Specification for

Low Voltage Power Factor

Correction Equipment
380/400/415V, 60 HZ
Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
1. GENERAL
This article specifies the requirements for the design, manufacture , testing of low voltage
power factor correction sets with all necessary ancillary equipment.
Three phase automatic power factor correction sets shall be installed indoor. Installation will
be carried out by others and all relative information to enable the installation to be carried out
efficiently shall be provided.
2. APPLCA!LE S"AN#AR#S
The design of the low voltage capacitor bank and accessories shall comply with the
requirements of the latest current edition of following standards and with the specific
requirements of this specification.
IEC 6!"# $ %art #&'( )hunt power capacitors of the self healing type for a.c systems having
rated voltage up to and including # k*.
IEC 6#+'# $ %ower factor capacitors. ,ow voltage capacitor banks.
IEC 6-"+(# $ ,ow *oltage )witchgear and Controlgear .ssemblies.
IEC 6+-/ $ ,ow *oltage )witchgear
%art ' $ Circuit 0reakers
%art - $ Controlgear for voltages up to and including # * a.c .
IEC 6'6+ $ ,* fuses.
IEC 6'!+ $ 1eactors
IEC 62'+ $ 3egree of protection provided by enclosures 4 I% code 5.
6, !# $ Capacitors
$. %AN#LNG
. shock control shall be placed on the packaging of the capacitor bank. If the bank fall, this
control will be broken.
The handling will be done with lifting rings 4already installed on the bank5, or with a forklift
truck 4design of the bank bottom will allow this5.
. #cm part shall be present at the back of the bank in order to have an optimal position of
the bank for a good ventilation.
&. #ESGN C'N#"'NS
&(1 Am)ient temperature
The ,* capacitor banks shall be designed for the following ambient temperature inside the
electrical room $
7a8imum $ -9C
.verage over '- hours $ "29C
.nnual average $ '29C .
7inimum $ (29C
In case of higher temperature, the components must be overrated.
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
:ith overrated components 4 capacitors, reactors, fans 5, the ,* capacitor banks must be able
to withstand the following ambient temperature inside the electrical room $
7a8imum $ 29C
.verage over '- hours $ -29C
.nnual average $ "29C
7inimum $ ( 29C
&(2 Altitu*e
The ,* capacitor bank shall be designed to be installed at a ma8imum of 'm.
&($ %umi*it+
The humidity withstand by the equipment shall be according to IEC 6-"+(#$ 2; of humidity
and a ma8imum temperature of - 9C.
&(& Site pollution con*ition,
The site pollution conditions shall be ma8imum class " according to IEC 6!#2
<Class "= definition$ conductive pollution occurs or dry, non(conductive pollution occurs which
becomes conductive due to condensation.
-. ELEC"RCAL S.S"E/ C%ARAC"ERS"CS
-(1 Low 0oltage networ1 ,+,tem
>ominal system voltage $ "!, - or -#2 *
*oltage tolerance 4 - * 5 $ ?@(# ;
1ated frequency $ 6 AB

-(2 %armonic pollution
The capacitor bank shall be designed to withstand harmonic pollution and avoid harmonic
amplification.
The following rules shall be taken into account.
Capacitors rated -#2 * 4 for "! & - * network 5 shall be used if the power of harmonic
generating loads in k*. is lower or equal than #2 ; of the power of the transformer.
4TA34I5 C 2;5
Capacitors rated -! * 4 for "! & - * network 5 shall be used if the power of harmonic
generating loads is between #2 and '2 ; of the power of the transformer. 4 2; C TA34I5 C
#;5
Capacitors rated -! * with 1eactors tuned to #"2, #+ or '#2 AB shall be used if the
power of harmonic generating loads in k*. is between '2 and 2 ; of the power of
transformer. 4 #; C TA34I5 C ';5
Diltering solutions shall be used if the power of harmonic generating loads in k*. is higher
than 2 ; of the power of transformer. 4TA34I5 E ';5
2. P'3ER S4PPLES
%ower supplies for ,* capacitor bank shall be $ "!, -, or -#2*, " phases, " or - wires, 6
AB,
-@'" * single phase 6 AB for control circuits, fans and anti(condensation heaters.
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
. table is given in the Annex 1$ circuit breaker used according to the power of the capacitor
bank.
Cable connection$ Top entry for the cabinets and bottom entry for the banks 4Top entry option5
5. CAPAC"'RS
The capacitors shall be low(losses units, tested in accordance with IEC 6!"# part #&'. Each
element is to be of a dry self healing metallised polypropylene film and to be housed in an
individual case or combined in a three phases assembly in one case.
. protection system shall be fitted to each element which shall comprise an A1C cartridge or
tear off fuses, an integral discharge resistor and an overpressure disconnect device.
Each element forming the three phase capacitor shall be fitted with an internal discharge
resistor to ensure that the capacitor is discharged to a voltage not e8ceeding 2 * measured
at the capacitors terminals, one minute after disconnection from the power supply.
The use of polychlorinated biphenols 4%C05 and oil as capacitor impregnation is not
acceptable.
The capacitor losses in :atts shall not e8ceed .2 :@kvar, discharge resistor included.
/(# 5 Enclo,ure an* connection
The group of elements forming a three phase capacitor unit shall be installed in a plastic
enclosure or in a aluminium casing.
The plastic material shall be * type, self(e8tinguishing, according to the 6,!# standard.
The capacitor shall be indoor type.
Each capacitor shall be provided with three terminal pads and shall not require earth
connection. Dor aluminium casing the earth connection shall be done with the mounting
stud and a star washer.
/(' 5 Certification
The three phase capacitor shall be designed and manufactured in an I)F +# and I)F
#-# certified plant. Certificates shall be available on demand.
/(" 5 "ec6nical *ata
Tolerance on capacitance value $ (2, ? # ;.
Insulation level $
6 AB , # minute withstand voltage $ - k*
#.' @ 2 Gs $ #2 k*
Temperature class $ ( '2 @ 3
)urrounding temperature $
7a8imum $ 22 9C
.verage over '- hours $ -29C
.nnual average $ "29C
.dmissible current overloads $ " ; permanently
.dmissible voltage overloads $
! h in any '- h period $ # ;
" min in any '- h period $ #2 ;
2 min in any '- h period $ ' ;
# min in any '- h period $ " ;
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
7. P'3ER FAC"'R C'N"R'LLER
The power factor controller shall be of the electronic type capable of switching capacitor
contactors in 6 or #' steps. Two kinds of controllers will be used depending of the power of the
bank.
The controller can communicate on the 7odbus network as an option.
The technical specification should be as follows $
5(1 8 Controller for 9Cla,,ic: range until 12; 10ar< an* for 9Comfort: range until =; 10ar
The controller will allow to do 6 steps.
3isplay $ screen with ,E3 $ - digits
Connection type $ line to line
Connection features $ Insensitive to CT direction @ Insensitive to phase rotation polarity
*oltage input $ "'H-6 * C.
Fperating current range $ 2 m. I 2,2 .
Current input $ CT H..@ 2 . class # .
Drequency $ 2 AB @ 6 AB 4 ?@( ' AB 5
7easuring class $ #;
)tep output contacts $ ". @ '2* I #. @ -*
.larm output contact $ yes
It shall provide the following information $
Cosine phi
%ower factor value
*oltage and current 17) value
.ctive power 4:5 value
1eactive power 4var5 value
.pparent power 4*.5 value
It shall provide the following .larms and warning $
Fver voltage
,ow power factor
Fver compensation
%ower factor setting $ 3igital , .!2 ind to #. ind
Dour quadrant measuring and operation feature
C@J setting $ .utomatic search or manual setting
.ccuracy class $ # ;
Temperature $ :orking state to 229C
5(2 8 Controller for 9Cla,,ic: range a)o0e 12; 10ar< an* for 9Comfort: range a)o0e =;
10ar
The controller will allow to control 6 or #' steps.
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
1ated voltage 46n5 $ ##* I ''@'- * I "!@-#2 *
3isplay $ ,C3 screen
.larm output contact
The controller shall absolutely have a temperature sensor
)eparated output contact to control the fans in the capacitors banks.
.ccuracy class $ #,2 ;
Temperature $ :orking state to 69C
)imple to use thanks to the menu with different languages
Connection type $ ,ine to line or ,ine to neutral .
Connection features $ Insensitive to CT direction @ Insensitive to phase rotation polarity
Current input $ CT H..@ 2 . class # .
%otential free output contacts $
C.$ #. @ -*K '. @ '2*K 2. @ #'*
CC$ ,". @ ##*K ,6. @ #'*K '. @ '-*
)tep configuration programming $ automatic or disconnected
%ower factor setting $ 3igital , .!2 ind to .+ cap
C@J setting $ .utomatic search or manual setting
Dour quadrant measuring and operation feature
It shall provide the following information $
Cosine phi
Connected steps
%eriod before switching
)tep output status 4 capacitance loss survey 5
,oad and reactive current
Total voltage harmonic distortion
*oltage , temperature, %ower 4 ),%,L5
*oltage harmonic spectrum 4 ",2,/,##,#" 5
It shall provide the following .larms and warning $
,ow power cosine phi
Aunting
.bnormal cosine phi
Fvercompensation
Drequency not detected
Fver current
6nder voltage
Fver voltage
Fver temperature
Total voltage harmonic distortion
Capacitor overload
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
5($ 8 Controller for ,pecific function,
%ossibility to install an e8ternal temperature sensor
%ossibility to have the controller communicating with a 7odbus 1)-!2
%ossibility to have fi8ed step configuration
%ossibility to have ' cosine phi
Dollowing information will be available$
1esponse delay
*oltage and current harmonic spectrum 4orders ", 2, /, ##, #"5
)tep output status 4capacitance loss monitoring5
Total current harmonic distortion TA34I5
Dollowing alarms will be available $
Capacitor capacitance loss
Capacitor current overload
=. C'N"AC"'RS
Contactors shall be used to switch capacitors in or out of service. They shall comply with IEC
6+-/(- and shall have a rating suitable for the service required. Especially suitable Capacitor
)witching Contactors, which include a current limiting device, with a proven track record
should be used.
Contactors shall be able to hold " operations.
1;. REAC"'RS
3etuned reactors shall be used in case of harmonic pollution 4 see clause n9" 5
The detuned reactor shall be three phase iron core with copper winding or aluminium winding.
.ll the parts of the reactor shall be covered by a varnish preventing from ant corrosion.
The reactor shall comply with IEC 6'!+.
Tolerance $ ?@( 2 ;
Tolerance between phase $ ,ma8@,min M #./
Tuning order $ ',/ 4relative impedance $ #",/;5K -,' 4 relative impedance $ 2.6/ ; 5
%ermissible overload fundamental current $ #.# time the nominal current 4 I# 5.
Insulation level $ #.# k* according to IEC /6
Test voltage 4 coil to core 5 $ "," k* # minute
3istance between terminals and earth $ ' mm
11. CA!LES
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
##(# 5 Control cables
)mall wiring shall be carried out in %*C insulated # * conductor and with core ferruled.
The cross section shall be minimum #.2mmN e8cept for the power supply of the power factor
controller which shall be '.2 mmN. . table giving the minimum section of wires to use is in the
Annex 2.
,abels shall be fitted at the end of the conductor to identify it.
##(' 5 %ower cable
The power cable used shall be black %*C insulated #* , A/*'J type.
12. #ESGN FEA"4RES
The equipment shall be housed in a metal enclosure with an I% "# protection degree 4I%'#3 if
using forced ventilation5.
The doors of the capacitor bank enclosure shall be interlocked to prevent access to the bank,
and the capacitor bank will have protection against direct contact when door is opened.
The ventilation will be natural or forced. In case of forced ventilation, it will be controlled by a
temperature sensor. In order to make the installation of the bank easy, a part of # cm will
present on the back to have an optimal position.
Each panel shall be fitted with an earth terminal in the form of a # mm diameter threaded
bolt and fitted with two nuts and washers.
#'(# 5 3esign data
IEC standard $ 6-"+(# and 6#+'#
%rotection degree $ I% "# 4I%'#3 if forced ventilation5
Indoor type
Insulation level $ ,6+ k*
:ithstand 6 AB , # minute $ '.2 k*
)hort circuit level for # second $ "2 k.
Oland plates $ 6n(drilled
,oad shedding 4main(standby5
#'(' 5 Enclosure thickness
The thickness of the metal sheet of the enclosure shall be # or #.2 mm.
Aowever some metal parts and devices inside the enclosure may have a lower thickness.
#'(" 5 )urface treatment @ %ainting
#'("(# 5)urface treatment $
The metallic parts of the enclosure shall be washed at -9C minimum to take off grease.
1insed in water.
#'("(' 5 %ainting $
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Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
. powder Epo8y %olyester shall be applied with a thickness of " microns.
Epo8y protects against chemical attack and polyester protects against mechanical attack.
The painting shall be polymerised into an oven.
The colour of the capacitor bank shall be 1., +#.
#'(- 5 1ating plate
)elf(stick shall be fitted inside the cubicle with the following information $
1eactive power
>ominal voltage
Drequency
IEC 6-"+(# and IEC 6#+'# standard compliance
#'(2 5 Components identification.
)elf(stick shall be used to identify each components fitted in the capacitor banks
capacitors, contactors, power factor controller, reactors 4 if any 5 .
1$. CRC4" !REA>ERS
In any case, use an incoming Circuit 0reaker as the main isolator to the capacitor bank.
The Circuit 0reaker used as the main supply isolator to the capacitor bank should be properly
siBed to ensure an overload and short circuit protection $ #,2 times the nominal current of the
complete bank.
1ecommended rating$
#.-" times the nominal current of the complete bank, for <Classic= capacitor banks.
#.2 times the nominal current of the complete bank, for <Comfort= capacitor banks.
#."# times the nominal current of the complete bank, for <Aarmony= capacitor banks.
1&. NSPEC"'N AN# "ES"NG
Tests shall be performed at the manufacturerPs works in accordance with the relevant IEC
standards .
The tests shall include $
Routine te,t, for capacitor )an1 ?
Inspection for conformity with the specifications
3ielectric test $ ',2 k* # minute
Insulation resistance measurement at 2 *
3uring inspection, routine test shall be carried out only on some samples 4' or " capacitor
banks5.
Routine te,t, for capacitor ?
*oltage withstand test between terminals $ ',#2 6n 4 ' s 5
Capacitance measurement
,oss angle measurement on similar capacitor
"+pe te,t, ?
16411 Page # 30/06/200
Specification for L.V.Power Factor Correction Equipment
Type testing shall be only supplied for loose capacitors on similar capacitor. Type test
certificate shall be issued by an independent test station of international repute.
1-. C4RREN" "RANSF'R/ERS
The current transformer shall comply with IEC -- and shall be of 2 . output, class #, 2 *.
minimum.
The current transformer has to be supplied by the contractor 4see )chneider Electric electrical
catalogue5
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