IEC 62271-106:2011

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 106: Alternating current contactors, contactor-based controllers and motor-starters

IEC 62271-106:2011 is applicable to a.c. contactors and/or contactor-based controllers and motor-starters designed for indoor installation and operation at frequencies up to and including 60 Hz on systems having voltages above 1 000 V but not exceeding 24 000 V. It is applicable only to three-pole devices for use in three-phase systems, and single-pole devices for use in single-phase systems. Two-pole contactors and starters for use in single-phase systems are subject to agreement between manufacturer and user. This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60470 published in 1999. It constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to IEC 60470:1999:
- Scope and object: The voltage range covered by the standard was expanded from 12 kV to 24 kV. Overload relay calibration and testing is not covered by this standard.
- 3 Terms and definitions: Added definitions for capacitor switching classes.
- 4.1 Rated voltage: Added 15, 17,5 and 24 kV as standard voltage values.
- 4.109.2 Starting duty of reduced-voltage starters: Added ratings for autotransformer and reactor starters (was in the testing section).
- 4.112 Rated capacitive switching currents: Added capacitor switching current ratings.
- 5.101 Protective relays: Removed the requirements for overload relays. This section is obsolete since there are only a few MV starters fitted with thermal overload relays and electronic relays have their own standards.
- 6.2.5 Application of the test voltage and test conditions (former 6.2.2 b)): Changed wording of requirement for impulse across the open gap of vacuum contactors.
- 6.4.2 Auxiliary circuits: The requirement for resistance checks of auxiliary circuits was deleted.
- 6.5.5.104 Temperature rise of the auto transformer or reactor for two step auto transformer or reactor starters: Reworded to transfer ratings to subclause 4.109.2.
- 6.102.9 Condition following making and breaking tests: Gave specific direction as to what the tolerance should be based on where the resistance was to be checked.
- 6.104 Short-circuit current making and breaking tests: Clarified test conditions for short-circuit testing.
- 6.109 Capacitive current switching tests: Added capacitive current switching tests.
- Annex B: Added Table B.1 - Tolerances on test quantities for type test. The contents of the corrigendum of February 2014 have been included in this copy.

Appareillage à haute tension - Partie 106: Contacteurs, combinés de démarrage à contacteurs et démarreurs de moteurs, pour courant alternatif

La CEI 62271-106:2011 est applicable aux contacteurs à courant alternatif et/ou aux combinés de démarrage et démarreurs de moteurs à base de contacteurs conçus pour des installations intérieures et pour fonctionner à des fréquences inférieures ou égales à 60 Hz, dans des systèmes de tensions supérieures à 1 000 V mais n'excédant pas 24 000 V. Elle ne s'applique qu'aux dispositifs tripolaires, utilisés dans des systèmes triphasés, et aux dispositifs unipolaires, utilisés dans des systèmes monophasés. Les contacteurs et les démarreurs bipolaires peuvent être utilisés dans des systèmes monophasés, après accord entre le constructeur et l'utilisateur. La présente norme annule et remplace la deuxième édition de la CEI 60470 parue en 1999. Elle constitue une révision technique. La présente édition inclut les modifications techniques importantes suivantes par rapport à la CEI 60470:1999.
- 1.1 Domaine d'application et objet: La plage des tensions couverte par la Norme a été étendue de 12 kV à 24 kV.L'étalonnage et les essais des relais de surcharge ne sont pas couverts par la présente norme.
- 3 Définitions: Définitions supplémentaires pour les classes de commutation de condensateurs.
- 4.1 Tension assignée: Les valeurs normalisées de 15 kV, 17,5 kV et 24 kV ont été ajoutées.
- 4.109.2 Service de démarrage des démarreurs à tension réduite: Des caractéristiques assignées concernant les démarreurs à autotransformateur ou à réactance ont été ajoutées. Elles étaient traitées dans la partie relative aux essais.
- 4.112 Courants capacitifs de man uvre assignés: Des caractéristiques assignées relatives aux courants de commutation des condensateurs ont été ajoutées.
- 5.101 Relais de protection: Les exigences concernant les relais de surcharge ont été retirées. Cette partie n'est plus d'actualité, puisqu'il n'y a plus guère de démarreurs à moyenne tension équipés de relais de surcharge et les relais électroniques ont leurs propres normes.
- 6.2.5 Application de la tension d'essai et conditions d'essai (ancien 6.2.2 b): Le libellé de l'exigence relative à l'impulsion entre l'espace ouvert des contacteurs sous vide a été modifié.
- 6.4.2 Circuits auxiliaires: L'exigence concernant les vérifications de résistance des circuits auxiliaires a été supprimée.
- 6.5.5.104 Échauffement de l'autotransformateur ou de la réactance pour les démarreurs à autotransformateur ou à réactance à deux étapes: Ce paragraphe a été reformulé pour transférer les caractéristiques assignées au paragraphe 4.109.2.
- 6.102.9 État après les essais de fermeture et de coupure: Des indications spécifiques sont données quant à la manière dont il convient de définir la tolérance lors de la vérification de résistance.
- 6.104 Essais d'établissement et de coupure de courants de court-circuit: Les conditions d'essai relatives aux essais de court-circuit ont été explicitées.
- 6.109 Essais d'établissement et de coupure de courants capacitifs: Les essais d'établissement et de coupure des courants capacitifs ont été ajoutés.
- Annexe B: Le Tableau B.1 - Tolérances sur les grandeurs d'essai pour les essais de type - a été ajouté. Le contenu du corrigendum de février 2014 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

Standards Content (sample)

IEC 62271-106
Edition 1.0 2011-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 106: Alternating current contactors, contactor-based controllers and motor-
starters
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 106: Contacteurs, combinés de démarrage à contacteurs et démarreurs de
moteurs, pour courant alternatif
IEC 62271-106:2011
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
THIS PUBLICATION IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED
Copyright © 2011 IEC, Geneva, Switzerland

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by

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---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IEC 62271-106
Edition 1.0 2011-08
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 106: Alternating current contactors, contactor-based controllers and motor-
starters
Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 106: Contacteurs, combinés de démarrage à contacteurs et démarreurs de
moteurs, pour courant alternatif
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX XC
ICS 29.130.10 ISBN 978-2-88912-637-8
® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission
Marque déposée de la Commission Electrotechnique Internationale
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
– 2 – 62271-106  IEC:2011
CONTENTS

FOREWORD......................................................................................................................... 3

1  General .......................................................................................................................... 5

2  Normal and special service conditions ............................................................................. 7

3  Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................... 7

4  Ratings ........................................................................................................................ 19

5  Design and construction ............................................................................................... 32

6  Type tests .................................................................................................................... 36

7  Routine tests ................................................................................................................ 57

8  Guide to the selection of contactors and motor-starters for service ................................ 58

9  Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders ............................................ 62

10  Transport, storage, installation, operation and maintenance .......................................... 63

11  Safety .......................................................................................................................... 63

12  Influence of the product on the environment .................................................................. 63

Annex A (normative) Records and reports of type tests for making, breaking and

short-time current performance ........................................................................................... 70

Annex B (normative) Tolerances ........................................................................................ 73

Annex C (informative) List of symbols and abbreviations..................................................... 79

Bibliography .................................................................................................................. ..... 80

Figure 1 – Examples of speed/time curves .......................................................................... 64

Figure 2 – Test duties A and B – preferred earth point ......................................................... 65

Figure 3 – Test duties A and B – alternative earth point ....................................................... 65

Figure 4 – Test duty C – preferred earth point ..................................................................... 66

Figure 5 – Test duty C – alternative earth point ................................................................... 66

Figure 6 – Representation by two parameters of a prospective TRV of a circuit .................... 67

Figure 7 – Representation of the specified TRV by a two-parameter reference line and

a delay line ......................................................................................................................... 67

Figure 8 – Determination of power frequency recovery voltage ............................................ 68

Figure 9 – Characteristics for determining take-over current ................................................ 69

Table 1 – Ratings and characteristics .................................................................................. 20

Table 2 – Utilization categories ........................................................................................... 26

Table 3 – Characteristics dependent on starter type ............................................................ 31

Table 4 – Applicable type tests ........................................................................................... 37

Table 5 – Intermittent duty operating cycles ......................................................................... 40

Table 6 – Verification of rated making and breaking capacities – Conditions for making

and breaking corresponding to the several utilization categories at rated voltage U ............. 44

Table 7 – Relationship between current broken I and OFF time .......................................... 47

Table 8 – Overload current withstand requirements ............................................................. 48

Table 9 – Transient recovery voltage characteristics ............................................................ 53

Table 10 – Verification of the number of on-load operating cycles – Conditions for

making and breaking corresponding to the several utilization categories .............................. 55

Table B.1 – Tolerances on test quantities for type test ......................................................... 73

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
62271-106  IEC:2011 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –
Part 106: Alternating current contactors,
contactor-based controllers and motor-starters
FOREWORD

1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising

all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote

international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To

this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,

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2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international

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expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC

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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is

indispensable for the correct application of this publication.

9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of

patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

International Standard IEC 62271-106 has been prepared by subcommittee 17A: High-voltage

switchgear and controlgear, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and controlgear.

This standard cancels and replaces the second edition of IEC 60470 published in 1999. It

constitutes a technical revision.

This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to

IEC 60470:1999:

• Scope and object: The voltage range covered by the standard was expanded from 12 kV

to 24 kV. Overload relay calibration and testing is not covered by this standard.

• 3 Terms and definitions: Added definitions for capacitor switching classes.
• 4.1 Rated voltage: Added 15, 17,5 and 24 kV as standard voltage values.

• 4.109.2 Starting duty of reduced-voltage starters: Added ratings for autotransformer and

reactor starters (was in the testing section).
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
– 4 – 62271-106  IEC:2011

 4.112 Rated capacitive switching currents: Added capacitor switching current ratings.

 5.101 Protective relays: Removed the requirements for overload relays. This section is

obsolete since there are only a few MV starters fitted with thermal overload relays and

electronic relays have their own standards.

 6.2.5 Application of the test voltage and test conditions (former 6.2.2 b)): Changed

wording of requirement for impulse across the open gap of vacuum contactors.

 6.4.2 Auxiliary circuits: The requirement for resistance checks of auxiliary circuits was

deleted.
 6.5.5.104 Temperature rise of the auto-transformer or reactor for two-step

auto-transformer or reactor starters: Reworded to transfer ratings to subclause 4.109.2.

 6.102.9 Condition following making and breaking tests: Gave specific direction as to

what the tolerance should be based on where the resistance was to be checked.

 6.104 Short-circuit current making and breaking tests: Clarified test conditions for short-

circuit testing.

 6.109 Capacitive current switching tests: Added capacitive current switching tests.

 Annex B: Added Table B.1 – Tolerances on test quantities for type test.

This standard is to be read in conjunction with IEC 62271-1:2007, to which it refers and which

is applicable unless otherwise specified in this standard. In order to simplify the indication of

corresponding requirements, the same numbering of clauses and subclauses is used as in

IEC 62271-1. Amendments to these clauses and subclauses are given under the same
references whilst additional subclauses are numbered from 101.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17A/971/FDIS 17A/976/RVD

Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on

voting indicated in the above table.

This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

The list of all parts of the IEC 62271 series under the general title, High-voltage switchgear

and controlgear, can be found on the IEC website.

The committee has decided that the contents of this publication 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 publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

The contents of the corrigendum of February 2014 have been included in this copy.

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
62271-106  IEC:2011 – 5 –
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –
Part 106: Alternating current contactors,
contactor-based controllers and motor-starters
1 General
1.1 Scope and object

This part of IEC 62271 is applicable to a.c. contactors and/or contactor-based controllers and

motor-starters designed for indoor installation and operation at frequencies up to and

including 60 Hz on systems having voltages above 1 000 V but not exceeding 24 000 V.

It is applicable only to three-pole devices for use in three-phase systems, and single-pole

devices for use in single-phase systems. Two-pole contactors and starters for use in single-

phase systems are subject to agreement between manufacturer and user.

Contactors and/or starters dealt with in this standard typically do not have adequate

short-circuit interruption capability. In this context, this standard gives requirements for

– motor starters associated with separate short-circuit protective devices;

– controllers - contactors combined with short-circuit protective devices (SCPD).

Contactors intended for closing and opening electric circuits and, if combined with suitable

relays, for protecting these circuits against operating overloads are covered in this standard.

This standard is also applicable to the operating devices of contactors and to their auxiliary

equipment.

Motor-starters intended to start and accelerate motors to normal speed, to ensure continuous

operation of motors, to switch off the supply from the motor and to provide means for the

protection of motors and associated circuits against operating overloads are dealt with.

Motor-starter types included are
– direct-on-line starters;
– reversing starters;
– two-direction starters;
– reduced kVA (voltage) starters;
• auto-transformer starters;
• rheostatic starters;
• reactor starters.
This standard does not apply to
– circuit-breaker-based motor-starters;
– single-pole operation of multi-pole contactors or starters;

– two-step auto-transformer starters designed for continuous operation in the starting

position;

– unbalanced rheostatic rotor starters, i.e. where the resistances do not have the same

value in all phases;
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
– 6 – 62271-106  IEC:2011
– equipment designed not only for starting, but also for adjustment of speed;
– liquid starters and those of the "liquid-vapour" type;

– semiconductor contactors and starters making use of semiconductor contactors in the

main circuit;
– rheostatic stator starters;
– contactors or starters designed for special applications.

This standard does not deal with components contained in contactors and contactor-based

motor-starters, for which individual specifications exist.
NOTE 1 Thermal electrical relays are covered by IEC 60255-8.

NOTE 2 High-voltage current-limiting fuses are covered by IEC 60282-1 and IEC 60644.

NOTE 3 Metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

are covered by IEC 62271-200.
NOTE 4 Disconnectors and earthing switches are covered by IEC 62271-102.

NOTE 5 High-voltage switches above 1 kV and less than 52 kV are covered by IEC 62271-103 .

The object of this standard is to state
a) the characteristics of contactors and starters and associated equipment;

b) the conditions with which contactors or starters shall comply with reference to:

1) their operation and behaviour,
2) their dielectric properties,
3) the degrees of protection provided by their enclosures, where applicable,
4) their construction,

5) for controllers, interactions between the various components, for example SCPD

co-ordination;

c) the tests intended for confirming that these conditions have been met, and the methods to

be adopted for these tests;

d) the information to be given with the equipment or in the manufacturer's literature.

1.2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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.
IEC 60282-1, High-voltage fuses – Part 1: Current-limiting fuses
IEC 60417, Graphical symbols for use on equipment

IEC 60644, Specification for high-voltage fuse-links for motor circuit applications

IEC 62271-1:2007, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications

IEC 62271-100:2008, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 100: Alternating-current

circuit-breakers
___________
To be published
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
62271-106  IEC:2011 – 7 –

IEC 62271-102, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 102: Alternating current

disconnectors and earthing switches

IEC 62271-200:2003, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 200: AC metal-enclosed

switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

2 Normal and special service conditions
2.1 Normal service conditions
Subclause 2.1 of IEC 62271-1 is applicable with the following addition:
For outdoor installations, refer to 8.102.6.
2.2 Special service conditions
Subclause 2.2 of IEC 62271-1 is applicable with the following exception:
2.2.1 Altitude
Subclause 2.2.1 of IEC 62271-1 is applicable with the following addition:
NOTE Above 1 000 m it is often necessary to make adjustments. See 8.102.7.
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in Clause 3 of IEC 62271-1,

as well as the following, apply.
3.1 General terms and definitions
3.1.101
controlgear

general term covering switching devices and their combination with associated control,

measuring, protective and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices and

equipment with associated interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting

structures, intended in principle for the control of electric energy consuming equipment

[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-03]
3.1.102
over-current
current exceeding the rated current
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-06]
3.1.103
short-circuit current

over-current resulting from a short circuit due to a fault or an incorrect connection in an

electric circuit
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-07]
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
– 8 – 62271-106  IEC:2011
3.1.104
overload

operating conditions in an electrically undamaged circuit, which cause an over-current

[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-08]
3.1.105
conductive part

part which is capable of conducting current although it may not necessarily be used for

carrying service current
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-09]
3.1.106
ambient air temperature

temperature, determined under prescribed conditions, of the air surrounding the complete

switching device or fuse

NOTE For switching devices or fuses installed inside an enclosure, it is the temperature of the air outside the

enclosure.
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-11-13]
3.2 Assemblies of switchgear and controlgear
Clause 3.2 of IEC 62271-1 applies
3.3 Parts of assemblies
Clause 3.3 of IEC 62271-1 applies.
3.4 Switching devices
3.4.101
switching device
device designed to make or break the current in one or more electric circuits
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-01]
3.4.102
mechanical switching device

switching device (such as a contactor or a disconnector) designed to close and open one or

more electric circuits by means of separable contacts
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-02, modified]
3.4.103
disconnector

mechanical switching device which provides, in the open position, an isolating distance in

accordance with specified requirements

NOTE 1 A disconnector is capable of opening and closing a circuit either when negligible current is broken or

made, or when no significant change in the voltage across the terminals of each of the poles of the disconnector

occurs. It is also capable of carrying currents under normal circuit conditions and carrying for a specified time

currents under abnormal conditions such as those of short circuit.
NOTE 2 A withdrawable contactor assembly may be used as a disconnector.

NOTE 3 In North America, this device is also called an isolating means or an isolating switch.

[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-05, modified]
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
62271-106  IEC:2011 – 9 –
3.4.104
earthing switch

mechanical switching device for earthing parts of a circuit, capable of withstanding for a

specified time currents under abnormal conditions such as those of short circuit, but not

required to carry current under normal conditions of the circuit
NOTE An earthing switch may have a short-circuit making capacity.
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-11]
3.4.105
contactor (mechanical)

mechanical switching device having only one position of rest, operated otherwise than by

hand, capable of making, carrying and breaking currents under normal circuit conditions

including operating overload conditions

NOTE Contactors may be designated according to the method by which the force for closing the main contacts is

provided.
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-33]
3.4.106
electromagnetic contactor

contactor in which the force for closing or opening the main contacts is provided by an

electromagnet
3.4.107
vacuum contactor

contactor in which the main contacts open and close within a highly evacuated envelope

3.4.108
SF contactor

contactor in which the main contacts open and close within an SF gas-filled compartment

3.4.109
latched contactor

contactor, the moving elements of which are prevented by means of a latching arrangement

from returning to the position of rest when the operating means are de-energized

NOTE The latching, and the release of the latching, may be mechanical, electromagnetic, pneumatic, etc.

[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-34, modified]
3.4.110
starter

combination of all the switching means necessary to start and stop a motor in combination

with suitable overload protection
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-38, modified]
3.4.110.1
direct-on-line starter
starter which connects the line voltage across the motor terminals in one step
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-40]
3.4.110.2
reversing starter

starter intended to cause the motor to reverse the direction of rotation by reversing the motor

primary connections even when the motor is running
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3.4.110.3
two-direction starter

starter intended to cause the motor to reverse the direction of rotation by reversing the motor

primary connections only when the motor is not running
3.4.110.4
reduced kVA (voltage) starter
starter which reduces the starting kVA of the motor

NOTE Reduced kVA starters may include auto-transformer, reactor, rheostatic starters.

3.4.110.5
auto-transformer starter
starter which uses one or more reduced voltages derived from an auto-transformer
3.4.110.6
rheostatic starter

starter utilizing one or several resistors for obtaining, during starting, stated motor torque

characteristics and for limiting the current

NOTE A rheostatic starter generally consists of three basic parts, which may be supplied either as a composite

unit or as separate units to be connected at the place of utilization:

– the mechanical switching devices for supplying the stator (generally associated with an overload protective device);

– the resistor(s) inserted in the rotor circuit;
– the mechanical switching devices for cutting out the resistor(s) successively.
[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-42, modified]
3.4.110.7
rheostatic rotor starter

rheostatic starter for an asynchronous wound-rotor motor which, during the starting period,

cuts out successively one or several resistors previously provided in the rotor circuit

[IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-14-43]
3.4.110.8
reactor starter
primary reactor starter

starter that includes a reactor connected in series with the stator winding of an alternating

current motor to furnish reduced voltage for starting
3.4.110.9
electromagnetic starter

starter in which the force for closing the main contacts is provided by an electromagnet

3.4.110.10
n-step starter
starter in which there are (n – 1) intermediate a
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