TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
Demystifying the SANS 62271 series of
MV switchgear standards
In November 2003, the first edition of IEC 62271-200 (High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – part 200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear
and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV) was published – with much anticipation and debate in the
switchgear industry. There still appears to be fairly widespread misunderstanding and unnecessary confusion regarding the impact of the new
standard – specifically with respect to type test validity and implications relating to safety. This article aims to dispel certain misconceptions
and hopefully provide useful guidance to electrical engineers involved in switchgear specifications, evaluations and risk assessments.
This widely recognised and respected
international standard replaced the third
edition of IEC 60298 and forms the basis
(principle normative reference) for the
relevant South African national “ front-
end” standards for switchgear, including
SANS 1885 (NRS 003) and SANS 1874 (NRS
006) for medium-voltage (MV) indoor
metal-enclosed switchgear and ring main
units respectively. The SANS 62271-200
standard is an identical implementation
of IEC 62271-200. The IEC standard has
already been through a maintenance
cycle and was updated and improved
based on the experience gained with
the first edition. The second edition of the
standard was published in October 2011
and it is to be noted that the second
edition did not introduce fundamental
changes. Definitions, classifications and
testing procedures have been specified
more precisely. For testing the internal
arc classification (when assigned by the
manufacturer) more specific guidance
has been provided regarding test
arrangement, room simulation and arc
initiation, while the level of testing severity
is maintained without changes.
Fig. 1: Examples of switchgear LSC categories.
by Rhett Kelly, ACTOM
So what was the big fuss about? Fig. 1 shows examples of the various
LSC categories.
Some of the key reasons for replacing the
- Switchgear classification with
third edition of IEC 60298 and publishing
regard to the nature of the
IEC 62271-200 along with significant
barrier between live parts
technical changes can be summarised
and the opened accessible
as follows:
compartment (i.e. PM – metallic
l The renumbering and grouping ofall
partitions, PI – insulating partitions).
the various high-voltage switchgear
standards under the IEC 62271 - S w i t c h g e a r c o m p a r t m e n t
umbrella suite of standards; classification with regard to
the methods of controlling
l It was acknowledged that IEC 60298
the opening of an accessible
did not cover modern switchgear
compartment (i.e. interlock-
designs adequately (e.g. fixed-pattern
b a s e d, p r o c e d u r e - b a s e d,
switchgear);
tool-based).
l The introduction of new definitions and
l Switchgear classification with regard
classification of equipment as follows
to safety in the event of an internal
(with the aim of covering the functional
arc during normal operation (i.e. IAC).
features of switchgear as opposed to
The second edition of IEC 62271-200
the design and construction):
provides more specific guidance
- Switchgear categories with regard regarding test arrangement, room
to the loss of ser vice continuity
simulation and arc initiation, while the
(LSC) when opening an accessible
level of testing severity is maintained
compartment.
without changes.
- Note: The LSC definitions were
l The replacement of ambiguous
further improved/clarified in the
designations such as metal-clad,
second edition of IEC 62271-200.
compartmented and cubicle
switchgear which created confusion
with respect to conflicting IEEE (ANSI)
definitions used in North America.
l Introduction of recommended design
requirements for switchgear with
respect to internal arc hazards, such
as the transfer of withdrawable parts
to or from their service position only
when the front door is closed.
l Harmonisation between IEC and IEEE
standards.
l Various changes to the type test
requirements – as summarised below.
G i v e n t h e a b o v e, w h a t a r e t h e ke y
issues that need to be appreciated and
understood when comparing IEC 60298
and IEC 62271-200 – especially with
respect to type testing and safety?
The most sensitive point relates to the
question of continued validity of existing
type tests done in accordance with the
previous or old edition of the standard. It is
important to point out that the introduction
of a superseding standard such as
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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
IEC 62271-200 and associated standards
does not, as a matter of course, render
existing type test certification carried
out in accordance with the previous
standard (in this case IEC 60298) invalid.
Notwithstanding the type test requirements,
provided the switchgear design, principal
materials and manufacturing processes
remained unchanged, no further type
testing would be necessary. In principle,
only where design changes are made or
where additional or differing mandatory
test requirements are introduced, would
further type testing be required. The
following important changes were made
to the type test requirements between
IEC 60298 and IEC 62271-200. In general, Fig. 2: Manufacturing timelines of different circuit-breaker types.
these changes can be summarised as
follows:
l Dielectric test requirements - according
to IEC 60298, two disruptive discharges
were permitted in a series of 15 voltage
impulses for the test with rated lightning
impulse withstand voltage. According
to the new standard, the series must
be extended by another five voltage
impulses if a disruptive discharge has
occurred during the first 15 impulses.
This can lead to a maximum of
25 voltage impulses, whereas the
maximum number of permissible
disruptive discharges is still two.
l Short-circuit performance - in contrast
to the previous standard, short-circuit
per formance testing of switching
devices is no longer carried out
as a pure device test and it is now
mandator y to carr y out the test in
the corresponding switchgear panel
(e.g. STC, T100a, T100s on circuit-
breakers, short-circuit making tests
on earthing switches, etc.). This is
particularly relevant in the case of
withdrawable pattern switchgear – as
the performance of the main circuit Fig. 3: Interpretation of short-circuit test results.
current carrying connections (clusters,
etc.) may be adversely affected during Grouping Description
short circuit performance testing. IEC 62271 Parts 1 to 99 Generic/common standards
l Internal arc performance - the energy
IEC 62271 Parts 100 to 199 Switching devices (e.g. circuit-breakers, switch
flow direction of the arc supply, the
disconnectors, earthing switches, etc.)
maximum number of permissible
panels with the test in the end panel IEC 62271 Parts 200 to 299 Switchgear installations / assemblies (e.g. metal-
and the dependency of the ceiling enclosed switchgear assemblies. etc.)
height on the respectivepanel height IEC 62271 Parts 300 to 399 Guidelines, reports, etc.
have been redefined. The criteria to
Table 1: IEC 62271 part 1 to 399.
be fulfilled were also refined and were
no longer subject to agreement or
Standard Description
selection as the clause in IEC 60298
(Annex AA.6) “Whoever requests the test IEC 62271-1 Common specifications
to be performed shall decide by which IEC 62271-100 Circuit-breakers
of these criteria the results of the test
IEC 62271-102 Disconnectors and earthing switches
should be assessed” was removed. The
number of criteria was reduced from six IEC 62271-103 Switches
to five as the two separate criteria for IEC 62271-105 Switch-fuse combination
the ignition of vertical and horizontal
indicators were merged into one. Table 2: Standards to be read in conjunction with IEC 62271-200.

Given the nature of the changes introduced
in IEC 62271-200, many manufacturers
and users made specification and
design changes that ultimately required
further type testing to the new standard.
Leading manufacturers were proactive
and made various design changes (e.g.
the requirement for racking removable
equipment behind a closed door) and
re-tested in accordance with the IEC
62271 series.
A common misunderstanding exists relating
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to issue of internal arc classification and
testing. Contrary to popular belief, neither
IEC 60298 nor IEC 62271-200 states that
internal arc testing and/or classification
is mandatory. While IEC 62271-200 does
introduce the concept of internal arc

Description Associated tests
1 Dielectric Po w e r f r e q u e n c y v o l t a g e t e s t, Rated insulation levels
performance lightning impulse withstand voltage
test, partial discharge test, dielectric
test on auxiliary and control circuits
2 Temperature rise Temperature rise test (main and Rated normal (continuous)
performance auxiliary circuits) together with the current, IP coding
measurement of the resistance of
circuits, verification of the protection
(IP coding and mechanical impact)
3 Short-circuit Short time current withstand tests
performance (main and earthing circuits), making
and breaking basic tests (e.g. for
circuit-breakers: T10, T30, T60, T100a,
T100s, single phase, double earth
fault, short line fault (if applicable),
out-of-phase (if applicable), etc.) ,
extended electrical endurance tests
for circuit-breakers intended for auto-
reclose applications, capacitive and
inductive load switching tests, etc.
Note: measurement of the resistance
of circuits is also performed as part
of the short circuit performance tests.
4 Mechanical Mechanical operation tests, tightness
performance test (applicable only for gas-filled
switchgear), mechanical endurance
test
5 Internal arc Internal arc tests
performance
Table 3: Big five test categories.
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Key parameters/
classification verified
Rated short circuit
current, “E” classification
for electrical endurance,
“C” classification for
capacitive switching
performance, “S”
classification for circuit-
breaker application (e.g.
line or cable systems)
Mechanical interlocks,
operation of the
removable switching
device (if applicable),
“M” classification for
mechanical endurance
IAC classification
same general set-up, arc fault current
and provided all six criteria were met.
IEC 60298 allowed the test arrangement,
room simulation and arc initiation decisions
to be decided between the manufacturer
and user. It did not offer options relating
to the choice of classified sides
(i.e. front/lateral/rear) and by default stated
that indicators should be fitted at the
operator ’s side and, if applicable, at sides
which are readily accessible to personnel.
It is however not acceptable (without
further type testing), to retrospectively
assign an internal arc classification in
accordance with IEC 62271-200 using
previous type tests done to IEC 60298.
Another misunderstanding relates to the
arc fault current duration. Many assume
that IEC 62271-200 specifies a mandatory
fault duration of 1 s, which is not correct.
This is probably due to the fact that in
practice, due to the inherently high cost
of internal arc testing, most manufacturers
have tested for a maximum 1 s arc fault
duration in order to cater for all shorter
durations that may be specified by various
users. IEC 62271-200 allows the duration
to be specified and provides standard
recommended values for the three-phase
arc fault duration of 0,1 s, 0,5 s and 1 s,
whereas IEC 60298 stated that the arc
fault duration should be chosen in relation
to the probable duration of the arc as
determined by the protection facilities and
should not normally exceed 1 s. The same
principle still applies today.

Understanding the IEC 62271 series of

documents
It is helpful to have an understanding of
the structure of the IEC 62271 series of
standards – which collectively cover the
requirements for high-voltage switchgear
and controlgear. The series consists of a
number of different parts, each of which
are numbered and grouped according to
the broad categories in Table 1.

While each standard attempts to list the

applicable terms and definitions (for
ease of reference), a complete list of
terms and definitions can be found in
the IEC/IEV 60050-441 standard. Having
this document on hand can prove to
be extremely beneficial when tr ying to
understanding the requirements of the
various standards. As with most of the parts
Fig. 4: Validation of a family by selection of appropriate test objects. (Note: “FU” = Functional unit.) of IEC 62271, this standard is also available
locally as a SANS overwrite.

classification (IAC), the assignment of an level of testing severity is maintained. A s a n e x a m p l e, t h e s t a n d a r d s i n

internal arc classification remains optional.
Of course, given the fact that it relates to
personnel safety and that technology exists
to reduce the risk, most manufacturers
and users none the less correctly insist on
internal arc classification and associated
testing. Furthermore, while more specific
rules are provided in IEC 62271-200
regarding the test arrangement, room
simulation and arc initiation, the actual
As an example, switchgear tested to
IEC 60298 for accessibility type A (i.e.
with accessibility restricted to authorised
personnel and with indicators at the
operator ’s side and at the lateral and
rear sides which are readily accessible)
effectively offers the same level of safety
as switchgear tested to IEC 62271-200
according to IAC AFLR, assuming the
Table 2 would typically need to be read in
conjunction with IEC 62271-200.
Each of these standards provides the
specific test requirements applicable to
each type of switching device.
It is worth noting that a useful guide (which
is classified as a technical report) to
IEC 62271-100, IEC 62271-1 and other IEC
standards related to high-voltage circuit-

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
breakers, namely IEC 62271-306, has
recently been developed and published
to assist the following engineers:
l U t i l i t y, c o n s u l t a n t a n d i n d u s t r i a l
engineers who specify and apply
high-voltage circuit-breakers
l Circuit-breaker development engineers
l Engineers in testing stations
l Engineers who participate in
standardisation
It provides background information
concerning the facts and figures in
the standards as well as a basis for the
correct specification for high-voltage
circuit-breakers. Thus, it’s scope covers the
explanation, interpretation and application
of IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-1 as well
as other related standards and technical
reports. It includes a very interesting section
on the evolution of IEC standards for high-
voltage circuit-breakers. Explanations Fig. 5: Validation of a family by selection of appropriate test objects.
regarding the various classifications
applicable to circuit-breakers (including
electrical (E1/E2), mechanical (M1/M2),
physical principles, industr y experience l Re p o r t o f p e r f o r m a n c e – w h i c h
capacitive switching (C1/C2) and system
and calculations to establish rules covering contains a record of one or more tests
application (S1/S2)) are provided along
various design and rating aspects. Fig. 4 which have been carried out according
with information relating to phenomena
shows how a test report can be used to to the client’s instructions. The tests are
such as current chopping, first pole-to-
clear factors, transient recovery voltages extend the validity of one test report to not necessarily in accordance with
(TRV ’s), capacitive and inductive load other functional units in the same family. a recognised standard and the test
switching, out-of-phase current breaking, Fig. 5 shows how a family of switchgear results do not verify the ratings of the
etc. For those interested in circuit-breaker can be validated by the selection of test object. There are three types of
technology, an informative annex is appropriate test objects. reports of performance:
provided on the history of circuit-breakers. - W h e r e t e s t s h a v e b e e n c a r r i e d
Fig. 2 shows the manufacturing timelines The “big-five” categories of type test
out strictly in accordance with the
of different circuit-breaker types. requirements for MV switchgear
relevant standard. The apparatus
Fig. 3 shows some of the key parameters In order to assist engineers in remembering has complied with the relevant
applicable to the interpretation of circuit- the key test requirements for metal- requirements.
breaker short-circuit per formance test enclosed switchgear, Table 3 lists various - W h e r e t e s t s h a v e b e e n c a r r i e d
results. type tests categories which may be helpful. out “in accordance with the
Another recent noteworthy advancement Essentially, most of the required type tests client’s instructions”, but where test
is the development of another new are covered in the big five categories. procedures and parameters were
I E C t e c h n i c a l r e p o r t, n a m e l y Additional tests not mentioned include based on the relevant recognised
IEC 62271-307, providing much needed EMC tests, environmental tests, electrical standard.
guidance for the extension of the validity continuity of earthed metallic parts test, - W h e r e t e s t s h a v e b e e n c a r r i e d
of type tests for metal-enclosed switchgear verification of the operation characteristics out “in accordance with the
a n d c o n t r o l g e a r ( i. e. a p p l i c a b l e t o of auxiliary contacts (unless the switching client’s instructions”, but where test
IEC 62271-200 and IEC 62271-201). Type device has passed a complete type test procedures and parameters were not
testing and certification of switchgear program), and functional tests to verify based on a recognised standard.
to IEC 62271-200 comes with a hefty the proper functioning of auxiliar y and
price tag and because of the variety of For each individual category mentioned
control circuits.
types, ratings, and possible combinations above, a certificate of per formance
o f c o m p o n e n t s, i t i s u l t i m a t e l y n o t Not all users of switchgear are aware of would be the highest level of testing (i.e.
practicable to carr y out type tests on the different levels of type testing that certification) possible. However, there is an
all the various arrangements of metal- are available, as well as the rules for even higher “umbrella” level of certification
enclosed switchgear and controlgear. certification of switchgear according available, referred to as a certificate of
The advent of this new standard provides to IEC 62271-200. For example, the complete type tests. In this case, all the
clearly defined rules relating to how to w o r l d r e n o w n e d t e s t i n g, i n s p e c t i o n type tests required by the IEC 62271-200
extend the validity of type tests performed and certification (TIC) body, KEMA, has standard would need to be conducted
on one test assembly with a defined set different levels of type test certification by the same testing body (e.g. KEMA) on
of ratings to another switchgear assembly and reporting: the same test objects – in accordance
of the same family with a different set
Certificate – which contains a record of with the relevant IEC, STL and testing
of ratings or different arrangements of l

components. It supports the selection of a series of type tests carried out strictly body ’s certification rules. A certificate
representative test objects composed of in accordance with a recognized of complete type tests thus represents
functional units of a family of switchgear s t a n d a r d. T h e e q u i p m e n t t e s t e d the ultimate “Olympic gold medal” for
and controlgear aimed at the optimisation has fulfilled the requirements of the product certification and would refer to
of type tests in order to perform a consistent standard and the relevant ratings all the relevant performance certificates
conformity assessment. The report utilises assigned by the manufacturer are in accordance with the applicable parts
a combination of sound technical and endorsed by KEMA. of IEC 62271.

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TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
Fig. 6: Risk reduction process.
Some thoughts on safety
The concept of safety in the electrical
industr y is often misunderstood. Many
people erroneously believe in the idea that
equipment can be made safe (i.e. without
any hazard). There is no engineering basis
for absolute safety, but rather the concept
and process of risk reduction – with the
ultimate goal of risk elimination. Nowhere
in life does absolute safety exist.
A most useful document covering the
incorporation of safety into standards
is the ISO/IEC Guide 51 – which clearly
states: “The use of the words safety and
safe as descriptive adjectives should be
avoided because they convey no useful
extra information. In addition, they are
likely to be interpreted as an assurance
of guaranteed freedom from risk”. There
can be no absolute safety as some risk will
remain, defined in this guide as “residual
risk ”. Therefore a product, process or
service can only be relatively safe.
Safety is achieved by reducing risk to
a tolerable level — defined in ISO/IEC
Guide 51 as tolerable risk. Tolerable risk is
determined by the search for an optimal
balance between the ideal of absolute
safety and the demands to be met by a
product, process or service, and factors
such as benefit to the user, suitability
for purpose, cost effectiveness, and
conventions of the society concerned.
It follows that there is a need to review
continually the tolerable level, in
particular when developments, both in
technology and in knowledge, can lead
to economically feasible improvements to
attain the minimum risk compatible with
the use of a product, process or service.”
Suffice is to say that switchgear type tested
to IEC 62271-200 offers the highest level
of protection (minimum risk) possible for
personnel today – at least from a design
perspective.
This however does not relieve the user of
his/her obligations to further reduce risk as
shown in Fig. 6. IEC 62271-200 provides
useful guidance regarding the common
causes and preventive measures to
decrease the probability of internal arc
faults. It also provides recommendations
on supplementary protective measures
available to reduce the risk in the event
of an internal arc fault.
Conclusion
MV switchgear designs and technologies
are continuing to develop and improve.
This is due to several key drivers:
l Constantly improving performance
capabilities made possible through
optimised MV circuit-breaker
technologies and switchgear designs
l Ever increasing per formance and
safety expectations from users
worldwide
l Harmonisation efforts between the IEC
and IEEE international communities
l Continual drive to reduce costs while
maintaining performance and quality
standards in a progressively more
competitive market
These technology trends are no better
reflected than in the latest IEC 62271 suite
of international standards (i.e. “High voltage
switchgear and controlgear ”). Significant
improvements and developments have
and continue to be made to various
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parts of the IEC 62271 over the last
decade – many of which users (and
even manufacturers) are often unaware.
Changes include the introduction of a
number of different classification options
for the various types of switching devices
with respect to electrical and mechanical
performance as well as system application
(e.g. line versus cable systems). To assist
engineers, various IEC 62271 guides
have been produced which provide
the necessary background, history and
explanations regarding the requirements
of and changes to the standards. The
IEC 62271 series of standards are living
documents and in general are well
respected and implemented world-wide –
with the relevant IEC technical committees
working continually to provide the latest
best-practice requirements for switchgear.
References
[1] ISO/IEC Guide 51: “Safety aspects – Guidelines
for their inclusion in standards”
[2] IEC 60050-441: “International Electrotechnical
Vocabular y - Chapter 441: Switchgear,
controlgear and fuses”
[3] IEC 62271-1: 2007: “High-voltage switchgear
and controlgear – Part 1: Common
specifications”
[4] IEC 62271-100: 2012: “ High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear – Part 100:
Alternating current circuit-breakers”
[5] IEC 62271-102: 2001: “ High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear – Part 102:
Alternating current disconnectors and
earthing switches”
[6] IEC 62271-103: 2011: “ High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear – Part 103:
Switches for rated voltages above 1 kV up to
and including 52 kV”
[7] IEC 62271-105: 2012: “ High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear – Part 105:
Alternating current switch-fuse combinations”
[8] IEC 62271-110: “High-voltage switchgear
and controlgear – Part 110: Inductive load
switching”
[9] I E C 6 2 2 7 1 - 2 0 0 : 2 0 1 1 : “ H i g h -v o l t a g e
switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: AC
metal enclosed switchgear and controlgear
for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and
including 52 kV”
[10] I E C 6 2 2 7 1 - 2 0 1 : 2 0 1 4 : “ H i g h -v o l t a g e
switchgear and controlgear – Part 201: AC
solid insulation enclosed switchgear and
controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV
and up to and including 52 kV”
[11] I E C 6 2 2 7 1 - 3 0 4 : 2 0 0 8 : “ H i g h -v o l t a g e
switchgear and controlgear – Part 304: Design
classes for indoor enclosed switchgear and
controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV up
to and including 52 kV to be used in severe
climatic conditions.”
[12] I E C 6 2 2 7 1 - 3 0 6 : 2 0 1 2 : “ H i g h -v o l t a g e
switchgear and controlgear – Part 306:
Guide to IEC 62271-100, IEC 62271-1 and
other IEC standards related to alternating
current circuitbreakers”
[13] IEC 62271-307 (CD): “High-voltage switchgear
and controlgear–Part 307: Guidance for
the extension of validity of type tests of AC
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and
including 52 kV”
Contact Rhett Kelly,
ACTOM, Tel 011 820-5111,
rhett.kelly@actom.co.za v