THE MISUSE OF IEEE DEVICE 52- MEDIUM VOLTAGE CONTACTORS &

BREAKERS ARE NOT THE SAME!

Copyright Material IEEE
Paper No. PCIC-

John A. Kay, C.E.T. Lorraine K. Padden, P.E. David C. Mazur, PhD Herman Weber, P.E.
Fellow, IEEE Senior Member, IEEE Member, IEEE Member, IEEE
Rockwell Automation Inc. Padden Engineering LLC Rockwell Automation Inc. Electrical SME
135 Dundas St. PO Box 5745 Global Technical Consultant The Dow Chemical Co.
Cambridge, ON N1R 5X1 Katy, TX 77491 1201 South Second Street 332 SH 332 E
Canada USA Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA Lake Jackson, TX 77566
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract – Many standards and specifications, related to As a result, overcurrent, ground-fault and differential functions
medium voltage (MV) motor and feeder circuits, continue to (50/51, 50N/51N, and 87 respectively [1]) should not open the
center around the generic use of the IEEE Device 52 as a circuit contactor unless rated for the available fault current. The
identifier for the switching device used within those power manufacturer performs short-circuit tests on the combination
systems. IEEE Device 52 is defined as a device that is used to controller to confirm safe performance when interrupting the
close and interrupt an ac power circuit under normal conditions fault on the system within its rating [2] [3].
or to interrupt this circuit under fault or emergency conditions. For example, the misuse of Device 52 occurs when a MV
Many of the current standards include detailed protection and motor bus, such as shown in Fig. 1, does not distinguish which
coordination recommendations that are centered on circuit motors are controlled with vacuum contactors and which motors
breaker protective settings. Some of these recommended are controlled with circuit breakers. Modern MV protection
protective settings can be detrimental when medium voltage schemes often use a multifunction motor protection relay,
vacuum contactors are used instead of ac circuit breakers to identified as Device 11M in Fig. 1, to detect problems and send
interrupt the circuit under fault conditions such as in motor and a signal to either the contactor or breaker to interrupt the circuit.
feeder applications. This paper will outline MV contactor and A Device 11 is a device that performs three or more
breaker rating differences, compare the appropriate protection comparatively important functions that could only be designated
variations and requirements between the two, and highlight the by combining several device function numbers. Using the same
dangers to personnel and equipment when assuming that a protection philosophy to open both devices may over duty the
medium voltage vacuum contactor can provide the same contactor, resulting in equipment damage and exposing
performance and require the same protective settings as a personnel to dangerous conditions.
medium voltage circuit breaker.

Index Terms — Circuit Breaker, Vacuum Circuit Breaker,

Vacuum Contactor, Vacuum Interrupter, Switchgear, Metal
Enclosed, Metal Clad, Arc-Resistant Switchgear

I. INTRODUCTION

In the petrochemical industry, medium voltage motors drive

the main process equipment such as pumps and compressors.
To control starting and stopping, MV circuit breakers [i.e. air,
sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), vacuum] are often used to apply
power to large motors. When a motor must be started
frequently, it might be necessary (even economical) to use
motor contactors in a combination controller with a current-
limiting fuse in place of a circuit breaker because of the greater
life of the contactors. Care must be used when applying fused
contactors on solidly grounded neutral systems because the
Fig. 1 MV Motor bus with protective devices
contactor is not rated or designed to interrupt high fault currents
(typically above 5-10 kA depending on the switching device
This paper discusses the history and rating of MV contactors
used).
and circuit breakers, identifies the protection functions typically
used for each type of equipment, and identifies dangerous
conditions if Device 52 is misused.

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 II. DEFINITIONS Because of these issues, developers continued to pursue
alternative technologies including more compact air insulated
The most commonly used MV switching devices discussed in systems. The two most popular technologies that were
this paper are defined below: developed focused on the encapsulation of the switched
ACB Air Circuit Breakers contacts in either an inert gas or evacuated (vacuum) container.
VCB Vacuum Circuit Breakers Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) was first used as a dielectric
SF6CB SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) Circuit Breaker insulating gas in the mid-1950s. SF6 is a heavy, chemically inert
VC Vacuum Contactors gas that has a dielectric strength similar to that of oil. All
switching components must be totally protected from the
The IEEE Std. 551-2006 [Violet Book] defines a circuit environment within a sealed SF6 insulated tank or tubes.
breaker as: “A switching device capable of making, carrying,
and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions and also
making, carrying for a specified time, and breaking currents
under specified abnormal conditions such as those of short
circuit.” [4].
The National Electrical Code® [5] and Occupation Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) [6] defines a circuit breaker as “a
device designed to open and close a circuit by non-automatic
means, and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined
overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied
within its rating.”
The IEEE C37.2 standard defined device number 52 as an ac
circuit breaker that is used to close and interrupt a power circuit
under normal conditions or to interrupt this circuit under fault or
emergency conditions [1].
While the IEEE standards and the NEC definitions describe
the same family of devices, they do have some differences; the
same is true with the actual circuit breakers themselves. They
are much the same in general terms; however, there are a
number of significant differences between the many types of Fig. 2 Size Comparison between Vacuum Interrupters
electrical circuit breakers installed in various types of facilities
today. Evacuated interrupting devices open a circuit within a vacuum
None of the above mentioned standards, including C37.2, chamber. This does not allow the development of ionized gas,
contains a device number or a complete definition for MV which can sustain an arc, to continue past the next zero-
contactors used to switch motor, transformer or capacitive crossing of the waveform as shown in Fig. 5. The first
loads. commercially available vacuum switching devices were
introduced into the market in the late 1960s. Vacuum
III. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND technology continues to be the most widely used switching
media.
A. General History Vacuum circuit breakers were designed to replace their
larger air break counterparts. These devices could be designed
The term ‘switchgear’ has been a generic term used since the to interrupt high levels of short-circuit current, see Table I. A
dawn of electric power in the early part of the 19th century. The general size comparison between contactor and breaker styles
switching technologies and innovations used within switchgear of vacuum interrupters is shown in Fig. 2.
have steadily progressed over the decades. The switching
controls and technologies used just a few years ago have
rapidly become outdated, even though the life cycle of
switchgear, in the industrial marketplace, is measured in
decades. Steady progress has been made in the areas of size,
reliability, environmental, and safety considerations.
The first current switching devices used air as the dielectric
media. However, the use of air generally required larger
electrical clearances making the switching device very large and
bulky. The next evolution came in the mid-1920s when oil was
used as a media for arc quenching. The use of oil as a switching
media facilitated a significant reduction in the switching device’s
size and ultimately the switchgear enclosures when compared
to the previous generation of air-insulated equipment. The
dielectric properties of oil were much better than air and could
withstand much higher system voltages. However, as the oil
ages it may require periodic maintenance; and oil needs proper Fig. 3 Circa 1970 Air Magnetic Breaker still being used
handling and disposal.

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 Smaller more compact vacuum interrupters were designed to in 1987, that the mega volt amp (MVA) Class was dropped from
handle motor and transformer loads which did not require the ratings tables.
large switching capabilities of a circuit breaker. When paired
with a current limiting power fuse, very small and compact TABLE I
switching contactors were developed. These devices brought COMPARISON OF UL CLASS E2 CONTROLLER
advantages of lower chop current and high duty cycles and they WITH FUSES AND MV VACUUM CONTACTOR
were virtually maintenance free. An older air circuit breaker still VS. MV VACUUM CIRCUIT BREAKER
in use today is shown in Fig. 3. Vacuum Contactor
UL Class E2 Vacuum Circuit
B. History of Device Numbering Controller with Breaker
Fuses
IEEE C37.2 [1] is probably the oldest IEEE standard in regular Contactor up to
use. It was first published in 1928 as American Institute of Electrical Up to 100 full short-
1,000,000
Electrical Engineers (AIEE) No. 26, and provided a language to Endurance circuit interruptions
operations
describe “automatic substations” as well as other applications. Mechanical
In order to describe the control systems of the day, on Up to 2,500,000 Up to 10,000
Endurance
elementary electrical diagrams, a set of device numbers and Continuous 1200, 2000, 3000,
contact designations were standardized in AIEE No. 26 [7]. 200, 400, 800 A a
Current Rating 4000 A
That original 1928 version had many protective device Higher
numbers that are still in use today such as Device 7 (Rate of Peak let- Lower
(VCB interrupts fault
Change), Device 50 (Instantaneous Overcurrent), Device 52 through (current-limiting
in 3 cycles or 5
(Circuit Breaker), Device 52a (Normally open auxiliary contact current b fuse clears fault in
cycles after trip
on an AC circuit breaker), Device 82 (DC load measuring <1/2 cycle)
signal)
reclosing), just to name a few [7]. Coordinated with
In the past nine decades, since the origins of the first Overcurrent MV power fuses Requires protective
standard, many new device numbers have been added, some Protection and an overload relay(s)
renamed and reused along with the inclusion of new prefixes device
and suffixes. During the update of C37.2 in 1996, Device 11 was
From very low to From very low to
added to identify microprocessor based multifunction devices
Switching approximately full rated short-
along with several other new device numbers. The revisions
Capability 10-15X continuous circuit current
made in the 2008 edition of C37.2 [1] also included a
rating (e.g. 63 kA)
comprehensive cross-reference table of IEEE C37.2 function
numbers to IEC 61850 logical nodes, along with several other Electrically held
Mechanically
key additions. However, in all of these editions, no recognition Functional Mechanically latched –remains
has yet been given specifically to the use of vacuum contactors Characteristics latched–remains closed on loss of
used in place of circuit breakers. closed on loss of system voltage
control voltage
C. History of Vacuum Interrupters
IEEE C37.20.2c
Vacuum switching technology was developed originally in the (metal-clad) [20]
USA in the 1920’s [8] but remained non-viable until the late UL 347c Draw out
1940’s and early 1950’s, when the supporting technologies and (ac controllers) [11]
Mounting IEEE C37.20.3c
expertise in vacuum systems, materials technology and clean Stationary or
(metal-enclosed)
room assembly had become mature and widely available. Draw out
[21]
Serious development of power vacuum interrupters started both Stationary or
in Europe and North America in 1953 [9]. Draw Out
Maintenance
D. History of Circuit Breaker Standards Very Low Medium - High
Requirements
a
Enclosed ratings may be lower depending on application.
In 1951, the AIEE began reviews and revisions to their high- b
Peak let-through current is the highest current flowing in the circuit
voltage circuit breaker standards. The outcome was the following inception of a fault (instantaneous value, not RMS)
abandonment of a Total Current basis of rating and a change to c
Includes arc-resistant equipment tested to IEEE C37.20.7 [14]
a Symmetrical Current basis of rating for breakers. The intent
was to simplify the application of circuit breakers, harmonize IV. SWITCHING DEVICES
with the basic ratings of the IEC standards of the time, and
display a relationship between total asymmetrical interrupting A. Various Types of Switching Devices
capabilities versus symmetrical interrupting capabilities. In
1964, the series of circuit breaker standards which include The range and style of switch devices has varied over the
C37.04 (ratings basis) [10], C37.09 (test methods) [11], generations but there are now primarily four defined types of MV
C37.010 (application guide) [12] and C37.06 (preferred ratings switching devices: Air Circuit Breakers (ACB), Vacuum Circuit
values) [13] were revised to include the changes related to the Breakers (VCB), SF6 Circuit Breaker (SF6CB) and Vacuum
standardization of the ratings. It wasn’t until the revisions made Contactors (VC). The contents of this technical paper will cover

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the most commonly used three-phase vacuum switching B. MV Vacuum Contactors
devices, VCB and VC.
Inside vacuum interrupters, the contacts operate within an The vacuum interrupters, used in MV vacuum contactors, are
evacuated chamber which creates a strong dielectric typically rated for 200, 400 or 800 A for system voltages from 1
environment. The vacuum level in these chambers can be as kV to 10 kV. Some vacuum contactors may have lower enclosed
high as 13 x 10-5 Pascal. When the contacts are parted, a rapid ratings. The vacuum interrupters, used within vacuum
separation of the fixed and moving contacts is required. Fig. 4 contactors, cannot be opened under high fault current
illustrates some of the various styles of contact sizes and conditions. In these applications, the interrupters rely on MV
shapes used within vacuum interrupters. power fuses to interrupt and remove high fault current. Most
vacuum contactor interrupters can only interrupt between 10-15
times their continuous current ratings. Some typical vacuum
contactor configurations are shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 4 Various Styles of Contacts Used in Vacuum

Interrupters
At the moment the contacts separate, the contact surfaces
are super-heated causing the formation of metallic vapors.
These vapors permit a controlled electric arc to be sustained up
to the point of the first passage through a current zero crossing
as illustrated in Fig. 5.
Once a zero current crossing is reached, the metallic vapors
cool and are redeposited to the contact faces. This action allows
for the recovery of the dielectric resistance within the interrupter
which is high enough to withstand the high values of recovery
voltage associated with the current interruption.
This recovery voltage is a function of the current level when Fig. 6 Typical 800 A & 400 A MV Vacuum Contactors
the arc is extinguished. Special care is taken to ensure the
contact materials used in the contacts permit the lowest possible One significant positive aspect of the vacuum contactors is
chop current. Ideally, this results in the lowest transient recovery their ability to operate at very high duty cycles with high
voltage. The interrupters used for vacuum contactors generally repetitions without significant maintenance. Electrical and
are designed with the lowest chop currents, usually less than mechanical operations of 1 to 2.5 million is common for vacuum
0.5 amps. In the case of the interrupters used in MV circuit contactors. In contrast, vacuum circuit breakers are rated in
breakers, this chopped current is usually less than 5 Amps. hundreds or possibly thousands of operations before they
require maintenance and/or replacement.
Vacuum contactors are generally operated using an
electromagnet system. Energization of the electromagnet
system closes the three interrupters by way of a common shaft.
Removal of voltage to the electromagnetic system results in the
contactor opening. Some contactors are designed with latching
systems which mechanically hold the contactor closed even if
power is removed from the electromagnetic system.
These two controller configurations, fused and unfused, are
defined in UL 347 as Class E1 and E2 [15].
UL 347 defines an E1 Class controller as a unit that utilizes
the main contactor to make and break all currents up to and
including the breaking capacity of the controller.
UL 347 states that Class E2 controllers utilize the main
Fig. 5 Fault Current DC Offset Impact on Zero Crossing contactor to make and break only load and operating overload
currents and utilize medium-voltage fuses for interrupting fault
currents that exceed the interrupt rating of the contactor. The
current-limiting fuses, must also be coordinated with the

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contactor. The contactor’s interrupting rating and breaking time duration (up to 10 s) of current in excess of six times its nominal
must be coordinated with the medium-voltage fuses such that current carrying capacity without causing any physical damage
the contactor does not attempt to interrupt currents above its to the internal element. This type of fuse is normally used for
interrupt rating. motor loads where this type of current profile is to be expected.
UL 347 also stipulated that the Class E2 controller’s overload 2) E-Rated MV Power Fuses
protection (function 49) shall be selected to: “E”-rated fuses are general-purpose fuses. General purpose
1. Prevent continuous operation above the rated current-limiting fuses can interrupt all currents from their
continuous current of the controller, maximum interrupting rating down to the current that causes the
2. Provide protection of branch circuit conductors and element to melt in no less than 1 hour. The “E” rating is used as
connected loads, both an open air ampere rating and a description of the fuse’s
3. Operate before any fuse melts at currents below the operating characteristics. “E”-rated fuses can be provided in two
rated minimum interrupting current of the power circuit basic types: current limiting and expulsion type. The current-
fuses limiting fuse is self-contained, extinguishing the arc in its “sand”
As well, the MV power fuses must be selected to be able to: filler. These fuses are “one time” fuses-once the fuse operates,
1. Permit repetitive switching of the load, with consideration all three fuses must be replaced.
given to inrush current and time, without damaging a 3) X-Rated MV Power Fuses
fuse, Currently, the MV fuse standard ANSI C37.46 [18] only
2. Interrupt faults at or beyond the controller load terminals, defines the “R”-rating designations up to the 38R size. MV
and power fuse manufacturers have designed power fuses with
3. Continuously carry overload relay ultimate trip current. current ratings much higher than those of the 38R rating.
In addition, all vacuum contactors must also be selected to be Because the standard currently does not specifically call out
able to: these larger fuses, an “X” designation is used on these larger
1. Continuously carry the overload relay ultimate trip fuse sizes with R-type performance characteristics. The X
current, and indicates that there is something in the fuse performance or
2. Interrupt normal running currents and operating overload rating which does not meet the ANSI C37.46 standard or it has
currents up to the rated minimum interrupting current of not been tested or verified to this standard. This definition also
the power circuit fuses. includes fuses not included in the C37.46 standard.
For example, the vacuum interrupters used in MV circuit
breakers can interrupt currents up to 63 kA even when the D. Coordination of Power Fuses with Vacuum Contactors
continuous current ratings are typically 1200 A, 2000 A, 3000 A
or 4000 A. The coordination between the vacuum contactor and the
power fuses is one of the most critical coordination issues. The
C. MV Power Fuses MV fuses must interrupt all fault currents greater than the
interrupting rating of the contactor.
In North America, MV fuses used in combination with vacuum The fuse should interrupt the larger fault currents before the
contactors are supplied in two basic element types. These are overload can also signal a trip to the contactor. The overload
described by the fuse manufacturers with either an “E” or “R” protection element will provide protection up to the locked rotor
designation or rating. The primary difference is related to the current. Refer to the IEEE Std. 242 Recommended Practice for
fuse’s element design. In some cases, a fuse is designated with Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial
an “X” by fuse vendors [16]. The most common fuses utilized in Power systems [2] [3] [19].
the MV control apparatus in North American industries are
typically the current-limiting type.
A current limiting (CL) fuse limits the peak-let-through current
to less than the prospective system current. CL fuses are used
on low-voltage and medium-voltage motors as primary fault
protection device and on some small motors as fault and
overload protection devices. [3]
The peak let-through current is highest current flowing in the
circuit after the inception of the fault that the circuit breaker and
the protected system must withstand, expressed as an
instantaneous rather than a root-mean-square (rms) value [17]
1) R-Rated MV Power Fuses
The “R”-rated fuses are current-limiting back-up fuses
typically used in conjunction with MV contactors to increase the
interrupting capacity of the class E2 controller vs the E1. A back-
up current-limiting fuse is capable of interrupting all currents Fig. 7 Typical Fault Clearing Timing with Fuses and MV
from its maximum interrupting rating down to the minimum Contactor Opening Time
interrupting rating. These types of fuses limit both the magnitude Fig. 7 shows a typical fault clearing timing with fuses and MV
and duration of a fault current. ANSI C37.46 [18] states that an contactor opening time; and Fig. 8 shows a typical coordination
“R”-rated fuse must melt in 15 s to 35 s when a current of 100 diagram. It shows the controller the overload protective element
times the “R” number is applied. The “R” rating is not an ampere curve, the fuse minimum melt time (MMT) and total clear time
rating. The “R”-rated fuse is designed to withstand a long

5
(TCT) curves along with the motor and contactor current and require very little maintenance. In both designs, the primary
characteristics. goal is to close and stay closed under rated continuous current
or short-circuit current conditions (through-fault) and operate
(open) safely when a trip signal is received.

Fig. 9 Typical Circuit Breaker Fault Interrupting Time

F. Short Time Current Ratings

The current-limiting fuses, used in coordination with the

vacuum contactor, interrupt fault currents that exceed their
Fig. 8 Typical Fuse and Contactor Coordination minimum melt value. When in their current limiting range, the
fuses will interrupt within the first half cycle before the current
When the power fuse sees high fault current, it will typically waveform reaches its natural peak. The R-rated power fuses
clear the fault current in less than ½ a cycle. Referring to Fig. 8, are capable of interrupting all fault currents from their maximum
the fuse clears the fault well before the contactor is opened. This interrupting rating down to the value which causes the fuse
functionality is part of a properly coordinated system where the element to melt in 100 s (minimum interrupting rating). The
fuse takes the brunt of the fault current and the vacuum vacuum contactor must interrupt current values that are less
contactor is not opened at current levels above its interrupting than this 100 s rating when triggered by an overload protective
rating. device (function 49).
Unlike low-voltage fuses, MV power fuses have a minimum,
E. MV Vacuum Circuit Breakers as well as a maximum, interrupting current rating. This means
that for currents between the continuous current rating and the
As mentioned earlier, the IEEE C37 electrical standards minimum interrupting rating, the fuse can melt but not interrupt
govern the ratings, performance, features, and testing of circuit the flow of current [16]. This situation can lead to a fuse failure
breakers. Operating within system voltages from 2.4 kV to 38 and substantial damage to the starting equipment unless the
kV, these switching devices can handle much larger continuous current is interrupted by another device before the fuse fails.
and short-circuit current ratings. There are primarily two This is the primary reason why the MV power fuses must be
mechanical styles for opening and closing of a MV circuit carefully sized to the load and suitably coordinated with an
breaker: using a magnetic actuator mechanism, the other more overload device. The fuse must be capable of carrying the full
common, using a mechanical stored energy system. In both load current without overheating and must have a time/current
cases, there can be a manual operation mode used for breaker characteristic capable of handling the high inrush currents
maintenance. without causing any fuse element damage.
The manual operation functions by compressing the closing An MV circuit breaker can typically interrupt any level of
spring with a manual or electric motor driven closing spring current from low values to their maximum short-circuit rating
charging device. There are separate closing and tripping when signaled to open by its trip unit. The biggest difference is
mechanisms. These are normally dual operated using a manual the time to open under a fault condition. There could be greater
closing and tripping operation from the breaker front plate or via than 80 milliseconds between the time a MV power fuse clears
electric contacts that are wired into the breaker control. a fault relative to the detection of fault current and the
Breakers utilizing a stored energy system use a charging motor subsequent trip signal and fault interruption by a MV circuit
to charge a closing spring to a primed position ready for a close breaker. Compare Fig. 7, showing a typical fault clearing timing
command. A closing coil or manual close button unlatches the with fuses and MV contactor opening time; to Fig. 9, showing
closing spring holding latch, which discharges the spring closing the MV circuit breaker interrupting time. Table II shows a
the breaker contacts. comparison at 20 times rated current.
MV circuit breakers utilizing a magnetic actuator mechanism
work using permanent magnets and pulsed actuating coils.
These MV vacuum circuit breakers have fewer moving parts

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 TABLE II systems, the ground fault elements of Device 11M can provide
TYPICAL FAULT CLEARING TIME COMPARISON an alarm; however industrial systems often trip the faulted
AT 20 X RATED CURRENT circuit.
Vacuum Contactors Referring to the breaker controlled motor control application
Vacuum Circuit Breakers
(UL 347 Class E2 controller) one-line diagram, shown in Fig. A-2, the breaker interrupts the
Current-limiting fuse 3 cycle or 5 cycle breaker circuit for all protection functions including short-circuit. Table III
clearing time interrupting time, provides a summary of the typical protection functions, in a
<½ cycle after the relay trip signal Device 11M, used for a critical protection of an induction motor.

In the current-limiting range, the peak let-through current will B. The Consequences of Using Incorrect Settings
be lower for the fuse. Also for this example, the MV circuit
breaker system takes longer than the current-limiting fuse to Use care when applying fused contactors on solidly grounded
interrupt this level fault current resulting in higher let-through systems because the contactor is incapable of interrupting high
energy (I2t) for the MV circuit breaker. The difference in time fault currents, especially ground faults. As a result, load
between a MV power fuse clearing a high current level fault protection, ground-fault and differential relays should not open
versus the detection of the fault current, any intentional relay the contactor unless rated for the available fault current.
delays and the subsequent trip relay triggering the opening of Most microprocessor based motor and transformer protection
the MV circuit breaker could be greater than 100 milliseconds systems (Device 11, 11M), also sometimes generically referred
different. Shown in Fig. 7 is a typical short circuit fault clearing to as Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED), have the capabilities
sequence utilizing MV power fuses and a vacuum contactor and to provide a very wide variety of protection settings based on
Fig. 9 illustrates the sequence for a MV circuit breaker as it current, voltage, frequency, harmonics, etc. Only the
clears a fault. Table II compares the fault clearing times at 20 appropriate protection elements, for each given application
times rated current. Because the MV circuit breaker system should be applied. Even though the IED can provide a wide
takes longer to open higher level fault currents, the highest I2t array of protection elements, the inappropriate enabling of some
and peak let through current are permitted to flow into the fault of these elements may not be prudent for some of the
until the current is interrupted. The MV power fuses clear these application. This could result in unwanted, intermittent or
fault currents much quicker than a circuit breaker and with much erroneous trip conditions. For example, the implementation of
lower let through energy permitted to flow into the fault. anti-jogging protection on a pipeline pump, where jogging is
never an issue, could result in nuisance tripping and lost
V. PROTECTIVE SETTINGS revenue.

A. How the Switching Device Type Impacts Specific C. Utilizing the Capabilities of Intelligent Electronic Devices
Protective Settings for Protection

The primary and most significant difference between MV For the fuse contactor configurations, the contactor must
circuit breakers compared to contactors is their associated remain closed when currents greater than its unfused
interrupting current capabilities. In the case of the vacuum interrupting rating are flowing. This insures that the MV power
contactor, the contactor’s vacuum interrupters generally have a fuses interrupt the fault current rather than the contactor. This is
very low interrupting capability compared to those of the why the coordination between the fuses, overload settings and
interrupters used in a vacuum circuit breaker. The other contactor are so important. Unlike a circuit breaker, where an
difference between the two types of vacuum interrupters is their overcurrent setting can initiate the opening of the breaker, this
overall size, rigidity and contact materials. A typical vacuum condition is not what should occur with fused vacuum
interrupter used on a vacuum contactor will have a standalone contactors.
(E1) interrupting rating of between 5 kA and 12 kA, depending In many newer multifunction protection devices, protection
on the interrupter’s continuous current rating. In comparison, a elements can be electronically blocked from operating by using
MV circuit breaker can have interrupting ratings to about 63 kA. other internal and external signals. For example, internal relay
Selecting motor protection functions for a multifunction motor signals or logic outputs, start and trip signals from other stages
protection relay (Device 11M) depends on the size (hp/kW and external signals can be utilized within a matrix style blocking
rating), voltage, critical service of the application, and type of method to disable a tripping function under certain operating
switching device. Refer to Table III for typical motor protection conditions. On fused vacuum contactor applications, the
functions for commercial and industrial applications [2] [3]. Fig. protective relay overcurrent settings should be used only for
A-1 illustrates a typical one-line diagram for a fused class E2 other purposes such as jam, locked rotor or general motor
controller. It shows a MV induction motor application using a overload conditions. For current settings greater than those
fused non-load break disconnect for short-circuit protection, a mentioned above, a high setting level for the overload should
vacuum contactor for control, and a Device 11M for overload actually be used to block the jam, locked rotor or motor overload
and other protection. The multifunction motor protection relay protective settings so that they do not initiate a trip of the
can open the contactor for various application conditions except contactor at a current level greater than its interrupting
for short-circuit protection which is provided by the fuses. The capabilities. This is defined as applying a protective element
51N residually-connected ground fault protection can be used blocking function within the protective relay.
in a MV low resistance grounded power system, where the The current inhibit (50B) blocking function facilitates keeping
ground fault current does not exceed the interrupting rating for the contactor closed so that the power fuses interrupt the fault
the vacuum contactor. For high resistance grounded power currents. If the contactor were to be opened during a high fault

7
condition, above its interrupt rating, it would be seriously breakers versus vacuum contactors. This variance facilitates
damaged and could fail catastrophically. different control and application features and requirements in
the multi-function motor protection relay (Device 11M).
TABLE III However, vacuum contactors provide other benefits such as
TYPICAL MV MOTOR PROTECTION FUNCTIONS [2] [3] high duty cycles, low maintenance requirements and more
INDUCTION MOTORS compact designs. For the fused vacuum contactor controller,
PROTECTION FUNCTIONS the Device 11M would generally require fewer protection
Class E2 Fused Circuit functions than those used for a vacuum circuit breaker and
MV Contactor Breaker generally are lower cost.
Controlled Controlled If the one-line diagrams don’t clearly illustrate the difference
Volts (U/O) 27 27/59 between the two switching methods, the Device 11M may not
Undercurrent 37 have all of the features needed for the vacuum circuit breaker
Bearing Temp. Protection 38 38 application. This may leave the motor less protected than
Vibration Protection 39 desired. Alternatively, the Device 11M may have more features
Current Balance 46 46 than needed when used with the fused vacuum contactor
controller. This can result in the improper application of these
Negative Sequence 47 47
protection settings where the Device 11M may signal for the
Thermal overload relay
contactor to open above its interrupt rating. Without the proper
Overload operated by motor 49 49
consideration for their capabilities and the protection
current (replica),
requirement variations between the two, personnel and
Stator winding thermal equipment can be at risk.
overload (embedded 49S 49S Although the IEEE C37.2 standard does not provide a clear
detectors) device number definition for vacuum contactors used in MV
Breaker Failure motor controls, the NEMA ICS 19-2002 standard does provide
50BF
(breaker only) a designation that should be used. [22]. In the ICS 19-2002
IOC ground (zero sequence standard the letter ‘M’ is used to designate a Main Contactor.
CT) (delayed on start) We highly recommend, in the absence of a defined device
- Breaker Trip or 50G 50G number, that proper symbology and terminology be used for
- Vacuum Contactor within vacuum contactors. The use of a contact symbol with an
rating adjacent “M” should be used to identify a vacuum contactor,
TOC ground (residually rather than the Device number 52. This method provides a more
connected) clear indication the switching device is a vacuum contactor used
- Breaker Trip or 51N 51N for load control and application rather than a circuit breaker.
- Vacuum Contactor within
rating VII. REFERENCES
IOC-Locked Rotor (delayed
50LR 50LR
on start) [1] IEEE Std. C37.2-2008, IEEE Standard for Electrical Power
TOC phase 51 System Device Function Numbers, Acronyms, and
Short-circuit Power Fuse 50 Contact Designations, New York, NY: IEEE.
Current Inhibit [2] IEEE 3004.8 D10.4, draft document, Recommended
50B Practice for Motor Protection for Industrial and
(Blocks Contactor Opening) a
Voltage Balance Commercial Power Systems, March 2016. IEEE.
60 [3] IEEE C37.96-2012 - IEEE Guide for AC Motor Protection,
(Loss of Phase)
# of Starts 66 66 New York, NY: IEEE.
[4] IEEE Std. 551-2006 [Violet Book], IEEE Recommended
Trip Circuit Monitor, alarm TCM
Practice for Calculating AC Short-Circuit Currents in
Frequency 81U/O
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, New York,
Lockout 86 86 NY: IEEE.
Motor Differential 87M [5] NFPA Std. 70-2014, National Electrical Code®, National
a
Instantaneous phase overcurrent (50B) function blocks opening of Fires Protection Association, Quincy, MA: NFPA.
the contactor when the fault current exceeds its interrupting rating
[6] DOL/OSHA 29 CFR, Part 1910, Subpart S, Electrical,
1910.399;, Washington, DC, Occupational Safety &
VI. CONCLUSIONS
Health Administration, United States Department of
The electrical one-line diagrams form the foundation for Labor.
selecting the proper protective devices that are specified and [7] J. T. Tengdin and E. A. Udren, “The 2008 Revision of IEEE
influence the settings, equipment type, and control philosophy C37.2 Standard Electrical Power System Device Function
for petrochemical facilities. The importance of knowing upfront Numbers, Acronyms and Contact Designations”, 2009
the type of control and protection equipment selected for the MV 62nd Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers,
motor is illustrated in this paper. Pages: 21 - 32, DOI: 10.1109/CPRE.2009.4982502.
The comparison between applying vacuum circuit breaker [8] J R. W. Sorensen and H. E. Mendenhall, “Switching
and fused vacuum contactor type control and protection Experiment of California Institute of Technology”, AIEE
highlights the higher interrupt capabilities for the vacuum circuit Trans., Vol. 45, pp.1102-1105,1926.

8
[9] Falkingham, L.T.; Montillet, G.F. “A history of fifty years of the conference committees and on several sub-committees. He
vacuum interrupter development - (the English serves on several other technical groups and participated on the
connection)”, Power Engineering Society General local planning committees for the 2011 IEEE-PCIC, 2002 IEEE-
Meeting, 2004. IEEE Year: 2004 Pages: 706 - 711 Vol.1, PPIC and serves on the IAS executive board as the Process
DOI: 10.1109/PES.2004.1372906. Industry Department Chairman. He has won several IEEE
[10] IEEE Std. C37.04-1999, IEEE Standard Rating Structure paper awards and was awarded a Meritorious Service Award
for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers, New York, NY: from the IEEE Pulp and Paper Industry Committee (PPIC). Mr.
IEEE. Kay is also an active voting member of the IEEE Standards
[11] IEEE Std. C37.09-1999, IEEE Standard Test Procedure Association (SA). Mr. Kay is a Certified Engineering
for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Technologist, in the province of Ontario.
Symmetrical Current Basis, New York, NY: IEEE.
[12] IEEE Std. C37.010-1999, IEEE Application Guide for AC Lorraine K. Padden (M’80, SM’94) is Chair of the IEEE
High-Voltage Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical 1349 and IEEE 3004.8 standard working groups for motors in
Current Basis, New York, NY: IEEE. hazardous locations and motor protection, respectively. She is
[13] IEEE Std. C37.06-2000, American National Standard for President of Padden Engineering, LLC, a consulting firm in
AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers - Rated on a Katy, Texas, and has been in the petrochemical industry for
Symmetrical Current Basis - Preferred Ratings and over 30 years. Ms. Padden graduated from South Dakota
Related Required Capabilities, New York, NY: IEEE. School of Mines with a BSEE degree. She is a member of the
[14] IEEE Std. C37.20.7, IEEE Guide for Testing Switchgear IEEE-SA, NFPA, API, ISA, and NSPE. She has Chaired
Rated Up to 52 kV for Internal Arcing Faults, New York, chapters of the IEEE Buff Book and Blue Book and contributed
NY: IEEE. to several other IEEE and API standards, including API RP
[15] ANSI/UL 347-2009, Medium-Voltage AC Contactors, 500/505 Task Group on electrical area classification. She has
Controllers, and Control Centers, Northbrook, IL: published and presented papers at PCIC and other IEEE
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. conferences. Ms. Padden is a recipient of the IEEE Standards
[16] J.A. Kay, “Selection, Application, and Interchangeability of Medallion and is a licensed professional engineer in the states
Medium-Voltage Power Fuses in Motor Control Centers”, of California, Texas, and Washington.
IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Vol. 42, No.
6, Nov./Dec. 2006, P 1574 – 1581. David C. Mazur (S’07, M’12) works as a global technical
[17] IEEE Std. 1015-2006, IEEE Recommended Practice for consultant for Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee, WI with a
Applying Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers Used in Industrial current focus on SCADA communications and substation
and Commercial Power Systems (IEEE Blue Book), New automation. His experience includes the development of
York, NY: IEEE. regenerative variable frequency drive technology. David has
[18] C37.46-2010 - IEEE Standard Specifications for High- facilitated the develop technology for time synchronized
Voltage (>1000 V) Expulsion and Current-Limiting Power continuous casters for the steel industry. He also facilitated a
Class Fuses and Fuse Disconnecting Switches, New project that aimed to assess the power quality of Asia-Pacific
York, NY: IEEE. and European countries.
[19] IEEE Std. 242-2001 - IEEE Recommended Practice for David received his B.S. EE degree summa cum laude and
Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial first in his class from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
Power Systems (IEEE Buff Book), New York, NY: IEEE. University, Blacksburg, VA in 2011. David graduated with his
[20] IEEE Std. C37.20.2, IEEE Standard for Metal-Clad M.S. EE degree in 2012 for his work based on rotor angle
Switchgear, New York, NY: IEEE. measurement of synchronous machines from Virginia
[21] IEEE Std. C37.20.3, IEEE Standard for Metal-Enclosed Polytechnic Institute and State University. He graduated with
Interrupter Switchgear (1 kV – 38 kV), New York, NY: the Ph.D. in Mining Engineering in September 2013 for his work
IEEE. with automation and control of the IEC 61850 standard.
[22] NEMA ICS 19-2002 (R2007) – Diagrams, Device David is an active member of the IEEE IAS and serves as
Designations and Symbols for Industrial Control Systems, working group chair for the Communication-Based Protection of
National Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association, Industrial Applications Working Group. He also serves as a
Rosslyn, VA: NEMA. member of the Mining Industry Committee (MIC) as well as the
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems Committee (I&CPS).
VIII. VITAE David is also an active voting member of the IEEE Standards
Association (SA).
John A. Kay (M’94, SM’98, F’12), received his degree in
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology from Conestoga Herman Weber (M’ 07) works as the Global Technical
College, Kitchener, Ontario in 1977. He has authored a wide Resource Leader for Motor Control with The Dow Chemical
variety of award winning technical papers and other technical Company. He also serves as an Electrical SME with the
articles and manuals related to MV electrical control and Engineering Solutions Technology Center with Dow. Herman
protection systems, arc resistant equipment and infrared has served in various functions in his 40 years of experience
technologies. Several of his papers have been published in the including maintenance, supervision, plant startup, as well as
IEEE IAS Transactions and the IAS magazine. He is a Fellow project design. He is an IEEE member. Herman received his
member of the IEEE, the Industry Application Society and B.S. EE degree in 1976 from Texas A&I University in Kingsville,
actively involved with the IEEE Pulp and Paper Industry Texas.
Committee, serving as the chairman of the executive board, on

9
 APPENDIX A

MOTOR PROTECTION EXAMPLES

Fig. A-1 MV Induction motor 1-line diagram showing typical Device 11M protection functions
used in combination with MV power fuses [12] [14]

10
Fig. A-2 MV induction motor protection 1-line diagram showing an example of
Device 11M protection functions used with a breaker [12] [14]

11