Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 61-5 Part 1

Issue 4 Publication Date 19th May 2006

Low Voltage Electrical Power Supply

Systems

Terminology and Definitions

DEF STAN 61-5 Part 1 Issue 4

Contents

Foreword ......................................................................................................................................................v
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................vi
1 Scope. ..............................................................................................................................................1
2 Warning. ..........................................................................................................................................1
3 Normative References....................................................................................................................1
4 Terminology and Definitions. ........................................................................................................3
4.1 Ambient (background) noise.........................................................................................................3
4.2 AVTUR / FSII....................................................................................................................................3
4.3 Balanced load. ................................................................................................................................3
4.4 Bonding (equipotential & supplementary). ..................................................................................3
4.5 Cable (armoured). ...........................................................................................................................3
4.6 Cable (screened).............................................................................................................................3
4.7 Circuit breaker. ...............................................................................................................................3
4.8 Contactor.........................................................................................................................................3
4.9 Cross coupling................................................................................................................................4
4.10 Cyclic irregularity. ..........................................................................................................................4
4.11 Diurnal cycle. ..................................................................................................................................4
4.12 Double-make/break contacts.........................................................................................................4
4.13 Droop control. .................................................................................................................................4
4.14 Earth.................................................................................................................................................4
4.15 Earth bond resistance....................................................................................................................4
4.16 Earth leakage current.....................................................................................................................5
4.17 Earth proving and monitoring system..........................................................................................5
4.18 Earth rod or electrode. ...................................................................................................................5
4.19 Earth system. ..................................................................................................................................5
4.20 Earthed equipotential zone............................................................................................................6
4.21 Electrical noise. ..............................................................................................................................6
4.22 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). ..........................................................................................6
4.23 Electromagnetic pulse. ..................................................................................................................6
4.24 Energy hazard. ................................................................................................................................6
4.25 Exposed Conductive Part. .............................................................................................................6
4.26 Extraneous Conductive Part. ........................................................................................................6
4.27 FEPS. ...............................................................................................................................................7
4.28 FEPDS..............................................................................................................................................7
4.29 Ground (EMC). ................................................................................................................................7
4.30 Harmonics. ......................................................................................................................................7
4.31 Harmonic distortion (total). ...........................................................................................................7
4.32 Isochronous control. ......................................................................................................................7
4.33 LAPDS..............................................................................................................................................7
4.34 Load sharing. ..................................................................................................................................7
4.35 Manual voltage adjustment range.................................................................................................7
4.36 Rated voltage & frequency. ...........................................................................................................8
4.37 Parallel operation............................................................................................................................8
4.38 Permeability (magnetic). ................................................................................................................8
4.39 Phase sequence..............................................................................................................................8
4.40 Pilot conductor. ..............................................................................................................................8
4.41 Power. ..............................................................................................................................................8
4.42 Power factor. ...................................................................................................................................9
4.43 Power Rating...................................................................................................................................9
4.44 Protective conductor................................................................................................................... 10
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4.45 Protective conductor loop monitor system (PCLM). ................................................................10

4.46 Radar cross-section.....................................................................................................................10
4.47 Radio frequency interference (RFI) filter. ..................................................................................10
4.48 Regulation. ....................................................................................................................................10
4.49 Relative humidity..........................................................................................................................10
4.50 Residual current. ..........................................................................................................................10
4.51 Residual current device (RCD)....................................................................................................11
4.52 Ripple.............................................................................................................................................11
4.53 Shield (EMC). ................................................................................................................................11
4.54 Sound power level........................................................................................................................11
4.55 Sound pressure level. ..................................................................................................................11
4.56 Spike. .............................................................................................................................................11
4.57 Stability..........................................................................................................................................12
4.58 Standard reference condition. ....................................................................................................12
4.59 Star/delta connection...................................................................................................................12
4.60 Steady state condition. ................................................................................................................12
4.61 Steady State Frequency band. ....................................................................................................13
4.62 Transient. ......................................................................................................................................13
4.63 Transient recovery time...............................................................................................................13
4.64 Voltage modulation. .....................................................................................................................13
4.65 Voltage – nominal.........................................................................................................................14

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Foreword
AMENDMENT RECORD

Amd No Date Text Affected Signature and Date

REVISION NOTE

This standard is raised to Issue 4 to update its content in line with latest MOD requirements.

HISTORICAL RECORD

This standard supersedes the following:

Def Stan 61-5 (Part 1)/Issue 2 dated 2nd April 1979.

Def Stan 61-5 (Part 1)/Issue 3 dated 14th August 1992.

a) This standard provides requirements for guidance on the terminology and definitions for the
characteristic requirements of low voltage electrical generators and supply systems.

b) This standard has been produced on behalf of the Defence Material Standardization
Committee (DMSC) by the Joint Service Power Capability Working Group (JSPCWG).

c) This standard has been agreed by the authorities concerned with its use and is intended to
be used whenever relevant in all future designs, contracts, orders etc. and whenever
practicable by amendment to those already in existence. If any difficulty arises which
prevents application of the Defence Standard, the Directorate of Standardization (DStan)
shall be informed so that a remedy may be sought.

d) Any enquiries regarding this standard in relation to an invitation to tender or a contract in

which it is incorporated are to be addressed to the responsible technical or supervising
authority named in the invitation to tender or contract.

e) Compliance with this Defence Standard shall not in itself relieve any person from any legal
obligations imposed upon them.

f) This standard has been devised solely for the use of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its
contractors in the execution of contracts for the MOD. To the extent permitted by law, the
MOD hereby excludes all liability whatsoever and howsoever arising (including, but without
limitation, liability resulting from negligence) for any loss or damage however caused when
the standard is used for any other purpose.

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Introduction.

This Part of Def Stan 61-5 provides guidance on the terminology and definitions for the
characteristic requirements of low voltage electrical power supply systems for use by the
Ministry of Defence.

The terminology and definitions quoted shall normally apply throughout all Parts of Def Stan 61-
5 except where more specific terms are preferred.

Arrangement of Defence Standard 61-5.

Part 1 - Terminology and Definitions.

Part 2 - Ground Generating Set Characteristics.

Section 1 - Electrical Performance Characteristics and Methods of Measurement.

Section 2 - General Design Requirements.

Part 4 - Power Supplies in H.M. Ships.

Part 6 - 28 Volt dc Electrical Systems in Military Vehicles.

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Low Voltage Electrical Power Supply Systems - Part 1:

Terminology and Definitions

1 Scope.

This Part of the Defence Standard describes the terminology and definitions associated with
low voltage electrical power supply systems as described by all parts of Def Stan 61-5.

Some sections of Def Stan 61-5 contain additional terminology and definitions with specific
interpretation relevant to that section of the Standard.

2 Warning.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD), like its contractors, is subject to both United Kingdom and
European laws regarding Health and Safety at Work, without exemption. All Defence Standards
either directly or indirectly invoke the use of processes and procedures that could be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. Defence Standards or their use in no way
absolves users from complying with statutory and legal requirements relating to Health and
Safety at Work.

3 Normative References.

3.1 The publications shown below are referred to in the text of this standard. Publications are
grouped and listed in alpha-numeric order.

Document No Description

BS EN 60439 Series Specification for low-voltage switchgear and control gear

(IEC 439). assemblies.

BS ISO 3046 Series. Reciprocating internal combustion engines. Performance.

BS 4727 Series. Glossary of Electrotechnical, Power, Telecommunication,

Electronics, Lighting and Colour Terms.

BS IEC 60050 Series. International Electrotechnical Vocabulary.

BS 7671. Requirements for Electrical Installations. IEE Wiring Regulations.

BS 7698 Series. Reciprocating internal combustion engine driven alternating current

generating sets.

AAP-6(Q) NATO. Glossary of Terms and Definitions.

STANAG 4133. Method of Specifying Electrical Power Supplies.

STANAG 4134. Electrical Characteristics of Rotating 28V dc Generating Sets.

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STANAG 4135. Electrical Characteristics of Rotating ac Generating Sets.

3.2 Reference in this standard to any related document means in any invitation to tender or
contract the edition and all amendments current at the date of such tender or contract unless
a specific edition is indicated.

3.3 In consideration of 3.2 above, users shall be fully aware of the issue and amendment
status of all related documents, particularly when forming part of an invitation to tender or
contract. Responsibility for the correct application of standards rests with users.

3.4 DStan can advise regarding where related documents are obtained from. Requests for
such information can be made to the DStan Helpdesk. How to contact the helpdesk is shown
on the outside rear cover of Defence Standards.

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4 Terminology and Definitions.

For the purpose of this Defence Standard the following definitions apply.

4.1 Ambient (background) noise.

Any audio noise at the points of measurement other than that of the generator being tested that
may influence the test results.

4.2 AVTUR / FSII.

Aircraft turbine engine and compression ignition engine fuel, the fuel of choice for tri-service
single fuel policy. Described in Defence Standard 91-87 this kerosene type fuel differs from F-
35 (JET A-1) due to the addition of a Fuel System Icing Inhibitor (FSII) and Lubricity Improving
Additive (LIA).

4.3 Balanced load.

A load in a three phase system with equal impedance in each phase such that the resulting line
or phase currents that flow are equal in amplitude and phase and their vectorial sum is zero.

4.4 Bonding (equipotential & supplementary).

The electrical interconnection of exposed (equipotential bond) and extraneous (supplementary

bond) conductive parts of an equipment or system to ensure a common potential between
those parts. This includes all metalwork whether associated with the electrical equipment or not
that should not under normal circumstances be live but which may become live under fault
conditions (including metallised surfaces). This bonding system must be connected to a main
system earth or earth electrode to ensure the bonded metalwork is kept at ground potential.

4.5 Cable (armoured).

A cable in which there is a protective mechanical layer around current carrying conductors. The
protective mechanical layer may also function as the earth continuity conductor.

4.6 Cable (screened).

A cable in which there is a screen to limit ingress or egress of electromagnetic radiation to and
from other conductors within the cable.

4.7 Circuit breaker.

A device capable of making, carrying and breaking normal load currents and also making and
breaking, under pre-determined conditions, abnormal currents such as short-circuits and
overloads. Unlike a fuse that ruptures when its rating is exceeded, a circuit breaker can be
reset automatically or manually depending on the type and the application.

4.8 Contactor.

An electro-mechanical switching device like a relay, but intended for controlling power circuits
(as opposed to control circuits for which a relay would be used). Because of these high power
requirements, contactors usually have double-make/break contacts and are capable of making
and breaking currents frequently during normal and abnormal operation.
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4.9 Cross coupling.

The transfer of energy from one channel, circuit, or conductor to another. Examples include
capacitive (electrostatic) coupling, inductive (magnetic) coupling and conducted (resistive or
hard-wire) coupling.

4.10 Cyclic irregularity.

The periodic fluctuation of speed imposed on the generator by the RIC engine combustion
process which may cause a corresponding modulation of the voltage and is determined by
measuring the variation in generated voltage.

4.11 Diurnal cycle.

A basic daily cycle or repetition period of 24 hrs. All processes that are dominated by the sun
are diurnal.

4.12 Double-make/break contacts.

A combination in which a movable contact simultaneously makes and simultaneously breaks

connection between two stationary contacts is called double-break contacts. For normally open
contacts, this combination may be called double-make contacts.

4.13 Droop control.

A method of control for the operation of generators in parallel that ensures each generator
delivers both active and reactive power in proportion to its rating. It involves quadrature droop
control via the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) to share reactive power and speed droop
control via the prime mover to share active power. The generator frequency varies
proportionally with active load and its voltage varies inversely proportionally with reactive load
(quadrature droop). (See parallel operation).

Speed droop can also apply to single running generator sets that utilise mechanical governors.

4.14 Earth.

The conductive mass of the Earth (ground), whose electric potential at any point is
conventionally taken as zero. When considering land, sea or air vehicles with mounted power
systems the chassis, hull or airframe can be considered to be earth although it is more accurate
to describe them as an earthed equipotential zone.

It must be stressed that if any such vehicle is to be powered from a land based, earthed power
source that the chassis, hull or airframe must itself be connected to the conductive mass of
earth by an approved means.

When considering EMC the term ground is used in a different way and must not be confused
with the power system equivalent.

4.15 Earth bond resistance.

The resistance measured across a mechanical joint in an exposed or extraneous conductive

part, where the joint could make up part of the earth fault current loop.

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4.16 Earth leakage current.

Any current that originates from a source but does not return via the main circuit current
carrying conductors. This leakage current returns via the circuit earth system, whether it be
exposed or extraneous conductive parts, or via the circuit protective conductor (earth). This
leakage may be due to capacitance between the current carrying conductors and earth/ground
or developing circuit faults.

4.17 Earth proving and monitoring system.

Earth proving / monitoring systems are intended to maintain a continuous check on the integrity
of the protective earth system. They do not themselves ensure protection against earth fault
currents which should be provided by over-current protective devices or by some form of earth
fault circuit breaker.

There are two types of system that can be used in isolation or as a complete system as follows;

a) An earth proving system that provides a means of establishing a degree of confidence in

the continuity of the protective conductor from the proving unit to remote protected
apparatus. This is achieved by the inclusion of a pilot conductor in the supply cable.

b) An earth monitoring system that provides a means of maintaining a high degree of

confidence in the impedance level of the protective conductor to the general mass of earth.
This is primarily designed to ensure the operation of RCDs in downstream equipment.

4.18 Earth rod or electrode.

A properly designed rod or plate in intimate contact with the general mass of earth to provide a
good electrical connection to it. It is to this that all equipment and system main equipotential
bonding conductors should be connected. This includes the main earth cable from portable
generators.

4.19 Earth system.

An earth system provides a path for currents occurring under both normal and fault conditions.

a) Current flowing in the earth path under normal conditions includes leakage due to imperfect
insulation in an otherwise healthy circuit and due to filtering components that deliberately
pass current to earth. Typical levels will be in the order of a few milliamps.

b) Current flowing in the earth path under fault conditions, as its name suggests, only occurs
under abnormal conditions. Typical levels will in the order of 5-10kA, the actual value being
dependent on the supply voltage and the value of the earth fault loop impedance.

An earth system can be classified in two ways;

a) System earthing - an essential component for the proper operation of the system for the
purpose of limiting the potential between current-carrying conductors that form part of the
system and the general mass of the earth i.e. providing a reference for the system voltage,

b) Equipment or protective earthing - an essential component for the safety of personnel and
plant for the purpose of limiting the potential between non-current-carrying metalwork
associated with equipment, apparatus, and appliances connected to the system and the
general mass of the earth.

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4.20 Earthed equipotential zone.

A zone within which exposed-conductive parts and extraneous–conductive-parts are

maintained at substantially the same potential by bonding, such that, under fault conditions, the
differences in potential between simultaneously accessible exposed and extraneous-
conductive-parts will not cause electric shock.

Chassis for vehicle systems, hull for naval systems and airframe for aircraft systems are typical
examples.

4.21 Electrical noise.

This falls into two major types, radiated and conducted. Radiated noise is propagated through
the air, while conducted noise is present on power and signal lines. More technically referred to
as Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), electrical
noise disrupts the smooth sine wave of the supply.

a) RFI - is electrical interference from equipment that radiates high frequency electrical energy
such as TV/radio transmitters and cell phones. Interference can also be caused by arcing
sources (switches) or switching power supplies such as those found in electronic ballasts
and adjustable speed drives. This kind of noise often causes interference to control circuits.

b) EMI - is electrical interference caused by electric and magnetic fields emanating from
electrical equipment, typically transformers or wiring.

4.22 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

The ability of electrical and electronic equipment, sub-systems and systems to share the
electromagnetic spectrum and perform their desired functions without unacceptable
degradation from or to the specified electromagnetic environment. Equipment marked with the
CE stamp is compatible with the EU directive for EMC.

4.23 Electromagnetic pulse.

The electromagnetic radiation from a nuclear explosion. The resulting electric and magnetic
fields may couple with electrical/electronic systems to produce damaging current and voltage
surges. It may also be caused by non-nuclear means.

4.24 Energy hazard.

A stored energy level of 20 J or more, or an available continuous power of 240 VA or more at a

potential of 2 V or more as stated in IEC 60950. This applies to "mains-powered or battery-
powered information technology equipment, including business equipment and associated
equipment, with a rated voltage not exceeding 600V".

4.25 Exposed Conductive Part.

A conductive part of equipment which can be touched and which is not a live part but which
may become live under fault conditions.

4.26 Extraneous Conductive Part.

A conductive part liable to introduce a potential, generally earth potential, and not forming part
of an electrical installation.
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4.27 FEPS.

Field Electrical Power System (FEPS) is a military specification generator.

4.28 FEPDS.

Field Electrical Power Distribution System (FEPDS) is the army standard power distribution
system that provides 3-phase and single-phase distribution at 400 and 230 volts.

4.29 Ground (EMC).

This refers to any electrical connection from an equipment or circuit to an electrical ground
inside the EMC shield.

4.30 Harmonics.

Voltage sine wave oscillations having frequencies which are integer multiples of the
fundamental frequency. The amplitude of the individual harmonics is normally expressed as a
percentage of the amplitude of the component of fundamental frequency.

4.31 Harmonic distortion (total).

The total harmonic distortion of a voltage wave is the ratio of the r.m.s. value of the harmonic
content to the r.m.s. value of the fundamental, expressed in percent.

4.32 Isochronous control.

When an engine has an isochronous governor, the prime mover will maintain its set speed
throughout its entire horsepower range. An isochronous governor is said to have zero droop.
Unlike droop governors, isochronous governors are not capable of controlling paralleled
generators by themselves, they require additional controls to be capable of running in parallel.

4.33 LAPDS.

Lighting and Power Distribution Equipment (LAPDS) consists of a number of protected

distribution units linked to standard cable assemblies, distributing power from a power source in
a cascade down to consumers.

4.34 Load sharing.

A system of sharing the load connected to multi generating sets or generating set(s) and the
utility supply when connected in parallel and achieving this proportionally to each power source
rating.

4.35 Manual voltage adjustment range.

The range of voltage over which manual adjustment can be effected for any load condition
expressed in percentage of the nominal voltage.

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4.36 Rated voltage & frequency.

Operating and performance characteristics quoted by the manufacturer. If a ±% tolerance or

range is given (versus a specific value), the rated value shall be considered as the midpoint of
the range, unless otherwise specified. The equipment would only be expected to stay within the
nominal ±% range while under normal load conditions unless an overload ability was quoted.

4.37 Parallel operation.

The electrical connection of a generating set to another source of electrical supply with the
same voltage, frequency and phase to share the power supply demand of the connected load.

4.38 Permeability (magnetic).

The degree of magnetisation of a material in response to a magnetic field. Absolute

permeability is represented by the symbol µ whilst relative permeability (µ0), which is the ratio of
the absolute permeability to the permeability of free space, is represented by the symbol µr.

4.39 Phase sequence.

In a 3-phase system the supply voltage phase angle of 120O relates directly to the physical
layout of the generator windings and the phase sequence to the rotation of the generator shaft.
This in turn dictates the order of the voltage waveforms when plotted in the time domain.
Traditionally this would be expected to be L1, L2, L3. The phase sequence is of utmost
importance when paralleling supplies and when connecting rotating machines.

4.40 Pilot conductor.

An additional conductor used in the earth-proving loop of a PCLM system to monitor the correct
connection of the earth continuity conductor. Allowance for this additional conductor must be
made in all installation cables and associated plug and socket breaks from the power source to
the furthest point of the installation being protected.

4.41 Power.

Is a measure of how much work can be performed in a given amount of time. It is the
combination of both voltage and current in a circuit. The simplest form of electrical power is
dissipated in a DC circuit and is calculated using the equation shown below;

Powerdc = V x I

When dealing with ac circuit's power is the instantaneous product of voltage and current to
account for a potential phase angle due to circuit reactance. As a result ac power can be
quoted in one of three ways;

4.41.1 Apparent Power – which is calculated using the equation shown below;

Power = Vrms x Irms

Where Irms is the total circuit current.

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4.41.2 True Power – which is calculated using the equation shown below;

Power = Vrms x Irms x cos θ

Where Irms is the total circuit current and θ is the angle between voltage and current.

4.41.3 Reactive Power – which is calculated using the equation shown below;

Power = Vrms x IR rms

Where IR rms is the total reactive current.

4.42 Power factor.

The ratio between true (real) power and apparent power. This is only applicable to an AC circuit
supplying a reactive load (inductive / capacitive) and is associated with the time difference
between the voltage and current waveforms due to energy storage in the reactive components.

Power factor is a dimensionless number calculated using the equation below;

Power Factor = True Power = cos θ

Apparent Power

Where θ is the angle between voltage and current.

Where power factor is 1 the load is purely resistive, where it is 0 the load is purely reactive, for
anything in between the load is a combination of both. Where the reactive component is
inductive the power factor is said to be lagging, where it is capacitive the power factor is said to
be leading).

4.43 Power Rating.

The power output available at the generating set terminals excluding the electrical power
absorbed by the essential independent auxiliaries. It shall be expressed in kilowatts (kW) at
rated frequency and a power factor (cos φ) of 0.8 lagging unless otherwise stated. The rating is
normally declared against a standard reference atmospheric condition.

Power is normally declared in three ways in accordance with BS 7698-1 (ISO 8528-1) under
stated ambient conditions and on the proviso that maintenance is carried out in accordance
with manufacturers instructions;

a) Continuous power (COP) - what a generating set is capable of delivering continuously for
an unlimited number of hours per year.

b) Prime Power (PRP) – as COP except it is dealing with cyclic loading where the average in
any 24 h period should not exceed a declared percentage (<100%) of the PRP. Power
levels less than 30% are taken as 30% and time at standstill is not counted.

c) Time Limited Running Power (LTP) – the maximum power a generating set is capable of
delivering for up to 500 h per year with a maximum of 300 h continuous at this rating. LTP
will affect the life of the set.
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4.44 Protective conductor.

A conductor used for some measures of protection against electric shock and intended for
connecting together any of the following parts;

a) The earthed point of the source, or an artificial neutral,

b) Earth electrode(s),

c) The main earthing terminal (main equipotential bonding conductor),

d) Exposed conductive parts (equipotential bonding conductor),

e) Extraneous conductive parts (supplementary bonding conductor).

4.45 Protective conductor loop monitor system (PCLM).

A protective conductor proving system employing an additional conductor (see pilot conductor)
to monitor the integrity of the circuit protective conductor (earth wire) in accordance with BS
4444. In the event of a break in continuity, or excessively high impedance in the earth-proving
loop the supply will be isolated.

4.46 Radar cross-section.

The ratio of power returned in a radar echo to power received by the target reflecting the signal.
This is the conventional way of describing a target's overall reflectivity to a radar pulse.

4.47 Radio frequency interference (RFI) filter.

A filter, usually inserted in the supply to an equipment to suppress high frequency conducted
interference. Such filters may induce earth leakage currents.

4.48 Regulation.

Change of the mean steady state value of voltage or frequency between no load and rated
load, measured during steady state conditions. For voltage regulation it applies at any constant
setting of the manual voltage adjustment. The difference is expressed in percentage of the
nominal voltage or frequency and when quoted must include the nominal value.

4.49 Relative humidity.

The ratio of the amount of water in the air at a give temperature to the maximum amount it
could hold at that temperature; expressed as a percentage. At saturation or 100% if the
temperature was to drop or any more water was added condensation will occur.

4.50 Residual current.

The vector sum of the currents of all the phases and associated neutral passing through the
core balance transformer of an RCD.

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4.51 Residual current device (RCD).

A RCD is the generic term covering the range of devices incorporating sensing of residual
current. RCDs are being increasingly used to provide enhanced protection for persons against
the effects of electric shock. These devices are also used to provide additional protection
against small leakage currents to earth that may be insufficient to operate conventional over-
current protection devices but which may be of sufficient magnitude to cause a fire.

4.52 Ripple.

The cyclic and/or random variation of voltage above and below a mean d.c. level during steady
state conditions. The value from the upper limit to the lower limit of the cyclic variation is called
the peak-to-peak ripple value and is normally expressed as a percentage of the nominal
voltage.

4.53 Shield (EMC).

An EMC shielded area is defined as any structure which provides EMC (or related phenomena)
protection. As internally or externally installed electronic circuits, this area may consist of a
room, a rack of apparatus, a single apparatus or a series of segregated areas of electronic
circuits within an apparatus.

4.54 Sound power level.

The use of a sound power level, which can be specified independently of the measurement
surface and environmental conditions, avoids the complications associated with sound
pressure levels, which require additional data to be specified. Sound power levels provide a
measure of radiated energy and have advantages in acoustic analysis and design.

4.55 Sound pressure level.

The ratio of the RMS sound pressure to the reference pressure (PO) of 20µPa, which is the
minimum audible pressure to a person with 'normal' hearing. The sound pressure level is
denoted Lp, or SPL, it is expressed in decibels and is defined by the equation;

Sound pressure level = 20 log P (dB)

P0

Where P = measured sound pressure

P0 = threshold sound pressure (20 micro-pascals or 2 x 10-5 N/m2)

The human ear is not equally sensitive to all frequencies, the use of weighting networks can be
used to express the human ear's response to loudness. The 'A'-weighted sound pressure level
gives a better indication of how the ear perceives a sound and the potential damaging effect of
a noise, it is denoted dB(A). C weighting is used to determine damage to the human ear from
impulsive noise.

4.56 Spike.

A very short oscillatory variation from the steady state condition or transient level of a
characteristic decaying to half peak value in less that 50µsecs.
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4.57 Stability.

The ability of the generating set to maintain its voltage or frequency within the specified limits
under steady state conditions over a specified period. Measurements are made of the
maximum and minimum values and the difference is expressed as a percentage of the nominal
value of voltage or frequency.

4.58 Standard reference condition.

In determining the rated power of an IC driven generating set, the following standard reference
conditions apply in accordance with ISO 3046-1;

a) Total barometric pressure of 100kPa,

b) Air temperature of 25oC (298K),

c) Relative Humidity of 30%,

d) Charge air coolant temperature of 25oC (298K).

In determining the rated power of an ac generating set, the following standard reference
conditions apply in accordance with ISO 8528-3;

a) Cooling air temperature < 40oC (313K),

b) Coolant temperature at cooler inlet < 25oC (298K),

c) Altitude ≤ 1000 m.

In determining ratings of the control gear and switchgear equipment, the following standard
reference conditions apply in accordance with BS EN 60439 (IEC 439);

a) Ambient temperature, temporary maximum 40oC (313K),

b) Relative humidity: 50 % at 40oC (313K),

c) Altitude: ≤ 2000 m.

4.59 Star/delta connection.

Three phase loads can be connected in delta (loads between each line, with no neutral
connected) or in star (loads between line and neutral). For the purpose of this standard loads
will always be connected in star configuration.

4.60 Steady state condition.

The state that prevails when only inherent or natural changes occur. No deliberate change is
made or faults occur during the period.

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4.61 Steady State Frequency band.

Envelope width oscillation of generating set frequency at constant power around a mean value,
expressed as a percentage of rated frequency:

f
β = x 100
f f
Where;
β f

f = Width of frequency oscillation

f = Declared frequency (rated frequency)

4.62 Transient.

Variation of voltage or frequency due to a system disturbance (e.g. load change or distribution
switching) which goes beyond the steady state limits and returns to the steady state limits
within a specified time (the transient recovery time), measured from the initiation of the
disturbance.

4.63 Transient recovery time.

The time interval between the excursion of voltage or frequency outside steady state limits due
to a system disturbance and the permanent re-entry of the voltage or frequency into the
specified steady state limits.

4.64 Voltage modulation.

The cyclic or irregular variation, or both, about a steady state value of voltage, expressed as a
percentage of the steady state value.

Voltage modulation = V2 - V1 x 100%

V1 + V2

Where V1 is the minimum pk-pk voltage and V2 is the maximum pk-pk voltage.

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V1 V2

Figure 1 — Voltage Modulation

4.65 Voltage – nominal.

This is the voltage by which an installation (or part) is designated. The actual voltage on the
installation as measured may differ from the nominal value by a given tolerance. Two
tolerances are normally applicable, one on the supply side, governed by the generation,
transmission and distribution system, the other on the consumer's side governed by the design
of the installation.

The voltage ranges as defined in BS 7671 are;

a) Extra-low:- Normally not exceeding 50V ac or 120V ripple free dc, whether between
conductors or to Earth,

b) Low:- Normally exceeding extra-low voltage but not exceeding 1000V ac or 1500V dc
between conductors, or 600V ac or 900V dc between conductors and Earth.

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Inside rear cover

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