Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 1

SECTION 1 GENERAL

1 Application 3 Definitions

1.1 General 3.1 General

1.1.1 The requirements of this Chapter apply to electrical 3.1.1 Unless otherwise stated, the terms used in this Chap-
installations on ships. In particular, they apply to the com- ter have the definitions laid down by the IEC standards.
ponents of electrical installations for:
The definitions given in the following requirements also
• primary essential services apply.
• secondary essential services
• essential services for special purposes connected with 3.2 Essential services
ships specifically intended for such purposes (e.g. cargo
pumps on tankers, cargo refrigerating systems, air con- 3.2.1 Essential services are defined in Pt A, Ch 1, Sec 1,
ditioning systems on passenger ships) [1.2.1]. They are subdivised in primary and secondary
• services for habitability. essential services.
The other parts of the installation are to be so designed as not
to introduce any risks or malfunctions to the above services. 3.3 Primary essential services

1.1.2 The Society may consider modified requirements for 3.3.1 Primary essential services are those which need to be
installations not exceeding either 50 V or 50 kW total genera- maintained in continuous operation.
tor capacity (and for ships classed for “restricted navigation”). Examples of equipment for primary essential services are
the following:
1.2 References to other regulations and • steering gear
standards • actuating systems of controllable pitch propellers
1.2.1 The Society may refer to other regulations and stan- • scavenging air blowers, fuel oil supply pumps, fuel
dards when deemed necessary. These include the IEC publi- valve cooling pumps, lubricating oil pumps and cooling
cations, notably the IEC 60092 series. water pumps for main and auxiliary engines and tur-
bines necessary for the propulsion
1.2.2 When referred to by the Society, publications by the
• forced draught fans, feed water pumps, water circulating
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or other
pumps, condensate pumps, oil burning installations, for
internationally recognised standards, are those currently in
steam plants or steam turbines ship, and also for auxil-
force at the date of agreement for ship classification.
iary boilers on ship where steam is used for equipment
supplying primary essential services
2 Documentation to be submitted
• azimuth thrusters which are the sole means for propul-
sion/steering with lubricating oil pumps, cooling water
2.1 pumps
2.1.1 The documents listed in Tab 1 are to be submitted. • electrical equipment for electric propulsion plant with
The list of documents requested is to be intended as guid- lubricating oil pumps and cooling water pumps
ance for the complete set of information to be submitted, • electric generators and associated power sources sup-
rather than an actual list of titles. plying the above equipment
The Society reserves the right to request the submission of • hydraulic pumps supplying the above equipment
additional documents in the case of non-conventional • viscosity control equipment for heavy fuel oil
design or if it is deemed necessary for the evaluation of the
• control, monitoring and safety devices/systems for
system, equipment or components.
equipment for primary essential services
Unless otherwise agreed with the Society, documents for
• speed regulators dependent on electrical energy for
approval are to be sent in triplicate if submitted by the Ship-
main or auxiliary engines necessary for propulsion
yard and in four copies if submitted by the equipment supplier.
Documents requested for information are to be sent in • starting equipment of diesel engines and gas turbines.
duplicate. The main lighting system for those parts of the ship nor-
In any case, the Society reserves the right to require addi- mally accessible to and used by personnel and passengers
tional copies when deemed necessary. is also considered (included as) a primary essential service.

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Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 1

Table 1 : Documents to be submitted

N° I/A (1) Documents to be submitted

1 A General arrangement of electrical installation.
2 A Single line diagram of main and emergency power and lighting systems.
3 I Electrical power balance (main and emergency supply).
4 A Calculation of short-circuit currents for each installation in which the sum of rated power of the energy sources
which may be connected contemporaneously to the network is greater than 500 kVA (kW).
5 A Where the maximal short-circuit current on the main bus-bar is expected to exceed 50 kA for the main and
emergency switchboards, justification of the main bus-bar and bracket strength related to induced electro-
magnetic forces (except junction bars to the interrupting and protective devices).
6 A List of circuits including, for each supply and distribution circuit, data concerning the nominal current, the cable
type, length and cross-section, nominal and setting values of the protective and control devices.
7 A Single line diagram and detailed diagram of the main switchboard.
8 A Single line diagram and detailed diagram of the emergency switchboard.
9 A Diagram of the most important section boards or motor control centres (above 100 kW).
10 A Diagram of the supply for monitoring and control systems of propulsion motors and generator prime movers.
11 A Diagram of the supply, monitoring and control systems of the rudder propellers.
12 A Diagram of the supply, monitoring and control systems of controllable pitch propellers.
13 A Diagram of the general emergency alarm system, of the public address system and other intercommunication
systems.
14 A Detailed diagram of the navigation-light switchboard.
15 A Diagram of the remote stop system (ventilation, fuel pump, fuel valves, etc.).
16 A List of batteries including type and manufacturer, voltage and capacity, location and equipment and/or system(s)
served, maintenance and replacement schedule (when used for essential and emergency services).
17 A (2) Selectivity and coordination of the electrical protection.
18 A (3) Single line diagram.
19 A (3) Principles of control system and its power supply.
20 A (3) Alarm and monitoring system including:
• list of alarms and monitoring points
• power supply diagram.
21 A (3) Safety system including:
• list of monitored parameters for safety system
• power supply diagram.
22 I (3) Arrangements and details of the propulsion control consoles and panels.
23 I (3) Arrangements and details of electrical coupling.
24 I (3) Arrangements and details of the frequency convertors together with the justification of their characteristics.
25 I (3) Arrangements of the cooling system provided for the frequency convertor and motor enclosure.
26 A (3) Test program for convertors and rotating machines having rated power > 3 MW, dock and sea trials.
(1) A : To be submitted for approval
I : To be submitted for information.
(2) For high voltage installations.
(3) For electric propulsion installations.

3.4 Secondary essential services • lubrication oil transfer pumps and lubrication oil treat-
ment equipment
3.4.1 Secondary essential services are those services which • preheaters for heavy fuel oil
need not necessarily be in continuous operation.
• sea water pumps
Examples of equipment for secondary essential services are
the following: • starting air and control air compressors
• windlasses • bilge, ballast and heeling pumps
• thrusters • fire pumps and other fire-extinguishing medium pumps
• fuel oil transfer pumps and fuel oil treatment equipment • ventilation fans for engine and boiler rooms

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 Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 1

• services considered necessary to maintain dangerous 3.8 Basic insulation

cargo in a safe condition
• navigation lights, aids and signals 3.8.1 Insulation applied to live parts to provide basic pro-
tection against electric shock.
• internal safety communication equipment
Note 1: Basic insulation does not necessarily include insulation
• fire detection and alarm systems used exclusively for functional purposes.
• electrical equipment for watertight closing appliances
• electric generators and associated power supplying the 3.9 Supplementary insulation
above equipment
3.9.1 Independent insulation applied in addition to basic
• hydraulic pumps supplying the above mentioned equip- insulation in order to provide protection against electric
ment shock in the event of a failure of basic insulation.
• control, monitoring and safety for cargo containment
systems
3.10 Double insulation
• control, monitoring and safety devices/systems for
equipment for secondary essential services. 3.10.1 Insulation comprising both basic insulation and sup-
plementary insulation.
• cooling system of environmentally controlled spaces.

3.4.2 Services for habitability are those intended for mini- 3.11 Reinforced insulation
mum comfort conditions for people on board.
Examples of equipment for maintaining conditions of habit- 3.11.1 A single insulation system applied to live parts,
ability: which provides a degree of protection against electric shock
equivalent to double insulation.
• cooking
Note 1: The term "insulation system" does not imply that the insula-
• heating tion must be one homogeneous piece. It may comprise several lay-
ers which cannot be tested singly as supplementary or basic
• domestic refrigeration
insulation.
• mechanical ventilation
• sanitary and fresh water 3.12 Earthing
• electric generators and associated power sources sup-
plying the above equipment. 3.12.1 The earth connection to the general mass of the hull
of the ship in such a manner as will ensure at all times an
immediate discharge of electrical energy without danger.
3.5 Safety voltage

3.5.1 A voltage which does not exceed 50 V a.c. r.m.s. 3.13 Normal operational and habitable condition
between conductors, or between any conductor and earth,
in a circuit isolated from the supply by means such as a 3.13.1 A condition under which the ship as a whole, the
safety isolating transformer. machinery, services, means and aids ensuring propulsion,
ability to steer, safe navigation, fire and flooding safety,
3.5.2 A voltage which does not exceed 50 V d.c. between internal and external communications and signals, means of
conductors or between any conductor and earth in a circuit escape, and emergency boat winches, as well as the
isolated from higher voltage circuits. designed comfortable conditions of habitability are in work-
ing order and functioning normally.

3.6 Low-voltage systems

3.14 Emergency condition
3.6.1 Alternating current systems with rated voltages
greater than 50 V r.m.s. up to 1000 V r.m.s. inclusive and 3.14.1 A condition under which any services needed for
direct current systems with a maximum instantaneous value normal operational and habitable conditions are not in
of the voltage under rated operating conditions greater than working order due to failure of the main source of electrical
50 V up to 1500 V inclusive. power.

3.7 High-voltage systems 3.15 Main source of electrical power

3.7.1 Alternating current systems with rated voltages 3.15.1 A source intended to supply electrical power to the
greater than 1000 V r.m.s. and direct current systems with a main switchboard for distribution to all services necessary
maximum instantaneous value of the voltage under rated for maintaining the ship in normal operational and habitable
operating conditions greater than 1500 V. condition.

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Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 1

3.16 Dead ship condition 3.24 Hazardous areas

3.16.1 The condition under which the main propulsion 3.24.1 Areas in which an explosive atmosphere is or may
plant, boilers and auxiliaries are not in operation due to the be expected to be present in quantities such as to require
absence of power. special precautions for the construction, installation and
use of electrical apparatus.
Note 1: Dead ship condition is a condition in which the entire
machinery installation, including the power supply, is out of opera- Note 1: An explosive gas atmosphere is a mixture with air, under
tion and the auxiliary services such as compressed air, starting cur- atmospheric conditions, of flammable substances in the form of
gas, vapour or mist, in which, after ignition, combustion spreads
rent from batteries etc., for bringing the main propulsion into
throughout the unconsumed mixture.
operation and for the restoration of the main power supply are not
available.
3.24.2 Hazardous areas are classified in zones based upon
the frequency and the duration of the occurrence of explo-
3.17 Main generating station sive atmosphere.

3.17.1 The space in which the main source of electrical 3.24.3 Hazardous areas for explosive gas atmosphere are
power is situated. classified in the following zones:

• Zone 0: an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere

3.18 Main switchboard is present continuously or is present for long periods

• Zone 1: an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere

3.18.1 A switchboard which is directly supplied by the is likely to occur in normal operation
main source of electrical power and is intended to distribute
electrical energy to the ship’s services. • Zone 2: an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere
is not likely to occur in normal operation and if it does
occur, is likely to do only infrequently and will exist for
3.19 Emergency switchboard a short period only.

3.19.1 A switchboard which in the event of failure of the 3.25 High fire risk areas
main electrical power supply system is directly supplied by
the emergency source of electrical power or the transitional 3.25.1 The high fire risk areas are defined as follows:
source of emergency and is intended to distribute electrical
energy to the emergency services. a) machinery spaces as defined in Ch 4, Sec 1, [3.23]

b) spaces containing fuel treatment equipment and other

3.20 Emergency source of electrical power highly inflammable substances

c) galleys and pantries containing cooking appliances

3.20.1 A source of electrical power, intended to supply the
emergency switchboard in the event of failure of the supply d) laundry with drying equipment
from the main source of electrical power.
e) spaces as defined in Ch 4, Sec 5, [1.3.4] b) for ships car-
rying more than 36 passengers, as:
3.21 Section boards
• (8) accomodation spaces of greater fire risk
3.21.1 A switchgear and controlgear assembly which is • (12) machinery spaces and main galleys
supplied by another assembly and arranged for the distribu-
tion of electrical energy to other section boards or distribu- • (14) other spaces in which flammable liquids are
stowed
tion boards.
f) enclosed or semi-enclosed hazardous spaces, in which
certified safe type electric equipment is required.
3.22 Distribution board

3.22.1 A switchgear and controlgear assembly arranged for 3.26 Certified safe-type equipment
the distribution of electrical energy to final sub-circuits.
3.26.1 Certified safe-type equipment is electrical equip-
ment of a type for which a national or other appropriate
3.23 Final sub-circuit authority has carried out the type verifications and tests
necessary to certify the safety of the equipment with regard
3.23.1 That portion of a wiring system extending beyond to explosion hazard when used in an explosive gas atmo-
the final required overcurrent protective device of a board. sphere.

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 Pt C, Ch 2, Sec 1

3.27 Environmental categories 3.27.2 The tests for verifying the additional and supple-
mentary letters and the characteristic numeral of the envi-
3.27.1 Electrical equipment is classified into environmental ronmental categories are defined in Ch 3, Sec 6.
categories according to the temperature range, vibration
levels, and resistance to chemically active substances and 3.28 Black out situation
to humidity.
The designation of the environmental categories is indi- 3.28.1 A “blackout situation” means that the main and aux-
cated by the EC Code in Tab 2. iliary machinery installations, including the main power
The first characteristic numeral indicates the temperature supply, are out of operation but the services for bringing
range in which the electrical equipment operates satisfacto- them into operation (e.g. compressed air, starting current
rily, as specified in Tab 3. from batteries, etc.) are available.

The second characteristic numeral indicates the vibration

level in which the electrical equipment operates satisfacto-
rily, as specified in Tab 4.

Table 2 : EC Code

Code letter First characteristic numeral Second characteristic numeral Additional letter Supplementary letter
EC (numerals 1 to 4) (numerals 1 to 3) (letter S) (1) (letter C) (2)
(1) The additional letter S indicates the resistance to salt mist (exposed decks, masts) of the electrical equipment.
(2) The supplementary letter C indicates the relative humidity up to 80% (air conditioned areas) in which the electrical equipment
operates satisfactorily.

Table 3 : First characteristic numeral

First characteristic numeral Brief description of location Temperature range, in °C

1 Air conditioned areas +5 + 40
2 Enclosed spaces +5 + 45
3 Inside consoles or close to combustion engines and similar +5 + 55
4 Exposed decks, masts  25 + 45

Table 4 : Second characteristic numeral

Second Displacement
Frequency range, Acceleration
characteristic Brief description of location amplitude,
in Hz amplitude g
numeral in mm
1 Machinery spaces, command and control stations, from 2,0 to 13,2 1,0 
accommodation spaces, exposed decks, cargo spaces
from 13,2 to 100  0,7
2 Masts from 2,0 to 13,2 3,0 
from 13,2 to 50  2,1
3 On air compressors, on diesel engines and similar from 2,0 to 25,0 1,6 
from 25,0 to 100  4,0

April 2009 Bureau Veritas 23