SIST EN IEC 62271-214:2019

High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 214: Internal arc classification for pole-mounted switchgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2019)

IEC 62271-214:2019 specifies requirements for internal arc classification of metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear installations used for alternating current with rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV with service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz. This document is applicable to three-phase, two-phase and single phase equipment. Enclosures may include fixed and removable components and may be filled with fluid (liquid or gas) to provide insulation.

Hochspannungs-Schaltgeräte und -Schaltanlagen – Teil 214: Störlichtbogenklassifikation für metallgekapselte, mastmontierte Schaltanlagen für Bemessungsspannungen über 1 kV bis einschließlich 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2019)

Appareillage à haute tension - Partie 214: Classification arc interne des appareillages sous enveloppe métallique de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV montés sur poteau (IEC 62271-214:2019)

L’IEC 62271-214:2019 spécifie les exigences relatives à la classification arc interne des appareillages sous enveloppe métallique montés sur poteau, utilisés pour du courant alternatif, de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à 52 kV, et de fréquences de service inférieures ou égales à 60 Hz. Le présent document s’applique aux équipements triphasés, biphasés et monophasés. Les enveloppes peuvent comprendre des composants fixes et amovibles et peuvent être remplies de fluide (liquide ou gaz) pour l’isolation.

Visokonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 214. del: Razvrščanje notranjih oblokov pri krmilnih napravah, nameščenih na drogovih, za napetosti nad 1 kV do vključno 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2019)

Ta dokument določa zahteve za razvrščanje notranjih oblokov pri inštalacijah stikalnih naprav v kovinskem ohišju, nameščenih na drogu, ki se uporabljajo za izmenični tok z naznačenimi napetostmi nad 1 kV do vključno 52 kV s frekvencami delovanja do vključno 60 Hz. Ta dokument se uporablja za trifazno, dvofazno in enofazno opremo. Okrovi lahko zajemajo fiksne in premične dele in so lahko za izolacijo napolnjeni s tekočino (kapljevino ali plinom). OPOMBA: V tem dokumentu je visoka napetost (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-27) nazivna napetost nad 1000 V. Srednja napetost (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-28) se običajno uporablja v razdelilnih sistemih z napetostmi nad 1 kV in vključno do 52 kV; glej točko [1] v bibliografiji. Ta dokument ne izključuje vključitve druge opreme v istem ohišju. V takem primeru je treba upoštevati morebiten vpliv take opreme na stikalno in krmilno napravo.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 17-Sep-2019
• ICS: 29.130.10 - High voltage switchgear and controlgear
• Technical Committee: SKA - Switchgear and control gear
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 13-Sep-2019
• Due Date: 18-Nov-2019
• Completion Date: 18-Sep-2019
• Ref Project: EN IEC 62271-214:2019 - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 214: Internal arc classification for metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV

Relations

• Replaced By: SIST EN IEC 62271-214:2024 - High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 214: Internal arc classification for AC metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2024

Overview

EN IEC 62271-214:2019 (CLC adoption of IEC 62271-214:2019) specifies requirements for internal arc classification (IAC) of metal-enclosed pole-mounted high-voltage switchgear and controlgear for alternating current systems with rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV and service frequencies up to 60 Hz. The standard covers three-phase, two-phase and single-phase equipment; enclosures may be solid, compartmentalized or filled with insulating fluids (liquid or gas).

Keywords: EN IEC 62271-214:2019, internal arc, pole-mounted switchgear, high-voltage, metal-enclosed, IAC, IEC 62271-214

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and ratings: Defines applicable rated voltages, insulation levels, rated frequency and IAC ratings (including rated arc fault currents, approach distances and fault durations).
• Design and construction: Requirements for metal enclosures and compartments, fixed and removable components, and fluid-filled arrangements to limit consequences of internal arcs.
• Nameplate and marking: Mandatory identification and rating information for equipment intended to meet an internal arc classification.
• Internal arc type tests: Detailed test arrangements for pole-mounted equipment, test parameters, procedures and pass/fail criteria. Includes guidance on test reproducibility and transferability of results.
• Indicators and assessment: Use of thermal and flow indicators to assess effects of arcing gases and hot particles on enclosure integrity.
• Routine tests and maintenance: Requirements for production checks, installation and maintenance instructions to preserve IAC performance.
• Selection and safety guidance: Informative guidance for specifying equipment, reducing arc probability, and supplementary protective measures.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of pole-mounted switchgear use EN IEC 62271-214:2019 to design, manufacture and certify products with documented internal arc performance (IAC).
• Utilities and distribution network operators reference the standard when procuring or specifying pole-mounted solutions to ensure personnel and public safety following internal arc events.
• Testing and certification laboratories apply the specified type-test procedures and reporting requirements.
• Consultants, engineers and installers use the guidance for system selection, installation, maintenance and risk reduction for high-voltage pole-mounted equipment.

Related standards

• EN/IEC 62271-1 (common specifications for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear) and other IEC references listed in the normative annex are relevant when applying EN IEC 62271-214:2019.

This standard is essential for anyone specifying, testing or installing metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear where internal-arc resilience, safety and regulatory compliance are required.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2019
Visokonapetostne stikalne in krmilne naprave - 214. del: Razvrščanje notranjih
oblokov pri krmilnih napravah, nameščenih na drogovih, za napetosti nad 1 kV do
vključno 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2019)
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 214: Internal arc classification for pole-
mounted switchgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV (IEC
62271-214:2019)
Hochspannungs-Schaltgeräte und -Schaltanlagen – Teil 214: Störlichtbogenklassifikation
für metallgekapselte, mastmontierte Schaltanlagen für Bemessungsspannungen über 1
kV bis einschließlich 52 kV (IEC 62271-214:2019)
Appareillage à haute tension - Partie 214: Classification arc interne des appareillages
sous enveloppe métallique de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou
égales à 52 kV montés sur poteau (IEC 62271-214:2019)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 62271-214:2019
ICS:
29.130.10 Visokonapetostne stikalne in High voltage switchgear and
krmilne naprave controlgear
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 62271-214

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
September 2019
ICS 29.130.10
English Version
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 214: Internal arc
classification for metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear and
controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and
including 52 kV
(IEC 62271-214:2019)
Appareillage à haute tension - Partie 214: Classification arc Hochspannungs-Schaltgeräte und -Schaltanlagen - Teil
interne des appareillages sous enveloppe métallique de 214: Störlichtbogenklassifikation für metallgekapselte,
tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou mastmontierte Schaltanlagen für Bemessungsspannungen
égales à 52 kV montés sur poteau über 1 kV bis einschließlich 52 kV
(IEC 62271-214:2019) (IEC 62271-214:2019)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2019-07-25. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2019 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 62271-214:2019 E

European foreword
The text of document 17C/706/FDIS, future edition 1 of IEC 62271-214, prepared by SC 17C
"Assemblies" of IEC/TC 17 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear" was submitted to the IEC-
CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as EN IEC 62271-214:2019.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2020-04-25
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2022-07-25
document have to be withdrawn
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 62271-214:2019 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards
indicated:
IEC 60060-1:2010 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60060-1:2010 (not modified)
IEC 60529:1989 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60529:1991 (not modified)
IEC 60909-0:2016 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60909-0:2016 (not modified)
IEC 60243-1:2013 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60243-1:2013 (not modified)
IEC 62271-100 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62271-100
IEC 62271-102 NOTE Harmonized as EN IEC 62271-102
IEC 62271-103 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62271-103
IEC 62271-203:2013 NOTE Harmnoized as EN 62271-203:2013 (not modified)
IEC/TR 62271-307 NOTE Harmonized as CLC IEC/TR 62271-307
IEC 60038:2009 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60038:2011
IEC 60059:1999 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60059:1999 (not modified)

Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
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.
NOTE 1  Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant
EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2  Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here:
www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60050-151 2001 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Part - -
151: Electrical and magnetic devices
IEC 60050-441 1984 International Electrotechnical Vocabulary. - -
Switchgear, controlgear and fuses
IEC 62271-1 2017 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 1: EN 62271-1 2017
Common specifications for alternating current
switchgear and controlgear
IEC 62271-214 ®
Edition 1.0 2019-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –

Part 214: Internal arc classification for metal-enclosed pole-mounted switchgear

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

Appareillage à haute tension –

Partie 214: Classification arc interne des appareillages sous enveloppe

métallique de tensions assignées supérieures à 1 kV et inférieures ou égales à

52 kV montés sur poteau
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.130.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-6996-1

– 2 – IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
3.1 General terms and definitions . 8
4 Normal and special service conditions . 10
4.1 General . 10
5 Ratings . 10
5.1 General . 10
5.2 Rated voltage (U ) . 10
r
5.2.1 General . 10
5.3 Rated insulation level (U , U , U ) . 10
d p s
5.4 Rated frequency (f ) . 10
r
5.101 Ratings of the internal arc classification (IAC) . 10
5.101.1 General . 10
5.101.2 Rated approach distance (D ) . 10
AP
5.101.3 Rated arc fault currents (I , I ) . 11
A Ae
5.101.4 Rated arc fault duration (t , t ) . 11
A Ae
6 Design and construction . 11
6.11 Nameplate . 11
6.11.1 General . 11
6.101 Internal arc fault . 12
6.102 Enclosure . 12
7 Type tests . 13
7.1 General . 13
7.1.1 Basics . 13
7.1.2 Information for identification of test object . 13
7.1.3 Information to be included in type-test reports . 14
7.101 Internal arc type test . 14
7.101.1 General . 14
7.101.2 Test conditions . 15
7.101.3 Arrangement of the equipment . 15
7.101.4 Indicators (for assessing the thermal effects of the gases) . 17
7.101.5 Arrangement of indicators . 17
7.101.6 Test parameters . 17
7.101.7 Test procedure . 19
7.101.8 Criteria to pass the test . 23
7.101.9 Transferability of the test results . 23
8 Routine tests . 24
9 Guide to the selection of switchgear and controlgear . 24
9.1 General . 24
9.101 Internal arc fault . 24
9.101.1 General . 24
9.101.2 Causes and preventive measures . 24
9.101.3 Supplementary protective measures . 25

IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019 – 3 –
9.101.4 Considerations for the selection and installation . 26
9.101.5 Internal arc test . 26
9.101.6 IAC designation . 26
10 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders (informative) . 27
10.1 General . 27
11 Transport, storage, installation, operation instruction and maintenance . 27
11.1 General . 27
11.2 Conditions during transport, storage and installation . 27
11.3 Installation . 28
11.3.1 General . 28
11.101 Maintenance . 28
11.101.1 General . 28
12 Safety . 28
12.1 General . 28
13 Influence of the product on the environment . 28
Annex A (normative) Identification of the test objects . 29
A.1 General . 29
A.2 Data . 29
A.3 Drawings. 29
Bibliography . 30

Figure 1 – Examples of enclosures and compartment(s) in different arrangements . 13
Figure 2 –Test arrangement for pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear . 16
Figure 3 – Horizontal indicator . 17
Figure 4 – Flow-chart for the choice of arc initiation depending on the construction . 21

Table 1 – Nameplate information . 12
Table 2 – Parameters for internal fault test according to enclosure and compartment
construction . 20
Table 3 – Locations, causes and examples of measures to decrease the probability of
internal arc faults . 25
Table 4 – Single phase-to-earth arc fault current depending on the network neutral
earthing . 27

– 4 – IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 214: Internal arc classification for metal-enclosed pole-mounted
switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to
and including 52 kV
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,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested
in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-
governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely
with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by
agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
misinterpretation by any end user.
4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or
other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
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 62271-214 has been prepared by subcommittee 17C Assemblies,
of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and controlgear.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17C/706/FDIS 17C/710/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.

IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019 – 5 –
This standard shall be read in conjunction with IEC 62271-1, second edition, published in
2017, 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. Any
clause with the term “Not Applicable” relates to the clause not being relevant to IEC 62271-
214 and does not infer the clause is or is not relevant for its applicable switchgear standard.
A list of all parts of the IEC 62271 series, published 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 document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website 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.
– 6 – IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019
INTRODUCTION
IEC 62271-214 has been developed due to the requirement to remove IAC Type C designated
pole mounted switchgear from IEC 62271-200. Only enclosed terminal equipment is to be
considered within IEC 62271-200. For this reason, IEC 62271-214 is to be considered
independent of IEC 62271-200, however it is still related to other product standards of the
IEC 62271 series.
Only open terminal pole mounted switchgear has been considered within this document.
This equipment relates to operation in three-phase, two-phase and single-phase systems.

IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019 – 7 –
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 214: Internal arc classification for metal-enclosed pole-mounted
switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to
and including 52 kV
1 Scope
This part of IEC 62271 specifies requirements for internal arc classification of metal-enclosed
pole-mounted switchgear installations used for alternating current with rated voltages above
1 kV and up to and including 52 kV with service frequencies up to and including 60 Hz. This
document is applicable to three-phase, two-phase and single phase equipment. Enclosures
may include fixed and removable components and may be filled with fluid (liquid or gas) to
provide insulation.
NOTE For the use of this document high-voltage (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-27) is the rated voltage above
1 000 V. However, medium voltage (IEC 60050-601:1985, 601-01-28) is commonly used for distribution systems
with voltages above 1 kV and generally applied up to and including 52 kV; refer to [1] of the Bibliography.
This document does not preclude that other equipment may be included in the same
enclosure. In such a case, any possible influence of that equipment on the switchgear and
controlgear is to be taken into account.
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 60050-151:2001, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 151: Electrical and
magnetic devices
IEC 60050-441:1984, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 441: Switchgear,
controlgear and fuses
IEC 62271-1:2017, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications
for alternating current switchgear and controlgear
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60050-151,
IEC 60050-441 and IEC 62271-1 as well as the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://electropedia.org
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Additional definitions are classified so as to be aligned with the classification system used in
IEC 60050-441.
– 8 – IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019
3.1 General terms and definitions
3.1.101
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear
switchgear and controlgear assemblies with an external metal enclosure intended to be
earthed and completely assembled, except for external connections
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-12-04, modified – NOTE has been deleted]
3.1.102
functional unit
part of pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear comprising all the components of the
main circuits and auxiliary circuits that contribute to the fulfilment of a single function
Note 1 to entry: Functional units are distinguished according to the function for which they are intended, e.g.
incoming unit, outgoing unit, etc.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-04, modified – references to the supply and feed
sides in the note has been deleted]
3.1.103
enclosure
part of an assembly providing a specified degree of protection of equipment against external
influences and a specified degree of protection against approach to or contact with live parts
and against contact with moving parts
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-01]
3.1.104
high-voltage compartment
compartment of switchgear and controlgear, containing high-voltage conducting parts,
enclosed except for openings necessary for interconnection, control or ventilation, where one
segment of the compartment can be part of the outer earthed metallic enclosure
3.1.105
component
essential part of the high-voltage or earthing circuits of pole-mounted switchgear and
controlgear which serves a specific function
EXAMPLE Circuit-breaker, disconnector, switch, fuse, instrument transformer, bushing, busbar.
3.1.106
main circuit
all the high-voltage conductive parts of pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear included in
a circuit which is intended to carry the rated continuous current
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-441:1984, 441-13-02, modified – “high voltage” has been added,
“assembly” has been substituted by “pole mounted switchgear and controlgear” and “transmit
electrical energy” has been substituted by “carry the rated continuous current”.]
3.1.107
earthing circuit
conductors, connections, and the conducting parts of earthing devices intended to connect the
high-voltage conductive parts to the earthing system of the installation
Note 1 to entry: Parts of metallic enclosures connected to the earthing system can be part of the earthing circuit.

IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019 – 9 –
3.1.108
pressure relief device
device incorporated as part of an enclosure or compartment intended to operate to prevent
excessive pressure in the enclosure or compartment
3.1.109
fluid-filled compartment
high-voltage compartment of pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear filled with a fluid,
either gas, other than ambient air, or liquid, for insulation purposes
3.1.110
pole
vertical single member support in wood, concrete, steel or other material, with one end buried
in the ground, either directly or by means of a foundation
Note 1 to entry: The term pole as defined here is not to be mixed up with the use of the same term as
synonymous for phase as used in other standards.
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-466:1990, 466-07-01, modified – Note 1 to entry has been added]
3.1.111
pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear
switchgear and controlgear, typically connected to overhead lines, installed on one or more
poles or equivalent structures at a defined height, with restricted accessibility by installation
out of reach
3.1.112
internal arc classified switchgear and controlgear
IAC
metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for which prescribed criteria, for protection of
authorized persons and the general public, are met in the event of internal arc as
demonstrated by type tests
Note 1 to entry: The internal arc classification is described by the characteristics given from 3.1.1013 to 3.1.1016.
[SOURCE: IEC 62271-200:2011, 3.132, modified – “authorized” and “and general public” have
been added]
3.1.113
arc fault current
three-phase and where applicable the single phase-to-earth RMS value of the internal arc
fault current for which the switchgear and controlgear is designed to protect persons in the
event of an internal arc
[SOURCE: IEC 62271-200:2011, 3.132.3]
3.1.114
arc fault duration
duration of the internal arc fault current for which the switchgear and controlgear is designed
to protect persons in the event of an internal arc
[SOURCE: IEC 62271-200:2011, 3.132.4]
3.1.115
approach distance
distance between the test object and indicators arranged in an IAC test

– 10 – IEC 62271-214:2019 © IEC 2019
3.1.116
arc mitigation device
device dedicated to reacting to internal arc fault conditions to decrease the arc energy
[SOURCE: CIGRE BROCHURE 686:2017, Mitigating the effects of arc in M.V.
Switchgear][17]
4 Normal and special service conditions
4.1 General
Unless otherwise specified in this document, operation under normal and special service
conditions is considered to be covered by the relevant IEC standard.
5 Ratings
5.1 General
The ratings with respect to the arc fault classification of pole-mounted switchgear and
controlgear are the following:
rated voltage (U );
r
rated frequency (f );
r
ratings of the internal arc classifications (IAC);
5.2 Rated voltage (U )
r
5.2.1 General
The rated voltage is equal to the maximum system voltage for which the equipment is
designed. It indicates the maximum value of the “highest system voltage” of networks for
which the equipment may be used (refer to Clause 9 of IEC 60038:2009).
NOTE It is possible that components forming part of pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear have differing
values of rated voltage in accordance with their relevant standards.
5.3 Rated insulation level (U , U , U )
d p s
Not applicable.
5.4 Rated frequency (f )
r
The standard values of the rated frequency are 16,7 Hz, 25 Hz, 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
5.101 Ratings of the internal arc classification (IAC)
5.101.1 General
An IAC classified pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear shall have the following ratings:
rated approach distance, arc fault currents and arc fault durations.
5.101.2 Rated approach distance (D )
AP
The rated approach distance shall be stated by the manufacturer (refer to Figure 2).
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the bibliography.

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5.101.3 Rated arc fault currents (I , I )
A Ae
The standard value of rated arc fault currents should be selected from the R 10 series
specified in IEC 60059.
Two ratings of the arc fault currents are recognised:
three-phase and phase-to-phase arc fault current (I ), when applicable;
A
single phase-to earth arc fault current (I ), when applicable.
Ae
When only a three-phase rating is specified, the single-phase rating is by default 87 % of the
three-phase rating, and need not be specified.
NOTE 1 The rationale for this 87 % is the arc fault test with 2-phase ignition; refer to 7.101.7.2.
The manufacturer shall specify the compartments to which the single phase-to earth arc fault
current rating applies. Such value is assigned to switchgear and controlgear where its
construction will prevent the arc from becoming multiphase, as demonstrated during the
internal arc test.
When IAC testing on single phase switchgear and controlgear or single-phase high voltage
compartments where only a single phase supply circuit has been applied only an I rating
Ae
shall be assigned. (refer to 7.101.7.2).
NOTE 2 Information about the relationship between type of neutral earthing and the single phase-to-earth arc
fault current is provided in 9.101.6.
5.101.4 Rated arc fault duration (t , t )
A Ae
Standard recommended values for the arc fault duration (t , t ) are 0,1 s, 0,5 s and 1 s.
A Ae
NOTE It is in general not possible to calculate the permissible arc duration for a current which differs from that
used in the test.
6 Design and construction
6.11 Nameplate
6.11.1 General
Pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear, with a rated internal arc classification shall include
in the nameplate the additional IAC information in accordance with Table 1.

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Table 1 – Nameplate information
Abbreviation Unit ** Condition:
Marking only required if
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Internal arc classification IAC X
Rated approach distance D m X
AP
Arc fault current and duration I , t kA, s Y three-phase test or
A A
phase-to-phase test are
applicable
Single phase-to-earth arc fault current I , t kA, s Y a single-phase test is
Ae Ae
and duration applicable or I differs
Ae
from 87 % of I
A
Fitted with arc mitigation device  Y arc mitigation device
fitted and not disabled
during testing
(**)
X = the marking of these values is mandatory where internal arc classification is assigned;
Y = conditions for marking of these values are given in column (5).
NOTE 1 If there is an abbreviation in column (2) it can be used instead of the terms in column (1).

6.101 Internal arc fault
Pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear, in principle, are designed and manufactured, to
prevent the occurrence of internal arc faults.
However, where internal arc classification is assigned, the switchgear and controlgear shall
be designed to give a defined level of protection of persons in the event of an internal arc,
when the switchgear and controlgear is in normal service condition.
If an internal arc classification is assigned by the manufacturer and verified by type tests
according to 7.101, the pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear shall be designated as
follows:
– Designation: IAC (Internal Arc Classified)
– Rated three-phase arc fault values (where applicable): current [kA] and duration [s]
and/or
– Rated single-phase arc fault values (where applicable): current [kA] and duration [s]
– If the unit is fitted with a device limiting the duration of the arc that cannot be disabled,
then the IAC designation shall indicate that the switchgear and controlgear is: “Fitted with
arc mitigation device”
This designation shall be included in the nameplate (refer to 6.11)
Some examples for internal arc classification are given in 7.101.7.2.5.
6.102 Enclosure
The complete enclosure should be capable of withstanding the mechanical, electrical, thermal
and environmental stresses likely to be encountered in normal service conditions.
Figure 1 shows examples of different arrangements of components in high voltage
compartment(s) within an enclosure.

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a) three-phase
b) single-phase
Figure 1 – Examples of enclosures and compartment(s) in different arrangements
7 Type tests
7.1 General
7.1.1 Basics
The type test is performed to verify the internal arc ratings and characteristics of pole-
mounted switchgear.
7.1.2 Information for identification of test object
The manufacturer shall submit to the testing laboratory, drawings and other data containing
sufficient information to unambiguously identify by type the essential details and parts of the
switchgear presented for test. A summary list of the drawings and data schedules shall be

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supplied by the manufacturer and shall be uniquely referenced and shall contain a statement
to the effect that the manufacturer guarantees that the drawings or data schedules listed are
the correct version and truly represent the switchgear to be tested.
The testing laboratory shall check that drawings and data sheets adequately represent the
essential details and parts of the test object but is not responsible for the accuracy of the
detailed information. Particular drawings or data required to be submitted by the manufacturer
to the test laboratory for identification of essential parts of test object are specified in Annex A.
7.1.3 Information to be included in type-test reports
The results shall be recorded in type-test reports containing sufficient data to prove
compliance with the test clauses of this document and sufficient information shall be included
so that the essential parts of the test object can be identified. In particular, the following
information shall be included:
– Manufacturer;
– type designation and unique identifier for switchgear;
– rated characteristics of switchgear;
– photographs to illustrate the condition of switchgear before and after test;
– sufficient outline drawings and data schedules to represent the switchgear;
– the reference numbers of all drawings including revision number submitted to identify the
essential parts of the test object;
– details of the testing arrangement (including diagram of test circuit);
– statements of the behaviour of the switchgear during test and its condition after test;
– description of the test object with a drawing showing the main dimensions, details relevant
to the mechanical strength, the arrangement of the pressure relief device(s) and the
method of fixing the switchgear and controlgear to the pole(s), including the pole
characteristics;
– point and method of initiation of the internal arc fault;
– drawings of test arrangement (test object, source side connection point, and mounting
frame of indicators, pole dimensions) and any other relevant installation conditions;
applied voltage and frequency;
• IAC designation validated by test
• include use of fuse protection if used
• include the use of arc mitigation device if used
– for the prospective or test current:
a) RMS value of the AC component during the first three half-cycles;
b) highest peak value;
c) average value of the AC component over the actual duration of the test;
d) test duration;
– oscillogram(s) showing currents and voltages;
– assessment of the test results, including a record of the observations in accordance
with 7.101.8;
– other relevant remarks.
7.101 Internal arc type test
7.101.1 General
The test is applicable to pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear for which internal arc
classification is assigned, covering the event of an arc fault within the enclosure(s) or within

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components having housings which form part of the enclosure in normal operation conditions.
The internal arc test makes allowance for effects acting on all parts of the enclosure, such as
internal overpressure, thermal effects of the arc or its roots, the effects of ejected hot gases
and glowing particles.
The tests are not intended to cover e.g.:
– the influences of an internal arc between compartments
– external connections outside the enclosure;
– the effects caused by an explosion of high-voltage components;
– the presence of gases with potential toxic characteristics, or the hazard of fire propagation
to combustible materials or equipment placed in the proximity of the pole-mounted
switchgear and controlgear;
7.101.2 Test conditions
The test shall be carried out with the switchgear and controlgear in normal operating
conditions. This means the position of high-voltage switching devices, connecting and
disconnecting withdrawable parts is set according to 7.101.7.1. All other equipment, for
example measuring instruments and monitoring equipment shall be in the position as it is in
normal service.
Pole-mounted switchgear which are protected by type-tested current-limiting fuses, integrated
inside the switchgear and controlgear, shall be tested with the fuse type that causes the
highest cut-off current (let-through current). The actual duration of the current flow will be
controlled by the fuses. The tests shall be performed at the rated voltage of the equipment.
The tested switchgear and controlgear will be designated as ‘fuse-protected’. The specific
fuse, including manufacturer, part number, and ratings, used for protection shall be specified
in the instruction manual.
Application of suitable current-limiting fuses in combination with switching devices can limit
the short-circuit current and minimize the fault duration. It is well documented that the arc
energy transferred during such tests is not predictable by I2t. In the case of current-limiting
fuses, the maximum arc energy may occur at current levels below the maximum interrupting
rating. Further, the effects of using current-limiting devices that employ pyrotechnic means to
commutate current to a current-limiting fuse shall be considered when evaluating designs
utilizing such devices.
Any device (for example, protection relay) that may automatically trip the circuit before the
end of the prospective duration of the test shall be made inoperative during the test. If pole-
mounted switchgear and controlgear is equipped with devices intended to limit the duration of
the arc itself by other means (for example, by transferring the current to a metallic short
circuit), they shall be made inoperative during the test. If these devices are integral part of the
design of the high-voltage compartment or assembly which prevents to make them inoperative
without modification of the construction, the relevant high-voltage compartment of the
switchgear and controlgear may be tested with the device operative; but this switchgear and
controlgear shall be qualified according to the actual duration of the arc. The test current shall
be maintained for the rated arc fault duration of the switchgear and controlgear.
NOTE Because in general arc limiting devices are out of the scope of this document and if the switchgear and
controlgear has previously been tested with the limiting device made inoperative, an additional test can be
performed to demonstrate the behaviour of this arc limiting device.
7.101.3 Arrangement of the equipment
The test arrangement for overhead connected pole-mounted switchgear and controlgear shall
be configured as indicated in Figure 2.
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