MNS Low Voltage Switchgear

System Guide

2
MNS is a registered trademark.
Product names of other products are registered trademarks of their manufacturers or owners.
Technical descriptions relate to MNS 3.0.
ABB assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. In no event shall ABB be liable for direct,
indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages of any nature or kind arising from the use of this document, nor shall
ABB be liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from use of any software or hardware described in this
document.
This document and parts thereof must not be reproduced or copied without ABBs written permission, and the contents
thereof must not be imparted to a third party nor be used for any unauthorized purpose. The software described in this
document is furnished under a license and may be used, copied, or disclosed only in accordance with the terms of such
license.
All rights reserved.
Copyright 2009 ABB Automation Products GmbH Ladenburg, Germany

MNS System Guide

This guide is intended to be used along with
other publications related to MNS Low Voltage
Switchgear, such as:
MNS Service Manual
Erection, Operation and Commissioning
Publication no. 1TGC902006M0402
MNS Safety Aspects
Publication no. 1TGC900009B0201
Further information on the integrated switchgear platform MNS iS can be obtained from:
MNS iS System Guide
Publication no. 1TGC910001B0203

Content

MNS Switchgear Overview

Switchgear Evolution

Features & Applications

Typical Set-up

Technical Data

10

Operational Safety and Availability

11

Switchgear Design

12

Functional Compartments and Segregation

12

Switchboard Arrangements

13

Switchboard Dimensions

13

Mechanical Design

14

Busbar System

15

Outgoing Modules

19

Plug-in Modules

20

Withdrawable Modules

22

Incoming Solutions

26

Integration into plant-wide Control Systems

28

After Sales and Service

30

Annex

32

Items subject to agreement between manufacturer and user

32

MNS System Overview

MNS Switchgear Overview

Switchgear Evolution
ABB is the global leader for low voltage
switchgear with over 1.4 million MNS cubicles
delivered worldwide since the inception of this
system in 1973. ABBs history in switchgear
can be traced back even further, to the 1890s
when we first manufactured switchgear
systems in Sweden.

With these credentials it is no surprise that the

MNS system is the benchmark for operational
safety, reliability and quality.
ABB draws on this wealth of background
knowledge in designing and manufacturing
low voltage switchgear for its global and local
customers. This together with the global service
and support network established in over 30
manufacturing locations world wide ensures
that the choice of MNS will be the right decision.

5
Hofors Power Station and
Rolling Mill 1890 Sweden

Hospital Zoetermeer, Netherlands

MNS System Overview

Features & Applications

The ABB MNS system is a low voltage switchgear assembly. Its design is verified in accordance with IEC 61439-1/-2.
The consistent application of the modular principle both in electrical and mechanical design
as well as the use of standardized components
allows its flexible and compact design.
Depending on operating and environmental
conditions different design levels are available.
Notable system advantages with regard to
design aspects:
Optimum protection for personnel and plant
Design verified by testing (type-tested) including arc fault containment
High operational reliability and availability
Earthquake-, vibration- and shock-proof
designs are available
Maintenance-free busbar and frame
construction
Simple retrofitting procedures
Compact, space-saving design
Simplified project implementation utilizing
ABBs dedicated engineering tool
6

Thus MNS proves to have the approved

solution for the following industries:
Oil & Gas, on and off shore
Chemical/ Petrochemical
Pharmaceutical
Power Stations
Paper
Water treatment
Mining
Steel
Food
Marine
as well as for infrastructure requirements:
Data centers
Airports
Office buildings
Shopping centers
Hospitals
Rail

MNS System Overview

Typical Set-up

MNS System Overview

ABB's world wide competence is second to

none, this is possible due to the global MNS
switchgear platform, and local ABB manufacturing facilities.
ABB ensures conformance to IEC 61439-1/-2
throughout these locations with a proprietary
switchgear engineering tool. This tool provides
a comprehensive database with predefined
engineering solutions for MNS. This database is
then utilized with minimal engineering effort to
provide customer specific solutions, thus
meeting local specifications.
Where specific solutions are required on a global
basis, these can easily be deployed throughout
the ABB manufacturing facilities network, thus
significantly reducing project lead times.

MNS System Overview

Technical Data

Standards
Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear
IEC 61439-1/-2

Assemblies - Verification by testing*


Test certificates
ASTA, Great-Britain (resist. to accidental arcs acc. to IEC 61641 and

IEC 60298, Appendix AA)

DLR German Research Institute for Aerospace e. V. Jlich, Earthquake Test

for Security Areas in Nuclear Power Stations

IABG Industrieanlagen Betriebsgesellschaft, Vibration and shock tests

Complying with Germanischer Lloyd, Hamburg

10

Electrical data
Rated voltages

Rated insulation voltage Ui

Rated operating voltage Ue
Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp
Overvoltage category
Degree of pollution
Rated frequency

1000 V 3~, 1500 V- **

690 V 3~, 750 V-**
6 / 8 / 12 kV **
II / III / IV **
3
up to 60 Hz

Rated current

Copper Busbars:
Rated current Ie
Rated peak withstand current Ipk
Rated short-time withstand current Icw

up to 6300 A
up to 250 kA
up to 100 kA

Copper Distribution bars:

Rated current Ie
Rated peak withstand current Ipk
Rated short-time withstand current Icw

up to 2000 A
up to 176 kA
up to 100 kA

Arc Fault

Containment

Rated operational voltage

Prospective short-circuit current
Duration
Criteria (IEC 61641)

690 V
up to 100 kA
300 ms
1 to 5

Forms of
separation

Mechanical

Dimensions
characteristics

Cubicles and frames

Recommended height
Recommended width
Recommended depth
Basic grid size

Degrees of
According to IEC 60529
Protection

Steel

components

Frame, incl. internal subdivisions

Cladding, internal
Cladding, external

Up to Form 4
DIN 41488
2200 mm
400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mm
400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mm
E = 25 mm acc. to DIN 43660
External from IP 30 to IP 54
Internal from IP 2X
2.0 / 2.5 mm
1.5 / 2.0 mm
1.5 mm

Surface
Frame, incl. internal subdivisions

protection/
Cladding, internal

Paint
Cladding, external

Zinc or Alu-zinc coated

Zinc or Alu-zinc coated
Zinc or Alu-zinc coated and
Powder coated RAL 7035 (light grey)

IEC 60707,
DIN VDE 0304 part 3

Plastic
components

Halogen-free, self-extinguishing,
flame retardant, CFC-free

Optional Extras, Busbar system

Busbars
available on
request

Fully insulated with heat

shrinkable sleeving
Silver plating
Tin plating

Special
qualification

Test certificates

See test certificates listed above

Paint

Enclosure

Special colours on request

* Design verification by testing: Where an Assembly has previously been tested in accordance with IEC 60439-1, and the results fulfil the requirements of IEC 61439-1/-2,
the verification of these tests need not be repeated.
** Depending on the electrical equipment

Operational Safety and Availability

Operational Safety and Availability

The fulfillment of all instructions of the relevant

standard for Low Voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies assures a basic level for
personnel and system protection. With MNS,
ABB exceeds these levels as a standard. This
has been proven by type tests in accordance
with IEC 60439-1. Test results comply with the
instructions of IEC 61439-1/-2 so that MNS
is a verified design under the terms of this
standard.
The MNS low voltage switchgear system has
been subjected to verification by testing in
compliance with the standards. In order to
ensure the highest possible degree of safety,
ABB continues to conduct tests as per a continuous development program. These tests are
based on the most critical representative applications of the entire product or performance
range of the switchgear with respect to the test
standard.

In addition to the above specifications ABB

adopted as a standard IEC 61641 for testing
under conditions of arcing due to an internal
fault. To meet the requirements of IEC 61641,
the switchgear is connected and supplied corresponding to the normal service arrangement.
An arc is then initiated within the switchgear,
the point of ignition is chosen to produce the
most stress on the assembly. There are five
criteria observed for the test, in line with its
Safety Plus statement ABB ensures that all
five are met. In addition to these five criteria
ABB also meets the addition plant protection
criteria as detailed in VDE 0660 part 500.

For more information on arc fault containment

the MNS Safety Aspects brochure delivers
essential considerations concerning plant and
personnel safety assured by MNS, such as:

Basic safety philosophy

Switchgear assembly verified by testing
Arc fault protection
Degrees of protection (IP code)
Internal separation
Earthquake, vibration and shock
Neutral conductor dimensioning

11

Switchgear Design

Switchgear Design
Functional Compartments and Segregation

The assembly is divided into compartments

thus separating different functional areas.

12

Incoming circuit breaker solution

1 Equipment compartment
The equipment compartment is divided into
3 sub sections, each sub section having its
own door.
The center sub section accommodates the
circuit breaker and associated equipment in
fixed or withdrawable design.
Depending upon the option for cable entry,
for example with top entry solution access to
incoming connections is via the door in the
upper sub section, the auxiliary compartment
is then located behind the door in the lower
sub section. For bottom entry the configuration
is vice versa.
3 Busbar compartment
Contains the MNS main busbar system.
Connection to the main bus is via a Partition
Plate with gas sealed connections.

Outgoing solution
1 Equipment compartment
All equipment, including the motor starter
modules in withdrawable design, is situated
therein. The compartment can be divided into
horizontal and vertical* sub compartments.
2 Cable compartment
Contains control cables and terminals, as well
as power cables and connection units. Cable
entry may be top or bottom.
3 Busbar compartment
Contains the MNS main busbar system.
The distribution bars are embedded in the
multifunction wall (MFW) which is located
between the equipment compartment and
the busbar compartment.
* Withdrawable solutions only

Switchgear Design

Switchboard Arrangements

MNS cubicles can be arranged as follows: free

standing, back-to-back or duplex.

Switchboard Dimensions
MNS cubicles have the following representative
dimensions:

13

Switchgear Design

Mechanical Design

14

Frame construction

Enclosure

The basic elements of the MNS frame

construction are C shaped steel profiles with
a 25 mm hole pitch according to DIN 43660.
This 25 mm equals the dimension of 1E used in
MNS to define the area usage within the
switchgear.

MNS switchboard enclosure is made of sheet

steel protected by galvanic coating and powder
coating for maximum durability.

Each cubicle is precision constructed by bolting

horizontal and vertical profiles together, to form
a rigid modular structure.
The assembly is maintenance free as a result of
the construction method utilizing a combination
of thread locking ESLOK screws with bolted
pressure plates and thread forming screws.
The profiles are galvanic protected (Zn or Al/Zn)
against corrosion.

The fixing of the enclosure with respect to doors,

roof plates, rear and side walls is achieved with
thread forming screws. Final construction varies
depending upon the required degree of
protection.
In accordance with the general safety philosophy
followed with MNS, each compartment and
sub-compartment which requires access for
commissioning, operation or maintenance, has
its own door.

Switchgear Design

Busbar System

Main Busbars
The MNS main busbar system is arranged in
the rear of the switchgear. This assures a
maximum distance between the busbars and
the operator and maintenance staff. The main
busbar system is fully separated from the
equipment compartment as well as from the
cable compartment.

The busbar system is a maintenance free construction as a result of utilizing thread locking
ESLOK screws together with conical spring
washers. This technology remains relatively
unchanged since the introduction of MNS, and
has been extensively supplied into the most
demanding industries.
The busbar system and all associated parts
are manufactured from copper in accordance
with DIN 40500. Options are available for silver
plating and/or a fully insulated solution utilizing
heat shrinkable sleeving.

15

Switchgear Design

Protective Earth and Neutral Bars

16

As a standard, protective earth and neutral

bars run horizontally within the front of the
switchboard just above the base. The PE bar
is fastened to the frame to assure electrical
continuity. Inside the cable compartment they
run vertically, located on the front right hand
side of the compartment.
For applications where a 50% or 100% neutral
size is required due to unbalance or harmonic
distortion as well as for 4 pole switching, the

neutral conductor can be arranged within the

busbar compartment running in parallel with the
main busbars.

Distribution bars
A fully phase segregated and encapsulated
3 or 4 pole distribution bar system runs the full
height of the cubicle. The distribution bars are
silver plated as standard.

System Highlights
Maintenance free bus bar construction
Easy switchgear extension
Main busbar arrangement at the rear thus assuring
- maximum safety to personnel
- effective withstand against highest stresses in case of short circuit
- optimum heat dissipation
Gas tight seals for connection from the equipment compartment to the main busbar system
Option for Form 4 separation for both incoming and outgoing assemblies
Active and passive arc fault prevention tested according to IEC 61641
Isolating materials are free of CFC and halogens

Switchgear Design

Multifunction Wall
The multifunction wall (MFW) with the embedded distribution bars is a unique MNS design.
It constitutes a complete barrier between the
main busbars and the equipment compartment.
The distribution bars are fully phase segregated
and insulated. This design makes it virtually
impossible for an arc to pass between distribution bar phases or between main busbars and
equipment compartment.
The insulation material is CFC and halogen free,
it is also flame-retardant and self-extinguishing.

Contact openings are finger proof (IP 2X) so

that personal safety is guaranteed even when
modules are removed.
With the use of MNS specific power contact
housings full single phase segregation is
assured prior to the connection of the power
contacts to the distribution bars.

17

Switchgear Design

18

Power Contact
Connection to the distribution bar is realized
using the precision-engineered MNS power
contacts. The power contact is characterized
by a turnable bearing, thus decoupling cable
stress and electrical contact. Consequently any
cable bending forces cannot affect the stability
of the power contact.

Tests:
Design verification acc. IEC 61439-1/-2
Corrosion test acc. DIN 50017 and
IEC 60068-2-60
Crimping quality check acc. IEC 61238-1
Vibration and shock test acc. IEC 60068-2-6
and IEC 60068-2-27

System Highlights

The mechanical stabilisation is achieved by the

supporting plate and the contact spring where
the contact fingers ensure positive electrical
contact. Contact fingers are silver plated as
standard.
The contact has been subjected to several
tests in order to prove the sophisticated design
and the high quality, which provides a life cycle
up to 1000 insertions.

Operational life cycle up to 1000 insertions

(independently certified)
Bearing construction eliminating cable stress
Full single phase segregation assured prior
to the connection of the power contacts to
the distribution bars

Outgoing Modules

Outgoing Modules

Personal Safety

~ 1 min

Withdrawable
Modules
Time effort
for module
exchange /
Mean time
to repair
(MTTR)

Plug-in / Slimline
Modules

Tools
required
for
module
exchange

Fixed *
Modules
~1h

Required Personnel Qualification

* Information on request

19

The available module types have typical

characteristics as shown in the graphic above.
Where high process availability is essential and
minimal time is required for module exchange
the withdrawable solution has proved to be the
definitive choice.
In installations where internal access to the
switchgear does not present an obstacle the
plug-in option may be the practical solution.
Depending upon the choice of outgoing modules selected, the skill set of the personnel
required to operate and maintain the switchgear may also differ.
Switchgear requirements differ from project to
project. MNS easily allows the assembly to be
configured to suit all plant operational procedures.

Outgoing Modules

Plug-in Modules
MNS offer numerous alternatives for plug-in
modules. When utilizing the multifunction wall,
all modules have the ability to be exchanged
without de-energizing the switchgear, should
maintenance procedures allow.

The Slimline switch disconnector offers ABBs

most compact form of fused energy distribution, and is available in 3 or 4 pole options. This
design is available in standard modules sizes
with a maximum rating of 630 A.

The flexibility of the system allows power

distribution and motor control to be offered in
the most economical Form 2 solution. From
this as a basis, options exist for internal/external operation and separation to Form 4.

Operation is performed via the handle on

the front of the module which has an inbuilt
padlocking facility and mechanical open/closed
indication.
The following options are available:
Ammeter
Auxiliary contacts
Fuse blown indication

20

The Slimline is also available as Intelligent Tier

Switch enabling the following information to be
sent via its fieldbus connection:
Switch status
Fuse indication
Current
Voltage
Power & Power Consumption
Power factor
Temperature

Outgoing Modules

Plug-in Modules
AC Industrial Drives
Due to its inherent modular design MNS can
easily be adapted to house the ABB range of
AC Industrial Drives. The switchgear can
accommodate multiple drives in a single section.
Each drive compartment has an individual
isolator, options are available for filters to be
installed and for the drive control panel to be
door mounted to enable interrogation and
parameterization without the need to open the
door.

Full size cubicles are also available for the AC

Industrial Drives solution. These are, however,
of a fixed technique, enabling MNS to offer a
complete range of drives all supplied from a
common AC bus.

Reactive Power Compensation

MNS also offers the possibility of integrating
reactive power compensation modules into its
standard design thus reducing the requirements for additional external cubicles.
The modular design offers highest flexibility to
adjust the compensation power to changes of
the load connected to the network.
The standard range covers:
Network voltages up to 690 V
50 or 60 Hz
All common reactor rates (if reactor required)
Modules up to 50 kVar
Controllers available for 6 or 12 step options
21

Outgoing Modules

Withdrawable Modules

22

The withdrawable technique has proved to

be the appropriate solution for use in industrial
applications where requirements for high
availability are a must particularly in Motor
Control Centers (MCC).
Modules can be easily exchanged under
operational conditions thus assuring maximum
flexibility.

Small modules
Withdrawable technique is distinguished by
its compact design where, with the smallest
8E/4 module it is possible to physically define
a maximum of 36 modules in the equipment
compartment. This modularity enables the
assembly to maximize the usage of the available
space, which in turn reduces the overall footprint of the switchgear.
The condaptor unit enables the horizontal
distribution of power from the vertical distribution
bars, this allows 2 modules (8E/2) or 4 modules
(8E/4) to be located adjacently within the same
horizontal position in the cubicle. Condaptors
are available in 3 or 4 pole options. Cable
connections for main and auxiliary circuits are
integrated into the condaptor and are accessible
from the cable compartment.

Outgoing Modules

Full width modules

These modules are available ranging from 4E to
48E in physical sizes. The construction of the
full modules differs slightly from that of the small
modules in utilizing a full width hinged door
which is mechanically interlocked to the isolator.
All operational procedures for the modules are
possible without the need to open the door of
the module.

Full width modules connect directly to the

distribution bars through the multifunction wall.
The design of the module enables auxiliary
components to be located on both the vertical
and horizontal mounting plates within the
module, thus optimizing the available space
usage within the module. Cable connections
for main and auxiliary circuits are accessible
from the cable compartment.

23

Outgoing Modules

Module operation
MNS modules are operated with the multifunction
operating handle. This handle also activates the
electrical and mechanical interlocking of the
module and the module door. No further tools
or unlocking devices are necessary to withdraw
a module, thus replacing a module takes less
than a minute. Replacement as well as retrofitting of modules can be performed under live
conditions, should plant operating procedures
allow.

24

Outgoing Modules

Withdrawable module positions

All main and auxiliary connections are self
locating, without the need of additional tools.
ON: Module is inserted, main switch closed,
main and control circuit connected
OFF: Module is inserted, main switch open, main
and control circuit disconnected, padlocking
possible.

TEST: Module is inserted, main switch open,

main circuit disconnected, control circuit
connected, padlocking possible
ISOLATED: Module is withdrawn 30 mm from
the inserted position, main switch open, main
and control circuit disconnected, padlocking
possible
MOVE: Module may be completely withdrawn
from the switchgear
All positions/situations are clearly marked on
the fixed section of the operation handle in
accordance with IEC 61439-1/-2.

25

System Highlights

High stacking density, resulting in a reduced footprint

Complete phase isolation of main power contact prior to connection to the distribution bars
Full module functionality with external operation
Module replacement possible in less than 1 minute, no tools required

Incoming Solutions

Incoming Solutions

All of the MNS incoming solutions are verified in

accordance with IEC 61439-1/-2, in addition to
IEC 60947-1 required for the individual apparatus, and engineered to meet the requirements
of IEC 61641. This ensures ABBs offering of
'Proven Safety Plus' for operators and plant.

Incoming options

Please refer to the technical reference

section of this document for a list of related
documentation.

Further options available (but not limited to):

Zone selectivity
Dual protection settings
Directional short circuit protection
Reverse power
Under-/overvoltage protection
Annunciation of measured values, alarms
Maintenance data
Integration into a plant wide process control
Project Specific Options
Gas sealed connections to the main busbars
system (refer to page 28)
(separation wall)
3 or 4 pole solutions
In addition to the above ABB circuit breakers
Withdrawable/fixed configuration
offer a series of integrated programmable
Top or bottom cable entry/bus duct
releases (PRs), where combinations of
50% or 100% neutral
protection functions maybe selected with:
Shunt opening/closing release
Overload protection - L
Undervoltage release
Selective short circuit protection - S
Electrical signalisation of ACB status
Instantaneous short circuit protection I
Key locking facilities
Earthfault protection - G
Shutter locking facilities
Mechanical indication Racked In/Racked
Out/Test Isolated position
Locking in Racked In/ Racked Out/Test
Isolated position
Switch disconnector option
ACB handling truck
Configuration and test unit
All ACBs have as a minimum the following
features:
Manual charging lever and Charged indication
Manual Open/Close push buttons
Mechanical 'Open'/'Closed' indication
Mechanical signalling of Overcurrent release
4 auxiliary contacts

26

In order to satisfy all requirements there are

three main switch incoming options:
Load break switches
Moulded case circuit breakers (MCCBs)
Air circuit breakers (ACBs)

Incoming Solutions

ACB withdrawable operation

In a withdrawable solution the ACB assembly
consists of two components, the fixed part
(cassette) and the moving part (ACB). This
enables the ACB to be located in 3 positions:
CONNECTED: The moving part is fully inserted
into the fixed part with the connection of both
the power terminals and the auxiliary contacts.
The circuit breaker is operational and the
mechanical indicator shows CONNECTED.

DISCONNECTED: The moving part is inserted

into the fixed part without any connection of
the power and auxiliary terminals. In this
position all electrical operation of the ACB is
prevented. The mechanical indicator shows
DISCONNECTED. The switchgear compartment door can remain closed, therefore not
compromising the IP rating of the switchgear.
The ACB cassette (fixed part) has shutters
which are positively driven closed during the
racking out process to prevent the possibility
of contact with live parts.

TEST/ISOLATED: The moving part is inserted

into the fixed part without the connection of the
power terminals, but with connection of the
auxiliary terminals. The circuit breaker may be
operated for offline tests. The mechanical
indicator shows TEST ISOLATED.

27

Integration into plant-wide Control Systems

Integration into plant-wide Control Systems

System Connectivity Aspects

ABBs structure with respect to offering site
wide information is that a field bus connection
for process control information and switching
commands is utilized. An additional interface,
which is typically Ethernet is used to support
functions such as parameterization, data
distribution to electrical SCADA and/or asset
optimization systems. This configuration is also
continued through the ABB medium voltage
product portfolio.

Process
Control

Configuring the structure as detailed above

ensures that the critical process data path is
not compromised by also being utilized for
parameterization and additional data required
for engineering and maintenance.

28

With the introduction of MNS ABB has been

providing market leading low voltage switchgear systems technology. In 1987 ABB installed
the worlds first intelligent low voltage motor
control center, since then ABB has delivered
over 100,000 intelligent motor controllers.
In 2005, MNS iS the worlds first integrated low
voltage switchgear platform was launched.
MNS iS defines the next benchmark in low voltage switchgear, providing the following features:
Improved personnel safety through a
unique design
Lower life cycle cost from a totally scalable
system
Worlds first standardised motor controller and
feeder modules
World first self supervising switchgear by the
use of asset monitoring
Future proof, utilizing ABBs patented inter-
facing technology
The MNS iS platform offers in addition to the
above the basic characteristics of an intelligent
motor control system (IMCS).
Micro processor protection monitoring and
control of motor and distribution circuits
Interfacing to host systems via fieldbus
communications

Asset
Monitoring

Integration into plant-wide Control Systems

Fieldbus

29

Ethernet

User
Interface
Parameterization

After Sales and Service

After Sales and Service

Plant
Availability
Asset Monitoring

Proactive

Condition Monitoring

Predictive

Continuous Maintenance and Spares Holding

Preventive
Maintenance

Overhaul
Repair

Commissioning

Reactive
Maintenance

Life Cycle

30

ABBs goal is to ensure the assets maximum

performance and availability. ABB has supplied
over 1.4 million MNS cubicles from its world wide
manufacturing locations. Each of these locations
operates with an After Sales and Service department, offering unparalleled global support.

Regular Services
ABB offers comprehensive service and support
during the whole life time of the switchgear:

On completion of commissioning, the switchgear is at the peak of its performance. To

maintain this condition it is essential to adopt a
service and maintenance plan for this asset. If
the switchgear does not receive maintenance,
this could result in downtime. In production the
availability of the switchgear ensures productivity,
and any down time is a lost opportunity for
profit. Down time can be attributed to the
following maintenance practices.
Reactive maintenance is costly for both
production and unplanned downtime.
Preventive or Continuous maintenance is
usually performed on an annual basis, during
a scheduled shutdown.
By evaluating information from the intelligent
switchgear it is possible to adopt a Predictive
maintenance schedule.

Utilizing an ABB expertise can help to increase

the life cycle of the switchgear.

Engineering assistance
Product training
Spares holding
Installation and commissioning
Service planning
Hardware and software support
Upgrades, expansions and modifications

After Sales and Service

31

Contract Services

Asset Monitoring with MNS iS

ABB can offer comprehensive maintenance

contracts designed specifically for each particular
process. Through preventive maintenance
programs unscheduled outages can be reduced
and maintenance workflows are streamlined.

In a further step of improving maintenance

practices ABBs MNS iS platform is a fully self
supervising switchgear that can eliminate costs
for assets that do not require attention.

Utilization of integrated switchgear enables

the maintenance to be taken into an even predictive maintenance practice, where information
available from the switchgear can further assist
with maintenance workflow.

The asset monitor system evaluates all events,

alarms and trips for predictive maintenance
planning and essential working issues. The
conditions are monitored and entered into
groups; electrical, mechanical and plant
associated. Each condition has a cause and
suggested action for problem resolution.
Asset monitoring sets the next standard for
integrated maintenance procedures enabling
higher switchgear availability through Proactive
maintenance.

Annex

Items subject to agreement between manufacturer and user

The following details are intended as a checklist for the

specification of low voltage switchgear.

Extract from IEC 61439-1/-2

User defined functions and characteristics

Reference clause (for Parts 1 and 2)

Electrical system
Earthing system

5.5, 8.4.3.2.3, 8.6.2, 10.5, 11.4

Rated voltage Un (Volts)

3.8.8.1, 5.2.1, 8.5.3

Overvoltage category

5.2.4, 8.5.3, 9.1, Annex G

Unusual voltage transients, voltage stresses, temporary overvoltages

9.1

Rated frequency fn (Hz)

3.8.11, 5.4, 8.5.3, 10.10.2.3, 10.11.5.4

Additional on site testing requirements: wiring, operational performance and function

11.10

Short circuit withstand capability

Prospective short circuit current at supply terminals Icp (kA)

3.8.6

Prospective short circuit current in the neutral

10.11.5.3.5

Prospective short circuit current in the protective circuit

10.11.5.6

SCPD in the incoming functional unit

9.3.2

Co-ordination of short-circuit protective devices

9.3.4

including external short-circuit protective device details

Data associated with loads likely to contribute to the shortcircuit current

9.3.2

Protection of persons against electric shock in accordance with IEC 60364-4-41

Type of protection against electric shock - Basic protection (protection against direct contact)

32

8.4.2

NOTE This type of protection is intended to protect against electric shock due to direct contact
within the ASSEMBLY during normal service conditions.
Type of protection against electric shock - Fault protection (protection against indirect contact)

8.4.3

NOTE These types of protection are intended to protect against the consequences of a fault
within the ASSEMBLY.
Installation environment
Location type

3.5, 8.1.4, 8.2

Protection against ingress of solid foreign bodies and ingress of liquid

8.2.2, 8.2.3

External mechanical impact (IK)

8.2.1, 10.2.6

NOTE IEC 61439-1 does not nominate specific IK codes.

Resistance to UV radiation (applies for outdoor assemblies only unless specified otherwise)

10.2.4

Resistance to corrosion

10.2.2

Ambient air temperature lower limit

7.1.1

Ambient air temperature upper limit

7.1.1

Ambient air temperature daily average maximum

7.1.1

Maximum relative humidity

7.1.2

Pollution degree

7.1.3

Altitude

7.1.4

EMC environment

9.4, 10.12, Annex J

Special service conditions (e.g. vibration, exceptional condensation, heavy pollution, corrosive

7.2, 8.5.4, 9.3.3, Table 7,

environment, strong electric or magnetic fields, fungus, small creatures, explosion hazards, heavy
vibration and shocks, earthquakes)

Annex

User defined functions and characteristics

Reference clause (for Parts 1 and 2)

Installation method
Type

3.3, 5.5

Portability

3.5

Maximum overall dimensions and weight

6.2.1

External conductor type(s)

8.8

Direction(s) of external conductors

8.8

External conductor material

8.8

External phase conductor, cross sections, and terminations

8.8

External PE, N, PEN conductors cross sections, and terminations

8.8

Special terminal identification requirements

8.8

Storage and handling

Maximum dimensions and weight of transport units

6.2.2, 10.2.5

Methods of transport (e.g. forklift, crane)

6.2.2, 8.1.7

Environmental conditions different from the service conditions

7.3

Packing details

6.2.2

Operating arrangements
Access to manually operated devices

8.4, 8.5.5

Isolation of load installation equipment items

8.4.2, 8.4.3.3, 8.4.5.2

Maintenance and upgrade capabilities

Requirements related to accessibility in service by ordinary persons; requirement to operate devices

8.4.5.1

or change components while the ASSEMBLY is energised

Requirements related to accessibility for inspection and similar operations

8.4.5.2.2

Requirements related to accessibility for maintenance in service by authorized persons

8.4.5.2.3

Requirements related to accessibility for extension in service by authorized persons

8.4.5.2.4

Method of functional units connection

8.5.1, 8.5.2

NOTE This refers to the capability of removal and reinsertion of functional units.
Protection against direct contact with hazardous live internal parts during maintenance or upgrade

33
8.4

(e.g. functional units, main busbars, distribution busbars)

Method of functional units connection

8.5.101

NOTE This refers to the capability of removal and reinsertion of functional units.
Form of separation

8.101

Capability to test individual operation of the auxiliary circuits relating to specified circuits while the

3.1.102, 3.2.102, 3.2.103, 8.5.101,

functional unit is isolated

Table 103

Current carrying capability

Rated current of the ASSEMBLY InA (Amps)

3.8.9.1, 5.3, 8.4.3.2.3, 8.5.3, 8.8,

10.10.2, 10.10.3, 10.11.5, Annex E

Rated current of circuits Inc (Amps)

5.3.2

Rated diversity factor

5.3.3, 10.10.2.3, Annex E

Ratio of cross section of the neutral conductor to phase conductors: phase conductors up to and
including 16 mm2

8.6.1

NOTE Current in the neutral may be influenced where there are significant harmonics, unbalanced
phase currents, or other conditions in the load that will necessitate a larger conductor.
Ratio of cross section of the neutral conductor to phase conductors: phase conductors
above 16 mm 2
NOTE For the standard value, the neutral current is assumed not to exceed 50% of the phase currents.
Current in the neutral may be influenced where there are significant harmonics, unbalanced phase
currents, or other conditions in the load that will necessitate a larger conductor.

8.6.1

ABB Low Voltage Systems

Publication Editor:
ABB Automation Products GmbH
Ladenburg, Germany

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