IEC TS 63107:2020
(Main)Integration of internal arc-fault mitigation systems in power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC‑Assemblies) according to IEC 61439-2
Integration of internal arc-fault mitigation systems in power switchgear and controlgear assemblies (PSC‑Assemblies) according to IEC 61439-2
IEC TS 63107:2020 states requirements for integration and testing of IAMS in low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – power switchgear and controlgear assemblies according to IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 (PSC-assemblies) to demonstrate their correct operation.
This document does not address personnel safety or damage to the PSC-assembly. These requirements are dealt with in IEC TR 61641 (see also 10.10.1).
Intégration de systèmes de limitation de défaut d'arc interne dans des ensembles d'appareillage de puissance (EAP) conformément à l'IEC 61439-2
L'IEC TS 63107:2020 définit les exigences d'intégration et d'essai d'un IAMS dans des ensembles d'appareillage à basse tension – ensembles d'appareillage de puissance (EAP), conformément à l'IEC 61439-1 et l'IEC 61439-2, afin de démontrer leur bon fonctionnement.
Le présent document ne traite pas de la sécurité du personnel ou de dommages causés à l'EAP. Ces exigences sont couvertes par l'IEC TR 61641 (voir également 10.10.1).
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
IEC TS 63107 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-04
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION
TECHNIQUE
colour
inside
Integration of internal arc-fault mitigation systems in power switchgear and
controlgear assemblies (PSC assemblies) according to IEC 61439-2
Intégration de systèmes de limitation de défaut d'arc interne dans des
ensembles d'appareillage de puissance (EAP) conformément à l'IEC 61439-2
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IEC TS 63107 ®
Edition 1.0 2020-04
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATION
TECHNIQUE
colour
inside
Integration of internal arc-fault mitigation systems in power switchgear and
controlgear assemblies (PSC assemblies) according to IEC 61439-2
Intégration de systèmes de limitation de défaut d'arc interne dans des
ensembles d'appareillage de puissance (EAP) conformément à l'IEC 61439-2
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.130.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-8249-6
– 2 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 10
5 Interface characteristics. 10
6 Information . 10
7 Service conditions . 11
8 Constructional requirements . 11
9 Performance requirements. 12
10 Design verification . 13
11 Routine verification . 22
Annex HH (informative) Guidance for the user of PSC-assemblies about the aspects
to be considered when specifying a PSC-assembly with an integrated IAMS . 24
HH.1 General information . 24
HH.2 Influence of the electrical parameters of the supply . 25
HH.3 Interaction with other devices/systems in the PSC-assembly . 26
Annex II (informative) Guidance for the original manufacturer of PSC-assemblies on
construction requiring particular attention when incorporating IAMS . 28
II.1 Selection of devices forming parts of an IAMS . 28
II.2 Installation of switching devices and components . 28
II.3 Accessibility . 29
Annex JJ (informative) Description of the extinction of an internal arc-fault in a PSC-
assembly by an IAMS using an AQD during testing . 30
JJ.1 General . 30
JJ.2 Circuit diagram and event description . 30
JJ.3 Selected oscillograms . 31
Bibliography . 38
Figure HH.1 – Time/current characteristic curves NH- Fuse-links Size 000 –
3 gG AC 400 V IEC 60269-2 . 25
Figure JJ.1 – Circuit diagram . 30
Figure JJ.2 – Incoming currents at the beginning of the sequence . 31
Figure JJ.3 – Currents and voltages at the incoming terminals at the end of the
sequence . 32
Figure JJ.4 – Currents in the AQD circuit . 33
Figure JJ.5 – Currents in the arc-fault circuit . 34
Figure JJ.6 – Currents in the arc-fault circuit, curves magnified . 35
Figure JJ.7 – Voltages at the incoming terminals . 36
Figure JJ.8 – Electrical energy caused by the arc-fault currents and the voltages at the
incoming terminals with t as the start point for calculation . 37
Table 1 – Symbols and abbreviated terms . 10
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INTEGRATION OF INTERNAL ARC-FAULT MITIGATION SYSTEMS IN
POWER SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES
(PSC-ASSEMBLIES) ACCORDING TO IEC 61439-2
FOREWORD
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patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
The main task of IEC technical committees is to prepare International Standards. In
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• the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard,
despite repeated efforts, or
• the subject is still under technical development or where, for any other reason, there is the
future but no immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard.
Technical specifications are subject to review within three years of publication to decide
whether they can be transformed into International Standards.
IEC TS 63107, which is a technical specification, has been prepared by subcommittee 121B:
Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 121:
Switchgear and controlgear and their assemblies for low-voltage.
– 4 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
The text of this technical specification is based on the following documents:
DTS Report on voting
121B/89/DTS 121B/97/RVDTS
Full information on the voting for the approval of this technical specification can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This technical specification is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2.
The provisions of IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 are applicable to this document where they
are specifically cited. When this document states "addition", "modification" or "replacement",
the relevant text in IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 is to be adapted accordingly.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related
to the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
Internal arc-fault mitigation systems (IAMS) denote systems that consist of an internal arc-
fault control device (IACD) and an internal arc-fault reduction device (IARD).
An IACD and an IARD can be combined and designed in one device.
An IACD uses the effects of an arc, e.g. light, gas pressure, change of current and/or voltage
to detect an arc inside the power switchgear and controlgear assembly (PSC-assembly) to
generate a trigger signal for an associated IARD.
An IARD reduces the arc energy below the level which would be released if an IARD was not
present and the fault would be interrupted by the conventional short-circuit protective device
(SCPD).
The operation of IARDs can be achieved by various methods, individually or in combination
including, but not limited to, the following examples:
a) by interruption using an upstream SCPD triggered by an IACD;
b) by parallel connection of a low-impedance current path by using an arc quenching device
(AQD) for commutation of current to this parallel path. The operation of an upstream
SCPD is also required to interrupt the short-circuit current caused by the AQD before it
exceeds its current carrying capabilities;
c) by introducing a defined impedance in series with the arc-fault circuit by using an internal
arc-fault limiting device (IALD). An upstream SCPD may be required to extinguish the arc.
The most commonly used techniques are described under a) and b) above.
The purpose of this document is:
to define the specific requirements for the correct integration of the IAMS into PSC-
assemblies which shall be fulfilled by the original manufacturer of the assembly.
to provide the necessary requirements in order to verify the correct operation of the IAMS.
to provide the user with details of the different options that can be considered when
requiring IAMS within a PSC-assembly.
to provide guidance to the original manufacturer of PSC-assemblies on the constructional
requirements needing particular attention when incorporating the IAMS.
For the safe and reliable operation of the IAMS, the proper operation of the IARD in
conjunction with the accompanying IACD is crucial. It is assumed, that passing all tests
detailed in this document will verify the correct functioning of the entire system (combination
and integration of the respective devices).
This document defines tests to verify there will be no unintentional operation of the IAMS
which could be caused by e.g. switching operation of built-in components.
It is important to consider the behaviour of the complete system when an internal arc occurs
immediately after the assembly is energised.
Additionally, external influences in surrounding environment, e.g. sources of light, have to be
considered.
The aim of the integration of the IAMS into PSC-assemblies is to reduce the released energy
in case of an internal arc-fault by using the activation of an IARD in order to:
reduce the damage to PSC-assemblies;
– 6 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
improve the suitability of PSC-assemblies for further service after an internal arc-fault;
improve the ability of PSC-assemblies to reduce the risk of injury to personnel;
The protection offered by an IAMS has some limitations. These are described in this
document in the term "IAMS protected area" (verified within specific ranges of values for the
rated operational voltage and the prospective short-circuit current) for the correct functioning
of the IAMS.
IEC TR 61641 provides guidance for testing of PSC-assemblies with an integrated IAMS
under conditions of arcing in air due to an internal fault and addresses personnel safety and
damage to the PSC-assembly. Subclause 10.101.4 of this document (Verification of an IAMS
in PSC-assemblies by test) is intended to be used in conjunction with IEC TR 61641.
INTEGRATION OF INTERNAL ARC-FAULT MITIGATION SYSTEMS IN
POWER SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES
(PSC-ASSEMBLIES) ACCORDING TO IEC 61439-2
1 Scope
This document states requirements for integration and testing of IAMS in low-voltage
switchgear and controlgear assemblies – power switchgear and controlgear assemblies
according to IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2 (PSC-assemblies) to demonstrate their correct
operation.
This document does not address personnel safety or damage to the PSC-assembly. These
requirements are dealt with in IEC TR 61641 (see also 10.10.1).
NOTE This document can be used as a reference for other types of assemblies in the IEC 61439 series, but
adaptation of the test procedures and acceptance criteria can apply taking into account the specifics of such other
assemblies or products.
IAMS consist of IACDs and IARDs complying with their relevant product standard (e.g. optical
based IACDs in accordance with IEC 60947-9-2, AQDs in accordance with IEC 60947-9-1 and
SCPD’s in accordance with IEC 60947-2). For the reliable function in a PSC-assembly, the
verification of correct operation of the complete system under built-in conditions is addressed.
This document applies only to enclosed PSC-assemblies and deals with all required
verifications needed for the integration in conjunction with IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2.
The test procedure given in this document takes into consideration:
the correct function of the IAMS within the PSC-assembly;
the prevention of unintended operation of the IAMS within the PSC-assembly;
the functioning behaviour of the system immediately after the assembly is energised.
Different tests under more severe conditions (e.g. doors in open position) can be performed
with an agreement between the user and the original manufacturer of the PSC-assembly.
This document does not supersede any individual product standard. Individual devices are
required to comply with their relevant standard.
This document does not apply to integration of arc fault detection devices (AFDD) according
to IEC 62606.
The informative Annex II gives guidance on particular constructional requirements for
incorporation of IAMS within a PSC-assembly.
The informative Annex HH gives guidance for the user of PSC-assemblies about the criteria to
be considered when specifying a PSC-assembly with an integrated IAMS.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition
cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including
any amendments) applies.
– 8 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
IEC 60947-9-1:2019, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 9-1: Active arc-fault
mitigation systems - Arc quenching devices
IEC 60947-9-2:—, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Active arc-fault mitigation
systems - Part 9-2: Optical-based internal arc-detection and mitigation devices
IEC 61439-1:2020, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 1: General
rules
IEC 61439-2:—, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Part 2: Power
switchgear and controlgear assemblies
IEC TR 61641:2014, Enclosed low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Guide for
testing under conditions of arcing due to internal fault
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61439-2, and the
following, apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
internal arc-fault mitigation system
IAMS
system consisting of an internal arc-fault control device (IACD) and an internal arc-fault
reduction device (IARD) that operates in case of an internal arc-fault
Note 1 to entry: An IAMS can include a "combined type" single device which combines the functions of an IACD
and an IARD as defined in IEC 60947-9-2.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.2
internal arc-fault control device
IACD
device intended to detect an internal arc-fault, which provides a signal for operation of a
separate mitigation device, or automatically mitigates the internal arc-fault
Note 1 to entry: IACD with mitigation capability combines in the same device internal arc-fault detection and
breaking or making capabilities.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
[SOURCE: IEC 60947-9-2:—, 3.3]
_____________
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: IEC/CCDV 60947-9-2:2020.
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: IEC/RFDIS 61439-2:2020.
3.3
internal arc-fault reduction device
IARD
device intended to reduce the energy released by an internal arc-fault
Note 1 to entry: An IARD can be achieved by a SCPD, AQD or IALD.
Note 2 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.3.1
arc quenching device
AQD
IARD intended to eliminate internal arc-faults by creating a lower impedance current path in
order to cause the arcing current to transfer to the new current path
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
[SOURCE: IEC 60947-9-1:2019, 3.1, modified – In the definition "device" has been replaced
with "IARD" and the Note 1 to entry has been deleted.]
3.3.2
internal arc-fault limiting device
IALD
IARD intended to reduce the arc-fault current below a particular level other than a SCPD with
current limiting functionality e.g. fuse or circuit-breaker
Note 1 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
3.4
IAMS protected area
area monitored by an IAMS where an internal arc-fault is detected, mitigated and finally
extinguished, and where unintended operation as a result of a switching arc will not occur
3.5
automatic transfer switching equipment
ATSE
self-acting transfer switching equipment
Note 1 to entry: ATSE normally includes all necessary devices for monitoring and transferring operations.
Note 2 to entry: ATSE can have an optional feature for manual operation.
Note 3 to entry: This note applies to the French language only.
[SOURCE: IEC 60947-6-1:2005/AMD1:2013, 3.1.4]
3.6
arc-fault mitigation time in an assembly
t
mtA
interval of time between the ignition t of the internal arc-fault and the significant commutation
of currents into the AQD
Note 1 to entry: Arc-fault mitigation time in an assembly is as described in Figure JJ.2 between points c) and g).
Note 2 to entry: For applications without AQD(s) the arc-fault extinction time of IEC 60947-9-2 can be used as an
alternative to t .
mtA
3.7
arc-energy
E
arc
energy released by the arc during the arcing-fault
– 10 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, symbols and abbreviated terms given in IEC 61439-2, as
well as those given in Table 1, apply.
Table 1 – Symbols and abbreviated terms
Symbol/Abbreviated Term Subclause
term
ACB air circuit-breaker JJ.1
AQD arc quenching device 3.3.1
ATSE automatic transfer switching equipment 3.5
E arc-energy 3.7
arc
IACD internal arc-fault control device 3.2
IALD internal arc-fault limiting device 3.3.2
IAMS internal arc-fault mitigation system 3.1
IARD internal arc-fault reduction device 3.3
t arc-fault mitigation time in an assembly 3.6
mtA
5 Interface characteristics
Clause 5 of IEC 61439-2 is applicable except as follows.
Addition:
5.101 Characteristics for each individual IAMS protected area
Declaration of IAMS protected areas shall include following parameters:
range of prospective short-circuit current (I ) at the incoming terminals of the PSC-
cp
assembly declared for each IAMS protected area for which the IAMS is effective;
range of rated operational voltages (U ) at the incoming terminals of the PSC-assembly
e
declared for each IAMS protected area for which the IAMS is effective;
maximum arc energy during the tests (E ) which is the highest value declared for the
arc
whole assembly defined by test(s) in 10.101.4.
The functioning behaviour of the IAMS immediately after the assembly is energised shall be
considered.
NOTE The prospective short short-circuit current and rated operational voltages are in correlation.
6 Information
Clause 6 of IEC 61439-2:— is applicable except as follows.
6.1 PSC-assembly designation marking
Addition:
d) the type of IARD according to 6.2.1.101.
e) designation markings as required by the device manufacturer’s instructions shall be
complied with.
Replacement of item g):
g) IEC 61439-2, IEC TS 63107
Addition:
6.2.1.101 Type of IAMS components used in the PSC-assembly
Type of SCPD, if used as IARD;
Type of AQD (e.g. single shot AQD, resettable AQD, fixed or withdrawable);
Type of IALD;
Type of IACD (e.g. stand-alone, multifunction or combined/with or without secondary-
sensor(s)).
6.2.2 Instructions for handling, installation, operation and maintenance
Addition after first paragraph:
If an optical based IACD is used, the assembly manufacturer (using the original
manufacturer’s instructions where applicable) shall provide information in respect to
unintended operations caused by any exposure to light source e.g. sun-light, flash-light,
artificial lighting.
In the case of a reusable IARD, a functional test shall be considered during maintenance.
The assembly manufacturer’s instructions (based on the original manufacturer’s instructions)
shall include all necessary information to enable the assembly to be restored to operational
conditions following an activation of the IAMS. This should include guidance, for example, on
fault investigation, maintenance, resetting or replacing one or several components of the
IAMS.
7 Service conditions
Clause 7 of IEC 61439-2:— is applicable.
8 Constructional requirements
Clause 8 of IEC 61439-2:— is applicable except as follows.
8.5.3 Selection of switching devices and components
Addition:
Optical based IACD shall be selected taking into account its immunity to ambient light,
according to the requirements of IEC 60947-9-2 (see 8.2.3, Light-immunity tests).
Additional subclauses:
8.5.102 Installation of IAMS
For assemblies including IAMS the original manufacturer shall provide specific technical
documentation for installation, e.g. the installation requirements of the IAMS in consideration
of the number, position and the required verifications to check the correct function of the
sensors after installation within the PSC-assembly.
– 12 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
8.5.103 Quantity and location of sensors of an IAMS
The quantity, location and arrangement of the sensors to detect an internal arc-fault shall be
made according to the recommendations of the IACD manufacturer (see Annex II.2) and
where applicable, the knowledge gained from previous testing.
Relevant characteristics for integration of an optical-based IACD delivered by the device
manufacturer are:
selection of the type of sensors;
distance for guaranteed detection at a specified distance (e.g. 10 kA and higher, X cm),
with various angles;
orientation of sensor(s) detection.
The number, locations and arrangements of the sensors shall be verified by the tests as
detailed in this document and documented by the original manufacturer in the drawings,
engineering and manufacturing documents.
Where secondary sensor(s) are used as part of the IAMS, care should be exercised to locate
these so that the agreed area is monitored.
8.5.104 Connection of an AQD
The main connection of an AQD shall be as close as possible on the load side of the
incoming / feeding device of the specific section in question. The conductors shall be as short
as possible to reduce the voltage drop. These conductors shall take into account the
mechanical constrains due to the magnetic forces and also the thermal stress according to the
performance of the AQD.
8.102 Performance of an IAMS in PSC-assemblies
Areas within the PSC-Assembly which are to be protected shall be agreed between the
assembly manufacturer and the user.
See 9.101 for requirements on assembly manufacturer’s instructions related on IAMS
protected areas.
The particular construction requirements linked to the application, e.g. interaction with ATSE
shall be considered. The informative Annex II gives guidance on incorporation of an IAMS in a
PSC-assembly.
9 Performance requirements
Clause 9 of IEC 61439-2:— is applicable, with the following addition.
Additional subclauses:
9.101 Identification of an IAMS protected area(s)
An IAMS protected area (see 5.101) shall fulfil the following requirements:
internal arc-fault detection is achieved (see 10.101.1 10.101.2);
unintended operation is avoided (see 10.101.3);
the detected internal arc-fault can be mitigated and finally extinguished (see 10.101.4).
An assessment shall be made by the original manufacturer of the PSC-assembly to determine
the likely source of unintended operation due to switching arcs and the tests be carried out.
Such assessment can result in identification of area(s) which are not protected.
NOTE 1 There might be areas in the PSC-assembly where the protection is related to certain conditions, e.g.
switching position of the incoming SCPD with downstream IARD.
NOTE 2 internal arc-faults ignited outside of a protected area also might cause an unintended operation. If this is
intended or unintended operation depends to the needed solution/project.
10 Design verification
Clause 10 of IEC 61439-2:— is applicable except as follows.
10.10.1 General
Addition after the last paragraph:
If the manufacturer of the IARD has stated temperature-rise limits for the IARD (e.g. for
ambient air temperature or for temperature-rise at the terminals) which are lower than the
temperature-rise limits otherwise applied in the section of the assembly where the IARD will
be mounted (e.g. incomer section), then the IARD has to be included in the temperature-rise
tests of the corresponding section. The thermal effects on the actuating part of a combined-
type IACD shall also be considered.
10.11.1 General
Addition:
Assemblies containing an AQD shall be tested to prove the short-circuit withstand strength of
the AQD main circuit including the conductors from the incoming supply terminals of the PSC-
assembly to the point of its AQD connection. The duration and prospective short-circuit
current shall be as declared by the original manufacturer of the PSC-assembly.
10.11.5.5 Results to be obtained
Addition after the second paragraph:
In applications with an IAMS using an AQD, no crack(s) within the busbar system are allowed.
Assessment shall be by visual inspection with normal or corrected vision after the test.
Additional subclauses:
10.101 Performance of an IAMS in PSC-assemblies
10.101.1 General
The correct functioning of an IAMS is the reliable detection and reduction of consequences of
internal arc-faults inside PSC-assemblies. Therefore, it is necessary to verify the correct
operation of the selected IAMS with the arc initiated at the most likely place(s) to occur, as a
system test.
To demonstrate correct functioning of an IAMS the following verifications are necessary:
correct detection of an internal arc-fault by the IACD (10.101.2);
prevention of unintended operation of the IACD by switching arcs in the PSC-assembly
(10.101.3);
correct functioning of the whole IAMS consisting of IACD and IARD and determination of
the remaining arc-fault energy (10.101.4);
– 14 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
verification of a possible delay of an IAMS which is supplied from the same source as the
PSC-assembly protected by the IAMS, when the source is energized onto a failure in the
PSC-assembly leading immediately to an internal arc-fault (10.101.5).
In respect to special applications in service (e.g. applications with power factor correction
units) or influences based on maintenance and operation (e.g. open doors, withdrawable parts
in a test position) additional tests may be necessary as agreed between user and original
manufacturer of the PSC-assembly.
Where an PSC-assembly with an IAMS verified according to this document is also required to
achieve defined personnel safety or limitation of damage to the PSC-assembly then testing in
accordance with IEC TR 61641 shall be undertaken.
It should be recognised that any tests conducted can only be indicative and will not cover all
eventualities.
The original manufacturer of the PSC-assembly shall provide justification for determination of
the representative sample(s) and test arrangement(s) for the different performance tests. The
separate tests for the correct integration of IAMS in PSC-assemblies described in this chapter
are intended to reduce the amount of testing.
For all performance tests, representative samples have to be used. All tests shall be carried
out on the same or a new identical test specimen. In these tests, the form of internal
separation of the PSC-assembly and the type, number and the positioning of the sensors of
an IACD shall not be changed. The selection of the reference design and the ignition points
according to 10.101.2.3 are set up by the original manufacturer of the assembly.
NOTE 1 Due to the variety of types, rated values and possible combinations of functional units and components,
the tests are not feasible for all variants.
Derivation from tests with alternating current for a direct current application and vice versa is
not possible as the performance of the internal arc-fault and any associated protection device
is substantially different.
For all tests to be performed all main and auxiliary circuits present in the PSC-assembly shall
be energised according with the original manufacturer’s instructions of the PSC-assembly
considering the products specifications.
The test is carried out on representative samples.
a) the test shall be carried out on a test specimen not previously subjected to an arcing test
or on a refurbished test specimen as appropriate. The specimen and the equipment within
can be repaired or replaced before each test.
The pollution from previous test(s) e.g. due to carbonisation can affect the function of the
IACD and may require maintenance for use in further tests;
b) the mounting conditions shall be as close as possible to those of normal service. A mock-
up of any room in which the PSC-assembly could be installed is not necessary;
NOTE 2 In normal service conditions it is assumed the IAMS is not adversely affected by ambient light in
case of use of a light based IACD with one or more secondary sensors.
c) the doors and covers shall be closed and secured as in normal service in accordance with
the original manufacturer’s instructions. For verification of situations such as
maintenance, alternate tests shall be evaluated as agreed upon by user and original
manufacturer;
d) the test specimen shall be fully equipped and complete with arc ignition protected zones,
if any. Mock-ups of internal components (excluding arc ignition protected zones) are
permitted provided that:
1) have the same volume and shape, and a similar external material as the original items;
2) any metallic external material is earthed in a similar manner to normal service;
3) the main circuit of that functional unit shall be replicated by representative conductors
which are energized;
e) any conductor normally associated with the functional unit under test shall be installed as
in service with any cable glands or similar equipment. In addition, any conductor on
adjacent functional units that could influence the results of the tests shall be installed;
NOTE 3 Function of sensors can be influenced by the conductors.
f) the assigned measures for protection against electric shock shall be effective
(see IEC 61439-1 and IEC 61439-2:—, 8.4).
For the tests, the value of the prospective short-circuit current at a test voltage shall be
determined from a calibration oscillogram which is taken with the supply conductors to the
PSC-assembly short-circuited by a connection of negligible impedance placed as near as
possible to the input supply of the PSC-assembly. The test voltage shall be within a tolerance
of ± 5 %. The oscillogram shall show that there is a constant flow of current such that it is
measurable for the specified test duration. The value of current during the calibration is the
average of the RMS values of the AC component in all phases. The calibration current shall
be equal to the permissible short-circuit current with a tolerance of 0 % to +5 %. In poly-phase
systems, this tolerance applies to the average of all line currents, while each individual line
current may have a tolerance of ± 5 %. For AC tests, the power factor shall be in accordance
with IEC 61439-1:2020, Table 7, within a tolerance of 0,00 % and −0,05 %.
The prospective peak value and prospective RMS value of short-circuit current shall be as
specified by the original manufacturer of the PSC-assembly.
All tests with AC current shall be made at the rated frequency of the PSC-assembly with a
tolerance of ±25 %.
The power supply shall be applied to the PSC-assembly under test for a duration as given by
the original manufacturer with a tolerance of 0 % to + 10 %.
The ignition wire shall be in accordance with IEC TR 61641:2014 (see Table 1 or Table 2) if
used.
10.101.2 Verification of arc-fault detection by test
10.101.2.1 General
The aim of the test is to demonstrate correct detection of an arcing-fault at the most likely
points where an arc could occur within the PSC assembly. Therefore the prospective short-
circuit current level where an internal arc-fault can be detected with certainty within different
areas shall be verified.
10.101.2.2 Test arrangements
The test is carried out as a single-phase or phase to phase test according to the service
conditions and/or configurations for the respective area under test.
Where it is possible, during this test, the IARD need not be connected to the IACD. In this
case, the correct function of the IACD shall be verified by operation indicated on an
oscillogram. Otherwise, the correct operation of the main contacts of the IARD shall be
recorded on an oscillogram.
10.101.2.3 Test procedure
The test voltage shall be sufficiently high to keep the arc stable and burning until detection.
The test shall be performed with the short-circuit current level as agreed between the original
manufacturer and user of the PSC assembly. In the absence of such an agreement,
– 16 – IEC TS 63107:2020 © IEC 2020
considering I
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