NEMA Standards Publication ICS 3-2005

Industrial Control and Systems:

Medium Voltage Controllers Rated 2001 to 7200 Volts AC

Published by:

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

www.nema.org

© Copyright 2005 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

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of
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developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among
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The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications,
of which the document contained herein is one, are developed through a voluntary consensus
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© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

 ICS 3-2005
Page i

CONTENTS

Foreword ............................................................................................................................ iv

Part 1: Medium Voltage Controllers Rated 2001 to 7200 Volts AC

1 GENERAL...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Referenced Standards........................................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Normative References ........................................................................................... 2
2 DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................ 2
3 CLASSIFICATIONS........................................................................................................ 2
3.1 Class E1 Controllers ............................................................................................. 2
3.2 Class E2 Controllers ............................................................................................. 2
4 CHARACTERISTICS AND RATINGS .............................................................................. 2
4.1 Continuous Current and Interrupting Ratings ......................................................... 2
4.1.1 General ..................................................................................................... 2
4.1.2 Service-Limit Current Rating ...................................................................... 3
4.2 Basis of Interrupting Rating ................................................................................... 3
4.3 Coordination within the Controller.......................................................................... 3
4.3.1 Characteristics of Class E1 Controllers ...................................................... 3
4.3.2 Characteristics of Class E2 Controllers ...................................................... 4
5 PRODUCT MARKING, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION................ 5
5.1 Marking................................................................................................................. 5
5.2 Preventive Maintenance ........................................................................................ 6
5.2.1 General ..................................................................................................... 6
5.2.2 Precautions ............................................................................................... 6
5.2.3 Condensation ............................................................................................ 6
5.2.4 Contacts.................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Maintenance after a Fault Condition ...................................................................... 6
6 SERVICE AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ....................................................................... 6
7 CONSTRUCTION........................................................................................................... 6
7.1 General................................................................................................................. 6
7.2 Power-Circuit Isolating Means ............................................................................... 7
7.3 Interlocking ........................................................................................................... 7
7.4 Arrangement for Field Inspection ........................................................................... 7
7.5 Equipment Protection ............................................................................................ 8
8 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TESTS ............................................................ 8
8.1 Verification of Fault Interrupting Rating.................................................................. 8
8.1.1 Fault Interruption Test Circuit .................................................................... 8
8.1.2 Power Factor of Fault Interruption Test Circuit ........................................... 9
8.1.3 Fault Interruption Test Preparation........................................................... 11

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ICS 3-2005
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8.1.4 Measurements to be Taken During the Fault Interruption Test .................. 12

8.1.5 Fault Interruption Test Cycle .................................................................... 12
8.1.6 Interrupting Performance ......................................................................... 12
8.1.7 Fault Withstandability .............................................................................. 13
8.2 Basic Impulse Insulation Level (BIL) Tests........................................................... 13
8.2.1 Impulse Test Voltage ............................................................................... 13
8.2.2 Impulse Test Sequence ........................................................................... 15
8.2.3 Test Procedure ........................................................................................ 15
8.3 Power Frequency Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test ............................................ 15
8.3.1 General ................................................................................................... 15
8.3.2 Test Procedures ...................................................................................... 16
8.3.3 Relation to BIL Rating.............................................................................. 16
8.4 Temperature Test................................................................................................ 16
8.5 Range of Operating Voltage Test......................................................................... 16
8.6 Make and Break Capability .................................................................................. 16
8.6.1 Basic Requirement .................................................................................. 16
8.6.2 Procedure ............................................................................................... 17
8.6.3 Test Criteria ............................................................................................ 17
8.6.4 Combined Test ........................................................................................ 17
8.7 Short-Time Capability.......................................................................................... 17
8.8 Overload Test ..................................................................................................... 18
8.8.1 Overload Test Procedure—General ......................................................... 18
8.8.2 Overload Test Procedure—Reversing Controllers .................................... 19
8.8.3 Overload Test Criteria ............................................................................. 19
8.9 Production Tests ................................................................................................. 19
8.9.1 Power Frequency Dielectric Test ............................................................. 19
9 APPLICATION ............................................................................................................. 19
9.1 Typical Methods of Motor Starting ....................................................................... 19
9.2 Determination of Motor Starting Current .............................................................. 19
9.2.1 Full-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-1).......................................................... 19
9.2.2 Resistor or Reactor Reduced-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-2) ................... 20
9.2.3 Autotransformer Reduced-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-3) ........................ 20
9.2.4 Part-Winding Starting (Figure 1-9-4) ........................................................ 20
9.3 Coordination with Power Systems........................................................................ 20
9.3.1 Considerations ........................................................................................ 20
9.3.2 Voltage Coordination With Upstream Devices .......................................... 20
9.3.3 Current Coordination With Upstream Devices .......................................... 21

Part 2: AC General-Purpose Controllers for Synchronous Motors

1 GENERAL.................................................................................................................... 25
1.1 Referenced Standards......................................................................................... 25
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................................. 25

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 ICS 3-2005
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1.3 Normative References ......................................................................................... 25

2 DEFINITIONS .............................................................................................................. 25
3 CLASSIFICATIONS...................................................................................................... 25
3.1 Field Exciters ...................................................................................................... 25
4 CHARACTERISTICS AND RATINGS ............................................................................ 26
5 PRODUCT MARKING, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION.............. 26
6 SERVICE AND STORAGE CONDITIONS ..................................................................... 26
7 CONSTRUCTION......................................................................................................... 26
7.1 General............................................................................................................... 26
7.2 Protection Means ................................................................................................ 26
7.3 Additional Features ............................................................................................. 27
8 PERFORMANCE AND TESTS ...................................................................................... 27
9 APPLICATION ............................................................................................................. 27

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

ICS 3-2005
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Foreword

This Standards Publication was prepared by a technical committee of the NEMA Industrial
Automation Control Products and Systems Section. It was approved in accordance with the
bylaws of NEMA and supersedes the indicated NEMA Standards Publication. This Standards
Publication Parts 2 & 3 of ICS 3-1993: Factory Built Assemblies have been renumbered as Parts
1 and 2 and renamed Medium Voltage Controllers Rated 2001 to 7200 Volts AC.

ICS 3-1993, Part 1: Motor Control Centers Rated Not More Than 600 Volts AC was removed
from the original ICS 3-1993 standard and published as ICS 18-2001.

This Standards Publication provides practical information concerning ratings, construction, test,
performance, and manufacture of industrial control equipment. These standards are used by the
electrical industry to provide guidelines for the manufacture and proper application of reliable
products and equipment and to promote the benefits of repetitive manufacturing and widespread
product availability.

NEMA Standards represent the result of many years of research, investigation, and experience
by the members of NEMA, its predecessors, its Sections and Committees. They have been
developed through continuing consultation among manufacturers, users, and national
engineering societies and have resulted in improved serviceability of electrical products with
economies to manufacturers and users.

One of the primary purposes of this Standards Publication is to encourage the production of
reliable control equipment which, in itself, functions in accordance with these accepted
standards. Some portions of these standards, such as electrical spacings and interrupting
ratings, have a direct bearing on safety; almost all of the items in this publication, when applied
properly, contribute to safety in one way or another.

Properly constructed industrial control equipment is, however, only one factor in minimizing the
hazards which may be associated with the use of electricity. The reduction of hazard involves
the joint efforts of the various equipment manufacturers, the system designer, the installer, and
the user. Information is provided herein to assist users and others in the proper selection of
control equipment.

The industrial control manufacturer has limited or no control over the following factors which are
vital to a safe installation:

a. Environmental conditions
b. System design
c. Equipment selection and application
d. Installation
e. Operating practices
f. Maintenance
This publication is not intended to instruct the user of control equipment with regard to these
factors except insofar as suitable equipment to meet needs can be recognized in this publication
and some application guidance is given.

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

 ICS 3-2005
Page v

This Standards Publication is necessarily confined to defining the construction requirements for
industrial control equipment and to providing recommendations for proper selection for use
under normal or certain specific conditions. Since any piece of industrial control equipment can
be installed, operated, and maintained in such a manner that hazardous conditions may result,
conformance with this publication does not by itself assure a safe installation. When, however,
equipment conforming with these standards is properly selected and is installed in accordance
with the National Electrical Code and properly maintained, the hazards to persons and property
will be reduced.

To continue to serve the best interests of users of Industrial Control and Systems equipment,
the Industrial Control and Systems Section is actively cooperating with other standardization
organizations in the development of simple and more universal metrology practices. In this
publication, the U.S. customary units are gradually being supplemented by those of the
modernized metric system known as the International Systems of Units (SI). This transition
involves no changes in standard dimensions, tolerances, or performance specifications.

NEMA Standards Publications are subject to periodic review. They are revised frequently to
reflect user input and to meet changing conditions and technical progress. Proposed revisions to
this Standards Publication should be submitted to:

Vice President, Technical Services

National Electrical Manufacturers Association
1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

This standards publication was developed by the Industrial Automation Control Products and
Systems Section. Section approval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all section
members voted for its approval or participated in its development. At the time it was approved,
the Section was composed of the following members:

ABB Control, Inc.—Wichita Falls, TX

ABB Automation Technologies—Raleigh, NC
ASCO Power Technologies—Florham Park, NJ
Automatic Switch Company—Florham Park, NJ
c3controls—Beaver, PA
California Linear Devices—Carlsbad, CA
CARLO GAVAZZI, INC.—Buffalo Grove, IL
Cooper Bussman—St. Louis, MO
Cummins, Inc.—Minneapolis, MN
Eaton Electrical, Inc.—Milwaukee, WI
Electro Switch Corporation—Weymouth, MA
Emerson Process Management—Austin, TX
GE Consumer & Industrial—Charlottesville, VA
Hubbell Incorporated—Wadsworth, OH
Hubbell Industrial Controls, Inc.—Archdale, NC
Joslyn Clark Controls, Inc.—Lancaster, SC
L-3 Communications/SPD Technologies – Anaheim, CA
Master Controls Systems, Inc.—Lake Bluff, IL
Metron, Inc.—Denver, CO
Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.—Vernon Hills, IL
Moeller Electric Corporation—Houston, TX
Omron Electronics LLC—Schaumburg, IL
Peerless Electric—Warren, OH

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

ICS 3-2005
Page vi

Phoenix Contact, Inc.—Harrisburg, PA

Post Glover Resistors, Inc.—Erlanger, KY
Reliance Controls Corporation—Racine, WI
Rockwell Automation—Milwaukee, WI
Russelectric, Inc.—Hinngham, MA
Schneider Automation, Inc.—North Andover, MA
Schneider Electric North America/Square D Company—Raleigh, NC
Schneider North American Operation Division—Lexington, KY
SEW-Eurodrive, Inc.—Lyman, SC
Siemens Corporate Research—Princeton, NJ
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.—Norcross, GA
Siemens Shared Services LLC—Duluth, GA
Square D Company—Raleigh, NC
Torna Tech Inc.—Saint-Laurent, Canada
Toshiba International Corporation—Houston, TX
Total Control Products, Inc.—Terrace Park, OH
Tyco Electronics/AMP—Harrisburg, PA
WAGO Corporation—Germantown, WI
Weidmuller Inc.—Richmond, VA
Yaskawa Electric America, Inc.—Waukegan, IL

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

 ICS 3-2005
Page 1

Part 1
MEDIUM VOLTAGE CONTROLLERS RATED 2001 TO 7200 VOLTS AC

1 GENERAL

1.1 Referenced Standards

In this NEMA Standards Publication reference is made to the standards listed below. Copies
are available from the indicated sources.

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1752
Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

ICS 1-1993 Industrial Control and Systems General Requirements

ICS 1.3-1986 (2001) Preventive Maintenance of Industrial Control and Systems Equipment

ICS 2-1993 Industrial Control & Systems

Controllers, Contactors and Overload Relays

ICS 6-1993 (R2001) Industrial Control and Systems

Enclosures

NEMA 250-1991 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 volts maximum)

American National Standards Institute

11 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036

ANSI C62.2-1987 Guide for Application of Gapped, Silicon-Carbide Lightning Arresters for
Alternating Current Systems

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

345 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017

IEEE C37.09- 1979 Test Procedure for AC High-voltage Circuit Breaker Rated on a Symmetrical
Current Basis

IEEE C37.26-1972 Methods of Power-Factor Measurements for Low-Voltage Inductive Test Circuits

IEEE 141-1993 Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for Industrial Plants

IEEE 4-1978 Techniques for High-Voltage Testing

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

ICS 3-2005
Page 2

1.2 Scope

This part applies to AC general-purpose contactors and Class E magnetic controllers rated
2001–7200 volts, three phase, 50 and 60 hertz.

1.3 Normative References

The definitions and standards of NEMA Standards Publication No. 250, ICS 1 and ICS 6 also
apply to this part.

2 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply:

class E controller: AC air-break, vacuum, and oil-immersed magnetic controllers for service on
voltages from 2200 to 6600 volts.
They are capable of interrupting short-circuit faults beyond operating overloads.
medium voltage: AC voltage in the range of 2001 to 7200 volts.
medium-voltage compartment: A compartment containing one or more medium-voltage
components rated 2001 to 7200 volts.

3 CLASSIFICATIONS

3.1 Class E1 Controllers

Class E1 controllers employ their contacts for both starting and stopping the motor and
interrupting short circuits or faults exceeding operating overloads.

3.2 Class E2 Controllers

Class E2 controllers employ their contacts for starting and stopping the motor and employ fuses
for interrupting short circuits or faults exceeding operating overloads.

4 CHARACTERISTICS AND RATINGS

4.1 Continuous Current and Interrupting Ratings

4.1.1 General

Continuous current and fault interrupting ratings of controllers for nonplugging and nonjogging,
reversing and nonreversing duty, when mounted in any type of enclosure and whether or not
provided with running overcurrent (overload) protection or other auxiliary devices, shall be in
accordance with Tables 1-4-1 and 1-4-2 and 1-4-3.

Table 1-4-1 lists continuous current ratings of Class E controllers and contactors; Table 1-4-2
lists interrupting ratings of Class E1 controllers; Table 1-4-3 lists voltage and interrupting ratings
of Class E2 controllers.

Class E controllers shall not be used with motors whose full-load current exceeds the
continuous current rating given in Table 1-4-1. The continuous current ratings shown in Table 1-

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 ICS 3-2005
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4-1 represent the maximum rms current, in amperes, which the controller may be expected to
carry continuously without exceeding the temperature rises given in Clause 8 of ICS 1.

A Class E controller intended for use with nonmotor loads, such as capacitors or transformers,
may require special consideration.

4.1.2 Service-Limit Current Rating

The service-limit current ratings shown in Table 1-4-1 represent the maximum rms current, in
amperes, which the controller may be expected to carry for protracted periods in normal service.

The ultimate-trip current rating of overcurrent (overload) relays or of other motor protective
devices used shall not exceed the service-limit current rating of the controller.

When controllers are operated above the continuous current rating and up to the service-limit
current rating, temperature rises will exceed those obtained by testing the controller at its
continuous current rating.

4.2 Basis of Interrupting Rating

The interrupting rating of a Class E controller is expressed in terms of the maximum symmetrical
MVA (megavoltamperes) or maximum rms symmetrical fault current and specific line-to-line
voltage it can interrupt at the controller incoming line terminals.

The symmetrical MVA rating is equal to the product of the rms symmetrical current that the
controller can interrupt, the line-to-line open-circuit voltage, and a phase factor which is 1.73 x
10 -6 for three-phase applications.

4.3 Coordination within the Controller

Class E Controllers should be provided with protection coordinated to meet specific load
characteristics. Coordination consists of setting or selecting the characteristics of the various
protective devices in the controller such that they operate only under the abnormal circuit
condition for which they are intended.

The relationship of individual devices (of similar function) to each other, should be such that the
device intended to protect against the abnormal lowest circuit condition operates first.

4.3.1 Characteristics of Class E1 Controllers

Running overcurrent protective units for Class E1 controllers should be selected to:

a. Prevent continuous operation above the service limit of the controller

b. Prevent excessive heating of branch circuit conductors and connected load

Contactors should be selected to be able to:

a. Continuously carry overload relay ultimate trip current

b. Interrupt normal running currents, operating overload currents, and faults occurring at or
beyond the controller load terminals

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4.3.2 Characteristics of Class E2 Controllers

Running overcurrent protective units for Class E2 controllers should be selected to:

a. Prevent continuous operation above the service-limit current of the controller

b. Prevent excessive heating of branch circuit conductors and connected load
c. Operate before any fuse melts at all currents below the minimum interrupting current of the
power circuit fuses
Power circuit fuses should be selected to be able to:

a. Permit repetitive switching of the load, with consideration given to inrush current and time,
without damaging a fuse
b. Interrupt faults at or beyond the controller load terminals
c. Continuously carry overload relay ultimate trip current

Contactors should be selected to:

a. Continuously carry overload relay ultimate-trip current

b. Interrupt normal running currents and operating overload currents up to the minimum
interrupting current of the power circuit fuses

Table 1-4-1 Continuous current ratings of Class E controllers and line contactors

Horsepower ratings at utilization voltages*

Size of 2300 volts, three-phase 4000 volts, three-phase 6600 volts, three-Phase
controller Enclosed current
and ratings
contactor
Synchronous motors Synchronous motors Synchronous motors
Induction Induction Induction
motors motors motors
Con- Service 80% power 100% 80% power 100% 80% power 100%
tinuous limit** factor power factor power factor power
factor factor factor
H2 180 207 700 700 900 1250 1250 1500 2000 2000 2500
H3 360 414 1500 1500 1750 2500 2500 3000 4000 4000 5000
H4 540 621 2250 2250 2500 4000 4000 4500 6000 6000 7500
H5 630 724 2500 2500 3000 4500 4500 5000 7000 7000 8250
H6 720 828 3000 3000 3500 5500 5500 6000 8000 8000 10000

*Horsepower ratings are shown only for reference.

**1.15 times the continuous current.

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 ICS 3-2005
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Table 1-4-2 Interrupting ratings of Class E1 controllers

Class E1 interrupting ratings (unfused)*

Three-phase volts,
Size of controller symmetrical MVA amperes

H2 25 or 50 **
H3 50 **
H4 60 **
H5 75 **
H6 future **

* Class E1 ratings may be specified from either the second or third column.
**To be specified by manufacturer.

Table 1-4-3 Voltage and interrupting ratings of Class E2 controllers

Rated insulation Range of utilization voltages at

voltage which interrupting rating Applies Class E2 interrupting ratings (fused)

amperes rms, Three-phase symmetrical MVA

volts, rms maximum minimum symmetrical* at nominal utilization voltage

2500 2500 2200 40,000 or 50,000 160 or 200 at 2300V

5000 5000 3800 40,000 or 50,000 280 or 350 at 4000V
5000 5000 3800 40,000 or 50,000 320 or 400 at 4600V
7200 7200 6200 40,000 or 50,000 460 or 570 at 6600V

*The asymmetrical interrupting rating is 1.6 times the symmetrical values shown

5 PRODUCT MARKING, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

5.1 Marking

Class E controllers shall be legibly marked with the following:

a. Manufacturer's name or trademark

b. Catalog or manufacturer's identification
c. Class E1 or E2 controller, as appropriate
d. Number of phases
e. Frequency
f. Continuous-current rating, rms amperes
g. Interrupting rating (MVA or volts and rms symmetrical amperes)
h. Maximum voltage
i. Power circuit fuse size for Class E2 controller
j. Continuous-current rating of horizontal bus system where supplied
k. BIL test level
l. Control voltage

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ICS 3-2005
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m. Volt-ampere rating or the equivalent of any operating coil circuit which requires a remote
control device with a sealed rating or more than 125 volt-amperes

Marking is not required to be located on the outside of an enclosure provided it is readily visible
by opening a door or removing a cover after installation. Other markings may be used to meet
other applicable requirements.

5.2 Preventive Maintenance

5.2.1 General

See ICS 1.3 for preventive maintenance instructions.

5.2.2 Precautions

All maintenance should be performed by trained, qualified personnel, using safety practices and
protective equipment applicable to systems over 600 Volts.

5.2.3 Condensation

If moisture condensation occurs inside an enclosure, corrective action, such as the installation
of a space heater, should be taken. Refer to the manufacturer for the recommended heater size
for the circuit.

5.2.4 Contacts

Contact wear allowance (overtravel) and contact spring pressures should be checked against
the manufacturer's recommendation in the specific instruction literature.

Vacuum interrupters (bottles) in a vacuum contactor should be checked for adequate vacuum
level periodically by performing a dielectric test across the open contacts in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.

5.3 Maintenance after a Fault Condition

After the opening of any power circuit fuse(s) the controller should be inspected in accordance
with manufacturer's instructions for mechanical damage, dielectric strength and contact wear.
See Annex A of ICS 2 for further information on maintenance after a fault condition.

6 SERVICE AND STORAGE CONDITIONS

Clause 6 of ICS 1 applies.

7 CONSTRUCTION

7.1 General

Class E controllers shall be wired and assembled as complete, totally enclosed, and
self-supporting units.

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 ICS 3-2005
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Controllers shall be provided with means for electrical connection to ground; such means shall
have contact with the bare metal of the permanent portion of the cubicle.

7.2 Power-Circuit Isolating Means

Externally-operable gang-operated medium-voltage isolating means with position indication shall

be included and shall be capable of interrupting the no-load current of the control-circuit
transformer supplied with the controller. The isolating means shall be permitted to be any one of
the following:

a. Three-pole isolating switch

b. Three-pole isolating switch in mechanical combination with current-limiting fuses
c. Drawout contactor

7.3 Interlocking

Interlocking shall be provided by mechanical means or by combination of mechanical and

electrical means and shall provide the following features:

a. Prevent the isolating means from being opened or closed unless all contactors are open
b. Prevent the opening of a door to a medium-voltage compartment when the isolating means is
closed
c. Prevent the isolating means from being closed when the door of any medium-voltage
compartment of the controller is open

The reversing contactors of reversing controllers shall be electrically and mechanically

interlocked. When required by the particular application, interlocking functions governed by
current or voltage sensing, or other means, shall be provided to guard against creating a short
circuit through arcs at the contacts.

Where required by the particular application, means shall be provided to permit locking the
doors of medium-voltage compartments.

Where a dynamic-braking contactor of the normally open type is used, the dynamic-braking
contactor shall be mechanically or electrically interlocked with the related contactor or
contactors. Where the dynamic-braking contactor is normally closed, it shall be mechanically
interlocked with the related contactor or contactors.

Where a means for circumventing the interlock described in 7.3(b) is provided for inspection or
maintenance purposes, some degree of difficulty shall be required to bypass the interlock. The
degree of difficulty shall involve a minimum of two separate and distinct operations. Turning a
knob, or moving a lever, or removing a single bolt, or the like, shall not be considered to provide
the required degree of difficulty.

7.4 Arrangement for Field Inspection

Where required for the particular application, provisions shall be made to operate the controllers
for testing only, with the medium-voltage isolating means open. The interlocking shall be so
arranged for this test that power cannot be applied to the motor. Also, the control circuit shall
be disconnected from the normal control transformer and connected to a separate source of
control power supplied by the user.

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ICS 3-2005
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7.5 Equipment Protection

Medium-voltage Class E controllers shall be provided with the following protective features:

a. Under-voltage protection, or under-voltage release (two-wire control); except for latched

contactors in special applications
b. A minimum of three motor-running overcurrent protective units
c. A control-circuit transformer provided with primary overcurrent protection. The transformer
secondary shall be insulated from the primary and provided with an overcurrent device in
each ungrounded leg to which control circuit devices, e.g., pushbuttons, limit switches, etc.
are connected.
d. Primary overcurrent protection for instrument potential transformers where such transformers
are supplied
e. For Class E1 controllers, instantaneous-fault overcurrent protection in each ungrounded
conductor of the power supply in addition to the foregoing motor-running overload protection
f. For Class E2 controllers, power circuit fuses for interrupting faults exceeding operating
overloads.

8 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TESTS

8.1 Verification of Fault Interrupting Rating

Tests made to verify the interrupting rating of a Class E controller shall be made over the range
of 2200–2500 volts, 3800–5000 volts, or 6200–7200 volts, as applicable, with an available
symmetrical short-circuit MVA (megavoltamperes) at least equal to the interrupting rating of the
controller. The tests shall be made in accordance with 8.1.1 through 8.1.6. During the test, the
controller shall meet the performance requirements of 8.1.6 and 8.1.7.

Interrupting tests are intended to prove the interrupting performance of a given controller design
and are not to be considered production tests.

8.1.1 Fault Interruption Test Circuit

The test circuit (see Figures 1-8-1 and 1-8-2), with the controller short-circuited at its line
terminals, shall be capable of producing a three-phase short circuit with an MVA value at least
equal to the interrupting rating of the controller. This MVA value is based on the average
symmetrical current in the three phases (i.e., omitting any DC component). Also, the test circuit
shall be capable of producing in one of the three phases a total rms current, including the DC
component, not less than that shown in Table 1-8-1.

The test circuit shall be capable of producing currents not less than those indicated in Table 1-
8-1 from the instant of initiation of the short circuit to the instant of interruption.

The test circuit shall be permitted to be ungrounded or neutral-grounded and include

current-limiting reactors, resistors, and transformers in addition to the generating system. In
setting up the test circuit, the leads between the reactors and the controllers shall be made as
short as practicable so as to keep the capacitance to ground at the controller terminals small.
No capacitance shall be added in the circuit.

The normal-frequency recovery voltage shall be not less than the rated voltage of the controller
when measured in accordance with IEEE Standard C37.09.

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Table 1-8-1 DC Component contribution

Ratio of total RMS current in the phase with the maximum

Time after initiation of fault DC component
(cycles at 60 hertz) to the RMS symmetrical current corresponding to the
Interrupting Rating

½ 1.6
1 1.4
2 1.2
3 1.1
1.0
4 or more

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A = Power supply (current–limiting reactors, resistors or transformers are not shown).

B = Controller under test.
C = Main fuses (omitted in test of Class E1 controller).
D = 3 A, fuse of appropriate voltage rating.
E = Current transformers (alternate locations shown by dotted lines).
F = Oscillograph elements.
G = Current shunts.

Figure 1-8-1
UNGROUNDED SUPPLY TEST CIRCUIT

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A = Power supply (current–limiting reactors, or transformers are not shown).

B = Controller under test.
C = Main fuses (omitted in test of Class E1 controller).
D = 3 A, fuse of appropriate voltage rating.
E = Current transformers (alternate location shown by dotted lines).
F = Oscillograph elements.

Figure 1-8-2
NEUTRAL–GROUNDED SUPPLY TEST CIRCUIT

8.1.2 Power Factor of Fault Interruption Test Circuit

The power factor of the test circuit shall not exceed 15 percent lagging. The power factor shall
be determined from the design constants of the generator and the measured AC resistance and
reactance of the remainder of the circuit, from oscillograph records, or by any other appropriate
method.

8.1.3 Fault Interruption Test Preparation

a. Calibration of Test Circuit—The test circuit described in 8.1.1 shall be used for the test. In
order to obtain the total rms current specified, it may be necessary to use a larger
symmetrical component than that corresponding to the symmetrical interrupting rating in
MVA. The circuit shall be tested and oscillograms shall be taken to record the three
line-to-line voltages to assure compliance with 8.1.1. Measurements of the currents shall be
made on the calibration oscillograms at each of the time intervals specified in Table 1-8-1.
The available symmetrical short-circuit test current in each phase shall be the AC component
as determined by drawing the envelope of the current wave, measuring the peak-to-peak

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values at the appropriate instant, and dividing them by 2.828 as illustrated in IEEE Standard
C37.09.
b. Controller Test Circuit—The controller test circuit shall be identical to the calibration test
circuit, except that the short circuit shall be placed at the load terminals of the controller, and
the short circuit shall be interrupted by the controller.
c. Grounding of Controller and Test Circuit—The controller structure shall be grounded through
a 3-ampere fuse or smaller of appropriate voltage rating.
d. Size of Fuses Used in Test—Class E2 controllers shall be tested with fuses of the highest
current rating for which the controller is intended to be used.

8.1.4 Measurements to be Taken During the Fault Interruption Test

Measurements shall be made by oscillograph unless otherwise specified in the following

paragraphs. Data giving the voltage and current values of the circuit and a description of the
operation of the controller during and after the test shall be prepared.

Data to be recorded during the test shall include the following information:

a. Measurements to be made in calibrating the test circuit:

1. Open-circuit line-to-line voltages of all three phases by voltmeter or oscillograph
immediately before the short circuit is created
2. Short-circuit current in each line
b. Measurements to be made with the controller in the circuit:
1. Line-to-line voltages (V1) of all three phases before the short circuit is created
2. Voltage, V2, between controller line and load terminals before, during, and immediately
following the short circuit
3. Currents through controller during the test

8.1.5 Fault Interruption Test Cycle

A Class E controller shall be subjected to a test cycle consisting of a specified number of unit
operations at stated intervals. A unit operation consists of a closing, followed immediately by an
opening, of the circuit without purposely delayed action. This operation is designated by the
letters CO signifying closing, then opening. Random switching shall be used.

8.1.5.1 Class E1 Controllers

The test cycle of a Class E1 controller shall be three CO unit operations at intervals of 2
minutes.

8.1.5.2 Class E2 Controllers

The test cycle of a Class E2 controller shall be three CO unit operations separated by the
interval required to renew the fuses, to inspect and, if necessary, replace any renewable
contacts. Replacement of a vacuum, or any other sealed type interrupter is not permitted.

8.1.6 Interrupting Performance

The controller shall interrupt the short-circuit current, including any DC component.

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At the end of any test cycle, the controller shall be in the following condition:

a. The controller, with the exception of the blowing of power circuit fuses, shall be in
substantially the same mechanical condition as at the beginning of the test.
b. The controller shall be capable of withstanding rated voltage in the open position and of
carrying rated current at rated voltage for a limited time but not necessarily without
exceeding the rated temperature rise. After a test cycle at or near its interrupting rating, it is
not to be inferred that the controller can again meet its interrupting rating without minor
repairs such as the replacement of contacts.
c. A controller shall perform without the emission of flame or oil from its enclosure. For Class
E2 controllers the welding of contacts under the specified test duty cycle shall not be
considered a failure. For Class E2 controllers, it is not necessary for the contacts to remain
closed during the interrupting cycle.
d. The 3-ampere fuse between the controller enclosure and ground shall not have opened.

8.1.7 Fault Withstandability

A Class E controller shall withstand, without damage, except as noted in 8.1.6 (c), the thermal
and electromagnetic effects imposed on it during the interval which the controller requires to
open a short circuit on a system having the available short-circuit MVA at which the controller is
rated.

8.2 Basic Impulse Insulation Level (BIL) Tests

Impulse dielectric tests on the controller medium-voltage circuits shall be made with a full wave
in accordance with IEEE 4.

The impulse dielectric test is intended to prove the Basic Insulation Level (BIL) rating of a given
controller design and is not to be considered a production test.

The impulse dielectric tests are independent of the interrupting tests, and a controller is not
required to meet the impulse dielectric tests after being subjected to interrupting tests.

8.2.1 Impulse Test Voltage

Securing adequate insulation surge voltage protection depends upon a combination of good
design practices with the selection of appropriate surge voltage protective devices.
Manufacturers shall be permitted to assign one of two levels of surge voltage withstandability.

The choice between Level A and Level B is made by considering the likely degree of exposure
to lightning surge voltage, the type of system grounding, and the type and location of any surge
arrester on the source side.

Incoming surge voltages should be evaluated considering wave form variations and reflections.
For approximating a worst case peak voltage, multiply the sparkover voltage of the surge
arrester by 260 percent.

For a proper protective margin, the test voltage from Table 1-8-2 should be at least 20 percent
more than the calculated worst case of incoming overvoltage.

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Table 1-8-3 shows example calculations for approximating a worst case of incoming overvoltage
with resultant multipliers leading to the selection of Level A and Level B BIL rated equipment.

Table 1-8-2 Impulse Test Voltage

Controller Rating Impulse test voltage, crest

Maximum Volts kilovolts

Tests 1 and 2 Test 3*

Level A Level B Level A Level B

3600 30 45 33 50
7200 45 60 50 66

*See 8.2.2 for reduction of the test voltage where the isolating means has provision for automatically grounding its load side when in
the fully-opened position.

Table 1-8-3 Example calculations for worse-case incoming overvoltage

Type of Arrester Maximum Arrester Value of Required

Lightning continuous discharge discharge column 4 X Equipment BIL
Arrester voltage voltage of voltage X 2.6** 1.2† Level
arrester*
kV, rms kV, crest kV, crest
kV, crest

Voltage line-to-line = 4.16kV (Grounded System)

Station 2.54 6.4 16.6 20.0 Level A (45 kV)

Intermediate 2.54 9.9 25.7 31.0 Level A (45 kV)
Distribution 3.00 11.0 28.6 34.3 Level A (45 kV)

Voltage line-to-line = 4.16kV (Ungrounded system)

Station 4.20 10.4 27.0 32.0 Level A (45 kV)

Intermediate 4.50 15.0 39.0 46.8 Level B (60 kV)
Distribution 4.50 17.0 44.2 53.0 Level B (60 kV)
* Typical data for selected arrester.
** Allowance for wavefront variations and reflected wave.
† Additional allowance for temperature, humidity, aging, and contamination of insulation.

Table 1-8-4 Dielectric Test voltages

Voltage rating Test voltage

volts, rms rms

0-600 1000V + (2 X nominal voltage rating)

601-7200 2000V + (2¼ X nominal voltage rating)

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8.2.2 Impulse Test Sequence

a. Test 1: With the controller bus installed, the isolating means closed, the medium-voltage
motor circuit fuses (in case of Class E2 controllers) and control circuit fuses in place, and the
contactor in the open position, the impulse test voltage shall be applied between each
electric circuit and grounded metal parts, and between each principal electric circuit and all
other principal circuits, except that the impulse voltage need not be applied across the open
gap of the contactor.
b. Test 2: Test 1 shall be repeated except that the contactor shall be closed.
c. Test 3: With the isolating means open, the impulse voltage shown in Table 1-8-2 for Test 3
shall be applied in each phase individually between the contacts of the isolating means
across the isolating gap. Where the isolating means has provision for automatically
grounding its load side when in the fully opened position, the test voltage shall be the value
specified for Tests 1 and 2.

8.2.3 Test Procedure

The test samples shall be subjected to the sequence of tests described above. In each of these
tests, three positive and three negative impulses shall be applied to each phase individually
without causing disruptive damage or flashover.

Exception No. 1. If flashover occurs on only one test during any group of three consecutive
tests, three more tests shall be made. If the equipment successfully withstands all three of
the second group of tests, the flashover in the first group shall be considered as a random
flashover and the equipment shall be considered as having successfully completed the test.
Exception No. 2. Flashover may occur at an integrally mounted surge arrester.

Dry-type core and coil assemblies, such as reduced-voltage-starting reactors and autotransformers and
control-circuit transformers, are to be disconnected for this test.

8.3 Power Frequency Dielectric Voltage Withstand Test

8.3.1 General

A Class E controller shall be capable of withstanding for 1 minute without breakdown the
application of a 60 hertz essentially sinusoidal potential as indicated in Table 1-8-4 in the
following cases:

a. Between uninsulated live parts of each electric circuit and the grounded metal parts with the
controller contacts both open and closed
b. Between uninsulated line parts of each medium-voltage circuit and all other medium-voltage
circuits
c. Between terminals of opposite polarity with the controller contacts closed
d. Across the open contacts of the power circuit isolating means

A transformer, a coil, or a similar device normally connected between lines of opposite polarity
shall be disconnected from one side of the line during test between terminals of opposite
polarity, item c.

Where a controller includes a meter or meters, such instruments shall be disconnected from the
circuit. The meter or meters shall be tested separately for dielectric voltage withstand, with an
applied potential of 1000 volts in the case of an ammeter, and 1000 volts plus twice rated

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ICS 3-2005
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voltage in the case of any other instrument applied at line voltage. The test voltage shall be
applied between live parts and the mounting panel, including the meter face and zero adjuster.

8.3.2 Test Procedures

Test procedures shall be in accordance with Clause 8 of ICS 1 except for points of application
(see above).

The controller shall be tested by means of a 500 volt-ampere or larger capacity transformer,
whose output is essentially sinusoidal and can be varied. For definition of the applied wave
shape see IEEE 4.

Care should be taken not to apply a test voltage across the open contacts of a vacuum
interrupter that exceeds the manufacturer's recommendation, to avoid generating harmful x-rays.

8.3.3 Relation to BIL Rating

Power frequency dielectric tests are related to basic impulse insulation (BIL) levels. See Clause
8 of ICS 1.

8.4 Temperature Test

Temperature tests shall be conducted in accordance with Clause 8 of ICS 1.

8.5 Range of Operating Voltage Test

AC contactors shall withstand 110 percent of their rated voltage without injury to the operating
coils and shall close successfully at 85 percent of their rated voltage.

For the test at 110 percent of rated control voltage, the operating coil shall be energized at 110
percent of rated control voltage until constant temperature is reached and then tested
immediately to demonstrate that full closure results when rated control voltage is reapplied.

For the test at 85 percent of rated control voltage, the operating coil shall be energized at rated
control voltage until constant temperature is reached and then tested immediately to
demonstrate that full closure results when 85 percent of rated control voltage is applied.

Where the contactors of an AC controller are operated from the secondary of a control-circuit
transformer which has its primary winding connected to the controller supply circuit, the
controller shall operate successfully at 90 percent of rated primary voltage.

8.6 Make and Break Capability

8.6.1 Basic Requirement

A contactor that is part of a Class E controller shall be capable of making and breaking the
maximum current at which the overload relays alone cause current interruption (cross-over
current). The cross-over point shall be determined from the characteristic curves of the overload
relays and the total clearing time curves of the medium-voltage circuit fuses.

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8.6.2 Procedure

To determine compliance a contactor shall be subjected to ten make and break operations at the
crossover current or ten times the continuous current rating of the contactor whichever is
greater. The operations shall be conducted in a single continuous test without intervening
maintenance or service.

a. The contactor shall be operated at the rate of one operation per minute for contactors rated
400 amperes and less, and one operation per five minutes for contactors rated greater than
400 amperes, with an ON time of not less than 0.1 seconds. The test may be conducted at a
faster rate if agreeable to those concerned.
b. Except as indicated above, the conditions for this test shall be the same as for the overload
test described in 8.8.
c. This test shall be permitted to be performed on a separate sample, or in combination with the
overload test described in 8.8.

8.6.3 Test Criteria

When the make and break test is performed on a separate sample, the contactor shall be in
substantially the same mechanical condition at the conclusion of the test as at the beginning and
shall be capable of withstanding applied dielectric test voltages except that the applied test
voltage shall be two times the rated voltage. The ground fuse shall not have opened.

8.6.4 Combined Test

When the make and break test is combined with the overload test, the first ten operations shall
be performed in accordance with 8.6.1 and 8.6.2. The remaining 40 operations (without the
contactor being serviced) shall be performed in accordance with 8.8

8.7 Short-Time Capability

A new Class E contactor or controller shall be capable of meeting the short-time capability
requirements shown below at 15 times rated current for 1 second and six times rated current for
30 seconds.

Separate tests shall be conducted to establish short-time operating capability and short-time
surge capability. The test current shall be passed through the closed contacts for the specified
period of time, and must be supplied at a voltage sufficient to maintain the current. At the end of
the tests:

a. The motor controller must be capable of withstanding the dielectric tests described in ICS 1.
b. The contacts must be capable of being opened by normal operation.

For Class E2 controllers, the power circuit fuses shall be shunted during these tests.

A separate source of power may be supplied to the coils of magnetically operated devices.

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8.8 Overload Test

8.8.1 Overload Test Procedure—General

A contactor shall be capable of making and breaking six times its rated continuous current for 50
operations in a continuous test, without intervening maintenance or servicing. When combined
with the make and break test see 8.6.4.

The test shall be performed at the rated maximum voltage and a lagging power factor not
greater than 0.35. The open-circuit voltage of the supply circuit shall be not less than 100
percent of the rated maximum voltage of the controller.

The closed-circuit voltage is not specified, but the normal-frequency recovery voltage shall be
not less than the rated voltage of the controller when measured in accordance with ANSI/IEEE
C37.09. Circuit characteristics shall be determined using either laboratory type meters or
oscillographic means. When oscillographic means are employed, the method indicated in
ANSI/IEEE C37.26 shall be used for determining power factor.

The controller shall be mounted with the door or cover closed. Any other openings, except
intentional ventilation openings, shall be closed.

Open contactors shall be mounted in an enclosure whose dimensions shall be permitted to be

approximately 150 percent of the dimensions of the contactor, or the contactor shall be
permitted to be mounted in an enclosure whose dimensions are representative of the size
enclosure in which the contactor will be mounted in actual service.

The controller structure and enclosure shall be grounded through a 3 ampere or smaller fuse of
appropriate voltage rating or the equivalent, connected as shown in Figure 1-8-1 or 1-8-2.

The controller shall be connected as shown in Figure 1-8-1 or 1-8-2. All or part of the limiting
impedance shall be permitted to be connected on the load side. The test circuit shall be
permitted to include current-limiting reactors, resistors, and transformers in addition to the
generating system. No capacitance shall be added in the circuit. The medium-voltage
motor-circuit fuses shall be permitted to be shunted or replaced with dummy fuses.

In setting up the test circuit, the leads between the reactors and the controller should be made
as short as practicable so as to keep the capacitance to ground at the controller terminals small.

Reactive components shall be permitted to be paralleled if of the air-core type but no reactance
shall be connected in parallel with resistance except that an air-core reactor in any phase shall
be permitted to be shunted by resistance, the volt-ampere loss of which is approximately 0.6
percent of the reactive volt-amperes in the air-core reactor in that phase.

The shunting resistance used with an air-core reactor having negligible resistance may be
calculated from the formula:

E
R = 167
I

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 ICS 3-2005
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where E is the voltage across the air-core reactor with current I flowing as determined by
oscillographic measurement during the short-circuit calibration or, by proportion, from meter
measurements at some lower current.

The controller shall be operated at the rate of one operation per minute. These operations shall
be permitted to be conducted in groups of five with 15 minutes maximum OFF time between
groups. During each operation the ON time shall be not less than four electrical cycles before
contact parting commences as determined by oscillographic or equivalent measurements.

8.8.2 Overload Test Procedure—Reversing Controllers

For a reversing controller, the ON period shall consist of a forward operation immediately
followed by a reverse operation.

The ON time for each total operation (forward operation and reverse operation) shall be as
specified above.

Where the reversing circuit arrangement is such that both operating coils can be energized
simultaneously, ten additional test cycles of operation shall be conducted with both coils
energized simultaneously.

8.8.3 Overload Test Criteria

At the conclusion of the overload test, the controller shall be in substantially the same
mechanical condition as at the beginning and the medium-voltage circuit fuses, if used, and the
ground circuit fuse specified in 8.7.1 shall not have opened.

8.9 Production Tests

8.9.1 Power Frequency Dielectric Test

Production dielectric tests on controllers shall be made at power frequency in accordance with
Clause 8 of ICS 1 except for points of application which shall be in accordance with 8.3.1.

9 APPLICATION

9.1 Typical Methods of Motor Starting

Typical methods of starting AC motors are shown in Figures 1-9-1 through 1-9-4. An “X” in the
contactor sequence chart indicates closed contacts. The “DC FIELD” shown applies only to
synchronous motors. For additional information on controllers for synchronous motors, see Part
2.

9.2 Determination of Motor Starting Current

The starting current values for the various methods of motor starting shown in Figures 1-9-1
through 1-9-4 may be determined as follows.

9.2.1 Full-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-1)

The starting current is equal to the locked-rotor current at full voltage.

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9.2.2 Resistor or Reactor Reduced-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-2)

The starting current is determined from the sum of the impedances of the starting reactor or
resistor and of the motor under locked-rotor conditions.

9.2.3 Autotransformer Reduced-Voltage Starting (Figure 1-9-3)

The starting current drawn from the line is

I x p 2 + 0.25 I m

The starting current taken by the motor is

Ixp

The autotransformer neutral current is

I X p – (I x p 2 + 0.25 I m )

Where:

I = Locked-rotor amperes at full voltage

p = Transformer tap used (fraction of full voltage)

I m = Rated full-load current of the motor. The term “0.25 I m ” is introduced to allow for
transformer magnetizing current.

9.2.4 Part-Winding Starting (Figure 1-9-4)

The starting current is the locked-rotor current of the motor connected for starting.

9.3 Coordination with Power Systems

9.3.1 Considerations

In applying medium voltage equipment, consideration should be given by the user to

coordination with upstream equipment, including, but not limited to:

a. The range of system voltage to which the equipment will be connected

b. Maximum available fault current of the system at the point of installation of the controller
c. The anticipated connected load, i.e., motor starting and full-load currents, motor acceleration
time, and motor starting method (full-voltage or reduced-voltage)
d. Upstream protection devices and settings
e. Lightning and switching surges

9.3.2 Voltage Coordination With Upstream Devices

The controller should have a continuous voltage rating at least as high as the highest system
voltage to which it will be connected. For information on coordination of Basic Insulation Level

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 ICS 3-2005
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(BIL) rating, see 8.2.1. For more BIL information on the application of surge arresters to
safeguard electric power equipment against the hazards of abnormally high voltage surges of
various origins, see ANSI/IEEE C62.2 and ANSI/IEEE Standard 141.

9.3.3 Current Coordination With Upstream Devices

The controller, as installed, should have a short-circuit rating at least as high as the available
fault capacity of the system to which it is connected. For power system integrity the overcurrent
protection characteristics of the controller should coordinate with the upstream equipment.

M CONTACTOR SEQUENCE

START
CONTACTOR AND RUN

M X
MOTOR

DC FIELD

Figure 1-9-1
FULL-VOLTAGE STARTING
(DC field is applicable only to synchronous motors.)

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SERIES NEUTRAL PARALLEL

M M S

MOTOR
RUN RUN
R R

RUN

R
MOTOR MOTOR

DC FIELD DC FIELD DC FIELD

CONTACTOR SEQUENCE CONTACTOR SEQUENCE CONTACTOR SEQUENCE

CON- TRAN-
CONTACTOR START RUN CONTACTOR START RUN START RUN
TACTOR SITION

M X X M X X S X X X*

RUN X RUN X RUN X X

REACTOR OR RESISTOR * OPEN OR CLOSED

R

Figure 1-9-2
REDUCED-VOLTAGE REACTOR OR RESISTOR STARTING
(DC field is applicable only to synchronous motors.)

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 ICS 3-2005
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THREE-COIL TRANSFORMER (CLOSED TRANSITION)

SERIES PARALLEL

M 2S

RUN RUN

S S 1S 1S

MOTOR MOTOR

DC FIELD DC FIELD

CONTACTOR SEQUENCE CONTACTOR SEQUENCE

CON- TRAN- CON- TRANSITION

START RUN START 2 RUN
TACTOR SITION TACTOR 1

M X X X 1S X

S X 2S X X X

RUN X RUN X X

A B

Figure 1-9-3
REDUCED-VOLTAGE AUTO-TRANSFORMER STARTING
(DC field is applicable only to synchronous motors.)

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ICS 3-2005
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1M 2M CONTACTOR SEQUENCE

CONTACTOR START RUN

1M X X

2M X

MOTOR

DC FIELD

Figure 1-9-4
PART-WINDING STARTING
(DC field is applicable only to synchronous motors.)

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 ICS 3-2005
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Part 2
AC GENERAL-PURPOSE CONTROLLERS FOR SYNCHRONOUS
MOTORS
1 GENERAL

1.1 Referenced Standards

In this NEMA Standards Publication reference is made to the standards listed below. Copies
are available from the indicated sources.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

345 East 47th Street
New York. NY 10017

IEEE 100-1992 Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms

1.2 Scope

This part applies to AC magnetic controllers for use with synchronous motors rated up to 7200
volts, 50 and 60 hertz.

1.3 Normative References

The definitions and standards of NEMA Standards Publication No. 250, ICS 1, and ICS 6 also
apply to this part.

2 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:

(* indicates definition from ANSI/IEEE Standard 100)

brushless exciter: An alternator-rectifier field exciter employing rotating rectifiers with a direct
connection to the synchronous machine field winding, thus eliminating the need for field
brushes.*
field exciter: The source of all or part of the field current for the excitation of an electric
machine.*

3 CLASSIFICATIONS

3.1 Field Exciters

Synchonous motor field exciters are either of the brush or brushless type. Brushless type feed
DC into the field winding of the motor without the use of brushes. Brush type exciters feed DC
into the field winding of the motor via brushes and slip rings.

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4 CHARACTERISTICS AND RATINGS

For synchronous motor controllers rated 2001–7200 volts see Part 1. There are no standard
ratings for low-voltage synchronous motor controllers.

5 PRODUCT MARKING, INSTALLATION, AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

See ICS 1.3 for preventative maintenance instructions.

6 SERVICE AND STORAGE CONDITIONS

Clause 6 of ICS 1 applies.

7 CONSTRUCTION

7.1 General

Each synchronous motor controller shall include the following components:

a. One START and STOP pushbutton station integrally mounted on enclosed controllers.
Provision for connecting one separately mounted START and STOP pushbutton station when
required by the particular application
b. Necessary current transformers
c. Alternating current line ammeter
d. Unless integral to the machine, means which automatically applies field excitation at the
proper time
e. In the case of a separately excited machine, a DC ammeter.

7.2 Protection Means

Unless integral to the machine, protective functions for synchronous motor controllers shall be
as follows:

a. Means to automatically remove field excitation in event of pull-out

b. When required by the particular application, field loss protection shall be included to
disconnect the motor from the line in the event of excitation failure. Field loss protection is
recommended for motors provided with controllers arranged for re-synchronizing when
pull-out conditions are encountered.
c. Means to protect the field against excessive induced voltage during normal operation out of
synchronism.
d. Means to protect the squirrel-cage windings during operation out of synchronism.
e. Means to automatically disconnect the motor from the line in case of pull-out, when required
by the particular application.
f. Three motor running overcurrent (overload) protective units unless the motor, the motor
control apparatus, and the branch circuit conductors are otherwise adequately protected.

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 ICS 3-2005
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g. Instantaneous undervoltage protection. When required by the particular application,

time-delay undervoltage protection shall be included in lieu of instantaneous undervoltage
protection.
h. When required by the particular application, the DC control bus supplying field excitation
shall have a suitable two-pole disconnect means and short-circuit protection. Field discharge
means shall be permanently connected across the load side of this protective device and
disconnecting means.

7.3 Additional Features

When required by the application additional features may include the following:

a. Dynamic-braking contactor(s) shall be normally open and magnetically closed or normally

closed and magnetically opened, and mechanically or mechanically and electrically
interlocked with the line contactor(s).
b. Dynamic braking, when provided for emergency stopping, shall be effective under all normal
conditions of operation and for all stops.
CAUTION—Dynamic braking will be ineffective under conditions of field failure.
c. Provision for connecting a two-pole emergency STOP switch. When tripped, this switch shall
open both sides of the control circuit. This shall not hamper the conditions of paragraph b).
d. Means to prevent restarting of the motor during an emergency stop until the dynamic-braking
cycle has been completed and field excitation removed.
e. Drilling for exciter field rheostat.
f. Mounting provision for a tapped resistor for the motor field.
g. Means to re-synchronize in event of pull-out.
h. An exciter rectifier unit for the motor field.

8 PERFORMANCE AND TESTS

This part contains no performance and test requirements.

9 APPLICATION

This part contains no application information.

© Copyright 2005 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.