Electrical Authorisation Training Manual

Electrical Authorisation
Training Manual
[Revision (0), July 1998]
COURSE NO. E-14
Prepared by :
J.K.Goyal S.P. Joshi
Sr. Trg. Officer SO/E
Checked by :
P.K. Dutta T.S. Marwaha
SME(E) Head (F&IS)
Reviewed by :
O.P. Goyal J.P. Moolani
Maint. Supdt. Trg. Supdt.
Approved by : K.P. Ojha

Station Director
Nuclear Training Centre

RAJASTHAN ATOMIC POWER STATION
Contents
Chapter-1 : Electrical Safety

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................ 1
1.2 Current & Voltage ...................................................................... 1
1.3 Aiding Electrical shock victim .................................................. 3
1.4 Grounding ................................................................................... 3
1.5 Manually Operated Switches ................................................... 5
1.6 Transmission Lines ................................................................... 6
1.7 Inspection & Tests ..................................................................... 6
Chapter-2 : RAPS Electrical Output System

2.0 Introduction ................................................................................ 7
2.1 220 KV System .......................................................................... 7
2.2 220 KV ABCB ........................................................................... 10
2.3 Principle of Air blast circuit breaker operation .................... 10
2.4 ABCB Operation ...................................................................... 10
2.5 Pneumatic Pressure Switches ............................................... 12

2.6 ABCB Compressed Air System ............................................. 13
2.7 220 KV Switchyard Equipments ............................................ 15
2.8 Dedicated supply from RPS ................................................... 16
2.9 Usual OTOs carried out on 220 KV system ......................... 17
2.10 220 KV Breaker Protection .................................................... 18
2.11 Islanding ................................................................................... 19
2.12 Routines for Switchyard Compressed Air System .............. 19
2.13 Alarm & Indication ................................................................... 19
2.14 Pre-requisites for ABCB Operations ..................................... 19
2.15 Precautions & Hazards on ABCB .......................................... 20
Chapter-3 : 3.3 KV & 415V Circuit Breakers & Switchgear

Part-A : General Description
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................. 21
3.2 Types of Circuit Breakers ....................................................... 21
3.3 Switch Functions ..................................................................... 22
3.4 Circuit Breaker Operation : Protective Functions ............... 23
3.5 Common Circuit Problems ...................................................... 23
3.6 Thermal Element Trip Devices .............................................. 24
3.7 Electromagnetic Trip Devices ................................................ 25
3.8 Ground Protection ................................................................... 27
3.9 Breaker Ratings & System Co-ordination ............................ 28
3.10 Principles of Circuit Interruption ............................................ 29
3.11 Effect of DC on a Breaker's rating ........................................ 31

3.12 Switchgear ................................................................................ 31
3.13 Disconnecting a Breaker from Primary Power & Control
Power ........................................................................................ 33
Chapter-4 : 3.3 KV, 415V & LV System

Part-B : System Description
4.1 3.3 KV System ......................................................................... 35
4.2 Auto Transfer Scheme (ATS) ................................................. 35
4.3 Rack in/Rack out operations .................................................. 40
4.4 415V and LV System .............................................................. 41
4.5 Breaker Operation ................................................................... 44
4.6 Protections ............................................................................... 45
4.7 Components of MCC ............................................................... 46
4.8 Types of MCC .......................................................................... 47
4.9 Isolation of MCC Cell .............................................................. 48
Chapter-5 : Preventive Maintenance of Breakers

5.0 Preventive Maintenance ......................................................... 49
5.1 Typical Rack-out Procedure for a Power breaker ............... 50
5.2 Inspection and Motor Cleaning .............................................. 51
5.3 Returning a Breaker to Service ............................................. 52
Chapter-6 : Overhauling of Breakers

6.0 Circuit Breaker Overhaul ........................................................ 49
6.1 Cleaning a Breaker with Compressed Air and Solvent ...... 50
6.2 Arc Chutes ................................................................................ 51
6.3 Operating Mechanism and other components .................... 55

6.4 Contacts .................................................................................... 55
Chapter-7 : Indian Electricity Rules

7.1 Extract of applicable Indian Electricity Rules as per Indian
Electricity Act ........................................................................... 57
Chapter-8 : Glossary
Glossary .................................................................................... 59
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Electrical Safety Electrical Authorisation 1
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Safety is the most important aspect of any electrical job. Every one who
works on or around electrical equipment must know what the dangers
are and what steps can be taken to make sure that all personnel are
protected from these dangers.
1.2 CURRENT & VOLTAGE

Whenever a person comes in contact with an energized conductor, the
current will pass through the person’s body. In general, the electrical
current will take the shortest possible path through the body. For
example, if a person is touching energized conductors with both hands,
or if he is touching an energized conductor with one hand and a
grounded object with the other, the current will pass directly through the
person’s heart. However if only one hand is touching an energized
conductor, the current travels to ground along the path of least
resistance. In this case, the current moves up the arm, down the body,
and out through the nearest leg. The current tends to stay on one side of
the body, so it is less likely to pass through the heart.
The body is a conductor, which means that current will pass through it
when given the chance. The severity of electrical shock depends on how
much current passes through the body as well as the path that it takes.
Although the human body is a conductor, it does offer resistance to the
passage of current through it. Different people have different amount of
resistance, and different parts of the same body have different
resistance values.
The amount of resistance that an individual body offers to the flow of
current can vary from one minute to the next. Resistance is affected by
Electrical Authorisation 2Electrical Safety
factors such as individual physiology, a persons emotional state, and

the moisture that may or may not be on a person’s skin.
The amount of current flow passing through a body depends on three
factors.
(1) The voltage of the source
(2) Body resistance along the current path and the
(3) Current capacity of the source.
The current level is greatest when voltage is high and resistance is low.
The max. current value is limited by the third factor. The current capacity
of the source. Touching an energized spark wire having voltage of
30000 V will result in a shock but not a dangerous one because the
current capacity is not there. Whereas touching a 30V battery with a
high current capacity can result in death if body resistance is low
enough. In general any current source at 30V or more must be
considered dangerous.
The effect of various levels of current on the human body are as

follows :
Current value Effects
1. Less than 1mA No sensation

2. 1 to 20 mA Sensation of shock, possibly painful.
May lose some muscular control
between 10 and 20 mA.
3. 20 to 50 mA Painful shock, severe muscular
contractions, breathing difficulties.
4. 50 to 200mA Same symptoms as above only more
severe, upto 100 mA. Between 100 &
200 mA, ventricular fibrillation may
occur- typically resulting in almost
immediate death unless special
medical equipment and treatment is
available.
5. Over 200 mA Severe burns and muscular
contractions. The chest muscles
contract and stop the heart for the
duration of shock.
From the above it is clear that 1 mA or less is not even noticeable to most
people. This very low level does not even cause a shock. Shock can
generally be felt from current in the range of 1 to 20 mA. There may be
some loss of muscular control, so that the victim may not be able to let
go off the source. A current of 20-50 mA will cause a painful shock, with
muscle contractions and breathing difficulties. As current continues to
increase, so do the pain and contractions. At approximately 100 mA, the
heart goes into ventricular fibrillation can uncoordinated libration of the
heart muscle and death will occur unless prompt medical treatment is
given. Above 200 mA, flesh begins to burn, and muscles contractions
are severe that the chest muscles squeeze the heart, stopping it for the
duration of the shock. These faults are more frightening when note is
taken that the highest current value given is only one fifth of an amp.
Sometimes people survive a shock by sheer luck and sometimes they
don’t.
1.3 AIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCK VICTIM

The first thing to do is to cut the Electrical Power, if possible. If the power
cannot be cut, an insulated pole or rope should be used to move the
conductor away from the victim. The victim should not be touched while
he is in contact with the conductor, otherwise the person touching could
also become a shock victim. If the victim has stopped breathing or if his
heart has stopped breathing, artificial respiration or cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) will be necessary to revive him.
1.3.1 It is the Current that Kills

Off hand it would seem that a shock of 10,000 V would be more deadly
than 100V but this is not so. The real measure of shock intensity in the
amount of current (amperes) forced through the body and not the
voltage.
The resistance of the victim’s contact decreases with time. The total 100
to 200 mA level may be reached if action is delayed.
1.4 GROUNDING
Grounding practices have one paramount aim. It is to prevent any
potential difference from being applied across any part of a human body.
The ground connections constitute a system from the stand point of
safety of personnel and satisfactory operation of the internal and
external power system.
The general requirements of grounding are as follows :

(i) The use of a conductor of sufficient size to withstand the heat
generated during the most severe operating or fault conditions.
(ii) Corrosion must be prevented. It occurs principally at the junction
of dissimilar metals. It may be checked by making all joints of
similar metals and by periodically painting the joints.
(iii) All joints & connections in the grounding system must remain
tight.
(iv) The resistance of the grounding system components must be as
low as possible.
The resistance of the complete ground connection is never quite zero

and large currents passing through this resistance may cause a
potential difference (I x R) between grounded apparatus and earth
creating a hazard.
1.4.1 Purpose of Safety Grounding

Grounding achieves safety by providing a low resistance path between
the appliance frame & the neutral of the supply system, which is
grounded. This means provide two distinct safety measures.
1. It provides a low resistance path from the normally non-current

carrying parts of the device to the ground. This assures that any
electrical failure that results in energizing the frame and hence
the handle or metal parts grasped by the hand, results in instantly
opening the circuit over current protective devices such as the
fuses or circuit breakers.
2. Connecting the frame of the device to ground assures that
regardless of what kind of defect occurs, the voltage of the frame
will be held sufficiently low so as not to become hazardous. The
ground wire does not affect the normal operation of the device
and its sole purpose is to provide safety in case a fault occurs.
Routine inspection of ground wires and connection to ground plates is

most essential so that grounding remains fully effective.
After every maintenance of any equipment, grounding connections
must be inspected to ensure that they are intact before returning
equipment to service.
Proper grounding keeps electrical shock hazards to the absolute

minimum. People who work near high voltage apparatus can
unconsciously fall into the habit of thinking that only the high voltage
circuits are really dangerous.
Shock from voltages well below 50 volts may produce the following
results :
(a) Surprise a man so he may lose his balance and fall, with risk of
bodily injury.
(b) Cause an involuntary recoil so that he stumbles against moving
machinery or makes contact with live apparatus.
(c) Cause a muscular paralysis so that he cannot release his grip on
the apparatus causing the shock.
For the above reasons all possible steps are taken to eliminate even the
smallest shock hazards.
Metallic parts can become charged by electrostatic and
electromagnetic induction. Transformer tanks, breakers, motor frames
and switching structures can also become charged by failure of
electrical insulation, insulator flashover, arc caused by lightning or
switching surges.
Large power transformers, when isolated, are capable of retaining a
charge. If work is to be done on isolated transformers it is first necessary
to ground the primary and the secondary windings. Other apparatus
that must be grounded for work, even though isolated are lightning
arrestors, oil breaker bushings and bus sections.
1.4.2 Caution
When applying portable grounds to isolated apparatus the connection
to the ground tap must be made first and broken last. The grounds must
remain applied throughout the duration of the work.
1.5 MANUALLY-OPERATED SWITCHES

Manually operated switches present a special hazard. There is the
danger that the arcing incidental to the switching will initiate an insulator
flashover. In some locations a switch may be particularly exposed to
lightning or switching surges which can also cause insulator flashover.
A flashover causes a very heavy fault current, a large part of which is
likely to take the most direct path to earth down the steel operating rod
to which the operating handle is attached.
Some switching locations are remote from the station. At such locations
a permanently installed ground gradient control mat may not be found.
A portable grounding mat may be used to serve the same purpose.
Ground rods are used at remote switching locations so that in case of
current flow in the operating rod of the switch, the potential differences
at the earth’s surface tend to be larger than at the station where a
grounding system exists.
1.6 TRANSMISSION LINES

Even though a circuit may be physically isolated from all sources of
power it is possible for the circuit to remain charged. A circuit can
become charged by any of the following :
1. Electrostatic or electromagnetic induction from energized

circuits paralleling or crossing over it.
2. Wind or fog blowing across the line.
3. An electrical storm in the vicinity of the line, a form of electrostatic
induction.
4. Induction from the earth’s magnetism.
Transmission lines have permanently installed grounding switches

which may be closed when the circuit is isolated. However, these
grounds make the circuit safe to touch for only a short distance from the
line terminals. This may be only a few hundred meters if a nearby line is
heavily loaded.
It is necessary, for work on the circuit, to apply portable ground at both
sides of the point of work.
1.7 INSPECTION AND TESTS

It is important that the condition of the grounding at each installation be
known and the ground resistance values obtained at the time of
installation be maintained. This requires the keeping of records and the
carrying out of tests at intervals after installation.
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Electrical Output System Electrical Authorisation 7
RAPS ELECTRICAL OUTPUT SYSTEM
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Input/Output System :
In RAPS power is generated at 21 KV and delivered at 220 KV to grid via 21/
220 KV step up transformer (Main Transformer or Generator Transformer).
For station requirement power is taken from Two sources viz one from grid
via 220 KV/3.3 KV Transformer SSST (SUT) and other from our own
Generator i.e. via 21 KV/3.3 KV Transformer (USST OR UT).
The power received at 3.3. KV is used at various potential levels i.e. 3.3. KV
itself, 415V, 250V DC etc.
Thus, complete electrical system (input & output) of the station can be
categorised as (broadly) :
i. 220 KV system
ii. 3.3 KV system
iii. 415V system
iv. 250V DC system
This manual deals with all the above systems.
2.1 2 2 0 K V S YS T E M
In 220 KV system following are the major equipments:
i. Circuit Breakers (CBs)
ii. Disconnect Switches (DS)
iii. Current Transformers (CTs)
iv. Potential Transformers (PTs)
v. Lightning Arresters (LA)
Electrical Authorisation 8Electrical Output System
Fig.-2.1 Electrical Output System

vi. Wave traps (WT)

vii. Capacitor Voltage transformers (CVTs)
viii. Power Transformers
All equipments are located in 220 KV outdoor switchyard. Main transformer

and unit transformers are located outside turbine building.
220 KV System Layout is shown in fig. 2.1.
Buses A1 & A2 are called as main buses for unit #1&2 respectively where
as bus B1 & B2 are transfer buses for Unit 1&2 respectively. Buses A1 & A2
are interconnected by tie breaker 513-CB-6 where as B1 & B2 by 513-CB-
13.
Power is delivered from Gen.1 to main bus A1 via 513-CB-1. Whereas from
Gen.-2 to main bus A2 via 513-CB-11.
Power transmitted to grid is via four feeders i.e. Kota-1, Kota-2, Kota-3 &
Udaipur through CB-8, CB-7, CB-5 and CB-4 respectively. 513-CB-12 is
used to feed plant load to Heavy Water Plant situated nearby.
For RAPP-3&4 Kota-2 line from RAPS end has been connected to RAPP-
3&4 220 KV switchyard where as original Kota-2 line is being used as Kota
feeder by RAPP-3&4.
All the breakers in 220 KV Switch yard (Except Transfer Bus Tie CB-13 &
circuit breakers in 50 MVA Transformers Ckt.) are ABCB (Air blast circuit
breakers). The CB-13 & circuit breakers in 50 MVA transformer are MOCB
(Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker) type. Station power for RAPS-1 is taken from
SSST #1 (which is connected on RAPS-2 side 220 KV switch yard) via CB-
9 where as SSST #2 gets supply via CB-3 for RAPS-2 (RAPS-1 side) CB-
3 & CB-9 are called as transfer breakers. Supply to transfer bus B1 & B2 is
via CB-3 & CB-9 from main bus A1 & A2 respectively. The transfer bus B1
can be connected to Heavy Water line, Main Gen. #1 SSST#2, Kota-3 line
& Udaipur line Via Motorised DS MDS-35, MDS-3, MDS-4, MDS-15 & MDS-
12 respectively. The interlock in motorised disconnect switch is that only
one of these MDS can be closed at a time. In other words we can say that
CB-3 (transfer breaker) can serve any one of five above at a time. Normally
CB-3 supplies SSST#2. When maintenance on either of CB-12, CB-1, CB-
4 & CB-5 is to be done CB-3 can replace any one of these.
In the similar fashion CB-9 can serve any one of Kota-1, Kota-2 line, Main
generator-2 SSST #1 Via MDS-21, MDS-18, MDS-27 and MDS-30
respectively, normally CB-9 supplies SSST#1.
When CB-3 and CB-9 are not serving for their own SSST, SSST protection
is taken care by bus protection.
A dedicated supply from 132 KV RPS/GS Hydel Power Station is connected

to transfer bus B2 via 132/220 KV 50 MVA transformer.
2.2 220 KV ABCB :

The 220 KV ABCBs in our station are “Hindustan Brown Boveri” (now
renamed as Asia Brown Boveri) make. Air blast, type DCF 24S qw 1250A.
Maximum interrupting capacity of breaker is 5000 MVA.
Before going in further detail, let us look in brief the principle of a circuit
breaker operation.
2.3 PRINCIPLE OF AIR BLAST CIRCUIT

B R E A K E R O P E R ATION .
When two current carrying contacts are separated out, an arc is formed, as
the medium between them gets ionised. To interrupt the circuit completely;
the arc has to be extinguished. This is done by blowing the Medium (air, oil
etc.) through arc so as arc is lengthened & finally extinguished. The ABCBs
are spring to close and air to open type breakers.
In ABCB pressurised air (at 15 kg/cm2) is used to separate out the contacts
as well as it is blown through arc to extinguish it.
In ABCB three pairs of contacts per phase are there to open the circuit.
Three nos. of air storage tank (one per phase) are provided in which air is
stored at 15 kg/cm2 .
Working Air pressure in ABCB is 15 kg/cm2 .
To open the contacts only 3-4 kg/cm2 pressure is enough but to quench the
arc air blast at 15 kg/cm2 is required.
The air in the receiver is sufficient for two consecutive opening/closing
operations.
Input air supply to ABCB air receiver is through a separate “switch yard
compressed air system”.
2.4 A B C B O P E R ATION :
Three methods of ABCB operation are there
(i) Remote electrical,
(ii) Local electrical &
(iii) Local pneumatic.
ABCB Control cabinet in field (near CB) has following HS :

(i) Normal/Test selection HS for Remote (C/R) & local operation
respectively.
(ii) Close/Trip HS for local electrical operation.
(iii) Pneumatic close and trip push button.
(iv) Normal/Bypass toggle switch for Generator Brk CB-1 & CB-11 only.
2.4.1 Remote electrical operation (C/R

operation)
For this operation, Normal/Test HS should be in Normal position. Breaker
can be closed or opened from C/R by 4 position disagreement switch. This
switch has 4 positions viz., C, CC, TT & T.
If breaker is in tripped condition, to close it bring the HS in ‘CC’ position &
then give a closing signal by bringing it to ‘C’ position. The breaker will close.
It is spring to return in CC position. Similarly if breaker is closed and it is to
be tripped, bring switch in TT position & give tripping signal by bringing it to
‘T’ position, the breaker will trip. HS will spring return to TT position.
Disagreement : If Breaker is in close position and HS is in ‘CC’ steady light
will glow indicating an agreement. Whereas for TT position a flashing light will
glow, which will indicate a disagreement. Similarly if breaker is in tripped
condition & HS is in ‘TT’ position, steady light, and for ‘CC’ position flashing
light will glow. The steady light indicates agreement and flushing light
indicates disagreement.
When ABCB is selected for Normal operation i.e. from C/R following features
are incorporated automatically in breaker.
(i) All protections which trip the breaker.
(ii) Close & trip ckt. supervision coils.
(iii) Control ckt. failure alarm.
(iv) Low air pressure alarm.
2.4.2 Local Electrical :

“Test” position is normally required for ‘Breaker test close’ & “normalisation”
OTO (order to operate). Normal/Test HS to be selected in ‘Test’ positions.
Breaker will close or trip as per close / trip HS is selected in field.
When “Test” position is selected, “C/R four position CB HS” light (steady &
flashing both) disappears. Hence in “Test” position, C/R has no informations
about breaker position.
When “Test” position is selected following features are bypassed
automatically in breaker.
(i) All protections which trip the breaker.
(ii) Close & Trip circuit supervision coils
(iii) Control circuit failure alarm
(iv) Low air pressure alarm
2.4.3 Local Pneumatic :

Two nos. of Hand push buttons are provided in each breaker cubicle in field.
One push button is for “close” & other for “trip”.
If breaker is in already “closed position” it will trip if “Trip push button” is
pressed. If brk. is in “trip” position, it will “close” if close push button is
pressed. But in this case after “closing” breaker will trip again if (1) “Normal/
Test” HS selection in “Normal” (2) Any one of breaker “trip” signal exists.
“Normal/Bypass” Toggle switch for Generator Breaker CB-1 & CB-11 “ As
one of the trip signals to Generator breaker is “Field Breaker Open” Hence
this toggle switch is provided to bypass this parameter. When generator is
tripped, and “generator brk” “test close” OTO to be carried out, this ‘HS’ is
put in “Bypass”. So as when “Normal/Test” HS is put in “Normal” and
generator breaker is closed from C/R it will not trip again on “field breaker
open” parameter.
2.5 PNEUMATIC PRESSURE SWITCHES :

2.5.1 Block trip pressure switch (63da)
This switch opens at < 156 psig (11 kg/cm2) Blocks all tripping of the breaker.
2.5.2 Block close pressure switch (63db)

This switch opens at < 176 psig (12.4 kg/cm2 ) and blocks all auto or manual
closing of breaker.
2.5.3 Block reclosing pressure switch (63 dc)

Opens at < 213 psig (15 kg/cm2) and again
Closes at > 219 psig (15.4 kg/cm2 )
All tripping transfers to 3 pole and blocks reclosing feature
2.5.4 Low pressure alarm switch (63 dx)
Opens at <190 psig, This setting is below the value to (13.3 kg/cm2) which
the pressure falls after one normal three pole tripping of the breaker, starting
from normal pressure of 230 psig (16 kg/cm2).
This pressure switch causes annunciation in C/R to call operator’s attention.
2.5.5 Phase disagreement pressure switch

If breaker has one pole open with two close or two open with one close and
remains in that position for more than a preset time, all poles are
pneumatically tripped. Time setting is variable up to 2 seconds by means of
an air escapement screw.
This pressure switch is a pneumatic comparator.
2.6 ABCB COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM :

This is also known as “switchyard compressed air system”. The block
diagram is shown in fig.2.2.
Description : System consist of 3 nos. of air compressors each rated 20 HP,
3 stages. Pressures developed after each stage are 2.53 kg/cm2 , 11.95 kg/
cm2 & 30 kg/cm2 respectively. Compressed air after III stage is stored in 2
banks of 5 receivers, (3 x 700 litres + 2 x 400 litres) at 30 kg/cm2 .
Each bank of receivers supplies air to one separate line through a PRV set
at 15 kg/cm2. These two lines of 15 kg/cm2 forms a network of pipelines &
isolating valves to supply air at 15 kg/cm2 to each of 220 KV breaker air tanks
(3 tanks per breaker)
A line joining two banks of air receivers is provided with 3 no. of pressure
switches which actuates Auto/Manual & lead/lag operation of compressors.
Each compressor HS is having 3 positions viz Hand/OFF/Auto
Compressor#1 & 2 are having another HS for lead/lag operation.
Compressor #3 alone having one more HS having positions 1 and 2.
Operations of compressors are as follow.
(1) HS on “Hand” (All three compr.) compressor simply run. (NO
PROCESS LOGIC).
(2) HS on “OFF” (All three compr.) compressor simply put off.
(3) HS on “Auto”.
(a) For compressor#1 & 2 if HS is on “Auto” compressor will cut
in and cut out on Auto as per lead/lag selection.
For Lead Compressor Cut in at 26.5 kg/cm2
Cut out at 29.0 kg/cm2
For Lag (Standby) Compressor Cut in at 26 kg/cm2
Cut out at 29 kg/cm2
(b) For compressor#3 if HS is on “Auto” compressor will run as
a standby for either compressor#1 or compressor#2 as per
HS selection (position 1 or 2).
Fig.-2.2 Compressed AIr distribution to 220KV Air Blast Circuit Breakers

2.7 220 KV SWIT CHYARD EQ UIPMENTS .

2.7.1 Current Transformer & Potential
Transformer
CTs are used to measure large currents and PTs are used to measure high
voltages in switchyard.
In current transformer, primary consists of one or few turns whereas
secondary has large number of turns. Hence current in secondary is
reduced compared to primary to such a value that it can be measured by
normal ammeters. The important thing in a CT to take care is that it’s
secondary is never left open circuited. Either an ammeter is connected in
secondary or it is short circuited. This is so because open secondary may
lead to high voltage shock. (Personal Safety) and second reason is that it
may also saturate the transformer core. (Equipment safety)
In potential transformer primary consists of large number of turns whereas
secondary is having one or few turns. Here voltage induced in the secondary
is a fraction (equal to turns ratio) of primary voltage. Secondary of a PT is
never short circuited.
CTs are always put in series with the line where current is to be measured
and PTs are put in parallel.
2.7.2 CVT Capacitor Voltage transformer.

It is cascaded capacitors (capacitors in series) mounted on each
transmission line. For RAPS switchyard 4 nos. of CVTs are there. CVT
helps in PLCC communication as well as potential measurement and
protection. Following are the functions of CVT.
(1) For getting line potential at the time of synchronization.
(2) Carrier communication 300 Hz to 2000 Hz.
(3) Inter tripping frequency at 1330 Hz, 1500 Hz, 1700 Hz.
(4) For line protection & metering.
(5) Telemetering
2.7.3 LA (Lightning Arresters).

Function of an LA is to save switchyard equipments, GT and Main Generator
from Lightning surges (High Voltages). LA are mounted on each phase at
entrance of (a) transmission lines in switchyard, (b) on SSST and (c) on GT.
Principle of operation of LA is that at normal system voltage it is perfect
insulator to ground. But for surges (voltages > 1.5 times of system voltage
220 KV) it is good conductor to ground.
When a lightning surge comes, LA becomes conductor and surge passes to

ground alongwith power cycle. When surge ceases, to next power cycle
Zero, LA becomes insulator. Thus a loss of 1 or 2 power cycles occurs.
2.7.4 Wave Trap

This is a coupled circuit tuned for a particular frequency (Power frequency).
The function of wave trap is to block the carrier frequencies to enter into
station. This improves the efficiency of PLCC transmission through power
line, and also enables the same carrier frequency to be repeated in other
selected sections of power system. Wave trap is installed in between line
breaker & CVT.
2.7.5 Manual and Motorised disconnect

switches (DS or Isolators).
On either side of ABCB, DS are provided to facilitate maintenance of ABCB.
Motorised DS are provided to connect any load with transfer Bus.
2.7.6 Grounding Switch.

ABCB of all transmission lines are provided with GS on line side DS (Line
side Arm). Its purpose is to ground the transmission line during maintenance.
2.7.7 SUT (Start-up Transformer) or SSST

(System Station Service Transformer).
This is a 220 KV/3.3 KV transformer situated in 220 KV switchyard. It gives
station power from GRID. SUT of Unit-1 is situated in Unit-2 switchyard side
and vice versa.
2.8 DEDICAT E D S U P P LY FR OM RPS .

A dedicated supply from RPS Hydel plant and Gandhi Sagar system
(combined) is provided via 132 KV/220 KV, 50 MVA transformer. This supply
joins RAPS system at RAPS-2 220 KV transfer bus. As RAPS station
always requires some power in all the states i.e. in operation, in Shutdown
and while starting up. Normal source of station power is station generator it
self (when unit is operating) and Northern Grid. RAPS system is a part of
Northern Grid.
A dedicated supply has been provided from the point of view that if station
is under start up (or even shutdown) and “grid” has failed, then `on demand’,
supply will be provided to RAPS by RPS Hydel Station/Western grid. Also
if station has shutdown and GRID has failed, supply can be asked from RPS/
Western GRID.
2.9 USUAL O TO s TO BE CARRIED OUT ON 220

KV SYSTEM.
1. Generator breaker test close.
Let Unit #1 has tripped. 513-CB-1 has to be test closed. OTO is as
follows :
(1) Check 513-CB-1 is in open condition (all 3?? ) - Field
(2) 513-CB-1 Normal/Test HS to put on “Test” - Field
(3) Open 513-DS-2 (check all 3?? ?open) - Field
(4) Open 513-DS-2 (check all 3??? open) - Field
(5) Put Normal/Bypass toggle switch on “Bypass” - Field
(6) Put “Normal/Test” HS to “Normal” - Field
(7) Inform C/R. Close 513-CB-1 - C/R
(8) Check all 3?? of CB-1 (indication) - Field
2. Kota-1 line Breaker 513-CB-8 is to be replaced by Transfer Breaker
513-CB-9.
Let Kota-1 line is being fed by normal route i.e. 513-CB-8. Maintenance
has to be carried out on CB-8. It is to be replaced by CB-9. CB-9 is
presently supplying to SSST of Unit #1. OTO is as follows :
(1) 513-DS-25 to be closed -C/R
Check all 3 ? ?closed - Field
(2) 513-CB-9 to be opened - C/R
(3) Check all 3?? ?opened - Field
(4) 513-CB-27 to be opened - C/R
(Check all 3?? ?opened) - Field
(5) Put out power & control fuses for DS-27 - Field
(6) Put in power & control fuses for 513-DS-21 - Field
(7) 513 DS-21 to be closed - C/R
(check all 3?? ?closed) - Field
(8) 513 CB-9 to be closed - C/R
(check all 3?? ?closed) - Field
(9) 513 CB-8 to be opened - C/R
(check all 3 ???opened)
Now the OTO for 513-CB-8 to “test close” will be similar to that for 513-CB-
1 as explained above, Except for “Normal/Bypass” toggle switch operation

which is not there in CB-8. It is only with generator breaker CB-1 & CB-11
for “Field Breaker open” Bypass.
It should be noted that above OTOs are just guidelines. Actual OTO
proforma is, as issued by C/R.
2.10 220 KV BREAKER PROTECTION.

220 KV breaker protection depends on which system it serves. Main
generator breaker CB-1 (CB-11) protects main generator as well as main
transformer. The Main Generator Protections are
(i) Differential protection (87),
(ii) Stator ground protection (64),
(iii) Loss of excitation (40),
(iv) Phase current balance (46),
(v) Field breaker accidental opening (62),
(vi) Under frequency,
(vii) Phase back up, (51/50)
(viii) Supplementary start up protection,
(ix) Excitation protection,
(x) Over flux
(xi) Low forward power.
The main transformer protections are 87, 64, 63 and for USST, the protection
is 87.
Protections for SSST are Differential, phase back up, ground back up and
gas relay. Protections (63).
For Bus A1/B1 & A2/B2 the protections are differential and impedance relay.
Protections for transmission lines are mainly Zone protections (distance
relays).
2.11 ISLANDING
All the transmission line breakers automatically trips at under frequency.
(47.1 Hz) An under frequency. alarming occurs at 47.5 Hz. Now any one or
all of lines breakers can be selected for not to trip at under frequency. with
the help of a blocking switch in CER. With under frequency. Blocking a
particular line (say Udaipur line) can be blocked from tripping. All other lines
will trip at under frequency. where as Udaipur line will not. In that case
Udaipur load will be supplied by station only.
2.12 ROUTINES FOR SWIT CHYARD

COMPRESSED AIR SYS T E M
(a) All receivers and lines to be drained for free of moisture & oil once in
a shift.
(b) Once in a shift, drain condensate in each intercooler and after cooler,
after switching off compressor motor.
(c) Check crank case oil level of each compressor once a day.
(d) Once in a month, clean or replace the intake air filters. (maintenance.
unit)
(e) Once in a week interchange lead/lag duty of compressor.
(f) Once in 4 hrs, note down the pressure after PRV and in individual
breaker cabinet.
(g) Observe frequency of start of compr. It indicates air leaks.
2.13 ALARM & INDICATION

If air receiver pressure falls below 24 kg/cm2 or increases more than 30 kg/
cm2 or individual breaker. Cabinet pressure falls below 13 kg/cm2 a common
alarm “Switchyard Compressor trouble” appears in C/R. The individual flag
appears in CER (Control Equipment Room).
2.14 PRE-REQUISITES FOR A B C B O P E R AT I O N S

All ABCBs can be operated from C/R provided following conditions are
satisfied :
(1) Normal/Test HS in brk. cubicle is selected for “Normal” position.
(2) 250V DC control power supply is available.
(3) All protective lockout relays should be in reset position.
(4) All electrical fuses checked for healthiness.
Also see that air connections are checked to be air tight.

Concerned transfer breaker (viz. 513-CB-3 OR 513-CB-9) should be in open
position.
To open/close motorised DS (from C/R) respective GS should be confirmed
to be in open position.
While operating DS, check from field, whether all poles are closing/opening
simultaneously and their closing/opening is uniform.
Closing will be done in clockwise direction whereas opening in anti-
clockwise direction.
2.15 PRECAUTIONS & HAZARDS ON ABCB .

1. While operating the DS/GS do it from the marked area only.
2. Never attempt to close the ground switch for checking mechanical
interlock of isolator with ground switch.
3. Never work on a CB above receiver level when receiver is
pressurised.
4. Never work on a circuit breaker while it is alive.
5. Do not carry long poles/grounding sticks etc in vertical position while
moving in the switchyard.
6. Do not close ground switches unless the isolators are open at both
RAPS and Kota/Udaipur/HWPK ends and line clear message
obtained.
7. While closing the isolators, close slow, and when arcing starts, do the
operation fast.
8. While opening the isolators, initially open them fast to ensure that
arcing does not persist for long time and then open slow.
9. While providing temporary earthing using earthing cables, first
connect the cables to ground and then to the line to be earthed/
discharged and not vice versa.
10. Additional grounding should be first removed before any operation on
DS.
???
3.3 KV/415V & LV System (Part-A) Electrical Authorisation 21
3.3 KV & 415 V CIRCUIT

BREAKERS & SWITCHGEAR
PART-A : General Description
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Circuit breakers are devices that open and close a set of electrical
contacts to interrupt or complete an electrical circuit. Switchgear is a
self-contained, enclosed assembly of circuit breakers and related
components. Both circuit breakers and switchgear serve to protect plant
circuits from various electrical problems. They can be used to switch
power on and off, and they can isolate circuits on which work is being
performed.
All circuit breakers have two main function : (1) switch functions, which
control the opening and closing of electrical circuits and (2) protective
functions, which sense electrical circuit problem and open electrical
circuits automatically. Breakers that are close to the main power source
for a circuit are larger than breakers near the loads, because they carry
more power. For instance, a distribution breaker is responsible for
carrying power to a larger part of the circuit than a load center breaker;
therefore, the distribution center breaker is larger and able to handle a
larger amount of current than a load center breaker.
3.2 TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Low voltage circuit breakers are generally classified into two types:
moulded-case breakers and power breakers.
Electrical Authorisation 223.3 KV/415 V & LV System (Part-A)
3.2.1 Moulded-Case Breakers

Moulded-case circuit breakers are small, self-contained breakers. Their
internal working parts are usually sealed in an insulated plastic case.
The case protects the breaker’s internal parts and prevents anyone from
coming into contact with the energized parts inside it.
3.2.2 Power Breakers

Power breakers are large circuit breakers in which the parts are usually
contained within a metal framework. Power breakers are sometimes
referred to as frame breakers because of this feature of their design.
Power breakers are usually built to carry larger amounts of voltage and
current than molded-case breakers.
Power breakers are sometimes called switchgear. The term
“switchgear” is normally used to mean an entire assembly of breakers,
control devices, and other components that are all contained in a single
enclosure.
3.3 SWITCH FUNCTIONS

3.3.1 Opening
As stated earlier, a circuit breaker’s switch functions control the closing
and opening of a set of electrical contacts to energize or de-energize
electrical circuits. The contacts close or open because of the action of
various mechanical and electrical components. While these
components are often mechanically complicated, and may vary in
different breakers, their operating principles are basically the same. The
major parts of the circuit breaker are a stationary contact, a movable
contact, a spring, and a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism
holds the contacts closed.
A number of devices can be used to activate the spring and open the
breaker contacts. These devices can be grouped into those that operate
manually and those that operate electrically. Any action that causes the
contacts to open is known as “tripping” the breaker.
The latching mechanism in most of the breakers is operated electrically
by means of a device called a shunt trip. The shunt trip consists of a coil
and a movable metal plunger. Wires connect the coil to a separate plant
power source, known as control power. (The control power circuit is
usually an independent, low voltage power source that controls breaker
operation. Often, this control is actuated from a remote location). When
the coil is energized, the shunt trip is activated. Magnetic attraction
draws the plunger up and extends the rod that moves the latch
mechanism, tripping the breaker.
3.3.2 Switch Functions : Closing

When a breaker trips, it opens its contacts to open a circuit. The breaker
contacts must be closed before the circuit can receive power again.
Breaker contacts can be closed manually, electrically, or mechanically.
The contacts of the circuit breaker can be closed manually, by moving
an insulated handle. Manual closing is common for small breakers.
Circuit breaker contacts can be closed electrically through the use of a
solenoid. When control energizes the solenoid coil, the coil attracts a
plunger. The plunger is quickly drawn into the coil, and it drives against
the breaker’s mechanical linkage. This snap action causes the contacts
to close and latch.
Another method combines electrical and mechanical operation and
electric motor is used to charge the spring. when the motor operates,
the spring stretches, and energy is stored. The spring’s energy is
released by pressing a button, and the released energy causes the
contacts to close.
3.4 CIRCUIT BREAKER OPERATION : PROTECTIVE

FUNCTIONS
The protective functions of circuit breakers are associated with
components called trip devices. A trip device is a mechanism that
senses circuit problems and causes breaker contacts to open when
necessary to interrupt current flow. Trip devices thus allow for the
automatic isolation of faulted circuits.
3.5 COMMON CIRCUIT PROBLEMS

The protective functions of circuit breakers are activated by three
common problems. Short circuits, overloads, and grounds. The short
circuit is an accidental complete circuit that has minimum resistance
and maximum current flow. Short circuits involve uncontrolled amounts
of current flow, which can generate tremendous amounts of heat -
enough to damage insulation, melt wires, or destroy components.
The term “overload” is frequently used in reference to many circuit
problems, In a simplified term an overload is a controlled AMOUNT of

excessive current flow. Overloads can occur in three basic ways: (1) as
a result of adding equipment to a circuit so that the circuit draws more
current than it is designed to handle; (2) as a result of the initial surge of
energy required to start motors or other equipment; and (3) as a result
of the load that a particular component draws too much current.
A ground is an unwanted path for current flow through or over insulation
to ground. A ground may or may not involve an excessive amount of
current.
Trip devices are built to automatically open circuit breaker contracts.
They enable a breaker’s contacts to open and interrupt a circuit
immediately when potentially damaging excess current is detected.
Temporary variations in current may also be permitted in a circuit. When
a circuit is designed to handle surges that occur when motors start, a
trip device can include a mechanism that provides for a delay in breaker
tripping.
Ground protection is provided by yet other devices. Some are designed
to signal a breaker to trip if there is an absence of current in one phase
of a three phase circuit as current is diverted to ground. Others are
designed to sense a current flow to ground where there should not
normally by any.
3.6 THERMAL ELEMENT TRIP DEVICES

Thermal element trip devices are commonly used in molded-case circuit
breakers. The thermal element is a bimetallic strip, which is composed
of two different metals that expand at different rates when heated.
The primary power flows through the contacts and the thermal element.
If a circuit problem occurs so that current flow exceeds a predetermined
value, the bimetallic strip heats and bends. (The direction of bending
and the amount of the bend are determined by the construction of the
bimetallic strip). As the strip bends, the latching mechanism is tripped
and the contacts open.
The use of thermal element trip devices is generally limited to small
molded-case circuit breakers. They are not used on larger breakers
because the thermal elements would have to be very large to handle
higher currents. They would produce too much heat and react slowly to
circuit problems.
3.7 ELECTROMAGNETIC TRIP DEVICES

For circuits that carry large current loads, large power breakers
commonly use electromagnetic trip devices. The trip device consists of
a coil, connected in series with the primary power circuit, and a movable
metal core. The core is held in place by a spring, which acts as a
restraining mechanism. The latching mechanism consists of two parts:
an insulated latch and a metal trip bar.
As primary power through the circuit, it flows through the breaker and
creates a magnetic field within the coil. When circuit current is within
normal limits, the spring prevents the core from moving up into the coil.
The magnetic field is not strong enough to attract the latching
mechanism’s metal trip bar.
If an excessive amount of current flows through the circuit, the magnetic
field intensifies. The increased magnetic attraction draws the core into
the coil, overcoming the resistance of the spring. The metal trip bar is
attracted to the core and it moves, forcing the latch to move, to trips the
breaker.
To allow for temporary overloads, it is sometimes desirable for a breaker
to delay tripping until current exceeds a certain current value for a
specific time period. While time delay features vary with breaker design,
most features are associated with a restraining mechanism in an
electromagnetic trip device.
One common device that is used to delay the movement of a breaker’s
trip device is a dashpot. The dashpot consists of a fluid chamber and a
piston with passages for fluid flow. The dashpot is connected to the trip
bar of the electromagnetic trip device.
Under normal conditions, the piston rests above the fluid level. When an
excessive amount of current flows through the electromagnetic trip
device, the electromagnetic device attracts the trip bar. Since the
dashpot is connected to the trip bar, the dashpot piston also moves;
however, its movement is restricted, because fluid is forced to flow
through the narrow passages in the piston. Movement of the piston and
the latching mechanism are both slowed, and a time delay in tripping is
thus achieved. If an overload persists, the piston is eventually drawn far
enough into the chamber to move the latch, tripping the breaker.
Some dashpots can be adjusted to alter the amount of time delay before
a breaker trips, with the amount of delay depending on the amount of
current in the circuit. The delay settings are often made by means of
levers on the front of the dashpot. Usually, a lever is moved to increase
Fig.-3.1 Ground Protection

or decrease the area through which fluid flows in the dashpot; this
increases or decreases the breaker’s trip time.
3.8 GROUND PROTECTION

As stated earlier, a ground exists when current is diverted to an
unintended path. Since a ground may not involve excessive current,
thermal or electromagnetic trip devices may not provide adequate
protection against grounds. More importantly, even low current leaks
may create a safety hazard to plant personnel coming into contact with
grounded equipment. Thus, a separate system of circuit protection,
capable of detecting small amounts of current flow to ground, is needed
in most breakers. Unlike thermal and electromagnetic trip devices,
which are an integral part of a circuit breaker, ground protection is often
accomplished by devices that are separate from the breaker.
One common system of three-phase ground protection is shown in
figure 3.1(a). It includes a power source; three phases of current,
labeled R,Y and B; three current transformers, one for each current
phases; a load; and a comparator, which is connected to the current
transformers. A control circuit connects the comparator to the breaker’s
trip mechanism. For the purposes of this explanation, an accidental
ground has been drawn in phase B of the circuit.
The comparator is a device that senses any differences between phase
currents. Since the ground is in phase B of Figure 3.1(a), the
comparator would sense the lack of current flow in that phase and signal
the breaker to trip.
Another common system of ground protection relies on detecting the
presence of current flow to ground where there should not be any.
Figure 3.1(b) is a typical example of such a system. It includes a power
source; a breaker; a load; a small current transformer attached to the
secondary of the star-connected transformer; and a relay and control
circuit, which runs from the current transformer to a shunt trip inside the
breaker. Again, a ground has been drawn in the figure, in phase B of the
circuit.
Since a ground generally takes the path of least resistance, current in
the figure would travel through the transformer secondary’s ground. The
current transformer would detect this current flow and send a signal
through the relay and control circuit to trip the breaker.
3.9 BREAKER RATINGS AND SYSTEM COORDINATION

Circuit values vary in magnitude. So, to provide a way of telling what a
breaker is capable of doing in a particular circuit, all breakers have
voltage and current limits, usually listed on the breaker nameplate.
These limits are expressed in the form of ratings.
The nominal voltage of a breaker is the maximum voltage at which the
breaker is designed to be used under normal circuit conditions. The
nominal voltage can be represented on the nameplate as V., volt, volts,
etc., and it may be expressed in either AC or DC volts.
Another set of ratings are a breaker’s frame size and continuous rating.
These two ratings are a lot alike, but there is one important difference.
Frame size is the maximum current that the breaker is designed to carry
continuously at its nominal voltage without damaging the contacts or
internal parts. The frame size is usually represented on the nameplate
as a., amp, or amps, etc. Low voltage circuit breakers can have a frame
size of between 10 amps and 4,000 amps. Of course, the breaker may
actually trip at some value less than the frame size. The current at which
the breaker will trip is known as the continuous rating. Tripping depends
on the settings of the trip devices associated with the breaker.
A breaker’s interrupting capacity is the maximum current that the
breaker is designed to interrupt at its nominal voltage. Interrupting
capacity is usually abbreviated as “interr. capac” or “interrupt. cur.” A
breaker with a nominal voltage of 240 volts AC, and a continuous rating
of 10 amps can have an interrupting capacity as high as 5,000 amps; a
breaker with a nominal voltage of 240 volts AC and a continuous rating
of 800 amps can have an interrupting capacity as high as 50,000 amps.
Most nameplates contain additional information such as the breaker
type, the ambient temperature in which the breaker best performs, the
manufacturer’s name and instruction book reference book number, and
the frequency.
The importance of breaker ratings becomes apparent when considering
the needs for circuit protection throughout an entire plant. Circuit
breakers are arranged in plant systems so that the breaker closest to a
circuit problem trips first to isolate the problem.
If there is a problem in a lighting fixture away from the plant’s main power
source, the breaker that is nearest to the light should trip first.
If circuit problems persist, larger breakers closer to the power source act
as protective devices for the circuit.
3.10 PRINCIPLES OF CIRCUIT INTERRUPTION

From the time that electrical power was first produced, circuit breakers
have been needed to extinguish arcs. an arc is electrical current that
jumps through the air between two terminals of different potential. In
circuit breakers, arcing occurs as the breaker contacts open.
Arcs must be controlled and extinguished before circuits are
interrupted. If arcs are not controlled and extinguished quickly, the heat
that results from them can seriously damage cables and circuit
components and injure plant personnel.
3.10.1 How an Arc Forms

As stated earlier, circuit breakers operate by pulling a set of contacts
apart. As the contacts separate, a gap forms between them. The current
flowing through the circuit tries to maintain the circuit by jumping the gap
between the contacts.
At normal room temperature, air is a very poor conductor of electricity.
However, when air becomes hot enough, it becomes a very good
conductor. If the arc is not extinguished, it will eventually vaporize the
contacts and other circuit components in its path. Even an arc that lasts
only a fraction of a second may be able to cause significant circuit and
plant damage.
3.10.2 How an Arc is Controlled

Most larger breakers have both main contacts and arc contacts on each
movable and stationary contact.
The main contacts are the breaker’s main current-carrying conductors
when a circuit operates at normal load. The arc contacts are connected
in parallel with the main contacts. They are designed to handle arcs that
occur as the breaker opens. (Some breakers may also have
intermediate contacts located between the main contacts and the arc
contacts). The contacts associated with any one phase of a breaker are
often referred to as poles.
When breaker trips the main contacts open first. No arc occurs, because
the primary power circuit is still complete through the arc contacts. The
arc is thus controlled by confining its occurrence to the gap between the
movable arc contact and the stationary arc contact. The arc contacts are
more rugged and are made to withstand the heat of the arc. As the
movable arc contact pulls away from the stationary contact, the arc
forms. At this point, the arc can be extinguished.
Most larger breakers carry three-phase AC current. These breakers are
also referred to as three-pole breakers, because they have three sets of
movable and stationary contacts, separated by insulated barriers. The
barriers insure that arcing occurring in one phase does not spread to
other phases or to other breaker components.
3.10.3 How an Arc is Extinguished

Factors in Extinguishing Arcs
To extinguish arcs, breakers utilize three physical factors: speed,
distance, and cooling. In terms of speed, the rate at which the movable
arc contacts separate from the stationary arc contacts has a direct
bearing on whether an arc is extinguished. The faster the arc contacts
separate, the less chance there is of arc formation, because the air has
less time to get hot enough to maintain current flow between the
contacts.
As the distance increases when the movable arc contacts separate from
the stationary contacts, an arc stretches, or elongates as a result, the
arc has elongated in an attempt to sustain current flow between the two
contacts. Elongating the arc increases the chance of extinguishing it,
because the greater the distance an arc must travel, the greater the
voltage needed to sustain it.
Since cool air is a good insulator, mixing cool air with the hot air that
occurs when an arc forms will help cool and extinguish the arc. An arc
chute is a device that is similar in operation to a simple chimney. the
chute confines and directs the arc and the air that surrounds it. Hot air
rises within the chute, and cool air is drawn in at the base of the chute
and directed at the arc. The cool air will help cool and extinguish the arc.
Most breakers use a combination of speed, distance, and cooling to
extinguish arcs. The combinations that are used with a particular
breaker vary with the manufacturer of the breaker and the breaker’s
interrupting capacity rating.
3.11 EFFECT OF DC ON A BREAKER'S RATING

Current Zero
In a typical AC current since wave, there are points in each cycle at
which the polarity of the power source changes. There is no current flow
at these points, which are commonly called current zero.
Circuit breakers take advantage of current zero when extinguishing arcs
in AC circuits. As the arc’s AC cycle repeats, the current zero situations
occur in every cycle. This momentary absence of current flow is another
factor that combines with other methods to diminish and extinguish the
arc. For DC there is no current zero feature so breakers are derated for
DC use.
3.12 SWITCHGEAR
The term “switchgear” can be used to refer to more than one thing.
Normally switchgear is defined as an assembly of devices that control
electric power and protect machines and circuits.
Switchgear is typically large, free-standing, fully enclosed, and self-
contained. In a switchgear assembly, when circuit problems occur in one
circuit, that circuit can be interrupted and isolated while other
unaffected circuits continue to function normally.
The switchgear assembly resembles a file cabinet; its “drawers” are
called cubicles.
The enclosure protects personnel from contact with the energized parts
inside by isolating the components of the switchgear in separate
sections. Most switchgear assemblies can be divided into three
sections: a front section, which contains circuit breakers and related
instrumentation; a bus section, which contains bus work that distributes
power throughout the assembly; and a cable section, which contains
cables that supply power to the assembly and distribute power to load.
One important feature of the switchgear sections is that the sections are
physically separated from one another by partitions within the metal
enclosure. This separation confines any damage to one section and
prevents it from spreading to other parts of the switchgear.
3.12.1 Front Section

At the front of the switchgear assembly are the cubicles. Some of the
cubicles contain power breakers; others contain instrumentation that is
used in monitoring the condition of the assembly or the control of

individual breakers inside the assembly. This instrumentation may
consist of meters, relays, and controls.
In this example, the instrumentation consists of three protective relays,
an AC ammeter, an AC voltmeter, control switches for meters and
breakers.
The front section of a typical switchgear assembly also includes
cubicles where breakers are connected to primary power and control
power. There are many way in which a breaker can be connected to
primary power. Usually, a breaker has primary disconnect fingers that
attach the breaker to metal projections at the back of the cubicle called
bus stabs. The primary disconnect fingers are spring loaded fingers that
clamp on the stabs, insuring a tight connection to primary power. These
fingers carry line-side power, or power entering the breaker. There is a
row of three disconnect fingers located underneath the line-side fingers.
This row of fingers carries load-side power away from the breaker.
Depending on the construction of the breaker, the line-side and load-
side fingers may be arranged horizontally or vertically.
The bus stabs are, flat electrical conducting bars that protrude from the
bus work inside the switchgear assembly. The stabs serve as the link
between the front section and the bus section of the assembly.
Whenever the switchgear is energized, the line side stabs are energized
as well. They should be tested according to the proper procedure using
an approved voltage detector before any work is performed on or near
the stabs.
Some breakers have ring-type current transformers located around the
bus stabs. These transformers sense the amount of current entering and
exiting the breaker. If current exceeds a predetermined value, these
measuring devices activate a relay, which triggers a shunt trip device
inside the breaker, which releases the trip mechanism and opens the
circuit breaker contacts.
The method of connecting a breaker to control power also varies from
one breaker to another. The secondary fingers are connected inside the
cubicle to a set of contacts that are connected to the control circuit.
Usually, the control circuit is a separate low voltage power source that is
used for breaker functions such as remote operation and shunt tripping.
3.12.2 Bus Section

The bus section in a typical switchgear assembly distributes primary
power from the main breaker to all of the other breakers in the assembly.
The bus section also connects the front section of the assembly to the
primary power cables at the back of the assembly.

Power is distributed through a network of horizontal and vertical bus
bars that run the entire length and height of the assembly. The bus bars
are heavy-duty metal conductors, usually made of copper or aluminum.
3.12.3 Cable Section

In the cable section, primary power is brought into the assembly by
large, heavy cables. Smaller cables carry load power out of the
assembly. Other cables may also be used to supply control power to
individual breakers or sets of breakers within the enclosure.
3.13 DISCONNECTING A BREAKER FROM PRIMARY

POWER AND CONTROL POWER
Before maintenance is performed on a breaker from one of the
switchgear cubicles, the breaker must be disconnected from primary
power and control power. The disconnect procedure is commonly
known as racking a breaker out.
Since the switchgear assembly contains a number of current carrying
circuits, there is a safety hazard involved in removing a breaker from a
cubicle. The breaker must be tagged out in accordance with plant
procedures, and the breaker’s contacts must be open to prevent arcing
at the bus stabs inside the switchgear as the breaker is disconnected
from the primary power circuit.
De-energizing the control circuits will prevent the breaker from being
operated from a remote location while the breaker is being racked out.
It would be dangerous for a breaker to reclose while being disconnected
from the bus. As a further precaution, it is also important to make sure
that the springs in the breaker’s operating mechanism are fully
discharged. This helps prevent injuries to the hands from a breaker
operating unexpectedly.
Often, it is impossible to rack a breaker out with its contacts closed. A
breaker may be equipped with a device known as a cubicle interlock,
which insures that the breaker’s contacts are open before the breaker
can be racked in or out. The interlock is usually connected to a
mechanical linkage that triggers the latch and opens the contacts.
Often, a key must be turned or a hand crank inserted before the racking
mechanism can be engaged. As this occurs, the interlock is activated.
Breakers pass through various stages as they are racked out. These
stages are called draw-out positions, and they correspond to the points
at which a breaker is connected to primary power or control power.

In normal operating provision of a breaker, the breaker is connected to
control power, to primary power, and to ground.
The other position is the test position. In this position the breaker is
connected to control power, through the secondary disconnect fingers,
and to ground; it is disconnected from primary power.
The third position is the disconnected position. The breaker is no longer
connected to control power and the ground connection is also broken. In
this position, the breaker is de-energized, and it can be removed from
the cubicle.
???
3.3 V, 415 V & LV System (Part-B) Electrical Authorisation 35
3.3 KV, 415 V & LV SYSTEM

PART-B : SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
4.1 3.3 KV SYSTEM.

In RAPS, 3.3 KV electrical system comes under class-IV. All the classes
of power supply viz class IV, Class III, Class II 415 V and Class I 250 V
are basically drawn from Class IV 3.3. KV in normal condition. 3.3 KV
electrical Input/Output system is shown in Fig. 4.1.
3.3 KV namely BU-C, BU-D, BU-E, BU-F. BU-C and BU-F are supplied
by 2 nos. of USST secondaries where as BU-D & BU-E are supplied by
2 secondaries of SSST. BU-C and BU-D are having Tie breaker 5241-
CB-2 whereas BU-E & BU-F are also having a tie breaker 5241-CB-5.
Output supply from all 4 buses either goes to direct 3.3 KV load via 3.3
KV breaker or to the primary of Auxiliary transformers via a 3.3 KV
breaker. Auxiliary transformers secondary in turn supply to 415 V Class
IV and 415 V Class III buses.
There are 6 nos. of Aux. Tr. in Unit #1 whereas Unit-2 has got 9 nos. of
Auxiliary Transformers.
4.2 AUTO TRANSFER SCHEME (ATS) :

As mentioned, BU-C and BU-D plus BU-E & BU-F are having a tie
breaker. When all the 4 buses are having their own normal supply, tie
breakers are open. If supply to BU-C or BU-D fails (one at a time), their
respective Incoming breaker will open. At the same time tie breaker of
BU-C & BU-D will close. Thus Bus, of which normal supply has gone, will
resume it is supply. In fact, closing signal to tie brk. actuates
simultaneously with the opening signal to the incoming brk. The tripping
time of the brk. is 80 msec and the closing time is to 120 msec. That’s
why for 1 to 2 cycles supply to the affected bus is not there. No outgoing
breaker on the affected bus will trip during this dead period of 1 to 2
cycles. Similar scheme exists for BU-E & BU-F.
Electrical Authorisation 363.3 V, 415 V & LV System (Part-B)
Fig.-4.1(A) Electrical Station Service System - Simplified Sketch (RAPS-1)

Fig.-4.1(B) Electrical Station Service System - Simplified Sketch (RAPS-2)

Fig.-4.2 Control Circuit of 3.3 KV circuit Breaker

This is called as “automatic transfer” Examples of 3.3 KV Class IV loads

are PHT circulating pump, BFP pump, CEP pump, PW pump, CCW
pump, HWP(K) raw water pump etc.
All the 3.3 KV breakers are of 2 types viz spring operated and solenoid
operated. All the supply breakers to BU-C, BU-D, BU-E and BU-F and C/
D and E/F tie breakers are spring operated (stored energy) and all
feeder breakers are solenoid operated.
3.3 KV Breaker, Instrument transformer, relay, meters and instruments
all together are provided in a common cabinet nominated as metal clad
switch gear.
3.3 KV circuit breakers are of draw out air magnetic ruptair type. For
breaker maintenance, complete breaker truck is taken out. Arc
interruption in 3.3 KV breaker, during the time of tripping takes place in
air at atmospheric pressure, with the help of magnetic of blow out field
& air draft. The blow out coils are connected in each phase in series with
the arc runner to help in arc interruption, by forcing the arc into the
barrier stack in the arc chute. At the time of circuit interruption, the
current in blow out coil produces a magnetic flux which interacts the arc
and forces the arc into barrier stack.
In a spring operated CB, A 250 V DC motor charges a spring. When a
close signal is given, a 250 V DC coil actuates and a latch is released.
CB contacts close by release of spring energy. During closing of CB,
another spring is charged for tripping. When a tripping signal is given
after a closing, a 250 V DC coil, releases a latch and CB is tripped. A
gain for next closing, 250 V DC motor charges the closing spring.
In the solenoid operated breaker, closing is by direct mechanical
movement of a 250 V DC solenoid plunger. Rest mechanism is similar to
that of spring stored energy type breaker.
Operating time of (closing time) a spring operated breaker is much less
than that of a solenoid type. Hence all the bus supply breaker and bus
tie breaker of 3.3 KV system are spring operated from auto transfer
scheme point of view. Total 6 nos. of spring operated breakers are there
in one unit. All other breakers are (feeders) solenoid operated.
All 3.3 KV breakers are operated from C/R. All bus supply breakers (4)
tie breakers (2) and all auxiliary transformer supply breakers are
operated through 4 position CC/TT disagreement switch. Rest of the
breakers are operated by a toggle switch (2 positions). C/R operation is
with 48V DC (via 3c & 3T relay). The control circuit is shown in fig.-4.2.
3.3 KV breaker truck is having 3 positions viz, rack in / Test &
disconnected (rack out). In “rack in” position, all auxiliary contacts &
power contacts are made. Breaker can be operated from C/R. In “test”
position, power contacts are disengaged, only auxiliary contacts are

made. Breaker can be tripped or closed from field only with a 2 position
“HS” provided on breaker cabinet. In disconnected position (or rack out)
position, all the contacts are disengaged. Breaker truck can be just
taken out for maintenance.
On breaker cabinet door, lamp indication is provided and on breaker
console (or truck) flag indication is provided regarding “open” and
“close” position of breaker.
Aa “leg push” lever is provided on breaker truck to “trip” only. In case
breaker tripping is not operable from C/R ‘HS’ or local ‘HS’, to “trip” the
breaker only, this spush lever can be used. This is also a safety feature.
Safety Features : To bring the breaker from “Rack in” position to “Test”
position, and from ‘Test’ position to “Rack out” position and vice versa,
(1) a “safety latch” levels is provided, which is to be pushed by leg. (2)
Breaker should be in “open” (Trip) position. When breaker is taken from
“rack in” position to ‘Test’ position, A shutter falls automatically in front of
power contacts (fringes) coming from incoming & outgoing buses, to
cover it from human safety point of view.
When breaker cabinet door is opened, a safety lever mechanism is
engaged which prevents door from closing on it’s own.
250V DC close fuses rating is 15 A whereas trip fuses rating is BOA.
When breaker cabinet door is opened, 250 V DC close & trip fuses & 4
PST appear in front.
Protection : A composite “P&B Gold” type relay is provided with each
breaker which covers 5 protections namely - Reverse power (presently
removed), stalling, instantaneous overcurrent, time over current and
under voltage. Whereas only “Alarms” have been provided for “phase
unbalance”.
4.3 RACK IN/RACK OUT OPERATIONS
(1) RACK IN TO TEST POSITION & VICE VERSA

(a) Check that breaker is in open position.
(b) Take clearance from C/R.
(c) Open the cabinet door. See that door safety lever has engaged.
(d) Remove 250 V DC trip & close fuses & 4 PST
(e) Engage the “Hand lever” in proper position and push the “safety
latch” by leg.
(f) Just shift breaker from “In” position towards test position with the
help of Hand lever. Safety latch will remain in “pushed position”.
(g) By “Hand efforts” bring the breaker truck to test position.
(h) Achievement of “test” position will be indicated by release of
“safety latch”.
(i) Again put 4 PST & 250 V DC fuses.
Breaker is ready for operation in “TEST” position.
For “test” position to “rack in position” OTD, almost similar operations

will be close in reverse order.
(2) “TEST” POSITION TO “Rack out position” & vice versa.

(a) Check breaker is in Test position & in open position.
(b) Take clearance from C/R.
(c) Remove all 250 V DC fuses & 4 PST.
(d) Engage the “Hand lever” in proper position and push the safety
latch by leg.
(e) Just shift breaker from “Test position” towards “Rack out” position
with the help of hand lever. Safety latch will remain in “pushed”
position.
(f) By “hand efforts” Bring the breaker truck to “rack out” position.
(g) Achievement of rackout position will be indicated by release of
“safety latch”.
(h) Breaker is in “rack out” position. Breaker truck can be taken out
any where for maintenance.
For “vice versa” OTO a similar & reverse order of operations will be
done.
4.4 415V AND LV SYSTEM

415 V AC electrical system of RAPS supplies power to 415 V class Iv,
Class III, Class II and indirectly to 250 V DC Class I. (VIA ACVR or
rectifier). A simple layout of this system is shown in fig.-4.3. 415 V Class
IV and Class III get it’s power from output of 6 nos. of 1.250 MVA
auxiliary transformers ( 9 in unit #2) fed by 3.3 KV system. Class II gets
it’s power from Class III tie (Through MG set in Unit #2) in normal
Fig.-4.3 MCC Schematic

condition. Where as Class I 250 V DC is supplied by rectifier (ACVR in

Unit #2) fed by Class III in normal condition.
So we can say that in normal condition all class of 415 V AC Class IV, III
& II and 250 V DC Class I is fed by 3.3 KV Class IV.
When Class IV 3.3 KV trips, (1) Class IV 415 V also trips (2) 415 V Class
III gets it’s power from 1 MW DG after a while (3) 415 V Class II gets it’s
power from MG set without interruption fed by battery bank. (4) Class I
250 V DC gets it’s power from battery bank, without interruption.
Class IV 415 V has got 4 buses namely G,H,J & K (Unit #1) Class III has
got two, L&M. Class II also has got two, N & P and Class I 250 V DC has
got 4 buses namely A, B, E & F. Bus E & F in 250V DC are for battery
banks.
Bus ‘K’ in the 415 V Class IV is called as standby bus. It does not supply
any direct load, but it serves the loads of BU-G,H,J, L & M (one at a time)
when maintenance on Input auxiliary transformers of these buses is to
be taken or it is out of service otherwise.
All the 415 V buses Input breakers are 415 V air circuit breakers. 415 V
buses (all classes IV, III and II) supplies to (1) Motors of 60 HP to 300 HP
(2) Lighting loads (3) MCC
Note :Lighting loads are not on Class III. All these above supplies from
415 V buses are through 415 V air circuit breakers.
Classification in 415V Air Circuit breaker.

(A) On the basis of Make : Unit #1 415 V brk. are I.T.E. make. Unit #2
has got L&T type Both types of breakers are air circuit brk. draw
out type.
(B) On the basis of current capacity : They are in the range of 2000 A
(Bus supply brk.) 1600 A, 1200A, 800A, 600A, 400A & 200A. This
depends on the load being supplied by brk.
(C) On the basis of type of operation.
All the Class IV, III, II 415 V bus supply breakers, bus tie breakers, Class
III MCC L and MCC K supply breakers can be operated from C/R
through 4 position disagreement switch. Some other important loads
like moderator pump, Shutdown pumps etc. can also be operated from
C/R with toggle switch.
Other breakers like lighting panel supply breaker, Class IV and Class II
MCC supply breaker etc. can be operated from field only. Here breaker
“Closing spring” charging is by 250 V DC motor. Where as a third
category of breakers are there which can be operated from field only &
that too manually. “Closing spring” charging is through a manual lever.
Example of 3rd category is LP compressor supply breaker.
In all the 415 V breaker, closing is through a stored energy spring.
Now spring is either charged through 250V DC motor or manually
through hand lever. In case of breakers having spring charging motor, a
toggle switch is provided on brk. front in field to switch off the motor
supply. (Unit #2 L&T make brk. this facility is not there).
In the field, each breaker front has got following (i) Test close/Test open
push button. Breaker can be closed or opened in test position. (ii)
Emergency Trip push button - Brk. can be tripped in any case with this
push button. (iii) A toggle switch for charging spring motor ON/OFF. (iv)
“Over load” Reset push button. (iv) Spool mechanism to engage Hand
lever with it so as breaker can be taken from one position to other. (In
case of Unit #1 I.T.E. breaker, a shutter closes this spool as long as
breaker is in closed condition. This prevents breaker position to change
from Rack in / Test / Rack out to each other when it is in closed condition.
4 PST and 250 V DC close and trip fuses are mounted on the back of brk.
cabinet.
4.5 BREAKER OPERATION

Breaker closing and tripping is by a spring. Closing spring charges
through a motor or manually. When close signal goes to Brk., a 250 V DC
Coil energises and a latch releases spring & brk. is closed. While
closing on other spring is charged for tripping. When tripping signal
comes, a latch releases tripping spring through 250 V DC ckt. & final
tripping occurs. 415 V breaker has got 3 position viz Rack in / Test / Rack
out.
When breaker is in “rack in” position both power & control contacts are
made.
When breaker is in “Test” position, power contacts are cut off, control
contracts are still there. Breaker can be test close / or test trip from field
only.
When breaker is in rack out or disconnected position, power & control
both contacts are disconnected. Breaker rack can be taken out for
maintenance.
Test and Rack out positions are marked on breaker rack.
4.5.1 Rack in to test position :

(i) Take clearance from C/R
(ii) Check breaker is in OPEN position.
(If it is a manual breaker, trip it)
(iii) Remove 4PST & close & trip fuses.
(iv) Engage “Hand lever” & move it (Rotate it by hand) till ‘test’
position is achieved.
In RAPS-1 in I.T.E. type breakers when any of In/Test/Out
position is exactly achieved, safety shutter falls down).
(v) Again put 4PST & fuses ON.
4.5.2 Test position to Rack out position

(i) Take clearance from C/R.
(ii) Check breaker is in ‘OPEN’ position.
(If not then trip it)
(iii) Remove 4PST & 250 V DC fuses.
(iv) Engage “Hand lever” & rotate it till “Out” or “disconnect” position
is achieved.
Now breaker rack can be taken out for maintenance.
4.6 PROTECTIONS
All the 415 V breakers are provided with dual type over current relay.
Apart from this breakers of some imp loads like mod. pump etc. are also
provided with ground fault relay.
Overload Reset is by a push button provided on breaker front.
MCC : Full form of MCC is motor control centre. As stated above 415 V
buses supply comparatively bigger loads directly through breaker.
Motor of 60HP to 300 HP are directly supplied by 415 V buses. Where as
smaller loads (up to 60 HP) are supplied through MCC. MCC in turn is
supplied by 415 V buses through 415 V breaker.
Small loads on all cl-IV, III & II are supplied by MCC. One MCC has got
input supply from any one of class of power. Obviously all loads supplied
by one MCC are on same class of power.
MCC is nominated by English letters A,B,C,D,........... One MCC consists
of many small cells arranged in vertical columns & horizontal rows. Each
cell supplies a unique load. Columns are nominated by english letters
A,B,C, ......, where as rows are by numbers 1,2,3,......... Thus one MCC
cell address consist of 2 english letters & one number. For example
MCC-CD-5 means MCC is ‘C’ in which ‘D’ column, 5 row cell, is there.
Each MCC cell has got a metallic tag on it, addressing on it to which load
it is supplying to.
Following are some merits of MCC -

(i) To facilitate the motor supply from one place.
(ii) To have motor power supply as per their priority i.e. cl-IV, cl- III,
cl-II etc.
(iii) To isolate the faulty circuit only.
(iv) This makes fault finding quick & easy.
(v) Hence down time of m/c is less.
(vi) Safety aspects of operator are observed.
(vii) Draw out type MCC reduce the down time and are practically free
from human error.
4.7 COMPONENTS OF MCC

Each MCC cell has got following components : (Refer fig.-4.3)
(a) Isolator
(b) HRC fuses (Power)
(c) Contactor
(d) Control transformer
(e) Control fuses
(f) Over load element
(a) Isolator :
This is just mechanical “make & break” of contacts. It has no automation
nor any protection contained in it’s own.
Purpose of isolator is to cut off the supply to MCC cell when
maintenance. is to be done. Isolator has mechanical interlock with MCC
cell door. When isolator is open then only MCC cell door can be closed
or opened.
(b) HRC Fuses :

These are used for short circuit protection. Since isolator OR overload
relay both can not protect against short circuit, HRC fuses are used.
Once the fuse is blown, it is to be thrown, & new one has to be installed.
(c) Contractor :
These are contacts which makes & breaks actual supply to load.
Contacts are operated by a 115 V solenoid. It is termed as M contact
also. Types of contactor depends on current rating of load.
(d) Control Transformer :

This is a 415 V/ 115 V step down transformer. Primary is connected to
any of two phases out of R,Y,B of main supply. Secondary is connected
to contactor solenoid (115 V).
(e) Control fuse :

This is again HRC fuse put in transformer secondary to save against any
short ckt. in transformer.
(f) Overload :
This is a bimetallic element. Due to over current or overload, it makes/
breaks contact in contactor solenoid circuit.
4.8 TYPES OF MCC

Apart from the above six basic components of an MCC it may have other
features also. For example :
(i) Load/motor can be operated from C/R.
(ii) Load/motor can be operated in both forward & reverse direction.
(iii) Load/motor may require one or many operation logic to be
satisfied before start.
Hence type of MCC depends on “Features it incorporate”.

Type of MCC is designated by english letter A,B,.......
For example type A MCC has got only isolators & HRC fuses.
Type E MCC has got 3C relay. (Operation from C/R)
4.9 ISOLATION OF MCC CELL

(i) Get clearance from C/R.
(ii) In field recognize required MCC cell.
(iii) Check MCC cell is off. (From C/R load is off)
(iv) “Open” the Isolator switch.
(v) Open the MCC Cell door.
(vi) Take power fuses out.
(vii) Take control fuse out.
4.9.1 Safety precautions in MCC

1. Before starting the work on the MCC cell obtain work permit.
2. Before complete withdrawal of any MCC cell it should be realised
that part of the isolator switch is still energised. Therefore all
safety instructions for working on live electrical equipments must
be followed strictly.
3. Since isolator switch will not give visual isolation, with a
voltmeter, ensure power supply is off and also observe control
ckt. side, no voltage is existing due to other sources.
4. Never try to switch off an equipment by means of the isolator. The
isolator contacts may get damaged.
5. Before switching on the isolator make sure that the control switch
at the remote end is kept in the off position. You may start the
equipment inadvertently if the switch is already ON.
6. While disconnecting & connecting wires ensure the identification
numbers are matching on either side.
???
Preventive Maintenance of Breakers Electrical Authorisation 49
Preventive Maintenance of
Breakers
5.0 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

Preventive maintenance is planned, scheduled maintenance. When
performed regularly and satisfactorily, preventive maintenance helps to
assure smooth and continuous operation of plant machinery and
circuits protected by circuit breakers and switchgear.
The frequency of preventive maintenance procedures depends on the
equipment’s service and its operating conditions. For instance, if a
breaker is used repeatedly for routine switching operations, or if it sits
idle for months at a time, it should be inspected more often than one that
is occasionally used. Also, a breaker that is exposed to conditions such
as high humidity, high temperature, or damaging atmospheres should
receive more more frequent attention than a breaker located in cleaner
and cooler area of the plant.
Occasional operation of circuit breakers and switchgear is an important
part of preventive maintenance. With occasional operation, the
operating mechanisms of breakers can be exercised; dirt can be kept
from settling on internal breaker parts; and problems can be discovered
that may indicate the need for an overhaul of the breaker.
An important consideration with any preventive maintenance task is
safety. Since switchgear assemblies contain a number of current-
carrying conductors, the use of the tools and equipment that could
conduct electricity should be avoided. Metal ladders or step stools are
potentially dangerous, as are metal nozzles on air and vacuum hoses.
All rings, wrist watches, and metal jewelry should be removed.
When performing maintenance on a circuit breaker, it is important to
keep hands away from internal moving parts. Springs should be fully
discharged before any work is performed on the operating mechanism
of a circuit breaker.
Electrical Authorisation 50Preventive Maintenance of Breakers
5.1 TYPICAL RACK-OUT PROCEDURE FOR A POWER

BREAKER
After taking proper permits the first step in racking out a typical power
breaker is to make sure that the breaker contacts are open. This is
usually done by pushing the trip button on the breaker face plate.
To make sure that the breaker contacts stay open during the rack-out
procedure, the control circuit fuse block and the fuse block for the spring
charging motor and pulled. Pulling the fuse blocks de-energizes the
control circuit and the spring charging motor; then the breaker contacts
cannot be accidentally closed, or the springs accidentally charged, by a
signal from a remote plant location.
The maintainer is using a hand crank to rack a breakerout of its cubicle
in the switchgear assembly.
As the crank is turned, the breaker moves forward out of its cubicle.
During this procedure, it is good practice for the operator to stand to one
side. If the breaker were inadvertently connected to a faulted circuit, it
could be blown out of the cubicle with enough force to cause serious
injury to anyone standing in front of it. The same precaution is advisable
whenever the manual “close” and “trip” buttons, usually located on the
face of the breaker, are used.
The breaker is first racked out to the test position.
With the breaker in the test position, the control circuit fuse blocks can
be reinstalled. This energizes the control circuit so that the breaker can
be cycled. Cycling a breaker means checking a breaker’s mechanical
operation by pushing the close and trip buttons on the breaker face plate
several times to close and open the breaker contacts. Cycling a breaker
can sometimes reveal a problem with the operating mechanism - if there
is any hesitation or delay in the contacts closing or opening, the breaker
may need to be overhauled.
After it has been determined that the breaker contacts are closing and
opening normally, the control circuit fuse blocks can be pulled again to
de-energise the control circuit. Then the breaker is racked out to the
disconnected position. In the disconnected position, the breaker can be
removed from the cubicle.
Care must be taken when removing any power breaker from a cubicle.
Breakers are often too heavy to be lifted out; special regging may be
needed.
Inside the empty cubicle, the line bus stabs are still energized with
primary power unless the entire switchgear assembly is de-energized.
To insure that no one touches the interior of the cubicle, a protective
cover is usually bolted in place over the opening .
Preventive Maintenance of Breakers Electrical Authorisation 51
5.2 INSPECTION AND MOTOR CLEANING

There are many parts of a typical power breaker that can be inspected
and cleaned as part of a preventive maintenance procedure. For
example, a rag can be used to dust off the breaker. Compressed air is
not generally used to clean a breaker during a routine inspection,
because it can blow dirt and dust into the operating mechanism and
cause moving parts to bind.
Another general preventive maintenance procedure is checking the
breaker’s wiring connections. All wiring connections should be tight -
loose connections could result in the breaker not operating when it is
supposed to do so.
5.2.1 Arc Chutes and Contacts

After the breaker is dusted off with a rag, the breaker’s arc chutes can be
removed. Each arc chute is wiped off with a rag to remove any dirt and
dust that may have collected on the chute and would impair its ability to
extinguish an arc.
The interior of each arc chute is inspected for signs of heat damage,
such as pitting, discoloration, or cracks.
All three sets of stationary and movable contacts are checked for
cracking, burning, putting, or any traces of metal that may have
spattered on them. Main contacts should show no signs of damage,
because no arcing should occur between them. If damage is evident,
the main contacts and the arc contacts should be checked for proper
sequence (main contacts open first and close last), proper gap (main
contacts open to a specific distance before arc contacts begin to open),
and sufficient contact pressure (poor pressure results in high
resistance/high heat connections).
Arc contacts are usually made of different materials than main contacts
materials that are more resistant to the intense heat of the arc.
Consequently, the standards for inspecting the appearance of arc
contacts are different from those for main contacts. Since an arc forms
between the arc contacts, the arc contacts usually show some signs of
wear. Arc contacts are designed to withstand a certain amount of wear
continue to operate normally.
5.2.2 Other Components

Shunt Trip Coils
Shunt trip coils are inspected for any signs of overheating, such as
discolored insulation, indicating that the coil has been subjected to
Electrical Authorisation 52Preventive Maintenance of Breakers
excessive current or has been energized too long. Control wiring is

checked for good connections. If the coil fails to operate, it will not be
able to trip the breaker when the need arises, and a breaker that fails to
trip will not protect a circuit.
Primary & secondary disconnect fingers. The primary disconnect
fingers are usually checked for discoloration or wear on their metal
surfaces that may occur as a result of excessive current flow. Also, if the
primary disconnect fingers are spring-loaded, the spring tension is
tested. A weak spring could result in overheating, because it creates a
high-resistance connection to the bus stabs.
5.3 RETURNING A BREAKER TO SERVICE

After the inspection is completed and it is determined that the breaker
can be returned to service, the breaker is reassembled and returned to
its cubicle. The breaker is then racked in to the test position, and the
control circuit and spring charging motor fuse blocks are inserted. At
this point, the breaker should be cycled several times to make sure that
its operating mechanism is working properly. After the breaker is cycled,
its contacts should be left open.
The control circuit and spring charging motor fuse blocks should then be
pulled again before the breaker is racked in from the test position to the
connected position. De-energizing the control and spring charging
circuits insures that the springs will not charge and the breaker contacts
will not close as the breaker is connected to the bus; this would cause
arcing between the primary disconnect fingers and the bus stabs. After
the breaker is in the connected position, control and spring charging
fuses can be reinstalled, and the breaker can be returned to normal
service.
???
Overhauling of Breakers Electrical Authorisation 53
OVERHAULING OF
BREAKERS
6.0 CIRCUIT BREAKER OVERHAUL

Circuit breakers may be overhauled periodically, as part of a regular
schedule, or they may be overhauled when certain conditions signal the
need for an overhaul. These conditions include damaged arc chutes,
binding operating mechanisms, and faulty electrical components inside
a breaker.
Overhauls also provide an opportunity to test, adjust, and if necessary,
correct certain problems with circuit breakers.
6.1 CLEANING A BREAKER WITH COMPRESSED AIR

AND SOLVENT
When a breaker is due for an overhaul, it is racked out, as described
earlier and then usually taken to the shop to be overhauled. A typical
way of beginning the overhaul is by removing the arc chutes from the
breaker and setting them aside. The next step is to give the breaker a
thorough cleaning with dry compressed air. Since this procedure
generates airborne dust, it is important to wear the appropriate
protective equipment. Such equipment may include face shields, dust
masks, and approved safety glasses. When solvent is used, gloves and
sleeves are also recommended.
Cleaning the breaker with compressed air loosens dirt and dust from all
of the insulating surfaces and linkages inside the breaker. Any
accumulation of dirt and dust could cause insulating surfaces to lose
their effectiveness and linkages to bind.
Then the breaker is sprayed with a solvent. Cleaning a breaker with
solvent removes dirt that may be lodged inside the moving parts of a
breaker and helps to restore the quality of the breaker’s insulating
surfaces. However, cleaning a breaker with solvent also washes away
lubricants from the moving parts, so these parts are usually lubricated
Electrical Authorisation 54 Overhauling of Breakers
after the solvent cleaning. After the breaker is cleaned with solvent, it is
dried off with compressed air.
6.2 ARC CHUTES

Dry compressed air is also used to clean the insides of the arc chutes.
This cleaning removes dirt and dust that could interfere with the chute’s
ability to extinguish an arc.
The arc chutes are then disassembled. The outside shell of the chute is
inspected for pitting or cracks that could lead to an arc escaping from the
chute and damaging other circuits or other parts of the breaker.
Each of the metal fins is examined for deposits or damage that may have
occurred as arcs were extinguished in the chute. To improve the ability
of the fins to split arcs, the fins are usually cleaned with sandpaper to
remove built-up deposits that may have formed on the fins during the
operation of the chute.
The arc chutes can then be reassembled. For the metal fin arc chutes
the shell halves are assembled first, and then the metal fins are wedged
into slots inside the shell. After the rest of the chute’s internal parts are
reinstalled, the chutes can be sprayed with solvent, and dried with
compressed air. After this is done, the chutes can be reinstalled in the
breaker.
6.3 OPERATING MECHANISM & OTHER COMPONENTS

As stated earlier, when a breaker is cleaned with solvent, lubrication is
also washed away from the moving parts inside the breaker. Among the
parts that may need to be lubricated are the operating mechanism, the
movable contacts pivot points, the primary disconnect fingers, and the
secondary disconnect fingers.
Each of the moving parts of the operating mechanism should be wiped
off with a rag to eliminate or dirt that could hamper the movement of the
mechanism. As the parts are wiped, they are checked for signs of
damage and excessive wear.
The parts of the mechanism are then lubricated with an approved
lubricant. Only a little bit of lubricant is needed to do an effective job; any
additional grease or oil can actually attract dirt, dust, and lint that can
cause the mechanism to bind. After the mechanism is lubricated, it is
reassembled and reinstalled in the breaker.
Two other components are typically checked and lubricated: the primary
and secondary disconnect fingers. Since the primary disconnect fingers
Overhauling of Breakers Electrical Authorisation 55
are connected to primary power, they should be checked for signs of

overheating and metal wear. A small amount of conductive lubricant
may be added to the connecting surfaces of the fingers to insure proper
connection to the bus stabs. Any excess should be removed, because it
could melt and form an unwanted current path inside the switchgear. If
the construction of the secondary disconnect fingers is similar to that of
the primary disconnect fingers is similar to that of the primary
disconnect fingers, the inspection and lubrication procedures will be
similar.
6.4 CONTACTS
In a three phases breaker, each of the movable arc contacts should
touch its stationary arc contact at the same time when the breaker is
closing. Likewise, the three contacts should separate simultaneously
when the breaker opens. If all three phases do not make or break at the
same time, equipment damage could result. Another important
sequence is that of the arc contacts and the main contacts. Arc contacts
should be the last to open and the first to close.
Three common inspections can be made on the contacts when using a
slow close handle: gap, wipe, and pressure.
Contact gap may refer to two different measurements : (1) any gap that
remains between arc contacts if the three phases are not closing
simultaneously, and (2) the gap that occurs between the movable main
contacts and the stationary main contacts when the arc contacts first
touch or first break. If the gap in any phase is found to vary from the
specified distance, it can usually be corrected by adjusting part of the
movable contact linkage.
Contact pressure is the spring force of the contacts pushing against one
another. If the contacts do not press firmly against each other, the
resulting loose connection could cause arcing or overheating. The
springs holding the contacts together should be checked, adjusted, and
replaced, if necessary, according to the breaker manufacturer’s
instructions.
After overhauling of the breaker megaohmmeter tests are usually
performed on the wiring and conductors inside the breaker to insure that
insulation is per-forming properly. On a three phase breaker, tests
should be made line to load within each phase with the breaker contacts
open; from phase to phase; and from phase to ground. The readings
should be recorded and compared with other maintenance records for
trends of deteriorating insulation.
Electrical Authorisation 56 Overhauling of Breakers
An instantaneous trip test is typically performed to see if the breaker will

trip at or below its rated interrupting capacity.
One phase of the breaker is tested at a time, because each phase
operates independently and each phase usually has its own trip device.
The leads of a test set, which supplies the current, are placed on the line
and load primary disconnect fingers. The current on the test set is then
set for the value that the breaker is designed to trip at instantaneously.
when the test set is energized, the breaker should trip. The interrupting
capacity of a breaker and the settings of the trip devices are specially
determined to protect specific circuits in the plant, and are coordinated
with the protection of other circuits as well. Breakers and trip devices
may not be interchangeable, even if the parts seem to fit properly. The
ratings and settings should remain the same or the circuits may not be
adequately protected.
A time-delayed trip test is performed to see if the breaker will trip after an
overload current is carried for a certain amount of time. The test leads
are again connected across the primary disconnect fingers one phase
at a time and the test button is pushed. An indicator on the test set may
show the number of seconds or cycles that elapse before the breaker
trips. Changes to trip settings should not be made.
After a breaker overhaul is completed, the breaker should be closed and
opened as final test of its operation. During this test, it is ensured that
the spring charging motor is operating and that the breaker contacts are
closing and opening instantaneously. If they are, the breaker can be
returned to service.
???
Indian Electricity Rules Electrical Authorisation 57
INDIAN ELECTRICITY
RULES
7.1 EXTRACT OF APPLICABLE INDIAN ELECTRICITY

RULES AS PER INDIAN ELECTRICITY ACT
Rule-3 : Authorisation :
1. A supplier or consumer, or the owner, agent a manager of
a mine, or the agent of any company operating in oil field or
the owner of drilled well in an oil field or a contractor for the
time being under contract with a supplier or a consumer to
carry out duties incidental to the generation,
transformation, transmission, conversion, distribution or
use of energy may authorise any person for the purpose of
any or all of the following , namely, sub-rule (2) of rule-36,
cl.(a) of sub-rule (1) of rule-51, cl.(a) of sub-rule (1) and
(Cls. (e) and (f) of sub-rule(2) of rule-64), sub-rule (2) of
rule-110, sub-rules (1) and (4) of rule-121, sub-rule (4) of
rule-123, rule-124 & sub-rule (8) of rule-125.
2. No person shall be authorised under sub-rule(1) unless he

is competent to perform the duties specified in the rules for
the purpose for which he is authorised.
(2-A) (a) No person shall be authorised to operate or undertake

maintenance or any part (of whole) of a generating station
of capacity 100 MW or above together with the associated
sub-station unless he is adequately qualified & has
successfully undergone the type of training specified in
Annexure-XIV.
Electrical Authorisation 58Indian Electricity Rules
Provided that the provisions contained in this sub-rule shall

have effect in respect of the persons already authorised to
operate or undertake maintenance of any part or whole of
a generating station as aforsaid from the date to be
specified by the appropriate Government., but such a date
shall not be later than a period of (6 years 2 months) from
the date this rule comes into force.
(2-A) (b) The appropriate Government may, on the recommend-

ations of the owner of such generating station, relax the
conditions stipulated in Cl.(a) of this sub-rule for any
engineer and such other persons who have already
sufficient experience in the operation & maintenance of a
generating station.
Rule-44: Instruction for restoration of persons suffering from

electric shock :
In everyman, high voltage or extra-high voltage station,
sub-station or switch station an artificial respirator shall be
provided and kept in good working condition.
Rule-44A : Intimation of accident :

If any accident occurs, resulting in loss of human or animal
life, in any injury to human or animal, a telegraphic report
within 24 hours of the knowledge of the occurence of the
fatal accident and a written report in the prescribed
performa within 48 hours of the knowledge of occurence of
fatal and all other accidents should be sent to the
inspectors.
Rule-51 : Provisions applicable to medium, high or extra high

voltage installation.
1(a) All conductors (other than those on O. H. line) shall
be completely closed.
(b) All metal work enclosure shall be earthed.
(c) Every switch board shall be compiled with the
following :
i) a clear space not less than 0.914 Mtrs. (3 feet),

in and width shall be provided in front of the
switch board.
ii) The space behind the back of the switch board
shall be either less than 0.229 Mtrs. (9 inches)
or more than 0.762 Mtrs. (30 inches) in width,
measured from the farthest outstanding parts
of any attachment or conductors.
iii) If space behind the switch board exceeds
0.762 Mtrs.(30 inches) in width there shall be a
passage way from either end of the switch
board clear to a height of 1.829 Mtrs. (6 feets).
Clause (a) of Sub-Rule (1) of Rule 64 :

The inspector shall not authorise a supplier to connect a supply of
energy at high or extra high voltage to any consumer unless :
(a) All conductors and apparatus intended for use at high or extra
high voltage and situated on the premises of the consumer are
inaccessible except to an authorised person and all operations in
connection with said conductors and apparatus are carried out
only by an authorised person.
Sub-Rule (4) of Rule-121 :

Every motor shall be controlled by switchgear which shall be so
arranged as to disconnect the supply from the motor and from all
apparatus connected there to. Such switchgear shall be so placed as to
be easily operated by the person authorised to operate the motor.
Sub-Rule (4) of Rule 123 :

Every flexible cable attached to a portable or transportable machine
shall be examined periodically by the person authorised to operate the
machine, and if such cable is used underground, it shall be examined at
least once in each shift by such person. If such cable is found to be
damaged or defective, it shall forthwith be replaced by a cable in good
condition.
Rule 124 : Portable and Transportable Machines :

The person authorised to operate an electrically driven coal cutter, or
other portable or transportable machine, shall not leave the machine
while it is in operation and shall, before leaving the area in which such
machine is operating, ensure that the supply is disconnected from the
flexible cable which supplies the machine. When any such machine is in
operation, steps shall be taken to ensure that the flexible cable is not
dragged along by the machine.
Sub-Rule (8) of Rule - 125 :

All apparatus, including portable and transportable apparatus, shall be
operated only by those persons who are authorised for the purpose.
???
GLOSSARY
Arc - Electric current that jumps through the

air between two terminals of different
potential; usually, between a set of
contacts.
Arc chute - The part of a circuit breaker in which an

arc is confined and extinguished.
Arc contacts - The set of contacts on a circuit breaker

where arc formation takes place. Arc
contacts are designed to carry the arc
until it is extinguished.
Bus section - The section of a switchgear assembly

containing conductive bars that
distribute power throughout the
assembly.
Bus stabs - A set of conductive bars that connect a

circuit breaker to the bus and cable
sections of a switchgear assembly.
Cable section - The section of a switchgear assembly

containing cables that connect the
assembly to primary power circuits,
control power circuits, and load
circuits.
Charged spring - A spring that is stretched or

compressed so that it has sufficient
energy to close or open a set of circuit
breaker contacts.
Circuit breaker - A device that opens and closes a set of

contacts to make or break an electrical
circuit.
Comparator - A device used in a common system of

ground protection in circuit breakers;
senses differences in phase currents
and provides a signal that is ultimately
used to trip a breaker.
Connected draw-out position - The position of a circuit breaker in

which primary power, control power,
and ground are all connected; a
breaker’s normal operating position.
Continuous rating - The maximum current load in amps

that a circuit breaker is designed to
carry continuously at its nominal
voltage.
Control Power - Typically, a low voltage power supply

used for the remote operation of circuit
breakers and instrumentation.
Cubicle - A drawer-like compartment in a

switchgear assembly; houses circuit
breakers or instrumentation.
Cubicle interlock - A device that causes breaker contacts

to open before a breaker can be racked
in or out of a switchgear cubicle.
Usually, the device is connected to the
contacts through a mechanical linkage
and latch mechanism.
Current Transformer - A transformer used to step down

primary circuit current levels for
instrumentation and for various trip
devices.
Current Zero - Points in an AC current sine wave

where there is no current flow.
Cycling - The closing and opening of circuit

breaker contacts performed as a check
on the breaker’s operating mechanism.
Dashpot - A device, consisting of a piston in a

fluid chamber, used to provide a time
delay in circuit breaker tripping.
Delayed trip test - A test in which a breaker is checked to

see if it will carry a predetermined

overload current for a specified period
of time before tripping.
Derating - The reducing of breaker ratings for use

in DC circuits.
Disconnected down-out - The position of a circuit breaker in

which position primary power, control
power, and ground are all
disconnected; the position in which a
breaker can be removed from its
cubicle.
Draw-out positions - The positions through which a circuit

breaker passes as it is being racked
out of a cubicle.
Electromagnetic trip device - A trip device that is activated by

excessive current flow through a coil
installed in series with the primary
power circuit.
Frame breaker - See power circuit breaker.
Front section - Typically, the section of a switchgear

assembly that contains power circuit
breakers, instrumentation, and
connections to primary power, control
circuits, and ground.
Gap - The distance between the movable

and stationary main contacts as the arc
contacts touch; also, any distance that
remains between the arc contacts if all
poles of the breaker fail to make
contact simultaneously.
Ground - A current path to ground where there

should not be one; usually caused by a
breakdown of insulation; also used to
refer to intentional paths to ground
installed to protect equipment and
personnel.
Instantaneous trip test - A test in which a breaker is checked to

see if it will at or below its rated
interrupting capacity.
Insulated fin arc chute - A device, usually made of a ceramic

material, which extinguishes an arc by
forcing current to travel a longer
distance around a set of insulated fins.
Interrupting capacity (current) - The maximum current value that a

circuit breaker is designed to interrupt
at its nominal voltage.
Latching mechanism - A mechanism that holds a set of

contacts in a circuit breaker closed or
opened.
Line-side (components) - Components associated with the

incoming primary power of a
switchgear assembly.
Load-side (components) - Components associated with primary

power leaving a switchgear assembly.
Main contacts - The contacts that carry primary power

through a circuit breaker when the
circuit is operating normally.
Metal fin arc chute - A device, containing a set of metal fins

mounted in an insulated shell, that can
extinguish an arc by splitting it into
smaller pieces and creating a
magnetic induction to oppose the
voltage of the arc.
Moulded-case circuit - A small, self-contained circuit breaker

with breaker the working parts
enclosed in an insulated case.
Nominal voltage - The maximum voltage at which a

circuit breaker is designed to be used
under normal circuit conditions.
Operating mechanism - A device in a circuit breaker that opens

or closes the breaker contacts.
Overload - A controlled amount of excessive

current flow through an electrical
circuit.
Poles - Another name for the contacts

associated with any one phase of a
circuit breaker.
Power circuit breaker - A large circuit breaker that is usually

enclosed in a metal frame.
Primary disconnect fingers - A set of spring-loaded fingers that
connect a power circuit breaker to the
bus section of a switchgear assembly.
Primary power - The main power circuit in a plant.
Racking a breaker out - The action of removing a power circuit
breaker from a switchgear cubicle.
Secondary disconnect fingers - A set of spring-loaded fingers that
connect a power circuit breaker to a
source of control power.
Short - An accidental complete circuit of
minimum resistance and maximum
current flow.
Shunt trip - An electrical device that, upon
receiving a signal from a control power
source, automatically trips a circuit
breaker.
Slow-close handle - A special maintenance handle that can
be used to slowly operate a power
circuit breaker so that the breaker
contacts can be observed as they
close.
Splitter - See metal fin arc chute.
Switchgear - An assembly of circuit breakers and
related components that are housed in
single enclosure.
Test draw-out position - The position of a circuit breaker in
which control power and ground are
connected, but primary power is not.
Thermal element trip device - A trip device, typically consisting of a
bimetallic strip, that acts to trip a
breaker when the heat generated by
current flow through the breaker
becomes excessive.
Trip - Any action that causes the contacts in
a circuit breaker to open.
Trip device - A device that senses electrical circuit
problems and activates the latching
mechanism to open a circuit breaker’s
contacts.
Wipe - The amount of surface area actually

making electrical contact as the
movable and stationary arc contacts
touch one another during breaker
closing : also refers to the rubbing or
polishing effect as the contacts press
together.
Earth Mat - The earth mat is a mesh of steel pipes
or rods laid at a depth of 0.5 mtr. in the
entire sub-station area (excluding
foundations).
Touch Potential - Touch potential is defined as the
potential between the fingers of a
raised hand (2 mtrs. from ground)
touching a structure and the feet.
During an earth fault, the fault current
flows from the fault structure to earth
through the earthing. The line to
ground voltage gets distributed no-
uniformly from fault point to the ground.
The voltage between touch point (2
Mtr. height) and the ground should be
within safe limits (100 V).
Step Potential - The step potential is defined as the
potential difference between two steps
of a person standing on the ground
with feet apart during the flow of the
earth fault current. The step potential
should be within safe limits (say 100V).
The earth mesh should be uniform in
the entire switch board & should have
sufficient low earth resistance.
Resistance of Earthing System -
Rated voltage Max. earth resistance
Below 1kv 6 ohms

upto 36 kv 2 ohms
above 36 kv 0.5 ohms
???

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Electrical Authorisation

COURSE NO. E-14

Approved by : K.P. Ojha

Nuclear Training Centre

Chapter-1 : Electrical Safety

Chapter-2 : RAPS Electrical Output System

2.5 Pneumatic Pressure Switches ............................................... 12

Chapter-3 : 3.3 KV & 415V Circuit Breakers & Switchgear

3.11 Effect of DC on a Breaker's rating ........................................ 31

Chapter-4 : 3.3 KV, 415V & LV System

Chapter-5 : Preventive Maintenance of Breakers

Chapter-6 : Overhauling of Breakers

6.3 Operating Mechanism and other components .................... 55

Chapter-7 : Indian Electricity Rules

1.2 CURRENT & VOLTAGE

factors such as individual physiology, a persons emotional state, and

The effect of various levels of current on the human body are as

Current value Effects

1. Less than 1mA No sensation

1.3 AIDING ELECTRICAL SHOCK VICTIM

1.3.1 It is the Current that Kills

The general requirements of grounding are as follows :

The resistance of the complete ground connection is never quite zero

1.4.1 Purpose of Safety Grounding

1. It provides a low resistance path from the normally non-current

Routine inspection of ground wires and connection to ground plates is

Proper grounding keeps electrical shock hazards to the absolute

1.5 MANUALLY-OPERATED SWITCHES

1.6 TRANSMISSION LINES

1. Electrostatic or electromagnetic induction from energized

Transmission lines have permanently installed grounding switches

1.7 INSPECTION AND TESTS

RAPS ELECTRICAL OUTPUT SYSTEM

This manual deals with all the above systems.

Fig.-2.1 Electrical Output System

vi. Wave traps (WT)

All equipments are located in 220 KV outdoor switchyard. Main transformer

A dedicated supply from 132 KV RPS/GS Hydel Power Station is connected

2.2 220 KV ABCB :

2.3 PRINCIPLE OF AIR BLAST CIRCUIT

ABCB Control cabinet in field (near CB) has following HS :

2.4.1 Remote electrical operation (C/R

2.4.2 Local Electrical :

2.4.3 Local Pneumatic :

2.5 PNEUMATIC PRESSURE SWITCHES :

2.5.2 Block close pressure switch (63db)

2.5.3 Block reclosing pressure switch (63 dc)

2.5.5 Phase disagreement pressure switch

2.6 ABCB COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEM :

Fig.-2.2 Compressed AIr distribution to 220KV Air Blast Circuit Breakers

2.7 220 KV SWIT CHYARD EQ UIPMENTS .

2.7.2 CVT Capacitor Voltage transformer.

2.7.3 LA (Lightning Arresters).

When a lightning surge comes, LA becomes conductor and surge passes to

2.7.4 Wave Trap

2.7.5 Manual and Motorised disconnect

2.7.6 Grounding Switch.

2.7.7 SUT (Start-up Transformer) or SSST

2.8 DEDICAT E D S U P P LY FR OM RPS .

2.9 USUAL O TO s TO BE CARRIED OUT ON 220

1 as explained above, Except for “Normal/Bypass” toggle switch operation

2.10 220 KV BREAKER PROTECTION.