part replaces both parts of IS
i.e. whether a circuit breaker is In order to evaluate performance of a 4064-1978.
intended for selectivity by means of product comprehensively, relevant
an intentional time delay under short type tests are grouped into test Following changes have been
circuit conditions. sequences. All tests in a given incorporated in the new IS.
sequence are carried out on the
Circuit breakers not specifically same unit in prescribed order. Such I) CHARACTERISTICS :
intended for selectivity can be sequential testing represents actual
assigned utilization category A e.g. service conditions more closely. a) Rated short time withstand
moulded case circuit breakers. Details of test sequences applicable current (Icw) :
These breakers need not have short to circuit breakers are given in table
time withstand rating (Icw). V. As per IS 4064, minimum short time
withstand current was 20 times the
Circuit breakers specifically meant for b) Operational performance maximum rated operational current
selectivity are assigned utilization capability : for a duration of 1 second. This has
category B. Air circuit breakers with been changed to 12 times the
intentional time delay for tripping in This test, a part of test sequence 1, is maximum rated operational current.
short circuit condition can be as- to verify capability of breakers to
signed utilization category B. These perform minimum number of me- b) Utilization category :
breakers will also be assigned short chanical (without current) and
time withstand rating (Icw). electrical (with current) operations. Designation of utilization category
has been changed. In the new IS the Presently, utilization categories are three tests :
designation is completed by suffix A characterised by
or B according to whether the a) Verification to short circuit
intended applications require fre- i) rated making and breaking performance at "r" current, "r"
quent or infrequent operations. capacities of the contactors and current is decided corresponding
to maximum AC3 rating as
Utilization categories with suffix B are ii) electrical life. indicated in table X.
appropriate for devices which, due to
design or application, are only In the new IS, one more criterion, b) Verification of short circuit
intended for infrequent operations. conventional operational perform- performance at "q" current
ance, has been introduced. This declared by the manufacturer
Category AC 23A includes occa- requirement does not evaluate
sional switching of individual motors. expectancy of life but verifies capabil- c) Verification of co-ordination at "p"
ity of the contactor to make and current.
II) PERFORMANCE break, for specified number of times,
REQUIREMENTS : normal and marginal overload (a) and (b) are now mandatory tests
currents. while (c) is a special test.
Performance requirements are
verified through type tests. II) Terminal markings : (2) Only two types - type 1 and 2 - of
co-ordinations are specified in
All relevant type tests are grouped The terminals for main circuits are new IS instead of three types -
into four test sequences. These are required to be marked by a single type A, B and C as in IS 8544.
given in table VII. digit number (IEC 445) and aplhanu-
meric system (North American Type of co-ordination, is defined
Performance requirements have, in practice). based on the extent of damage
general, become more onerous. during short circuit test.
III) Trip classes for overload
Expected minimum electrical and relays : For type 1 co-ordination, damage to
mechanical life corresponding to the contactor/starter is permitted.
rating have been indicated. Ex- In the new IS, selection of relay has
pected life for category A is higher been facilitated by introduction of trip However, there should be no danger
than category B. classes. to the operator or damage to the
installation. These conditions are
PART 4 : CONTACTORS AND Relays are classified into four trip similar to those for type A co-ordina-
MOTOR STARTERS : classes based on tripping time at 7.2 tion.
times the setting of the relay. In
SECTION 1 : other words, trip classes indicate No damage is permitted for type 2 co-
ELECTROMECHANICAL maximum motor starting time permit- ordination. However, light contact
ted by the relay.. Trip classes are welding which can easily be opened
CONTACTORS AND
indicated in Table IX. (with a screw driver) is acceptable.
STARTERS: This is analogous to type C co-
Definition of trip classes 10, 20 and ordination.
So far, requirements of contactors 30 is in line with North American
and motor starters were covered by standards. Type B co-ordination defined in IS
separate standards, namely IS 2959 8544 has been excluded. For type B
and four parts of IS 8544 respec- IV) Tests : co-ordination, no damage was
tively. These are now covered by permitted except alteration of over-
part 4/Section 1 of IS 13947. a) Test sequences : load relay characteristics.

There are significant changes in All type tests are segregated in five
performance requirements. Attempt test sequences.
has also been made, wherever
possible, to align with North Ameri- b) Performance under short
can practices. circuit condition :

I) Utilization categories : In new IS, this test has been signifi-

cantly revised as follows :
In the new IS scope has been
widened to include various applica- 1) Performance is verified through
tions of contactors. These are listed
in Table VII.
For further information, please contact Larsen & Toubro Limited, Packing Division, Powai Works, Saki-Vihar Road, Mumbai 400 072.
Edited, printed and published by Cerena de Souza for Larsen & Toubro Limited. Published from L&T House, Narottam Morarjee Marg, Balard Estate, Mumbai 400 001.
and printed at Uma Offset, 359, A to Z Indl. Estate, G. Kadam Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013. Associate Editor: Luis S. R. Vas.
 Table I
PREFERRED VALUES OF IMPULSE WITHSTAND VOLTAGE

MAXIMUM VALUE OF PREFERRED VALUES OF IMPULSE WITHSTAND

TATED OPERATIONAL VOLTAGE in kV (1.2 / 50 µs)
VOLTAGE TO EARTH
OVER VOLTAGE CATEGORY
IV III II I
ORIGIN OF DISTRIBUTION LOAD SPECIALLY
INSTALLATION CIRCUIT LEVEL PROTECTED
V LEVEL LEVEL LEVEL
50 1.5 0.8 0.5 0.33
100 2.5 1.5 0.8 0.5
150 4 2.5 1.5 0.8
300 6 4 2.5 1.5
600 8 6 4 2.5
1000 12 8 6 4

TABLE - III
MINIMUM CREEPAGE DISTANCES

RATED INSULATION CREEPAGE DISTANCES, in mm

VOLTAGE, V
POLLUTION DEGREE POLLUTION DEGREE POLLUTION DEGREE
2 3 4

MATERIAL GROUP MATERIAL GROUP MATERIAL GROUP

I II IIIA IIIB I II IIIA IIIB I II IIIA IIIB

250 1.25 1.8 2.5 2.5 3.2 3.6 4 4 5 6.3 8 -

320 1.6 2.2 3.2 3.2 4 4.5 5 5 6.3 8 10 -

TABLE II 400 2 2.8 4 4 5 5.6 6.3 6.3 8 10 12.5 -
MATERIAL GROUPS
500 2.5 3.6 5 5 6.3 7.1 8 8 10 12.5 16 -

690 3.2 4.5 6.3 6.3 8 9 10 10 12.5 16 20 -

MATERIAL GROUP I 600 <= CTI
800 4 5.6 8 8 10 11 12.5 - 16 20 25 -
MATERIAL GROUP II 400 <= CTI < 600 q

1000 5 7.1 10 10 12.5 14 16 - 20 25 32 -

MATERIAL GROUP IIIa 175 <= CTI < 400

MATERIAL GROUP IIIb 100 <= CTI < 175

TABLE V : CIRCUIT BREAKERS - TEST SEQUENCES

TEST SEQUENCE APPLICABLE TO TESTS

I All circuit breakers 1.Tripping limits and characteristics
2.Dielectric properties
3.Operational performance capability
General 4.Overload performance
Performance 5.Verification of dielectric withstand
Characteristics 6.Verification of temperature rise
TABLE IV 7.Verification of overload releases
II All circuit breakers 1.Rated service s.c. breaking capacity
Rated service s.c. 2.Verification of dielectric withstand
Standard ratios between Ics and Icu breaking capacity 3.Verification of temperature rise
Utilization Utilization (Ics) 4.Verification of overload releases
Category A Category B
III All circuit breakers 1.Verification of overload releases
Ics (as % of Icu) Ics (as % of Icu)
Rated ultimate s.c. 2.Rated ultimate s.c. breaking capacity
breaking capacity 3.Verification of dielectric withstand
(Icu) 4.Verification of overload releases
25 50
50 75 IV Circuit breaker of 1.Verification of overload releases
Rated short time utilization category B 2.Rated ultimate s.c. breaking capacity
75 100
withstand current 3.Verification of temperature rise
100 (Icw) 4.S.c. breaking capacity at maximum
short time withstand current
5.Verification of dielectric withstand
6.Verification of overload releases
Combined test Circuit breakers of 1.Verification of overload releases
sequence. utilization category B 2.Rated short time withstand current
i) when Icw=Ics 3.Rated service s.c. breaking capacity
(Replaces Seq II & IV) 4.Verification of dielectric withstand
ii) when Icw=Ics=Icu 5.Verification of temperature rise
(Replaces Seq II, 6.Verification of overload releases
III&IV)
 TABLE VI : CIRCUIT BREAKERS

COMPARISION OF MINIMUM OPERATING CYCLES

IS 13947-2 IS 2516

RATED CURRENT MINIMUM OP. CYCLES MINIMUM OP. CYCLES

A WITHOUT WITH TOTAL WITHOUT WITH TOTAL
CURRENT CURRENT CURRENT CURRENT
In < = 100 A 8500 1500 10000 4000 4000 8000
630 < In < = 1250 2500 500 3000 2500 500 3000
1250 < In < = 2500 2500 500 3000 900 100 1000
2500 < In 1500 500 2000 Subject to agreement

TABLE VIII TABLE VII : SWITCHES, DISCONNECTRS, FUSE COMBINATION UNITS

Utilization categories for contactors/starters TEST SEQUENCES
IS 13947 (Part 4/Sec. 1)
TEST SEQUENCE TEST

Utilization Typical applications I (1) Temperature rise

General performance (2) Dielectric properties
category
characteristics (3) Making and breaking capacities
(4) Dielectric verification
AC-1 Non inductive or slightly inductive loads (5) Leakage current
resistance furnaces (6) Temperature rise verification
(7) Strength of actuator mechanism
AC-2 Slip-ring motors: starting, switching off
II (1) Operational performance
Operational performance (2) Dielectric verification
AC-3 Squirrel cage motors: starting, switching off capacity (3) Leakage current
while running (4) Temperature rise verification

AC-4 Squirrel cage motors: starting, plugging, III (1) Short time withstand current
Short circuit performance (2) Short circuit making capacity
inching capability (3) Dielectric verification
(4) Leakage current
AC-5a Switching of electric discharge lamp controls (5) Temperature rise verification
IV (1) Fuse protected s.c. withstand
AC-5b Switching of incandescent lamps
Conditional short circuit (2) Fuse protected s.c. making
current (3) Dielectric verification
AC-6a Switching of transformers (4) Leakage current
(5) Temperature rise verification
AC-6b Switching of capacitor banks

AC-8a Hermatic refrigerent compressor motor control

with manual resetting of overload releases

AC-8b Hermatic refrigerent compressor motor control

with automatic resetting of overload releases

DC-1 Non-Inductive or slightly inductive loads

resistance furnace

DC-3 Shunt motors: starting plugging, inching,

dynamic braking of d. c. motors.

DC-5 Series motors: starting, plugging, inching Table X

dynamic braking of d. c. motors. Value of “r” current
DC-6 Switching of incandescent lamps
IS 13947 (Part 4/sec. 1)

Rated Operational Current “r” Current

Table IX Ie (AC3), A kA
Trip classes for overload relays IS
13947 (Part 4/sec. 1) 0 < le <= 16 1
16 < le <= 63 3
Trip Class Tripping time, Sec. *
63 < le <= 125 5
10A 2 < Tp <= 10 125 < le <= 315 10

10 4 < Tp <= 10 315 < le <= 630 18

630 < le <= 1000 30
20 6 < Tp <= 20
1000 < le <= 1600 42
30 9 < Tp <= 30
1600 < le Subject to
agreement
* At 7.2 times relay setting starting from cold