TechTopics No.

21
”Bus bracing” in metal-clad switchgear

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For decades, users and specifiers of metal-clad switchgear Rated short-time withstand current – This is the average
have used the phrase “bus bracing” to define a specific level symmetrical current that the switchgear must be able to
of mechanical strength for the bus system of metal-clad withstand for a period of two seconds.
switchgear. However, this term is not used in any of the How do the above ratings relate to the ratings of the
standards that contain the major requirements for metal- components used in the switchgear assembly? As one would
clad switchgear. Further, no specific rating for bus bracing is expect, the ratings directly correlate to produce a coordinated
specified in the standards. This problem with ill-defined terms system.
has been confusing for years. The purpose of this issue of
TechTopics is to discuss the requirements for switchgear buses Momentary-current and peak-withstand current ratings –
and to define what is meant when the term “bus bracing” is Historically, the standards specified a momentary-current
used. (rms asymmetrical or rms total current) rating. In fact, the
NEC® 490.21 (A)(4) still uses “momentary” to designate
The principle standard applicable to metal-clad switchgear is the maximum asymmetrical current. However, for many
ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999. As it relates to the bus ratings, this years, the ANSI/IEEE C37-series of standards have been
standard defines several ratings: moving away from the concept of the asymmetrical rms
Rated momentary-withstand current – This is the maximum current towards the concept of the peak current. The reason
rms total (asymmetrical) current the switchgear bus must for this is that it is the magnitude of the peak current that
withstand, and is measured at the major peak of the determines the maximum forces applied to the conductors.
maximum cycle of the maximum offset phase. The test to Because of this shift in the philosophy of the standards, the
verify this rating requires a test duration of at least 10 cycles equivalent requirements are stated somewhat differently in
of power frequency. During this test, the peak current at the the various standards.
major peak in the maximum cycle must be at least
260 percent of the rated short-time current of the
switchgear.
Rated peak-withstand current – This is not strictly a rating,
but it is the peak current value (260 percent) that must
be attained during the momentary withstand-current test
described above.

Answers for infrastructure.

 Circuit breaker rating or characteristic Units Value Coordinating switchgear rating or characteristic

Short-circuit (interrupting) current Short-time withstand current

kA sym 100% = IST
(ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1999, clause 5.8.1) (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.6)

Short-time withstand current Short-time withstand current

kA sym 100% of IST
(ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1999, clause [Link].b) (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.6)

Maximum permissible tripping delay Short-time withstand current

Seconds 2s
(ANSI/IEEE C37.06-2009, Table 1) duration (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.6)

Closing and latching current Peak withstand current

kA peak 260% of IST
(ANSI/IEEE C37.04-1999, clause [Link].a) (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.3)

Closing and latching current Momentary current

kA rms 155% of IST
(calculated rms current corresponding to the peak current) (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.3)

Close and latch current duration Momentary current duration

Cycles 10 cycles
(ANSI/IEEE C37.09-1999, clause [Link]) (ANSI/IEEE C37.20.2-1999, clause 5.4.3)

For circuit breakers rated on the “constant MVA” basis What are the equivalent ratings? The following table is based
(refer to TechTopics No. 4), the momentary rating is most on the “kA-rated” circuit breakers in accordance with the
often expressed in rms asymmetrical amperes and is the coordinated standards issued in 1999-2000.
“closing and latching” rating. However, the closing and Finally, the “bus bracing” is most commonly considered to be
latching rating may be specified in peak amperes. The the momentary current expressed in rms asymmetrical current,
rms asymmetrical rating was listed in ANSI C37.06-1979, because this equates to the historic usage of the “momentary”
while the peak current value was used in term. However, bus bracing may be expressed either in rms
ANSI C37.06-1987. asymmetrical current (155 percent of IST) or in peak current
For circuit breakers rated on the “constant kA” basis (260 percent of IST), as either form demands the same
(refer to TechTopics No. 4), the peak withstand current performance from the switchgear buses and connections.
corresponds to the closing and latching rating of the
circuit breaker, in ANSI C37.06-1997 or ANSI/IEEE C37.06-
2009, expressed in peak amperes.
Short-time current rating – Here, the standards have
been consistent over time. The short-time current rating
of the switchgear buses and connections must match
the “maximum permissible tripping delay” value for the
associated circuit breakers (see clause [Link] of ANSI/IEEE
C37.04-1999 and Table 1 of ANSI/IEEE C37.06-2009), which
is two seconds for the circuit breakers used in metal-clad
switchgear. The information provided in this document contains merely general
descriptions or characteristics of performance which in case of actual
use do not always apply as described or which may change as a result of
Note: The standard allows use of devices in the switchgear further development of the products. An obligation to provide the
that have a rated short-time current duration of less than respective characteristics shall only exist if expressly agreed in the terms
of contract.
two seconds. Most notably, low-ratio current transformers or
wound-type current transformers may fall into this category. All product designations may be trademarks or product names of
The protective device coordination study must take these Siemens AG or supplier companies whose use by third parties for their
reduced durations into account. own purposes could violate the rights of the owners.

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