NEMA Standards Publication CP 1-2000 (R2008)

Shunt Capacitors

Published by:
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
www.nema.org

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including translation into
other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the
Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

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Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CP 1-2000 (R2008)
Page i

CONTENTS
Foreword .............................................................................................................................iii
Section 1
1.1
1.2
1.3

REFERENCED STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS

Scope .................................................................................................................................. 1
Referenced Standards ........................................................................................................ 1
Definitions ........................................................................................................................... 1

Section 2

SERVICE CONDITIONS

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5

2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
Section 3
3.1
3.2
Section 4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

4.5
4.6
4.7

4.8

4.9

General ............................................................................................................................... 5
Altitude ................................................................................................................................ 5
Ambient Temperature ......................................................................................................... 5
2.3.1 Maximum Ambient Temperature ........................................................................... 5
2.3.1 Minimum Ambient Temperature ............................................................................ 5
Determination of Ambient Temperature.............................................................................. 5
Mounting and Installation of Capacitors and Equipments .................................................. 6
2.5.1 Position .................................................................................................................. 6
2.5.2 Arrangements ........................................................................................................ 6
2.5.3 Unusual Installation Requirements ........................................................................ 6
Working Voltages................................................................................................................ 7
Maximum Working Voltage ................................................................................................. 7
Maximum Reactive kVAR ................................................................................................... 7
Unusual Service Conditions................................................................................................ 7
RATING STANDARDS
Basis of Rating .................................................................................................................... 9
Frequency ........................................................................................................................... 9
MANUFACTURING STANDARDS
Capacitor Terminals.......................................................................................................... 11
Provision for Making Connections to Capacitor Equipment ............................................. 11
Discharge Devices ............................................................................................................ 11
Dimensions ....................................................................................................................... 11
4.4.1 Mounting Hole Spacings ...................................................................................... 11
4.4.2 Upright Non-Enclosed Substation Equipment ..................................................... 12
4.4.3 Horizontal Non-Enclosed Substation Equipment................................................. 12
Nameplate Marking for Capacitors ................................................................................... 13
Nameplate Marking for Racks and Housings or Capacitor Equipments .......................... 14
Capacitor Bushings........................................................................................................... 15
4.7.1 Operation ............................................................................................................. 15
4.7.2 Test Conditions .................................................................................................... 15
4.7.3 Voltage Measurements ........................................................................................ 16
Circuit Breakers, Contactors, and Disconnecting Devices ............................................... 17
4.8.1 Standards............................................................................................................. 17
4.8.2 Ratings ................................................................................................................. 17
4.8.3 Application............................................................................................................ 17
Automatic Switching of Capacitors ................................................................................... 17
4.9.1 Control.................................................................................................................. 17
4.9.2 Capacitor Switching Device ................................................................................. 18

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CP 1-2000 (R2008)
Page ii
4.9.3
4.9.4
4.9.5
4.9.6
4.9.7
4.9.8
Section 5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7

5.8
5.9
5.10
5.11
5.12
5.13
Section 6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8

Control Enclosure ................................................................................................ 18

Voltage Control-Single Step................................................................................. 18
Voltage Control-Multistep..................................................................................... 18
Current Control-Single Step................................................................................. 18
Kilovar Control-Single Step.................................................................................. 19
Kilovar Control-Multistep...................................................................................... 19

TESTING STANDARDS
General ............................................................................................................................. 21
5.1.1 Design (Type) Tests............................................................................................. 21
5.1.2 Routine (Production) Tests .................................................................................. 21
Test Conditions ................................................................................................................. 21
Design (Type) Tests.......................................................................................................... 21
Routine (Production) Tests ............................................................................................... 21
Impulse Withstand Test-Case Insulation (Design Tests) ................................................. 21
Thermal Stability Test (Design Test) ................................................................................ 22
5.6.1 Selection of Samples ........................................................................................... 22
5.6.2 Test Method ......................................................................................................... 22
Radio Influence Voltage (Design Test) ............................................................................. 23
5.7.1 Equipment ............................................................................................................ 23
5.7.2 Test Voltages ....................................................................................................... 23
5.7.3 Method of Test ..................................................................................................... 24
5.7.4 Precautions in Making Tests................................................................................ 24
5.7.5 RIV Limits............................................................................................................. 24
Voltage Decay Test (Design Test).................................................................................... 24
Short-Time Overvoltage Tests (Routine Test) .................................................................. 24
5.9.1 Terminal-to-Terminal Tests.................................................................................. 24
5.9.2 Terminal-to-Case Tests ....................................................................................... 25
Capacitance Test (Routine Test) ...................................................................................... 25
Loss Test (Routine Test)................................................................................................... 25
Discharge Resistor Test (Routine Test)............................................................................ 25
Leak Test (Routine Test) .................................................................................................. 25
GUIDE FOR THE APPLICATION AND OPERATION OF SHUNT CAPACITORS
General ............................................................................................................................. 27
Reliability........................................................................................................................... 27
Overvoltage Limits and Protection .................................................................................... 27
Operating and Ambient Temperatures ............................................................................. 29
Abnormal Overload Current .............................................................................................. 30
Inspection and Maintenance ............................................................................................. 30
Field Test on Capacitors ................................................................................................... 31
6.7.1 Tests on Capacitors After Placement in Service ................................................. 31
6.7.2 Handling of Failed Capacitors.............................................................................. 32
Fusing Guidelines ............................................................................................................. 32
6.8.1 General ................................................................................................................ 32
6.8.2 Fuse Current Rating............................................................................................. 32
6.8.3 Fuse Voltage Rating ............................................................................................ 32
6.8.4 Fuse Interrupting Rating ...................................................................................... 33
6.8.5 Stored-Energy Transients .................................................................................... 33
6.8.6 Capacitor Protection Schemes ............................................................................ 34
6.8.7 Maximum Inductive Fault Currents ...................................................................... 34
6.8.8 Application Information ........................................................................................ 36

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CP 1-2000 (R2008)
Page iii

Foreword
The requirements in this Standards Publication are intended to reflect the latest standards affecting these
products. They are made available as a guide for the manufacturer and to assist the purchaser in
selecting and obtaining a suitable product. This Standards Publication applies to capacitors designed for
shunt connections to alternating-current power transmission and distribution systems operating at
frequencies of 50 or 60 hertz and below. The use of these standards is at the option of the individual
manufacturer and the purchaser. It is anticipated that those who utilize them will derive benefit from the
advantages of functional interchangeability. To assure a meaningful publication, copies were sent during
the draft stage to a number of individuals and organizations in the public and private sector having an
interest in or responsibility for the purchase, testing, application, use, or inspection of this product
category. The resulting comments and suggestions provided a vital user and general interest input to final
NEMA approval and resulted in a number of substantive changes being made in this publication.
This Standards Publication duplicates the requirements of the American National Standard for Shunt
Power Capacitors ANSI/IEEE 18-1992. Additional requirements are also covered, but they are not
intended to conflict with ANSI/IEEE 18-1992.
These standards are periodically reviewed by the Capacitor Section of NEMA for any revisions necessary
to keep them up to date with advancing technology. As future major revisions to this publication are
proposed, it is intended to offer to both individuals and organizations in the public and private sector a
further opportunity to participate in the development of this publication.
Proposed or recommended revisions should be submitted to:
Vice President, Engineering Department
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, VA 22209
At the time of publication, the member companies of the Capacitor Section are as follows:
ABB Inc.Quebec City, PQ
GE Industrial SystemsFort Edward, NY
Cooper Power SystemsFranksville, WI

Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CP 1-2000 (R2008)
Page iv

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Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

CP 1-2000 (R2008)
Page 1

Section 1
REFERENCED STANDARDS AND DEFINITIONS
1.1

SCOPE

This standard applies to capacitors rated 216 V or higher, 2.5 kVAR or more, and designed for shunt
connection to alternating current transmission and distribution systems operating at a nominal frequency
of 50 or 60 Hz.
The values stated in U.S. customary units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.2

REFERENCED STANDARDS
American National Standards Institute
11 West 42nd Street
New York, N.Y. 10036

ANSI/IEEE 18-1992

Standard for Shunt Power Capacitors

ANSI/IEEE 100-1992

Dictionary of Electrical and Electronic Terms

ANSI/IEEE 1036-1992

Guide for Application of Shunt Power Capacitors

ANSI C37.30-1998 (IEEE 324-1971)

Definitions and Requirements for High Voltage Air Switches,

Insulators and Bus Supports

ANSI/IEEE 21-1976

General Requirements and Test Procedures for Outdoor

Apparatus Bushings, Part 1
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847
Rosslyn, VA 22209

ICS 2-1993 (R2000)

Industrial Controls and Systems:

Controllers, Contactors and Overload Relays, Rated Not More Than
2000 Volts AC or 750 Volts DC

107-1993

Methods of Measurement of Radio Influence Voltage (RIV) of High

Voltage Apparatus
National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269

NFPA 70-1999
1.3

National Electrical Code

DEFINITIONS

Unless listed below, definitions shall be as shown in ANSI/IEEE 18 or in ANSI/IEEE 100.

ambient temperature: The temperature of the surrounding cooling medium, usually air, which comes
into contact with the heated parts of the apparatus.
Copyright 2008 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.