1SDC007103G0202

4
December 2006
Technical Application Papers
ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1SDC007103G0202

Index
Introduction ............................................... 2 1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

3 Problems concerning shortcircuit

.1 Main denitions of the parameters characterizing a switchboard under short-circuit conditions.......................... 39
3.1.1 General prescriptions and information about short-circuit withstand strength.......................... 39
1.1 1.2 1.3 1
General aspects. ...................................... 3 The current carrying capacity.................. 3 Verication of temperature-rise by test (in compliance with IEC 60439-1)............................................ 4
.2 Prescriptions concerning the electrical circuits of a switchboard. ....................... 40

3.2.1 Main busbar systems.......................................... 40
.4 Verication of temperature-rise by extrapolation............................................ 7
3.2.2 Distribution busbars and conductors derived by the main busbars. ................................................ 41
2 Advices to improve the current carrying capacity of the circuit-breakers inside switchboards

.3 Reduction of the possibility of short-circuit events and of the relevant effects .......... 42
3.3.1 Minimum anchor distances for conductors. ........ 42 3.3.2 Verication of the short-circuit withstand strength and of the current limiting characteristics of the circuit-breakers. ................................................... 45 3.3.3 Problems concerning the installation distances .46
2.1
Power loss inside switchboards.............. 9
2.1.1 Internal structure................................................... 9 2.1.2 Tipology of the circuit-breaker installed................ 9 2.1.3 Cross-section of conductors within switchboards....................................................... 11 2.1.4 Paths of the current............................................ 15
Annex A: Example of electrical switchboards with ABB circuit-breakers...................................................... 48 Annex B: Forms of internal separation.................................. 50 Annex C: Degrees of protection (IP code). ............................. 51 Glossary................................................................. 52
.2 Dissipation of the heat generated inside switchboards............................... 16

2.2.1 Switchboard ventilation....................................... 16 2.2.2 Side surfaces and positioning of switchboards......16 2.2.3 Forms of internal separation of switchboards. .... 17 2.2.4 Switchboard protection degree........................... 17
.3 Dissipation of the heat generated in the terminals ............................................... 17

2.3.1 Problems linked to convection ........................... 17 2.3.2 Problems linked to conduction .......................... 20 2.3.3 Current carrying capacity of circuit-breakers and busbars ...................................................... 22
Introduction
An electrical switchboard is the combination of more protection and switching devices assembled in one or more adjacent compartments. A switchboard is formed by the compartment, which the Standards name enclosure (with support and mechanical protection functions for the different components enclosed), and the electrical equipment, constituted by the apparatus, the internal connections and the incoming and outgoing terminals for the connection to the installation. This Technical Paper is intended to deal in detail with the equipment in the switchboard, providing the reader with the basic information necessary to choose the circuitbreakers to be installed inside low voltage switchboards in the easiest and most correct way, paying particular attention to ABB SACE range of products. After a quick survey of the main product Standards concerning switchboards and circuit-breakers, IEC 60439-1 and IEC 60947-2 respectively, the main problems which a manufacturer has to face when designing a switchboard are analyzed. This Technical Paper is divided into three main parts dealing with the problems of overheating in switchboards, general prescriptions to improve the current carrying capacity of the circuit-breakers inside enclosures and the problems caused by short-circuit in switchboards
1
1 Introduction
The product Std. IEC 60439-1 applies to low voltage and controlgear assemblies, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1000 Va.c. at frequencies not exceeding 1000 Hz, or 1500 Vd.c.; the product Std. IEC 60947-2 applies to circuit-breakers, the main contacts of which are intended to be connected to circuits, the rated voltage of which does not exceed 1000 Va.c. or 1500 Vd.c.
2 ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards
1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

1.1 General aspects
One of the main problems which makes difcult the identication of the correct typology of circuit-breakers to be installed inside a switchgear or controlgear assembly is calculating the maximum continuous current which the circuit-breaker can carry without damages or premature ageing according to the service temperature. The total freedom of the manufacturer in designing switchboards using components different for number, position and dimensions makes the installation conditions of the same circuit-breaker so different that it results impossible to determine exactly its maximum current carrying capacity which, affected by peculiar operating conditions, results different from that dened by the manufacturer and referred to standard conditions.
Figure 1 Figure 1a
1.2 The current carrying capacity

Now we shall take into consideration how the concept of current carrying capacity is dealt with in the different Standards, in particular, in the product Standard concerning circuit-breakers and in that one regarding low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. The circuit-breakers, according to the prescriptions of the European Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/CE (ex 73/23 CE std.), are manufactured and tested in compliance with the product Std. IEC 60947-2 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 2: Circuit-breakers.
- the carrying capacity is veried by connecting the circuit-breakers with conductors having size (maximum) and length (minimum) as specied in the relevant Standard this means that the standard conditions are referred also to the connection modalities of the circuit-breaker - the carrying capacity is veried by ensuring that during the test, the maximum temperature-rise limits admitted on the different parts of the circuitbreaker are not exceeded such temperature-rise, not meant as absolute temperature, but as a temperature difference expressed in Kelvin, are referred to an ambient air temperature of 40C. The circuit-breakers are generally installed inside enclosures which have different functions; among these the following : - making inaccessible to people the connections of the different apparatus (if not for voluntary actions); - giving a place to house the circuit-breakers where steady positioning is guaranteed; - ensuring an adequate protection against ingress of solid foreign objects and ingress of water. These enclosures are called controlgear and switchgear assemblies (hereafter referred to as assemblies) and comply with the specic product Std. IEC 60439-1 Lowvoltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies Part 1: Type-tested (TTA) and partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA) However, the installation conditions inside an assembly differ from the conditions specied by the Std. IEC 60947-2, which are the verication conditions of a circuitbreaker current carrying capacity in free air. The conditions inside the switchboard (wiring, separations, arrangement of the different apparatus) force the circuitbreaker to operate under conditions characterized by the following aspects:
As regards the verication of the current carrying capacity in uninterrupted duty (Iu), the Std. IEC 60947-2 states the conditions of the test performance. Here are the main requirements to be met : - the current carrying capacity shall be veried in free-air the Std. IEC 60947-1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: General rules species in detail what is meant by free air: Free air is understood to be air under normal indoor conditions (indoor conditions are understood to be not the conditions inside switchgear or controlgear assemblies or enclosures, but the conditions inside buildings or similar environments), reasonably free from draughts and external radiation therefore, no external radiations (e.g. those due to the suns rays-Figure 1) or draughts which are not caused simply by the natural convective motion originated by heating (Figure 1a) are admitted.
- not in free air, but with particular prescriptions regarding air circulation in particular, it is possible to have assemblies with complex forms of internal separations (Figure 2), or assemblies with forced ventilation or air-conditioned assemblies
Figure 2
preclude the need for additional tests on circuit-breakers incorporated in assemblies, for example in accordance with IEC 60439-1.
1.3 Verication
of temperature-rise by test (in compliance with IEC 60439-1)
- the circuit-breakers are connected through conductors of size and length stated by the manufacturer - with an air ambient temperature around the circuitbreaker depending on the assembly design and on the devices it houses. In particular, the different degree of protection and the modality of arrangement of the assembly in the environment cause a modication of the amount of heat exchanged towards the outside of the assembly and, consequently, also of the air temperature inside it. After these considerations, it is evident that the conditions leading the manufacturer to dene a rated uninterrupted current for a single circuit-breaker are different from the conditions under which the circuit-breaker shall be used inside an assembly; as a consequence, it is obvious that the current carrying capacity of circuit-breakers determined in compliance with the relevant product Standard cannot be considered equal to their carrying capacity when they are installed inside an assembly, without the appropriate evaluations. This concept is also recalled in the Std. IEC 60947-1, which in the performance prescriptions regarding temperaturerise, states that in normal service the current carrying capacities may differ from the test values, depending, for example, on the different installation conditions and on the size of the connected conductors. Besides, also the Std. IEC 60947-2, relevant to the low voltage circuit-breakers, as regards the general test conditions, reminds that the prescribed tests do not
The product Std. IEC 60439-1 concerning low voltage controlgear and assemblies does not refer to the individual components present, but to the equipment meant as a combination of one or more protection and switching apparatus equipped with any possible switching, measuring, protection and setting, mounted and wired with internal electrical and mechanical connections. As a consequence, making reference to the current carrying capacity, this Standard deals with the rated current of the single electrical circuit and not with the rated current of the individual components, such as circuit-breakers or conductors. In accordance with the denition, the rated current of a circuit is dened by the switchboard manufacturer as a function of the ratings of the electrical components of the circuit, of their disposition and application. This current shall be carried without the temperature-rise of the various parts of the assembly exceeding the limits specied when the test is performed in accordance with prescriptions of the Standard itself. The performance modalities of the temperature-rise test include two main prescriptions: - the circuits of the switchboard shall be tested at a current which is equal to the rated current multiplied by the rated diversity factor fn, understood as the ratio between the maximum value of the sum of the currents owing through all the main circuits considered, at any moment, and the sum of the rated currents of the same circuits
Itest = InC x fn
- if no d etailed information about the external conductors to be used under normal operating conditions are known, cross-sections depending on the rated current of the circuits are imposed by the Standard. For further information about correlated subjects, reference shall be made to the indications given in the Standard itself. From the prescriptions above it results that: - if a rated diversity factor fn<1 is present (not all the loads are supplied with 100% of their rated current) the switchboard circuits are tested at a current value lower than the rated one at full load; however, the test shall be carried out on those circuits which allow the heaviest temperature-rise conditions to be reproduced; - if the switchboard is cabled with conductors having a cross-section reduced with respect to that prescribed
by the Standard and used in the test, temperature-rise higher than the maximum acceptable values measured in the test might occur during normal operations.
dated March 2005) which are valid when the temperaturerise test is carried out in compliance with the prescriptions of the Standard itself.
Table 1
The following numerical example has the purpose of making clear what explained above. Reference is made to the switchboard of Figure 3, whose loads are cabled with the same conductors through which it is put into service; the manufacturer assigns the rated current for the load circuits and assigns a rated diversity factor fn to the enclosure to be tested. Under these conditions, the switchboard, or a part of the switchboard, is tested by applying simultaneously to all the circuits a test current equal to the assigned rated current multiplied by fn.
Figure 3
Parts of assemblies
Built in components For example conventional switchgear and controlgear; electronic subassemblies (e.g. rectier bridge and printed circuit); parts of equipment (e.g. regulator, stabilized power supply unit, operational amplier). Terminals for external insulated conductors
Temperature-rise (values or prescriptions)

In accordance with the relevant requirements for the individual components, or in accordance with the manufacturers instructions, taking into consideration the temperature in the assembly. 70K An assembly used or tested under installation conditions may have connections, the type, nature and disposition of which will not be the same as those adopted for the test and a different temperature rise of terminals may result and may be required or accepted. When the terminals of the built-in components are also the terminals for the external insulated conductors the lowest temperature-rise limits shall be applied.
IG
I2 C I3 B A D E I4
Busbars and conductors, plug-in contacts of removable or withdrawable parts which connect to busbars
I1
I5 I6 I7
Limited by: - mechanical strength of conducting material; - possible effects on adjacent equipment; - permissible temperature limit of the insulating materials in contact with the conductor; - the effect of the temperature of the conductor on the apparatus connected to it; - for plug-in contacts, nature and surface treatment of the contact material. By assuming that all the other mentioned criteria have been fullled, a maximum temperature of 105K shall not be exceeded for bare busbars and copper conductors so that the mechanical strength of conducting material is guaranteed.
I2 = 160A I3 = 400A I4 = 250A I5 = 630A I6 = 160A I7 = 400A
fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8
I2test= 128A I3test = 320A I4test = 200A I5test = 504A I6test = 128A I7test = 320A
Manual operating means: accessible with closed assembly of metal of insulating material accessible with open assembly of metal of insulating material Accessible external enclosures and covers: which need to be touched during normal operation of metal of insulating material which need to be touched during normal operation of metal of insulating material Discrete arrangements of plug and socket type connection 40K 50K Determined by the limits of those components of the equipment of which they form part. 30K 40K 40K 50K 15K 25K
Therefore, in a switchboard, the rated current of a circuit is not that assigned, but it is determined by considering the assigned diversity factor. In accordance with these test conditions, the absolute temperature values T T (expressed in C) at which the different parts of the assembly operate are determined and, with reference to an average ambient temperature TA lower than or equal to 35 C, the temperature-rise limits T = (TT TA) imposed by the Std. IEC 60439-1 must not be exceeded. For the different components of assemblies, Table 1 below shows the temperature-rise limits and the relevant remarks of the Std. IEC 60439-1 (updating of Annex A1
Circuit-breakers can be dened as built-in components and therefore they must comply with the prescriptions of the product Standards. However, it is evident that
circuit-breakers and in particular some parts of them (e.g. accessible parts and operating means) can be also considered in all respects as part of controlgear or switchgear assemblies. In particular this applies to the terminals where external insulated conductors are connected, which, in accordance with the comments reported in Table 1, must comply with the most demanding or restricting prescription of the two product Standards. To make clear this concept, Table 2 and gure 4 hereunder show the indications concerning temperature-rise limits given in the Std. IEC 60947-2 for circuit-breakers considered as an individual component in free-air.
Table 2 Parts of assembliesdescription Terminals Manual operating means: parts of metal parts of insulating material parts of metal parts of insulating material parts of metal parts of insulating material 25K 35K 40K 50K 50K 60K 65 C 75 C 80 C 90C 90C 100C Temperature-rise limits 80K Temperature limits (starting from TA =40C) 120 C
the circuit-breaker terminals a maximum temperature of 120C; thus, by difference, it can be obtained that the maximum temperature-rise limit is equal to 85K. When the connection to the terminals is realized through PVC insulated conductors, it is the temperature of the cable component to determine the maximum acceptable temperature on the terminals, in this case 70C . On the contrary, if the connection to the circuit-breaker is constituted by bare copper busbars, whose maximum operating temperature is 105C, it is the prescription for the terminals of the circuit-breaker component which determines the maximum operating temperature, consequently equal to 85C. As a summary of the above, Table 3 and Figure 5 show the maximum acceptable temperature-rise and temperature limits for the different parts of the assemblies as stated by the switchboard Standard, and the temperaturerise limits for a circuit-breaker installed inside a LV switchboard recalculated for a reference ambient temperature TA = 35C.
Table 3 Parts of assembliesdescription Terminal for external insulated connections (IEC 60439-1) Terminals for external connections (IEC 60947-2) Manual operating means: Accessible with enclosed assembly of metal of insulating material Accessible only with open assembly of metal of insulating material 30K 40K 65 C 75 C 15K 25K 50 C 60 C Temperature-rise limits 70K 85K Temperature limits (starting from TA =35C) 105 C 120 C
Parts intended to be touched but not gripped:
Parts which need not to be touched during normal operation:
Figure 4
Parts intended to be touched but not gripped: (CEI EN 60439-1) of metal of insulating material 30K 40K 65 C 75C
Accessible parts which need not to be touched during normal operation (IEC 60439-1): of metal of insulating material 40K 50K 75C 85C
Non-accessible parts which need not to be touched during normal operation (IEC 60947-2): of metal of insulating material 55K 65K 90C 100C Connection with PVC-insulated cable
From Table 2 it results how for a circuit-breaker in freeair the accepted temperature-rise on the terminals is T=80K; therefore, taking as reference an ambient temperature TA = 40C, it can be deduced that the maximum permissible temperature is TT = (T + TA) = 120C. The prescriptions regarding temperature-rise dened by the switchboard Standard instead refer to an average ambient temperature TA = 35C; the maximum temperature-rise limit of the switchboard terminals for insulated external connections is 70K and consequently the maximum operating temperature is 105C. If the circuit-breaker is installed inside a switchboard, a reference ambient temperature of 35C shall be considered, and Table 1, with the comments reported for the built-in components (circuit-breakers are components of the switchboard), allows the manufacturer to state for
Figure 5
Connection with busbar
1.4 Verication of temperature-rise by

extrapolation
The Standard regarding low voltage controlgear and switchgear assemblies provides that temperaturerise verication for the PTTA type can be carried out also by extrapolation making specific reference to the prescriptions given in IEC/TR 60890 A method of temperature-rise assessment by extrapolation for partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA) of low-voltage switchgear and controlgear. The method proposed allows temperature-rise to be determined inside PTTA enclosures without forced ventilation. The calculation validity is limited by a series of initial assumptions: - there is an approximately even distribution of power losses inside the enclosure; - the installed equipment is so arranged that air circulation is but little impeded; - the equipment installed is designed for direct current or alternating current up to and including 60 Hz, with the total of supply currents not exceeding 3150 A; - conductors carrying high currents and structural parts are so arranged that eddy current losses are negligible; - for enclosures with ventilation openings, the crosssection of the air outlet openings is at least 1.1 times the cross-section of the air inlet openings; - there are no more than three horizontal partitions in the assembly or in a section of it; - where the enclosures with external ventilating openings have compartments, the surface of the ventilating openings in each horizontal partition shall be at least 50% of the horizontal cross-section of the compartment. The following data are needed to calculate the temperature-rise of the air inside an enclosure: - geometric dimensions (height/width/depth); - effective power loss of equipment, busbars, cables and connections; - type of installation of the enclosure (exposed, covered, etc....); - presence and dimensions of ventilation openings; - number of internal horizontal partitions. As regards the analysis of the suggested calculation methods, the reader is required to consult the Standard itself. To carry out an analysis of temperature-rise in accordance with this calculation method, ABB SACE offers its free
software program OTC. Starting from the required input data, this program calculates the temperature of the air at different heights of the enclosure through a dedicated interface which appears as in the gure below. Once the temperature of the air at the different heights of the enclosure is known, it is possible to verify if the components which are in a certain position are suitable to operate at that temperature or if they need to be replaced by other components. To this purpose, with reference to circuit-breakers, ABB SACE gives a derating of the current carrying capacity as a function of the temperature of the air around the circuit-breaker: thus it becomes possible to calculate if the carrying capacity admitted for the circuit-breaker at the temperature calculated at its installation point results to be higher than the current of the supplied load. As regards the above, the mere knowledge of the temperature of the air around the circuit-breakers would not allow the calculation of the current carrying capacity. However, it shall be taken into account that the calculation method suggested by IEC/TR 60890 is a conservative one which generally results into values higher than those which can be veried in reality. As a consequence it is possible to state that, if the minimum dimensions of the connections suggested by ABB (see Tables 16 and 17 at page 21) are complied with, the power losses of all the components are calculated correctly and the results thus obtained are integrated with the manufacturers experience, then the suggested calculation method can be used without running into errors.
OTC interface
1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards 7
In order to give the necessary indications on the methods intended to improve the current carrying capacity of the circuit-breakers inside switchboards, rst of all it is necessary to analyze an assembly from a thermodynamic point of view. A switchboard can be considered as an enclosure housing a series of elements generating heat and able to dissipate heat towards the outside. The elements generating heat inside the enclosure exchange heat between them (conduction), with the air inside the switchboard (convection) and with the walls of the switchboard itself (radiation) as shown in Figure 6. assembly), convection and radiation, as shown in Figure 7. In enclosures with a degree of protection not very high or with ventilation openings, part of the heat is exchanged through a real air circulation between the assembly and the external environment.
Figure 7
Connection busbar
In its turn, the enclosure exchanges heat towards the external environment. Also this heat exchange occurs by conduction (through the cables connected to the
Switchboard wall
Figure 6
Conduction
Circuit-breaker Air inside the enclosure Air outside the enclosure
Heat
Connection busbar
Heat
Convection
Circuit-breaker
Heat
Connection busbar
Radiation
Circuit-breaker
All these phenomena of circulation and exchange of internal and external air, together with the structure of the enclosure, affect temperature at each point of the enclosure itself and of each component installed inside it. This chapter analyses the main elements which contribute to generate and influence the temperature inside a switchboard and tries to give some useful information for their optimization with the purpose of decreasing the temperature and consequently of reducing the derating of the current carrying capacity of circuit-breakers. These elements are: - the power loss inside the enclosure; - the dissipation of the heat produced inside the enclosure; - the dissipation of the heat produced by the terminals.
2.1 Power loss inside switchboards

As known, a modication of the temperature may be caused by a power loss due to the current ow. Now, the different components which constitute the main power sources and which consequently represent also heat sources inside a switchboard shall be considered in detail, together with the measures to be taken in order to reduce the power loss and limit its effects. These elements are: the internal structure, the typology of the circuit-breaker installed, the cross-sectional area of the internal conductors of the switchboard, and the current paths. currents shall result into null induction; on the contrary, if each conductor is enclosed by a single ring (Figure 8a), the total induction is not null, with the consequent circulation of induced current, power loss and therefore heat generation.
Figure 8 Figure 8a
No induction
Ferromagnetic meterial of the separation form
Current induction
2.1.1 Internal structure

The material used to realize structure and partitions inside switchboards is often ferromagnetic and conductive. If the system structure is such as to create a closed conguration embracing the conductors, Joule-effect losses due to eddy currents and hysteresis losses are induced, with consequent local heating of remarkable importance. The same phenomenon occurs in the bus ducts between the enclosure and the conductor bars. As an example to illustrate the inuence of this phenomenon, Table 4 shows the percentage value representing the part of losses developing inside the enclosure related to the power loss inside the conductor bars. From these data, it results that the increase of the rated current and consequently the number of busbars in parallel per phase and the material used for the separation of the conductor bars may considerably affect heating.
Terminals
Also the mechanical xing of conductors could cause this inconvenient; therefore it is important that the formation of close rings is prevented by the insertion of insulators or anchor clamps made of amagnetic and/or insulating material (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 Support in amagnetic material Bars
Insulator
For a correct assessment of the power losses it is necessary to take into consideration also the conguration of the separation form: in fact, if a ferromagnetic ring embraces all the three conductors of a three-phase system, as Figure 8 shows (or all the four conductors in a system with the neutral conductor), the sum of the
Table 4 No. of busbars in parallel per phase 1 3 3 Losses inside the enclosure (% referred to the total loss inside the conductor bars) 35% - 45% 55% - 65% 15% - 20%
One pole bars
2.1.2 Typology of the circuit-breaker installed

Circuit-breakers are components of switchboards which cannot be disregarded when calculating total power loss. To make this evaluation easier, ABB SACE offers some tables which are reported below and refer to moldedcase circuit-breakers of Tmax series (Table 5) and air circuit-breakers type Emax (Table 6) respectively. As the tables below show, the power loss of the same circuit-breaker varies depending both on its version as well as on the type of protective release installed.
No. of phases 3 3 3
Crosssection [mm] 100x10 100x10 100x10
In [A] 1000 3000 3000
Material of the encasement (of the bus duct) ferromagnetic ferromagnetic amagnetic (aluminum)
Taking reference to these two variables, it is possible to observe that : - the power losses of withdrawable circuit-breakers are higher than those of the xed ones - the power losses of the circuit-breakers equipped with thermo-magnetic releases are higher than those of the circuit-breakers with electronic releases.
Table 5 Total (3/4 poles) power loss [W] Releases In [A] 1 1.6 2 2.5 3.2 4 5 6.3 8 10 12.5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 10 25 63 100 160 250 320 400 630 800 1000 1250 1600 T11P F T1 F F 4.5 6.3 7.5 7.8 8.7 7.8 8.7 10.5 8.1 9.3 3.3 4.2 5.1 6.9 8.1 11.7 12.9 15.3 18.3 25.5 36 51 T2 P 5.1 7.5 8.7 9 10.2 9 10.5 12.3 9.6 10.8 3.9 4.8 6 8.4 9.6 13.8 15 18 21.6 30 44.1 60 F T3 P
Under heavy conditions from a thermal point of view, it is advisable to use circuit-breakers in xed version and equipped with electronic type releases. The difference between the power loss of a circuit-breaker in three-pole version compared with a four-pole version is not considered, since in a normal circuit the current owing in the neutral conductor is assumed to be null.
T4 F P/W F
T5 P/W F
T6 W
T7 S,H,L F W F
T7 V W
TMF TMD TMA MF MA
1.5 1.8 2 2.1 2.6 3.7 4.3 4.8 7 10.7 15
4.5 5.4 6 6.3 7.8 11.1 12.9 14.4 21 32.1 45
10.8 11.1 12.9 14.4 16.8 19.8 23.7 39.6 53.4 15.3 17.4 20.4 23.7 28.5 47.4 64.2 11.7 13.8 15.6 18.6 22.2 29.7 41.1
10.8 11.1 12.3 15 17.4 21.6 27 37.2 52.8
40.8 58.5 86.4
62.7 93 110.1
1.5 3 10.5 24 51
1.8 3.6 12 27.2 60
92 93
117 119
PR221 PR222 PR223
5.1 13.2 32.1 52.8
6.9 18 43.8 72
31.8 49.5 123
53.7 84 160.8
90 96 150
115 125
15 36 57,9 90 141 231
27 66 105,9 165 258 423
24 60 96 150 234,9
36 90 144 225 351,9
F: xed Table 6
W: withdrawable
P: plug-in
Total (3/4 poles) power loss [W] In=630 In=800 In=1000 In=1250 In=1600 In=2000 In=2500 In=3200 In=4000 In=5000 In=6300 F: xed
X1B-N F 41 65 102 159 260 W 63 100 157 257 400
X1L F 50 80 125 196 W 87 140 219 342
E1B-N F 65 96 150 253 W 95 147 230 378
E2B-N-S F 29 45 70 115 180 W 53 83 130 215 330 F
E2L W
E3N-S-H-V F 22 38 60 85 130 205 330 W 36 58 90 150 225 350 570 F
E3L W
E4S-H-V F W
E6H-V F W
105 170
165 265
215 335
330 515
235 360
425 660
170 265 415 650
290 445 700 1100
W: withdrawable
2.1.3 Cross-section of the conductors within switchboards

In primary distribution switchboards, the power loss of the connection systems (busbars/cables) is usually from 20% to 40% of the total power loss of the switchboard. The Std. IEC/TR 60890 includes a series of tables which give the power loss of cables and busbars inside switchboards per unit length, making reference to the current carrying capacity. By applying these tables (here dened as Tables 7 8 9) it is possible to point out how a reduction in the power loss corresponds to an increased cross-section.
Table 7: Operating current and power losses of insulated conductors Section (Cu) Maximum permissible conductor temperature 70 C
In addition, it is important to remark how the cables entering the enclosure give a contribution not negligible to power loss, whereas they are often not considered since they are not strictly part of the switchboard. Here is an example to show how the contribution of the connection cables is fundamental for a correct assessment of the total power loss of the components inside the switchboard.
1)
d d
Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors 35 C 55 C 35 C 55 C 35 C 55 C
operating current
operating current
operating current
operating current
operating current
operating current
power losses 2)
power losses 2)
power losses 2)
power losses 2)
power losses 2)
mm2 1.5 2.5 4 6 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 150 185 240 300
A 12 17 22 28 38 52
W/m 2.1 2.5 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.7
A 8 11 14 18 25 34
W/m 0.9 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.6
A 12 20 25 32 48 64 85 104 130 161 192 226 275 295 347 400
W/m 2.1 3.5 3.4 3.7 4.8 5.6 6.3 7.5 7.9 8.4 8.7 9.6 11.7 10.9 12.0 13.2
A 8 12 18 23 31 42 55 67 85 105 125 147 167 191 225 260
W/m 0.9 1.3 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.4 2.6 3.1 3.4 3.6 3.7 4.1 4.3 4.6 5.0 5.6
A 12 20 25 32 50 65 85 115 150 175 225 250 275 350 400 460
W/m 2.1 3.5 3.4 3.7 5.2 5.8 6.3 7.9 10.5 9.9 11.9 11.7 11.7 15.4 15.9 17.5
A 8 12 20 25 32 50 65 85 115 149 175 210 239 273 322 371
W/m 0.9 1.3 2.2 2.3 2.1 3.4 3.7 5.0 6.2 7.2 7.2 8.3 8.8 9.4 10.3 11.4
Conductors for auxiliary circuits mm2 0.12 0.14 0.20 0.22 0.30 0.34 0.50 0.56 0.75 1.00 A 2.6 2.9 3.2 3.6 4.4 4.7 6.4 8.2 9.3 W/m 1.2 1.3 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.8 1.6 1.9 1.8 A 1.7 1.9 2.1 2.3 2.9 3.1 4.2 5.4 6.1 W/m 0.5 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.8 0.8 Diam. 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.8 1.0 -
1) Any arrangement desired with the values specied referring to six cores in a multi-core bundle with a simultaneous load 100% 2) single length
power losses 2)
11
Table 8: Operating current and power losses of bare conductors, in vertical arrangement, without direct connections to the apparatus Width x Thickness Crosssection (Cu) Maximum permissible conductor temperature 85 C Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors 35 C 50 Hz 60 Hz ac operating current operating current dc and ac to 16 2/3 Hz operating current operating current operating current Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors 55 C 50 Hz 60 Hz ac operating current dc and ac to 16 2/3 Hz operating current operating current
power losses 1)
power losses 1)
power losses 1)
power losses 1)
power losses 1)
power losses 1)
mm x mm 12 x 2 15 x 2 15 x 3 20 x 2 20 x 3 20 x 5 20 x 10 25 x 5 30 x 5 30 x 10 40 x 5 40 x 10 50 x 5 50 x 10 60 x 5 60 x 10 80 x 5 80 x 10 100 x 5 100 x 10 120 x 10
mm2 23.5 29.5 44.5 39.5 59.5 99.1 199 124 149 299 199 399 249 499 299 599 399 799 499 999 1200
A* 144 170 215 215 271 364 568 435 504 762 641 951 775 1133 915 1310 1170 1649 1436 1982 2314
W/m 19.5 21.7 23.1 26.1 27.6 29.9 36.9 34.1 38.4 44.4 47.0 52.7 55.7 60.9 64.1 68.5 80.7 85.0 100.1 101.7 115.5
power losses 1)
A** 242 282 375 351 463 665 1097 779 894 1410 1112 1716 1322 2008 1530 2288 1929 2806 2301 3298 3804
W/m 27.5 29.9 35.2 34.8 40.2 49.8 69.2 55.4 60.6 77.9 72.5 88.9 82.9 102.9 94.2 116.2 116.4 138.7 137.0 164.2 187.3
A* 144 170 215 215 271 364 569 435 505 770 644 968 782 1164 926 1357 1200 1742 1476 2128 2514
W/m 19.5 21.7 23.1 26.1 27.6 29.9 36.7 34.1 38.2 44.8 47.0 52.6 55.4 61.4 64.7 69.5 80.8 85.1 98.7 102.6 115.9
A** 242 282 375 354 463 668 1107 78 899 1436 1128 1796 1357 2141 1583 2487 2035 3165 2407 3844 4509
W/m 27.5 29.9 35.2 35.4 40.2 50.3 69.6 55.6 60.7 77.8 72.3 90.5 83.4 103.8 94.6 117.8 116.1 140.4 121.2 169.9 189.9
A* 105 124 157 157 198 266 414 317 368 556 468 694 566 826 667 955 858 1203 1048 1445 1688
W/m 10.4 11.6 12.3 13.9 14.7 16.0 19.6 18.1 20.5 27.7 25.0 28.1 29.7 32.3 34.1 36.4 42.9 45.3 53.3 54.0 61.5
A** 177 206 274 256 338 485 800 568 652 1028 811 1251 964 1465 1116 1668 1407 2047 1678 2406 2774
W/m 14.7 16.0 18.8 18.5 21.4 26.5 36.8 29.5 32.3 41.4 38.5 47.3 44.1 54.8 50.1 62.0 61.9 73.8 72.9 84.4 99.6
A* 105 124 157 157 198 266 415 317 369 562 469 706 570 849 675 989 875 1271 1077 1552 1833
W/m 10.4 11.6 12.3 12.3 14.7 16.0 19.5 18.1 20.4 23.9 24.9 28.0 29.4 32.7 34.4 36.9 42.9 45.3 52.5 54.6 61.6
A** 177 206 274 258 338 487 807 572 656 1048 586 1310 989 1562 1154 1814 1484 1756 1756 2803 3288
W/m 14.7 16.0 18.8 18.8 21.4 26.7 37.0 29.5 32.3 41.5 38.5 48.1 44.3 55.3 50.3 62.7 61.8 74.8 69.8 90.4 101.0
*) one conductor per phase **) two conductors per phase 1) single length Table 9: Operating current and power losses of bare conductors used as connections between the apparatus and the main busbars Width x Thickness Crosssection (Cu) Maximum permissible conductor temperature 65 C Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors 35 C 50 Hz to 60 Hz ac and dc operating current operating current operating current power losses 1) power losses 1) Air temperature inside the enclosure around the conductors 55 C 50 Hz to 60 Hz ac and dc power losses 1) operating current power losses 1) W/m 4.9 5.4 6.1 7.7 6.8 8.4 15.0 9.5 11.3 21.6 15.0 28.8 18,5 36.0 21.6 43.0 28.8 53.5 36.9 57.0 57.6
mm x mm
mm2
A*
W/m
A**
W/m 7.4 7.8 9.5 8.9 10.8 12.7 22.3 14.2 16.9 32.7 22.3 41.9 27.9 53.5 32.7 63.2 42.6 85.8 54.8 86.2 85.7
A* 69 88 102 93 125 174 284 204 233 402 284 532 338 660 402 780 532 1032 660 1280 1524
W/m 4.2 5.4 4.8 4.5 5.4 6.3 8.6 7.0 7.6 11.5 8.6 15.3 9.8 19.2 11.5 22.5 15.3 30.9 19.6 39.3 46.5
A** 105 124 162 172 198 284 532 338 402 780 532 1032 655 1280 780 1524 1032 1920 1280 2180 2400
12 x 2 23.5 15 x 2 29.5 15 x 3 44.5 20 x 2 39.5 20 x 3 59.5 20 x 5 99.1 20 x 10 199 25 x 5 124 30 x 5 149 30 x 10 299 40 x 5 199 40 x 10 399 50 x 5 249 50 x 10 499 60 x 5 299 60 x 10 599 80 x 5 399 80 x 10 799 100 x 5 499 100 x 10 999 120 x 10 1200 *) one conductor per phase
82 5.9 130 96 6.4 150 124 7.1 202 115 6.9 184 152 8.0 249 218 9.9 348 348 12.8 648 253 10.7 413 288 11.6 492 482 17.2 960 348 12.8 648 648 22.7 1245 413 14.7 805 805 28.5 1560 492 17.2 960 960 34.1 1848 648 22.7 1256 1256 45.8 2432 805 29.2 1560 1560 58.4 2680 1848 68.3 2928 **) two conductors per phase 1) single length
power losses 1)
Example
This example has the purpose of evaluating as rst approximation the total power loss inside the switchboard of which Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the components, the dimensions, the structure and the relevant singlewire diagram.
Figure 10 Switchboard front
A I1 B IG C I2
L Number of horizontal partitions = 0 Wall-mounted separated enclosure H Dimensions H W [mm] [mm] 2000 1440 D [mm] 840
P
D I3
E I4 F I5
Single-wire diagram
IG
I1
I2
I3
I4
I5
The components which form the switchboard are circuit-breakers, busbars and cables. The power loss is calculated for each component and then the total power loss is determined.
Circuit-breakers As regards circuit-breakers, the power loss can be determined on the basis of the dissipated power Pn at the rated current InCB (see previous Tables 5 and 6) referred to the current which really ows through the circuitbreaker Ib (full load current of the circuit). The formula linking these three quantities is the following : PCB = PnCB x (Ib / InCB)2 Then, according to the type of apparatus installed inside the switchboard, the contribution to the load current in terms of power loss of the individual circuit-breaker and the total power loss are reported in the following table:
Table 10 Circuit-breaker IG I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 E2 1600 EL T5 400 EL T5 400 EL T5 400 EL T3 250 TMD T3 250 TMD In CB [A] 1600 400 400 400 250 250 Ib [A] 1340 330 330 330 175 175 Power loss [W] 80.7 33.7 33.7 33.7 26.2 26.2 234
Total power loss of the circuit-breakers [W]
13
Busbars As regards main busbars, distribution busbars and the busbars connecting circuit-breakers and cables, the effective power loss can be determined from the dissipated powers, at the nominal current and per unit length, as shown in the previous Tables 8 and 9. The formula to relate the data in the table to the characteristics (load current and length) of the busbars installed in the switchboard is the following: PSB = PnSB (Ib/InSB)2 x 3 x LSB Therefore, with reference to the typology, the length L and the load current of the busbars installed inside the switchboard, the contribution in terms of power loss of the single length and the total power loss are reported in Table 11 below:
Table 11 Connection busbar IG I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Cross-sectional area nx[mm]x[mm] 2x60x10 30x10 30x10 30x10 20x10 20x10 Length [m] 0.450 0.150 0.150 0.150 0.150 0.150 Ib [A] 1340 330 330 330 175 175 Power loss [W] 54 3.8 3.8 3.8 1.6 1.6 68
Total power loss of the connection busbars [W]
Cables As regards cables, taking reference to Table 8 above, the same method used for the busbars can be applied and the relevant results are reported in Table 12.
Tabella 12 Cable IG I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Cross-sectional area [n]xmm2 4x240 240 240 240 120 120 Length [m] 1.0 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.1 0.8 Ib [A] 1340 330 330 330 175 175 Power loss [W] 133.8 64.9 55.2 45.4 19 13.8 332
Total power loss of the connection busbars [W]
Then, the total power dissipated inside the switchboard is given by the sum of the three contributions already determined above, therefore: PTQ = 234+68+332=784W It is important to note how the total power loss would be equal to 452W and therefore the estimated temperature would be much lower than the effective one if the cable contribution (332W) were not taken into account.
2.1.4 Paths of the current

The positioning of apparatus and conductors may result into a different power loss inside the switchboard. It is a good rule to position the circuit-breakers as shown in Figure 11, so that the paths of the highest currents are as short as possible. Thus, contrary to what occurs in a type of installation as that of Figure 11a, the dissipated power inside the switchboard is reduced and unquestionable advantages from the thermal point of view are achieved.
Figure 11 Suggested positioning: The highest current (500 A) ows through the shortest path
50 A
In case of switchboards with many columns, whenever possible, it is advisable that the main circuit-breaker is installed in the middle column or, however, in barycentric position with respect to the load distribution, as shown in Figure 12. Thus, by dividing the current into the two branches of the switchboard busbar system, a remarkable reduction in the power loss is obtained with the same cross-section in comparison with a conguration having the incoming feeder at both ends of the switchboard as in Figure 12a, which is a solution implying the circulation of highest currents.
Figure 12
Busbar
2000 A
1200 A
3200 A
50 A Cables
100 A
300 A
Advisable solution from a thermal point of view Figure 12a

500 A Busbar
3200 A
3200 A
INCOMING FEEDER OUTGOING FEEDER
Figure 11a NOT suggested positioning: The highest current (500 A) ows through the longest path
Cables
500 A
Heavier solution from a thermal point of view

300 A
100 A
50 A
50 A
INCOMING FEEDER
OUTGOING FEEDER
15
2.2 Dissipation of the heat generated

inside switchboards
After an analysis of the main heat sources and of the measures to limit heat generation, the modalities through which switchboards can dissipate the heat towards the outside are described now. Many of these considerations derive from the Std. IEC/TR 60890, which gives formulas and tables where constructional characteristics and installation modalities are in relation with the temperature-rise at the same power loss. In particular, this chapter shall take into consideration the switchboard ventilation, the surfaces of the switchboard and their positioning, the form of internal separation of the switchboard and the degree of protection of the switchboard.
As regards the positioning of the ventilation openings, these are to be located so that the draught chimney effect is achieved: an opening shall be positioned at the bottom of the switchboard, on the front part, the other one shall be positioned at the top, on the rear part, or on the roof of the switchboard. It is important to remind that any openings at mid height could reduce the draught chimney effect, thus causing a reduction of the air draught. The equipment inside the switchboard shall be positioned so that the circulation of the air is not excessively impeded by a reduction of the section for the air ow. In case of withdrawable circuit-breakers, particular attention shall be paid to prevent the obstruction of the ventilation openings in the xed part of the circuit-breaker (Figure 14).
Figure 14
2.2.1 Switchboard ventilation

To increase the switchboard cooling, it is important that a good circulation of air inside the switchboard is realized (see Figure 13) and maintained. To this purpose, for example, the possible ventilation openings are to be properly dimensioned and positioned. As regards dimensioning, IEC/TR 60890 for temperaturerise assessment inside low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies prescribes for the enclosures with ventilation openings that the cross section for air outlets is 1.1 times the cross section of the inlets. This requirement is due to the greater volume of hot air (going out of the switchboard) in comparison with the cold air (going into the switchboard). When disregarding this prescription, the air inlet surface of the switchboard is not fully exploited.
Figure 13
2.2.2 Side surfaces and positioning of switchboards

It is necessary to take into account that a switchboard exchanges heat with the surrounding environment through its surfaces (top, bottom and side walls) and therefore, at the same power dissipation level by the internal components, the larger the exchange surface towards the outside and the better the exchange conditions depending on the installation modality are, the greater amount of heat is released. For example, the switchboard should be positioned so that the air circulation around its external surface is facilitated or, however, is little impeded, thus improving heat exchange. IEC/TR 60890, which, as already said, suggests a method for the temperature-rise assessment inside switchboards, does not consider the real external geometric surface of the switchboard, but introduces the concept of effective cooling surface Ae, intended as the sum of the individual surface areas (top, front, side, ....) A0 multiplied by the surface factor b. This factor takes into account the heat dissipation of the individual surfaces according to the type of installation of the enclosure, that is the different capacity of dissipating heat according to
the surface positions and to their being either exposed or covered. The values of the parameter b related to the different surface types are shown in Table 13.
Ae = (A0 x b)
Table 13 Type of installation Exposed top surface Covered top surface, e.g. of built-in enclosures Exposed side faces, e.g. front, rear and side walls Covered side faces, e.g. rear side of wall-mounted enclosures Side faces of central enclosures Floor surface Surface factor b 1.4 0.7 0.9 0.5 0.5 Not taken into account
2.2.4 Switchboard protection degree

The degree of protection IP shows the protection of the enclosure against access to hazardous parts, against ingress of solid foreign objects and ingress of water. The code IP is the identication system of the degrees of protection based on the prescriptions of the Std. IEC 60529. The degree of protection of a switchboard affects its capacity of dissipating heat: the higher the degree of protection is, the less heat is dissipated by the switchboard. Therefore, the choice of high degrees of protection is not recommended when they are unnecessary. Besides, it should be kept in mind that a dened degree of protection may be reached through different modalities. For example, the protection against the vertical fall of drops of water (IPX1) can be realized by such modalities so as not to affect heat dissipation and so as to keep the chimney effect inside the switchboard.
2.2.3 Forms of internal separation of switchboards

With separation form it is meant the type of division provided for the different circuits inside the switchboard. Separation is obtained by means of metallic or insulating barriers or partitions. For further information about the different forms of separation reference shall be made to the content of the Annex B or to the prescriptions of Std. IEC 60439-1. As evident, remarkable separation forms tend to limit air circulation inside the switchboard, thus affecting the temperature inside the switchboard itself. To take into consideration this phenomenon, Tables 14 and 15 show the multiplying factor d which IEC/TR 60890 suggests to use under particular conditions to increase the temperature-rise of the air inside the switchboard as a function of the number of horizontal partitions in the column under examination.
Table 14: For enclosures without ventilation openings and effective cooling surface >1.25m2 Number of horizontal partitions n 0 1 2 3 Factor d 1 1.05 1.15 1.3
2.3 Dissipation of the heat generated in the

terminals
After a study of the main power sources inside the switchboard and of the modalities through which switchboards can dissipate the generated heat, an analysis of how the circuit-breaker current carrying capacity can be improved by reducing local heating phenomena near the terminals shall be carried out. In practice, when heat dissipation has not been optimized, the presence of localized heating phenomena limiting the maximum service current of the circuit is quite frequent, even with low average air temperatures inside the switchboard. The phenomena affecting heat dissipation by the circuitbreaker terminals are mainly convection (through the air moving inside the switchboard) and conduction (through the bars connected to the terminals); these phenomena are to be related with the typology of terminals used and to the version (xed, withdrawable or plug-in) of the circuit-breaker installed.
Table 15: For enclosures with ventilation openings and effective cooling surface >1.25m2 Number of horizontal partitions n 0 1 2 3 Factor d 1 1.05 1.10 1.15
2.3.1 Problems linked to convection

As a general principle linked to the phenomenon of convection, based on the convective motion of the air which, while heating, tends to rise to the top, the busbar arrangement should be such as to present the minimum cross-sectional area to the air ow and to be licked by the air ow on its maximum surface, therefore in a comb-like arrangement. The circuit-breaker typology which is most suitable for this conguration is the version providing vertical rear terminals.
From the tables above, it results how horizontal partitions can cause air temperature rises up to 30% (3 partitions without ventilation openings).
17
Here are some practical considerations regarding use and installation modalities of vertical rear terminals for Emax series circuit-breakers. The use of these terminals allows a better heat dissipation since, compared with the horizontal ones, they oppose a smaller cross-section to the natural motion of the air and a greater surface to thermal exchange. Yet, one of the main problems to be faced when using vertical terminals is their complicated connection to the main busbar system when this runs horizontally along the switchboard with the busbar section arranged vertically. This problem is not present with the same busbar system when the circuit-breaker terminals are horizontal, since both busbars and terminals are oriented according to two simple connection planes. This concept is denitely more evident when making reference to Figure 15.
Figure 15 Circuit-breaker with horizontal terminals and vertical main busbars
Main busbars running horizontally along the switchboard and vertically arranged
For example, in the case of E4 and E6 circuit-breakers, to facilitate the connection between the vertical terminals and the vertical connection busbars, it is possible to use bars suitably bent as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16
Vertical terminals for E4 and E6 CBs (detail referred to one pole)
Connection busbars
Emax E6
Detail of the horizontal connection busbar with air ow direction
Circuit-breaker with horizontal terminals
Connection bars to the main busbars
Circuit-breaker with vertical terminals and vertical main busbars

Main busbars running horizontally along the switchboard and vertically arranged
Bars properly bent
Top view
Connection bars to the main busbars
Connection busbars Detail of the vertical connection busbar with air ow direction
Vertical terminals Bars properly bent
Circuit-breaker with vertical terminals
As further example, Figure 17 shows two other pictures representing an hypothesis of solution for the connection of the vertical terminals to the vertical connection busbar system for Emax E3 circuit-breakers.
Figure 17
as Figure 18 shows, the lower terminals shall not divert too much the air ow and prevent it from reaching the upper terminals causing the loss of the benets of cooling by convection.
Figure 18
Busbars
Connection busbars
Terminal
Busbars
Connection busbars
Lower connection with rear horizontal terminals. Air circulation, near the upper terminals (vertical) is impeded.
Terminal
Busbars
Connection busbars Lower connection with front terminals. Air circulation, near the upper terminals (vertical), is only partially reduced.
Terminal
On the contrary, when in the presence of upper vertical terminals and lower terminals of different type or, however, when in the presence of different upper and lower terminals, the solutions to be adopted must not impede the circulation of air in the upper terminals. For example,
Generally speaking, for the improvement of the heating condition of busbars and terminals, the positioning of the busbars acquires a remarkable importance; here is an example of the solutions which can be adopted. It should be kept into consideration that, the more the clearance between the busbars, the more heat they dissipate and that the upper middle terminal is usually that with the most problems from the thermal point of view. Therefore it is advisable to separate and keep apart as much as possible the connection busbars (from the main busbars to the circuit-breaker terminals) so that the heating condition does not get worse.
19
For example, as Figure 19 shows, in the case of threepole circuit-breakers, the external connections can be taken out of alignment with the terminals, so that distance is increased.
Figure 19
Further increases in the carrying capacity of the circuits may be obtained by mounting some dissipators (see Figure 22) on the connection conductors between the circuit-breaker and the busbar system for a better heat dissipation, or by treating busbars and dissipators with special paints, which allow an increase in the radiated heat, without creating, on the other hand, a surface thermal insulation.
Figure 22
In case of circuit-breaker connection through busbar systems with the three phases vertically arranged, it is advisable that spacing of the 3 phases starts as near as possible to the circuit-breaker, with a solution as that shown in Figure 20.
Figure 20 Main busbars Connection busbars
As already mentioned, the upper terminals and in particular the upper middle terminal are usually those which, due to their positions, reach the highest temperatures. Then, particular measures can be taken to improve the heat exchange of these terminals, for example by lengthening the horizontal part of the upper connection busbars in comparison with the lower ones, as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21 Main busbars Top view
2.3.2 Problems linked to conduction

Instead, with reference to the thermal exchange through the phenomenon of conduction, the terminals of a circuitbreaker release heat also towards the busbars or the cables connected to them. In particular, besides carrying the current, the connection busbars convey heat far from the terminals. Therefore, their dimensioning and position shall have to take into account this double function. There is a rise in the heat exchanged by conduction both when the cross-section through which heat is exchanged enlarges (contact section between the cables or the connection busbars and the circuit-breaker terminals), as well as when the temperature difference between the bodies in touch involved by this exchange increases. From this remark it results that, on their turn, the connection busbars shall effectively dissipate heat to keep their temperature low. To obtain a connection allowing a sufcient heat exchange between the terminals and the distribution system of the switchboard, ABB SACE indicates the minimum cross-sectional area of the cables and busbars to be used.
Connection busbars
Here are the indications given for the molded-case circuit-breakers series Tmax and the air circuit-breakers series Emax, reported in Table 16 and in Table 17 respectively.
Table 16 Circuit-breaker type Tmax T2 T2-T4 T1-T2 T1-T2-T4 T1-T2-T4 T1-T2-T4 T1-T2-T4 T1-T2-T4 T1-T2-T3-T4 T1-T2-T3-T4 T1-T2-T3-T4 T1-T2-T3-T4 T1-T2-T3-T4 T3-T4 T3-T4 T4-T5 T5 T5 T5-T6 T6 T6-T7 T7 T7 In [A] <=8 10 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 630 800 1000 1250 1600
The cross-sectional areas of the cables and busbars reported in Tables 16 and 17 are those used to determine the rated current carrying capacity of the circuit-breakers in free air according to the Std. IEC 60947-2.
Cables [ n // ] x [ mm2 ] 1 1,5 2,5 2,5 4 6 10 10 16 25 35 50 70 95 120 185 240 2x150 2x185 2x240 3x240 4x240 5x240 20x5 25x5 40x5 50x5 2x30x5 2x40x5 2x50x5 2x60x5 2x80x5 2x100x5 Bars [ n // ] x [ mm x mm ]
Table 17 Circuit-breaker Emax E1B/N 08 E1B/N 12 E2B/N 12 E2B/N 16 E2B/N 20 E2L 12 E2L 16 E3S/H 12 E3S/H 16 E3S/H 20 E3N/S/H 25 E3N/S/H 32 E3L20 E3L 25 E4H 32 E4S/H 40 E6V 32 E6V 40 E6H/V 50 E6H/V 63 Vertical terminals [ n // ] x [ mm x mm ] 1x(60x10) 1x(80x10) 1x(60x10) 2x(60x10) 3x(60x10) 1x(60x10) 2x(60x10) 1x(60x10) 1x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 3x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 3x(100x10) 4x(100x10) 3x(100x10) 4x(100x10) 6x(100x10) 7x(100x10) Front horizontal terminals [ n // ]x[ mm x mm ] 1x(60x10) 2x(60x8) 1x(60x10) 2x(60x10) 3x(60x10) 1x(60x10) 2x(60x10) 1x(60x10) 1x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 3x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 2x(100x10) 3x(100x10) 6x(60x10) 3x(100x10) 4x(100x10) 6x(100x10) ----------------------
21
2.3.3 Current carrying capacity of circuit-breakers and busbars

To conclude this chapter, Figure 23 shows the curves reporting the carrying capacity of the Tmax molded-case circuit-breakers equipable with electronic relays, referred to the different temperatures and the different types of
Figure 23
terminals and available versions, whereas Table 18 reports the current carrying capacity of the Tmax molded-case circuit-breakers equipable with thermomagnetic releases. As regards the air circuit-breakers of Emax series, Table 19 reports the carrying capacity of the single apparatus at the different temperatures.
T2 160 Fixed
Note: in the plug-in version the maximum setting is derated by 10%
F = Front flat terminals FC Cu = Front terminals for copper cables
EF = Front extended terminals FC CuAl = Front terminals for CuAl cables
ES = Front extended spread terminals R = Rear terminals
T2 160 Plug-in
F = Front flat terminals FC Cu = Front terminals for copper cables
EF = Front extended terminals FC CuAl = Front terminals for CuAl cables
ES = Front extended spread terminals R = Rear terminals
Note: in the plug-in version the maximum setting is derated by 10%
T4 250 Fixed
Iu [A] 255
250
245
240
VR
235
HR-F-FC
230
225
220
215
40
45
50
55
60
65
70 T [C]
FC = Front terminals for cables VR = Rear flat vertical terminals
F = Front flat terminals
HR = Rear flat horizontal terminals
T4 250
Iu [A]
Plug-in / Withdrawable
255 250 245
VR
240 235 230 225 220 215 210 205 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
HR-F-FC
23
T4 320 Fixed
Iu [A] 330 320 310 300
VR
290 280 270
HR-F-FC
260 250 240 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
T4 320
Iu [A] 330 320 310
VR
300
290
FC-HR-F
280
270 260 250 240 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
T5 400
Fixed
Iu [A] 405 400 395 390 385
VR
380
HR-FC-F
375 370 365 360 355 350 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
T5 400
Iu [A] 405 400 395 390 385 380 375 370 365 360 355 350 345 340 335 330 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
VR
HR-FC-F
25
T5 630
Fixed
Iu [A] 640 630 620 610 600 590 580 570 560 550 540 530 520 510 500 490 480 470 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
VR HR-FC-F
T5 630
Iu [A]
600
550
VR
500
EF-HR
450
400 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 T [C]
EF = Front extended terminals
VR = Rear flat vertical terminals
T6 630 Fixed
R(VR)
F-FC R(HR)
F = Front flat terminals FC = Front terminals for cables R(VR)=Rear(vertical)terminals R(HR) = Rear(horiz.)terminals
T6 630 Withdrawable
VR
EF-HR
27
T6 800 Fixed
R(VR)
F-FC R(HR)
F = Front flat terminals FC = Front terminals for cables R(VR)=Rear(vertical)terminals R(HR) = Rear(horiz.)terminals
T6 800 Withdrawable
4
VR
EF-HR
T6 1000
1100
Fixed
1000
R(VR)
900
FC
ES
R (HR)
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
FC = Front terminals for cables
R (HR) = Rear flat horizontal terminals
R (VR) = Rear flat vertical terminals
ES = Front extended spread terminals
29
T7 V 1000
Fixed
1050
1000
VR
950
900
EF-HR
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
EF = Extended front terminals
Note: For ratings below 1000 A Tmax T7 does not undergo any thermal derating.
T7 V 1000
Withdrawable
1050
1000
950
VR
900
EF-HR
35
40
45
50
55
60
65
70
T7 S,H,L, 1250
Fixed
1300 1250 1200 1150 1100
VR
EF-HR
1050 1000 950 900 850 800 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
T7 V 1250
Fixed
1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050
VR
EF-HR
1000 950 900 850 800 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
31
T7 S,H,L, 1250
1300
Withdrawable
1250 1200 1150
VR
1100 1050 1000 950 900 850 800 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
EF-HR
T7 V 1250
Withdrawable
1300 1250 1200 1150 1100 1050 1000 950 900 850 800 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
VR
EF-HR
T7 S,H,L, 1600
Fixed
1700
1600
1500
1400
VR EF-HR
1300
1200
1100
1000 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
T7 S,H,L, 1600
1700
Withdrawable
1600
1500
1400
VR
1300
1200
EF-HR
1100
1000 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70
33
Table 18
Tmax T1 and T1 1P (*)

10 C In [A] 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 MIN 13 16 20 26 32 40 51 64 81 101 129 MAX 18 23 29 37 46 58 72 92 115 144 184 MIN 12 15 19 25 31 39 49 62 77 96 123 20 C MAX 18 22 28 35 44 55 69 88 110 138 176 MIN 12 15 18 24 29 37 46 59 74 92 118 30 C MAX 17 21 26 34 42 53 66 84 105 131 168 MIN 11 14 18 22 28 35 44 56 70 88 112 40 C MAX 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 MIN 11 13 16 21 26 33 41 53 66 82 105 50 C MAX 15 19 23 30 38 47 59 75 94 117 150 MIN 10 12 15 20 25 31 39 49 61 77 98 60 C MAX 14 18 22 28 35 44 55 70 88 109 140 MIN 9 11 14 18 23 28 36 46 57 71 91 70 C MAX 13 16 20 26 33 41 51 65 81 102 130
(*) For T1 1P circuit-breakers (tted with TMF themomagnetic trip unit) consider only the column corresponding to the maximum adjustament of the TMD trip units.
Tmax T2
10 C In [A] 1,6 2 2,5 3,2 4 5 6,3 8 10 12,5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 MIN 1,3 1,6 2 2,6 3,2 4 5,1 6,4 8 10,1 13 16 20 26 32 40 51 64 80 101 129 MAX 1,8 2,3 2,9 3,7 4,6 5,7 7,2 9,2 11,5 14,4 18 23 29 37 46 57 72 92 115 144 184 MIN 1,2 1,5 1,9 2,5 3,1 3,9 4,9 6,2 7,7 9,6 12 15 19 25 31 39 49 62 77 96 123 20 C MAX 1,8 2,2 2,8 3,5 4,4 5,5 6,9 8,8 11 13,8 18 22 28 35 44 55 69 88 110 138 178 MIN 1,2 1,5 1,8 2,4 2,9 3,7 4,6 5,9 7,4 9,2 12 15 18 24 29 37 46 59 74 92 118 30 C MAX 1,7 2,1 2,6 3,4 4,2 5,3 6,6 8,4 10,5 13,2 17 21 26 34 42 53 66 84 105 132 168 MIN 1,1 1,4 1,8 2,2 2,8 3,5 4,4 5,6 7 8,8 11 14 18 22 28 35 44 56 70 88 112 40 C MAX 1,6 2 2,5 3,2 4 5 6,3 8 10 12,5 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 160 MIN 1 1,3 1,6 2,1 2,6 3,3 4,1 5,2 6,5 8,2 10 13 16 21 26 33 41 52 65 82 105 50 C MAX 1,5 1,9 2,3 3 3,7 4,7 5,9 7,5 9,3 11,7 15 19 23 30 37 47 59 75 93 117 150 MIN 1 1,2 1,5 1,9 2,4 3 3,8 4,9 6,1 7,6 10 12 15 19 24 30 38 49 61 76 97 60 C MAX 1,4 1,7 2,2 2,8 3,5 4,3 5,5 7 8,7 10,9 14 17 22 28 35 43 55 70 87 109 139 MIN 0,9 1,1 1,4 1,8 2,3 2,8 3,6 4,5 5,6 7,1 9 11 14 18 23 28 36 45 56 71 90 70 C MAX 1,3 1,6 2 2,6 3,2 4 5,1 6,5 8,1 10,1 13 16 20 26 32 40 51 65 81 101 129
(*) For plug-in circuit-breakers, a derating of 10% is to be considered.
Tmax T3
10 C In [A] 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 MIN 51 64 80 101 129 161 201 MAX 72 92 115 144 184 230 287 MIN 49 62 77 96 123 154 193 20 C MAX 69 88 110 138 176 220 278 MIN 46 59 74 92 118 147 184 30 C MAX 66 84 105 132 168 211 263 MIN 44 56 70 88 112 140 175 40 C MAX 63 80 100 125 160 200 250 MIN 41 52 65 82 104 130 163 50 C MAX 59 75 93 116 149 186 233 MIN 38 48 61 76 97 121 152 60 C MAX 55 69 87 108 139 173 216 MIN 35 45 56 70 90 112 141 70 C MAX 51 64 80 100 129 161 201
(*) For plug-in circuit-breakers, a derating of 10% is to be considered.
Tmax T4
10 C In [A] 20 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 MIN 19 26 37 59 83 103 130 162 200 MAX 27 43 62 98 118 145 185 230 285 MIN 18 24 35 55 80 100 124 155 193 20 C MAX 24 39 58 92 113 140 176 220 275 MIN 16 22 33 52 74 94 118 147 183 30 C MAX 23 36 54 86 106 134 168 210 262 MIN 14 19 30 48 70 88 112 140 175 40 C MAX 20 32 50 80 100 125 160 200 250 MIN 12 16 27 44 66 80 106 133 168 50 C MAX 17 27 46 74 95 115 150 190 240 MIN 10 14 25 40 59 73 100 122 160 60 C MAX 15 24 42 66 85 105 104 175 230 MIN 8 11 22 32 49 63 90 107 150 70 C MAX 13 21 39 58 75 95 130 160 220
Tmax T5
10 C In [A] 320 400 500 MIN 260 325 435 MAX 368 465 620 MIN 245 310 405 20 C MAX 350 442 580 MIN 234 295 380 30 C MAX 335 420 540 MIN 224 280 350 40 C MAX 320 400 500 MIN 212 265 315 50 C MAX 305 380 450 MIN 200 250 280 60 C MAX 285 355 400 MIN 182 230 240 70 C MAX 263 325 345
Tmax T6
10 C In [A] 630 800 MIN 520 685 MAX 740 965 MIN 493 640 20 C MAX 705 905 MIN 462 605 30 C MAX 660 855 MIN 441 560 40 C MAX 630 800 MIN 405 520 50 C MAX 580 740 MIN 380 470 60 C MAX 540 670 MIN 350 420 70 C MAX 500 610
35
Table 19
X1 withdrawable rear horizontal terminals

Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 X1 630 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1800 [A] 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1000 [A] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1250 [A] 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 % 100 100 100 100 100 97 94 93 X1 1600 [A] 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1550 1500 1480
X1 withdrawable rear vertical terminals

Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 X1 630 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 630 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1800 [A] 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1000 [A] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 X1 1250 [A] 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 95 X1 1600 [A] 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1570 1520
SACE Emax E1
Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 E1 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E1 1000 [A] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 99 98 E1 1250 [A] 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1240 1230 % 100 100 100 100 98 96 94 92 89 87 E1 1600 [A] 1600 1600 1600 1600 1570 1530 1500 1470 1430 1400
SACE Emax E2
Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 E2 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E2 1000 [A] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 E2 1250 [A] 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 96 94 E2 1600 [A] 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1570 1538 1510 % 100 100 100 100 100 97 94 91 88 85 E2 2000 [A] 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 1945 1885 1825 1765 1705
SACE Emax E3
Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 E3 800 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 800 E3 1000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 E3 1250 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 E3 1600 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 E3 2000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 E3 2500 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 97 94 [A] 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2425 2350 E3 3200 % 100 100 100 100 100 97 93 89 86 82 [A] 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3090 2975 2860 2745 2630
SACE Emax E4
Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 E4 3200 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 95 [A] 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3120 3040 E4 4000 % 100 100 100 100 100 98 95 92 89 87 [A] 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 3900 3790 3680 3570 3460
SACE Emax E6
Temperature [C] 10 20 30 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 E6 3200 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 3200 E6 4000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 [A] 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 4000 E6 5000 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 96 94 [A] 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 5000 4910 4815 4720 E6 6300 % 100 100 100 100 100 100 98 96 94 92 [A] 6300 6300 6300 6300 6300 6300 6190 6070 5850 5600
37
As regards small-size molded-case circuit-breakers there is no remarkable difference among the various terminal typologies, whereas for big-size molded-case circuitbreakers (starting from T4), the rear vertical terminals are to be preferred to the other terminal typologies when the circuit-breaker is installed in vertical position. In general, however, the xed version is suggested instead of the withdrawable and the plug-in ones. If the circuit-breaker were installed in horizontal position, to determine its current carrying capacity reference should be taken to the lowest curve in the graphics. As regards the air circuit-breakers of Emax series, the behaviour of the rear horizontal terminals is analogous to that of the front ones.
Table 20 Width x Thickness [mm] x [mm] 50 x 5 50 x 10 60 x 5 60 x 10 80 x 5 80 x 10 100 x 5 100 x 10 I 583 852 688 985 885 1240 1080 1490 Carrying capacity in A a.c. up to 60Hz for bare copper conductors II 994 1510 1150 1720 1450 2110 1730 2480 III 1240 2040 1440 2300 1750 2790 2050 3260 II II*
The greater heat dissipation capacity is denitely that of the rear vertical terminals. In the same way, as an example, Table 20 shows the different current carrying capacity given by the Std. DIN 43671 for copper conductors of rectangular cross-section in indoor installations, where the radiation coefcient is assumed to be equal to 0.4 for not painted bars and 0.9 for painted bars. As it can be observed from the table, under the same conditions in the busbar system, passing from bare busbars to painted busbars there is an increase in the current carrying capacity which can reach also 15%.
Carrying capacity in A up to 60Hz for painted copper conductors I 679 1020 826 1180 1070 1500 1300 1810 II 1140 1720 1330 1960 1680 2410 2010 2850 III 1330 2320 1510 2610 1830 3170 2150 3720 II II* 2010 2950 2310 3290 2830 3930 3300 4530 1920 2600 2210 2900 2720 3450 3190 3980
Validity condition of the table: ambient temperature 35C, conductor temperature 65C, conductor width vertical, clearance between conductors in parallel equal to conductor thickness. (*) minimum clearance between the central conductors: 50mm.
3 Problems concerning short-circuit

In this chapter the problems regarding short-circuit are analyzed, making specic reference to the interaction between the protection circuit-breaker installed in the switchboard and the switchboard itself. After a short introduction dening the main electrical parameters related to short-circuit, an analysis shall be carried out to illustrate the prescriptions regarding the electrical circuits of switchboards and the modalities aimed at reducing the possibility of occurrence of a short-circuit on the circuits inside the switchboards and to reduce its effects.
Table 21 Values normalized by coefcient n RMS value of short-circuit current kA I 5 5 < I 10 10 < I 20 20 < I 50 50 < I
Coj 0.7 0.5 0.3 0.25 0.2
n 1.5 1.7 2 2.1 2.2
3.1 Main denitions of the parameters
characterizing a switchboard under short-circuit conditions
As far as the short-circuit withstand strength of a switchboard is concerned, the main parameters characterizing a switchboard are: - rated short-time withstand current; - rated peak withstand current; - rated conditional short-circuit current. The Std. IEC 60439-1 about low voltage controlgear and switchgear dene the above parameters as follows : Rated short-time withstand current Icw The rated short-time withstand current of a circuit of a switchboard is the r.m.s. value of short-time current assigned to that circuit by the manufacturer which that circuit can carry without damage under the test conditions specied by the Standard. Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, the reference time is 1s. To this short-time current a determined peak value Ipk is associated and it is assumed that the maximum current value which can occur and which can be withstand by the switchboard does not exceed the peak value, related to the Icw by a coefcient n.
Rated conditional short-circuit current Icc The rated conditional short-circuit current characterizing the circuit of a switchboard is the value of prospective short-circuit current, stated by the manufacturer, which that circuit, protected by a short-circuit protective device specied by the manufacturer, can withstand satisfactorily for the operating time of the device under the test conditions specied. With reference to these denitions, it is possible to say that the circuit of a switchboard for which a specic Icw has been dened, can withstand the electro-dynamic stresses due to the initial peak value which can reach a maximum value equal to Icw x n and a specic thermal energy due to the current and equal to Icw2 x t (with t=1s). On the other hand, the circuit of a switchboard protected by a suitable device shall have a rated conditional shortcircuit current if it can withstand the electro-dynamic stresses due to the peak current limited by the protective device and a specic thermal energy let through by the protective device in correspondence with the prospective short-circuit current Ik.
3.1.1 General prescriptions and information about short-circuit withstand strength

As regards the short-circuit withstand strength of an assembly, the Std. IEC 60439-1 prescribes that the user of the switchboard shall give the manufacturer the data relevant to the short-circuit currents at the installation point so that the assembly is protected against shortcircuit by protective devices for example automatic circuit-breakers positioned inside or outside the switchboard and so that it is manufactured to withstand the thermal and dynamic stresses occurring under shortcircuit conditions. The information concerning the shortcircuit withstand strength of the switchboard are given by the manufacturer according to the presence or not of the protective device.
Rated peak withstand current Ipk The rated peak withstand current of a switchboard circuit is the value of peak current assigned to that circuit by the manufacturer which that circuit can withstand satisfactorily under the test conditions specied by the Standard. The peak current value, which is used to determine electro-dynamic stresses, is obtained by multiplying the short-time current by the coefcient n. The values normalized by the multiplying factor n are reported in Table 21.
39
For assemblies with an automatic circuit-breaker incorporated in the incoming unit, the manufacturer shall indicate the maximum allowable value of short-circuit current, expressed as: - rated conditional short-circuit current Icc, when the protective device is a circuit-breaker having remarkable current limiting characteristics; - allowable short-time withstand current Icw, when the protective device is a circuit-breaker having a high Icw value. For assemblies where a protective circuit-breaker is not incorporated in the incoming unit, the manufacturer may indicate: - a rated conditional short-circuit current (Icc), specifying the characteristics of the external device which protects the switchboard (rated current, breaking capacity, limited current, specic let-through energy); - an allowable value of short-time withstand current (Icw). If the duration of the current is not specied, the current is understood to be equal to 1sec; if the initial peak value is not specied, this is understood to be linked to the assigned conditional short-circuit withstand current through the factor n.
short-circuit stresses limited by the protective devices installed on the supply side of the busbars. In practice, if the limiting characteristics of the protective device upstream the busbar system are not remarkable (or if they are not known in advance), the busbar system shall be rated so that the Icw is higher than the shortcircuit current value at the installation point. Here is an application example to illustrate this concept:
Figure 24 Icw=100kA
SACE
3.2 Prescriptions concerning the electrical

circuits of a switchboard
In addition to the previous general prescriptions concerning the indication of the short-circuit withstand strength of a switchboard, the Standard prescribes how the electrical circuits inside the assembly must be dimensioned in order to reduce the possibility that a fault occurs. The main prescriptions are given with reference to the internal busbar system, which shall be designed so that the likelihood of a short-circuit on the busbars is remote. As regards busbar dimensioning in relation to the shortcircuit withstand strength, different prescriptions must be complied with if reference is made to a main busbar system rather than to circuits derived from the busbars.
Ik=100kA
3.2.1 Main busbar systems

The main busbars (bare or insulated) shall be arranged in such a manner that an internal short-circuit is not to be expected under normal operating conditions. Unless otherwise specied, the busbars shall be rated in accordance with the information concerning the shortcircuit withstand strength and designed to withstand the
In the switchboard of Figure 24, the circuit-breaker protecting the main busbar system is an Emax E4H with Icw = 100kA. If also the busbar system has an Icw value equal to 100kA or higher, the circuit formed by the circuit-breaker and by the busbar system shall be considered to have Icw = 100kA. On the other hand, if the device protecting the main busbar system is an automatic circuit-breaker with current limiting characteristics, the busbar system may be dimensioned to withstand the stresses due to the limited peak current and to the specic let-through energy limited by the circuit-breaker. The switchboard of Figure 25 to be installed in a plant with a prospective short-circuit current Ik equal to 100kA at 400V is now taken as example. A Tmax T6L1000 is chosen as incoming circuit-breaker.
In correspondence with the Ik values, downstream the incoming apparatus, the following parameters are veried: - specic let-through energy lower than 20MA2s - limited peak current lower than 80kA The presence of a current limiting apparatus inside the switchboard allows a busbar system with an Icw value < 100kA (short-circuit current in the plant) to be installed on the load side of this apparatus, to which, however, a peak current value and a specic let-through energy exceeding those measured on the load side of the circuitbreaker shall correspond.
Figure 25 Icw=50kA
3.2.2 Distribution busbars and conductors derived by the main busbars

Within a section of an assembly, the conductors and the distribution busbars positioned between the main busbars and the supply side of functional units, as well as the components included in these units, may be rated on the basis of the reduced short-circuit stresses occurring on the load side of the respective short-circuit device, provided that these conductors are arranged so that under normal operating conditions, an internal short-circuit between phases and/or between phases and earth is only a remote possibility. Such conductors are preferably of solid rigid manufacture. The economical and dimensional advantages which result from this prescription of the Standard are evident, above all when there are many circuits derived by a single main busbar system.
Figure 26
Dimensioned according to the limiting characteristics of the main circuit-breaker
M a i n
b u s b a r
T2 160
b u s b a r
T7
T2 160
D i s t r i b u t i o n
Ik=100kA
Dimensioned according to the limiting characteristics of T2 circuit-breaker Dimensioned according either to the limiting characteristics of the biggest circuit-breaker among the outgoing circuitbreakers of the single units, or to the performances of the main circuit-breaker. Dimensioned according to the limiting characteristics of T3 circuit-breaker
T3 250
T3 250
T3 250
For example, a busbar system characterized by an Icw value equal to 50kA can withstand the following parameters: - specic let-through energy 50kA x 50kA x 1s = 2500MA2s - peak current 50kA x 2.1 = 105kA As a consequence it is quite easy to verify that the busbar system (Icw = 50kA, Ipk = 105kA, I2t = 2500MA2s) can withstand greater stresses than those ones generated on the load side of T6L circuit-breaker. To conclude: it is possible to install a busbar system with an Icw value equal to 50kA on the load side of the circuit-breaker type T6L; in this case, the circuit formed by the busbars and by the circuit-breaker shall have Icc = 100kA and therefore it is suitable for the prospective short-circuit current of the plant.
Conductors
Figure 26 represents a switchboard where the vertical distribution busbar, constituted by a bare bar of solid manufacture and provided with spacers, is derived from the main busbar, so that the possibility that a short-circuit occurs can be considered as remote. From this busbar, different horizontally-arranged conductors (in cable) depart, supplying the main circuitbreakers of the different outgoing feeders. For a correct dimensioning of the vertical distribution busbar, it is possible to consider the outgoing device having the lowest current limiting performances. Thus, also in the event of a fault on the load side of the circuit-
41
breaker with lower limiting characteristics, the busbar shall undergo acceptable stresses. Dimensioning of the distribution busbar carried out according to the above corresponds to the Standard prescriptions; in spite of this, the usual procedure for many switchboard manufacturers is dimensioning distribution busbars making reference to the performances of the circuit-breaker on the incoming of the switchboard, in terms of let-through energy and limited peak current value. On the contrary, the different cables which feed the individual circuit-breakers shall be dimensioned according to the limiting characteristics of the relevant device they supply.
3.3.1 Minimum anchor distances for conductors

One of the main problems which regard short-circuit and which is to be faced directly by panel builders is the maximum anchor distances of the conductors connected to the circuit-breakers from the circuit-breaker terminals. As known, inside the switchboards it is necessary that cables and busbars are fastened to the frame. In fact, during a short-circuit, the dynamic stresses on the conductors could affect also the circuit-breaker terminals causing damages. Figure 27 shows some diagrams relevant to Tmax and Emax series circuit-breakers allowing to determine, as a function of the maximum peak current under short-circuit conditions and of the circuit-breaker typology, the maximum distances from the circuit-breaker terminals to the rst anchor element of the conductors. The term conductor is used for busbars when the current exceeds or is equal to 400A, whereas cables are referred to when the current is lower than this value. This distinction is made complying with the Tables 8 and 9 of the Std. IEC 60439-1. When specic requirements demand or prescribe the use of busbars also for currents lower than 400A, the distances which can be obtained by the diagrams shall not undergo any variations, whereas the distances referred to the use of busbars are not valid when using cables.
L [mm]
3.3 Reduction of the possibility of shortcircuit events and of the relevant effects
As regards the prescriptions aimed at making unlikely the occurrence of a short-circuit in live conductors, the Std. IEC 60439-1 suggests a series of measures which depend on the conductor typology. As an example here are the prescriptions intended for: - bare conductors, or single-core conductors, with basic insulation, e.g. cables complying with IEC 60227-3, for which mutual contact or contact with conductive parts shall be avoided, for example by use of spacers; - single-core conductors with basic insulation and a maximum permissible conductor-operating temperature above 90 C, for example cables complying with IEC 60245-3, or heating resistant PVC insulated cables according to IEC 60227-3, for which mutual contact or contact with conductive parts is permitted where there is no applied external pressure. Contact with sharp edges must be avoided. There must be no risk of mechanical damage. These conductors may only be loaded such that an operating temperature of 70 C is not exceeded: - conductors with basic insulation (cables complying with IEC 60227-3), having additional secondary insulation, for example individual covered cables with shrink sleeving or individually run cables in plastic conduits, or conductors insulated with a very high mechanical strength material (FTFE insulation), for which there are no additional requirements if there is no risk of mechanical damage.
Figure 27
Distance suggested for the rst anchor element of busbars as a function of the maximum prospective short-circuit current peak.
Tmax T1
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 10
Ipk [kA]
100
Tmax T2
450 400 350 300 250
Tmax T5
Valid for: - front and rear terminals - connection by means of rigid busbars
600
500
L [mm]
400 200 150 100 200 50 0 10
L [mm]
100 Ipk [kA]
1000
300
100
Tmax T3
500 450 400 350 300
0 10
Ipk [kA]
100
1000
Distance suggested for the rst anchor element of busbars as a function of the maximum prospective short-circuit current peak. Circuit-breaker with horizontal and vertical terminals..
L [mm]
250 200 150 100 50 0 10 100 1000
Emax
500
E1 B
450
E2 B-N E3 N-S-H
400
E4 S-H E6 H-V
350
Tmax T4
700
Ipk [kA]
300
600
L [mm]
250
500
200
400
E2 L
L [mm]
150
300
E3 L
100
200
100
50
0 10 100 1000
Ipk [kA]
40
60
80
100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300
Ipk [kA]
43
As regards Tmax molded-case circuit-breakers, Figure 28 gives an example of the maximum distance (in mm) suggested for the positioning of the nearest anchor supFigure 28
port, in relation to the maximum peak current admitted for the circuit-breaker.
50
200
200
50
Tmax T4
Tmax T5
Tmax T6
Tmax T7
2.510mm2
200
200
300
60
200 300 200 200
200
60
200
Tmax T1
Tmax T2
Tmax T3
1670mm2
110mm2
200
50
200
50
200
As regards Emax air circuit-breakers, Figure 29 gives an example of the maximum distance (in mm) suggested for the positioning of the nearest anchor support for the busbars connecting to the circuit-breaker according to the different types of terminals available and for the highest peak values, as derived from the curves of Figure 28.
Figure 29
3.3.2 Verication of the short-circuit withstand strength and of the current limiting characteristics of circuit-breakers
In some cases, the Std. IEC 60439-1 allows that the shortcircuit withstand strength of assemblies is not veried. In particular, the following switchgear and controlgear assemblies are free from verication: - those having rated short-time withstand currents or rated conditional short-circuit currents lower than 10kA; - those protected by current limiting devices with a limited peak current not exceeding 17kA in correspondence with the maximum prospective short-circuit current measured at the terminals of the incoming circuit of the assembly. As known, the limiting characteristics of a circuit-breaker are a function of the working voltage of the circuit-breaker itself. Table 22 below gives - for the different protective circuitbreakers and the most common voltages of the plant the values which approximately represent the maximum prospective short-circuit current in [kA] which guarantee a limited peak current not exceeding 17kA, so that the short-circuit withstand test for the switchboard is not to be carried out.
Table 22 Circuit-breaker Rated current In [A] 63 63 25 32-63 125 125 <160 160 32 50 63 80 -160 63 80 100 125-160 200-250 20 32-50 80 100-320 320-1600 Rated voltage of the plant
Emax X1
200
200
Emax E1E6
Vertical P Horizontal P
200
Type S200 S200M S200P S200P S800 S290 T1 T1 Front Flat T2 T2 T2 P T2 P T3 T3 T3 P T3 T3 T4 T4 T4 Emax E1-E2 E3-E4-E6 E1-E6 Horizontal P [mm] 250 150 Vertical P [mm] 250 150 Front P [mm] 250 Flat P [mm] 250 T4 T5 T6 T7 P
230Vac 20 25 40 25 50 25 50 37 120 120 120 120 37 27 21 18 16 200 200 200 200 10
415Vac 10 15 25 15 50 15 35 33 85 85 65 50 20 18 16 15 14 200 200 100 24 10
500Vac 15(In80A) 10(In80A) 15 15 50 39 30 29 18 17 15 14 13 150 150 48 21 10
690Vac 6(In80A) 4.5(In80A) 6 6 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 8 8 80 55 32 19 10
The short-circuit current value reported in the table above must be compared with the breaking capacity of the circuit-breaker for the different versions available.
45
3.3.3 Problems concerning the installation distances

The Std. IEC 60439-1 assigns the circuit-breaker manufacturers the task of dening the prescriptions for the installation of these devices inside switchboards.
Figure 30
Hereunder, Figures 30 and 31 give, for ABB SACE circuit-breakers series Tmax and Emax respectively, the indications relevant to the distances to be complied with in the plants up to 690 Va.c.; such distances are already specied in the circuit-breaker technical catalogues and installation manuals.
Insulation distances for installation in metallic cubicle

A [mm] 25 25 50 30(*) 30(*) 35(*) 50(*) B [mm] 20 20 25 25 25 25 20 C [mm] 20 20 20 25(*) 25(*) 20 10
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7
(*) For Un 440V and T6L all versions: distances A 100 mm Note: For the insulation distances of the 1000 V circuit-breakers, please ask ABB SACE.
Distances between two circuit-breakers side by side or superimposed

For assembly side by side or superimposed, check that the connection busbars or cables do not reduce the air insulation distance
Minimum centre distance for two circuit-breakers side by side

Circuit-breaker width (mm) T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 3 poles 76 90 105 105 140 210 210 4 poles 102 120 140 140 184 280 280 Centre distance I [mm] 3 poles 76.8 90 105 105 140(*) 210 210 4 poles 102 120 140 140 184(*) 280 280 I
(*) For Un 500 V minimum centre I (mm) 3 poles 180, minimum centre I (mm) 4 poles 224
Minimum distance between two superimposed circuit-breakers

H [mm] T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 60 90 140 160 160 180 180
Connection not insulated
Cable terminal Insulated cable
Note: The dimensions shown apply for operating voltage Un up to
690 V. The dimensions to be respected must be added to the maximum dimensions of the various different versions of the circuit-breakers, including the terminals. For 1000 V versions, please ask ABB SACE.
Figure 31
Compartment dimensions
Emax E1 E2 E3 E4 E4f E6 E6f A [mm] 400 400 500 700 1000 B [mm] 490 490 630 790 880 1130 1260
Nota: For Emax X1 CB, please consider the same indications of Figure 30 referred to the insulation distance of Tmax T7 CB
Emax fixed version
Emax withdrawable version
500
500
A B 3 poles 4 poles
242 min. 282 max
A B 3 poles 4 poles
380
47
Annex A
Example of electrical switchboards with ABB circuit-breakers Annex A
This Annex contains considerations about two different typologies of switchboards with ABB circuit-breakers. First example
Configuration of the switchboard front

Section A Section B Section C
S7L - 1600A
E6 - 5000A
E3 - 2500A
Q5
SACE SACE
S7L - 1250A
Q1
Q2
Q6
E2 - 1250A S6L - 630A
SACE
Q7
S5L - 400A
Q3
Q8
S4L - 250A
E2 - 1250A
Supply
SACE
Q9
Q4
Switchboard characteristics
Switchboard dimensions Degree of protection IP3X Heigth: 2300 mm Form of separation 4B Width: 2900 mm Depth: 1100 mm
Data table
Circuit Circuit-breaker Rated current In [A] Rated diversity factor Test current [A] Rated short-time current Icw [kA] Rated peak current Ipk [kA] Rated conditional short-circuit current Icc [kA] Q1 E6H 5000 0.9 4500 100 220 Q2 E3H 2500 0.8 2000 100 220 Q3 E2L 1250 0.9 1125 100 Q4 E2L 1250 0.9 1125 100 Q5 S7L 1600 0.85 1360 100 Q6 S7L 1250 0.85 1062.5 100 Q7 S6L 630 0.85 535.5 100 Q8 S5L 400 0.85 340 100 Q9 S4L 250 0.85 212.5 100
The table above reports the data concerning the circuit-breakers installed in the switchboard and the relevant effective current carrying capacities obtained by the tests carried out in compliance with IEC 60439-1. From these results it is evident that, if the switchboard has been designed according to a correct layout and with suitable forms of separation, by positioning the apparatuses properly and with conductors and busbars rated in compliance with cross-sectional areas and minimum length prescribed by the Standard, the current carrying capacities of the circuit-breakers inside the switchboard shall be very near to the rated ones. From this table it results also how the main distribution circuit (orange trace), which is provided with a non-current-limiting circuit-breaker, shall be rated to withstand the conditioned current for 1 second and its relevant peak; on the other hand, the distribution circuits (brown trace), which are equipped with a current limiting circuit-breaker, shall be dimensioned according to the conditioned short-circuit current: thus, for the section C, the circuit-breakers shall be rated to withstand the peak and specic energy let-through by E2L, whereas, for the section A, they shall be sized according to the peak and specic energy let-through by S7L. Dimensioning carried out in compliance with this criterion is valid only if it can guarantee that the possibility that a fault occurs on the distribution busbar is null. If not, the distribution busbar too shall be dimensioned as the main busbar.
Second example
Annex A
Configuration of the switchboard front

Section A Chimney Section B Chimney
Q2 Q3 Q1
SACE
S7
withdraw.
1250A
withdraw.
T5
630A
E6H withdrawable 5000A
Q4 Q5
T5
withdraw.
400A
T4 fixed 250A
Switchboard characteristics
Switchboard dimensions Degree of protection IP30 Heigth: 2320 mm Form of separation 4 Width: 1800 mm Depth: 1240 mm
Data table
Circuit Circuit-breaker Rated current In [A] Rated diversity factor Test current [A] Rated short-time current Icw [kA] Rated peak current Ipk [kA] Rated conditional short-circuit current Icc [kA] Q1 E6H 5000 1 5000 100 220 Q2 S7H 1250 1 1250 100 Q3 T5H 630 1 630 100 Q4 T5H 400 1 400 100 Q5 T4H 250 1 250 100
The conductors and busbars used for the realization of the circuits of this switchboard are of bigger cross-sections than those suggested by the Standard. Under these conditions, as it results from an analysis of the data reported in the table, the effective current carrying capacities of the circuits inside the switchboard turn out to coincide with the rated carrying capacities of the circuit-breakers. The same remarks of the previous case are valid also for the verication of the busbar protection.
49
Annex B
Forms of internal separation Annex B
By dividing assemblies by means of barriers or partitions (metallic or non-metallic) into separate compartments or enclosed protected spaces, protection against contact with hazardous live parts belonging to the adjacent functional units and protection against the passage of solid foreign bodies from one unit of the assembly to an adjacent one can be attained. The following are typical forms of separation by barriers or partitions:
Form 1
No internal separation
Form 2
Form 2a Separation of busbars from the functional Terminals for external conductors not separated from busbars units
Form 2b Terminals for external conductors separated from busbars
Form 3
Form 3a Separation of busbars from the functional units Terminals for external conductors not separated from busbars and separation of all functional units from one another. Separation of terminals for external conductors from the functional units, but not from those of other functional units Form 3b Terminals for external conductors separated from busbars
Form 4
Separation of busbars from all functional units and separation of all functional units from one another. Separation of terminals for external conductors associated with a functional unit from those of any other functional unit and the busbars
Form 4a Terminals for external conductors in the same compartment as the associated functional unit
Form 4b Terminals for external conductors not in the same compartment as the associated functional unit, but in individual, separate, enclosed protected spaces or compartments
Symbols
c a b
Caption a Enclosure b Internal separation c Functional units including terminals for associated external conductors d Busbars, including distribution busbars
Annex C
Degrees of protection (IP code) Annex C
As example, the table below reports the minimum degrees of protection for a switchgear and controlgear assembly to be installed in the specied environments in compliance with the above mentioned Standards. The degree of protection prescribed for an apparatus against access to hazardous live parts and against ingress of solid foreign objects and liquids is indicated by the Code IP... in accordance with the Std. IEC 60529. A brief description of the IP Code elements is given hereunder. For full details reference shall be made to the Std. IEC 60529. Code letters (International Protection) First characteristic numeral (numerals 0 to 6, or letter X) Second characteristic numeral (numerals 0 to 8, or letter X) Additional letter (optional) (letters A, B, C, D): Supplementary letter (optional) (letters H, M, S, W): IP Against ingress of solid foreign objects Against ingress of water with harmful effects Against access to hazardous parts Supplementary information
When a characteristic numeral is not required to be specied, it shall be replaced by the letter X (XX if both numerals are omitted).
Type of assemblies / Type of environment

Switchgear and controlgear assembly: enclosed switchboard Assemblies for outdoor installation Assemblies with protection by total insulation Installations in normal environments Live parts which are not be touched intentionally Live parts which are readily accessible (horizontal top) Installations in locations containing a bath tube or shower basin Zones 1 and 2 Zone 3 Zones 123 public baths where water jets are used for cleaning purposes Installations for swimming-pools Zone 0 Zone 1 Zone 2 for indoor locations Zone 2 for outdoor location Zone 2 where water jets are used for cleaning purposes Installations for rooms and cabins containing sauna heaters Assemblies for construction sites (ACS)
Standards and sub-clause

IEC 60439-1 sub-clause 2.3.3 IEC 60439-1 sub-clause 7.2.1.3 IEC 60439-1 sub-clause 7.4.3.2.2
Minimum degree of protection

Not dened IPX3 IP2XC
IEC 60364-4 sub-clause 412.2.1 IEC 60364-4 sub-clause 412.2.2
IPXXB (IP2X) IPXXD (IP4X)
IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 701.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 701.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 701.512.2
IPX4 IPX1 IPX5
IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 702.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 702.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 702.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 702.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 702.512.2 IEC 60364-7 sub-clause 703.512.2 IEC 60439-4 sub-clause 7.2.1.1
IPX8 IPX5 IPX2 IPX4 IPX5 IP24 IP44
51
Glossary
fn rated diversity factor Inc rated current of the circuit I2test, I3test.... test current of the circuit 2, test current of the circuit 3, etc. TT absolute temperature [C] TA air ambient temperature [C] T temperature-rise [K] LV low voltage PTTA partially type-tested low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assembly d.c. direct current a.c. alternating current Ib full load current PCB power loss of the circuit-breaker at Ib PnCB power loss of the circuit-breaker at InCB InCB rated current of the circuit-breaker PSB power loss of the busbar at Ib PnSB power loss of the busbar at InSB InSB busbar rated current LSB busbar length PTQ total power dissipated inside the switchboard AE effective cooling surface b surface factor A0 sum of the individual surface areas d temperature coefcient IP degree of protection Icw rated short-time current Ipk rated peak withstand current Icc rated conditional short-circuit current Ik prospective short-circuit current n peak factor
Glossary
Technical Application Paper

QT4
QT5
ABB circuit-breakers for direct current applications
QT1
Low voltage selectivity with ABB circuit-breakers
QT6
Arc-proof low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
QT2
MV/LV trasformer substations: theory and examples of short-circuit calculation
QT3
Distribution systems and protection against indirect contact and earth fault
Due to possible developments of standards as well as of materials, the characteristics and dimensions specied in this document may only be considered binding after conrmation by ABB SACE.
ABB SACE
A division of ABB S.p.A.
L.V. Breakers Via Baioni, 35 24123 Bergamo - Italy Tel.: +39 035.395.111 - Telefax: +39 035.395.306-433
http://www.abb.com
1SDC007103G0202 May 08 Printed in Italy 6.000 - CAL

1SDC007103G0202

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

1SDC007103G0202

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

1SDC007103G0202

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

4

Technical Application Papers

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

Introduction ............................................... 2 1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

3 Problems concerning shortcircuit

1.1 1.2 1.3 1

.2 Prescriptions concerning the electrical circuits of a switchboard. ....................... 40

.4 Verication of temperature-rise by extrapolation............................................ 7

Power loss inside switchboards.............. 9

.2 Dissipation of the heat generated inside switchboards............................... 16

.3 Dissipation of the heat generated in the terminals ............................................... 17

2 ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

1.2 The current carrying capacity

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

of temperature-rise by test (in compliance with IEC 60439-1)

4 ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

Temperature-rise (values or prescriptions)

I2 = 160A I3 = 400A I4 = 250A I5 = 630A I6 = 160A I7 = 400A

fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8 fn=0.8

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards

Parts intended to be touched but not gripped:

Parts which need not to be touched during normal operation:

Connection with busbar

6 ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

1.4 Verication of temperature-rise by

1 Problems of overheating inside switchboards 7

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

8 ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

2.1 Power loss inside switchboards

2.1.1 Internal structure

One pole bars

2.1.2 Typology of the circuit-breaker installed

Crosssection [mm] 100x10 100x10 100x10

In [A] 1000 3000 3000

ABB circuit-breakers inside LV switchboards

TMF TMD TMA MF MA

1.5 1.8 2 2.1 2.6 3.7 4.3 4.8 7 10.7 15

4.5 5.4 6 6.3 7.8 11.1 12.9 14.4 21 32.1 45

10.8 11.1 12.3 15 17.4 21.6 27 37.2 52.8

40.8 58.5 86.4

1.8 3.6 12 27.2 60

PR221 PR222 PR223

5.1 13.2 32.1 52.8

31.8 49.5 123

15 36 57,9 90 141 231

27 66 105,9 165 258 423

36 90 144 225 351,9

X1B-N F 41 65 102 159 260 W 63 100 157 257 400

X1L F 50 80 125 196 W 87 140 219 342

E1B-N F 65 96 150 253 W 95 147 230 378

E2B-N-S F 29 45 70 115 180 W 53 83 130 215 330 F

E3N-S-H-V F 22 38 60 85 130 205 330 W 36 58 90 150 225 350 570 F

170 265 415 650

290 445 700 1100