2013

Benha University.
Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra.
Electrical Power Engineering Department.

Circuit Breakers and Substations

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. ward

Eng. Essam M. Shaalan

4th Year
Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Chapter (1)
1.1 Electrical Substations
Electrical Network comprises the following regions:
1 - Generating Stations.
2 - Transmission Systems.
3 - Distribution Systems.
4 - Load Points.
Functions of a Substation
1. Supply of required electrical power.
2. Maximum possible coverage of the supply network.
3. Maximum security of supply.
4. Shortest possible fault-duration.
5. Optimum efficiency of plants and the network.
6. Supply of electrical power within targeted frequency limits, (49.5 Hz and 50.5 Hz).
7. Supply of electrical power within specified voltage limits.
8. Supply of electrical energy to the consumers at the lowest cost.
9. Switching requirements for normal operation.
10. Switching requirements during abnormal operations, such as short circuits and
overloads.
11. Flexibility in operations, simplicity.
12. Freedom from total shutdown and permissible period of shutdown.
13. Maintenance requirements, space for approaching various
14. Safety of personnel.
15. Protective zones, main protection, back-up protection
16. Bypass facilities.
17. Technical requirements such as ratings, clearances, Earthing lightning protection,
Noise, radio interference, etc.

Fig.1.1 Single Line Schematic Diagram of one bay in Switchyard

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 2

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Equipment Function
1. Bus-bar Incoming and outgoing circuits connected to bus-
bars.
2 Circuit-breakers Automatic switching during normal or abnormal
conditions.
3 Isolators (Disconnectors) Disconnection under no-load condition for safety,
isolation and maintenance.
4 Earthing Switch To discharge the voltage on deadlines to earth.
5 Current Transformer To step-down currents for measurement, control,
and protection.
6 Voltage Transformer To step-down currents for measurement, control
and protection.
7 Lightning Arrester (Surge To discharge lightning over voltages and
Arrester) switching over voltages to earth.
8 Shunt Reactor in EHV To provide reactive power compensation during
substation low loads.
9 Series Reactors To reduce the short-circuit current or starting
currents.
10 Neutral-Grounding Resistor To limit the earth fault current.
11 Coupling capacitor To provide connection between high voltage line
and power line carrier current equipment.
12 Line-trap To prevent high frequency signals from entering
other zones.
13 Shunt capacitors To provide compensations to reactive loads of
lagging power factors.
14 Power Transformer To step-up or step-down the voltage and transfer
power from one a.c. voltage to another a.c. voltage
at the same frequency.
15 Series Capacitors Compensation of series reactance of long lines.

The term switchgear, used in association with the electric power system, or grid, refers
to the combination of electrical disconnects, fuses and/or circuit breakers used to isolate
electrical equipment. Switchgear is used both to de-energize equipment to allow work to
be done and to clear faults downstream.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 3

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

One of the main basic functions of switchgear is protection: discrimination between

circuit breakers enhances availability, that is to say continuity of service. The overall
approach is termed coordination: the standards provide a framework for discrimination
and cascading that protects the integrity of the power system and minimizes the scope of
downstream outages.

Fig.1.2 A section of a large switchgear panel, in this case, used to control on-board casino boat power generation.

Several different classifications of switchgear can be made:

 By size of current that they may safely switch:

o Circuit breakers can open and close on fault
currents
o Load-break/Load-make switches can switch
normal system load currents
o Isolators may only be operated while the circuit is
dead, or the load current is very small.
 By voltage class:
o Low voltage (less than 1000 volts AC)
o Medium voltage (1000-35,000 volts AC)
o High voltage (more than 35,000 volts AC)
 By insulating medium:
o Air
o Gas (SF6 or mixtures)
o Oil
o Vacuum
 By construction type:
o Indoor
o Outdoor
o Industrial
o Utility
 By interrupting device:
o Fuses
o Air Blast Circuit Breaker

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 4

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

o Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker

o Oil Circuit Breaker
o Vacuum Circuit Breaker
o Gas (SF6) Circuit breaker
 By operating method:
o Manually-operated
o Motor-operated
o Solenoid/stored energy operated
 By type of current:
o Alternating current
o Direct current
 By interrupting rating (maximum short circuit current
that the device can safely interrupt)
 By application:
o Transmission system
o Distribution.

A piece of switchgear may be a simple open air isolator switch or it may be insulated by
some other substance. An effective although more costly form of switchgear is "gas
insulated switchgear" (GIS), where the conductors and contacts are insulated by
pressurized (SF6) sulfur hexafluoride gas. Another common type is oil insulated
switchgear.
1.2 Circuit breakers
Circuit breakers are a special type of switchgear that is able to interrupt fault currents. Of
many hundreds or thousands of amps. Circuit breakers are usually able to terminate all
current flow very quickly: typically between 30mS and 150mS depending upon the age
and construction of the device.
Circuit breakers keep electrical circuits from being damaged by short circuits or
overloads. They work automatically and have an electrical switch. a fuse operates in the
same way, but is different in that once is blows, it must be replaced.A fuse is a thin wire
inside a casing which connects to the circuit. If the circuit is closed, the charge flows
through the fuse wire. The purpose of the fuse is to burn up when it overheats. A circuit
breaker, on the other hand, can be reset to continue operating. When the breaker detects a
bad condition such as an overload, it disrupts electrical flow by halting it.
Because different kinds of devices need circuit breakers, they come in different builds
and sizes. Some are used to provide protection for a small appliance, while others keep an
entire city functioning. One of the first circuit breakers on record was imagined by
Thomas Edison in an 1879 application for a patent.
We need circuit breakers these days to guard against hazards that can happen when
electrical wires have too much current flowing through them. If there wasn't a device to
monitor electrical flow, the risk of fire would dramatically increase and some of our
electrical items would be destroyed.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 5

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

The Circuit Breakers are automatic Switches which can interrupt fault currents. The part
of the Circuit Breakers connected in one phase is called the pole. A Circuit Breaker
suitable for three phase system is called a ‘triple-pole Circuit Breaker'. Each pole of the
Circuit Breaker comprises one or more interrupter or arc-extinguishing chambers. The
interrupters are mounted on support insulators. The interrupter encloses a set of fixed and
moving contacts. The moving contacts can be drawn apart by means of the operating
links of the operating mechanism. The operating mechanism of the Circuit Breaker gives
the necessary energy for opening and closing of contacts of the Circuit Breakers. The arc
produced by the separation of current carrying contacts is interrupted by a suitable
medium and by adopting suitable techniques for arc extinction. The Circuit Breaker can
be classified on the basis of the arc extinction medium.

The different types of C.Bs:

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 6

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

 Oil circuit breakers rely upon vaporization of some of the

oil to blast a jet of oil through the arc.
 Gas (SF6) circuit breakers sometimes stretch the arc
using a magnetic field, and then rely upon the dielectric
strength of the SF6 to quench the stretched arc.
 Vacuum circuit breakers have minimal arcing (as there is
nothing to ionise other than the contact material), so the
arc quenches when it is stretched a very small amount
(<2-3 mm). Vacuum circuit breakers are frequently used
in modern medium-voltage switchgear to 35,000 volts.
 Air circuit breakers may use compressed air to blow out
the arc, or alternatively, the contacts are rapidly swung
into a small sealed chamber, the escaping of the
displaced air thus blowing out the arc.

The type of the Circuit Breaker is usually identified according to the medium of arc
extinction. The classification of the Circuit Breakers based on the medium of arc
extinction is as follows:
(1) Air break' Circuit Breaker. (Miniature Circuit Breaker).
(2) Oil Circuit Breaker (tank type of bulk oil)
(3) Minimum oil Circuit Breaker.
(4) Air blast Circuit Breaker.
(5) Vacuum Circuit Breaker.
(6) Sulphur hexafluoride Circuit Breaker. (Single pressure or
Double Pressure).
Type Medium Voltage, Breaking Capacity
1 – Air break Circuit Air at atmospheric (430 – 600) V– (5-35)MVA
Breaker pressure (3.6-12) KV - 500 MVA
2 – Miniature CB. Air at atmospheric (430-600 ) V
pressure
3 – Tank Type oil CB. Dielectric oil (3.6 – 12) KV
4 – Minimum Oil CB. Dielectric oil (3.6 - 145 )KV
5 – Air Blast CB. Compressed Air 245 KV, 35000 MVA
(20 – 40 ) bar up to 1100 KV, 50000
MVA
6 – SF6 CB. SF6 Gas 12 KV, 1000 MVA
36 KV , 2000 MVA
145 KV, 7500 MVA
245 KV , 10000 MVA
7 – Vacuum CB. Vacuum 36 KV, 750 MVA
8 – H.V.DC CB. Vacuum , SF6 Gas 500 KV DC

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 7

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Low voltage C.B (less than 1000 VAC) are common in domestic, commercial and
industrial application, Low voltage power circuit breakers can be mounted in multi-tiers
in low-voltage switchboards or switchgear cabinets. This type of breaker is more
common in homes and certain industries. and includes:
 MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) — rated current not more than 100 A (carries
a current no more than 100 A). Trip characteristics normally not adjustable. It is
operated thermally or thermally and magnetically.
 MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker) — rated current up to 2500 A. This type
of breaker is operated either thermally or thermally and magnetically as well. Trip
current may be adjustable in larger ratings. Large low-voltage molded case and
power circuit breakers may have electric motor operators so they can trip (open)
and close under remote control. These may form part of an automatic transfer
switch system for standby power.

The Three Types of Circuit Breakers

 Magnetic Circuit Breakers
These types of circuit breakers use electromagnetism to break a circuit. On this
circuit breaker, the electromagnet will get stronger with the flow of electricity. If
the electrical load goes over the expected amount, the electromagnet forces the
circuit lever down, moving the contact plate which in turn, flips the switch.
 Thermal Circuit Breakers
This type of circuit breaker employs heat to break a circuit. A bimetallic strip in
the circuit breaker responds to the heat of an electrical current. Like its name states,
the strip is made of two types of metal, and each metal expands differently to help
bend the strip. If an electrical current gets too strong, the strip bends to angle that
turns over the conductive plate, breaking the circuit.
 Thermal and Magnetic Circuit Breakers
Another type of circuit breaker is one which uses heat and electromagnetism. The
electromagnet keeps the circuit from sudden surges in electrical load, while the
bimetallic strip guards against prolonged overload and overheating.

Medium-voltage circuit breakers (rated between 1 and 66 kV) may be assembled into
metal-enclosed switchgear line for indoor use, or may be individual components installed
outdoors in outdoors substation.

Like the high voltage circuit breakers, these are also operated by current sensing
protective relays operated through current transformers. Medium-voltage circuit breakers
always use separate current sensors and protective relays, instead of relying on built-in
thermal or magnetic overcurrent sensors.
In the past, they have oil-filled units for even indoor use, but they are mainly being
replaced by vacuum circuit breakers. They interrupt currents by creating and putting out
an arc in a vacuum container. An air circuit breaker typically uses compressed air to blow
out an arc, but these do not last as long as vacuum breakers. Finally there is the SF6

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 8

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

circuit breaker uses sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6) to put out the circuit. These types of
breakers are used in industrial, commercial and utility situations, where a generator,
transmission line or motor is operated.
Medium-voltage circuit breakers can be classified by the medium used to extinguish the
arc into:
 Vacuum circuit breakers— with rated current up to 3000A, these breakers interrupt
the current by creating and extinguishing the arc in a vacuum container. These are
generally applied for voltages up to about 35,000 V, which corresponds roughly to
the medium-voltage range of power systems. Vacuum circuit breakers tend to have
longer life than do air circuit breakers.
 Air circuit breakers— rated current up to 10,000A. Trip characteristics are often
fully adjustable including configurable trip thresholds and delays. Usually
electronically controlled, though some models are microprocessor controlled via
an integral electronic trip unit. Often used for main power distribution in large
industrial plant, where the breakers are arranged in draw-out enclosures for ease of
maintenance.
 SF6 circuit breakers extinguish the arc in a chamber filled with sulfur hexafluoride
SF6 gas.

High-voltage circuit breakers (rated between 66 and 765kV) Electrical power

transmission networks are protected and controlled by high-voltage breakers. High-
voltage breakers are always solenoid-operated, with current sensing protective relays
operated through current transformers. In substations the protective relay scheme can be
complex, protecting equipment and buses from various types of overload or ground/earth
fault.

Fig.1.3- 110 kV oil circuit breaker 115 kV bulk oil circuit breaker 400 kV SF6 live tank circuit breakers

These types of circuit breakers are also known as oil breakers, as their contacts are
submerged in a tank of oil. The way this works is that the oil or SF6 quenches the
electrical arc and cools them so that circuits don't overheat. The downside is that oil is
flammable and it's difficult to keep the oil in good condition. They have to be maintained

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 9

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

in a ways that standard circuit breakers do not. These types of circuit breakers are used
for power transmission, as with power lines.

Oil Circuit Breaker

Oil has better insulating property than air. In oil circuit breaker the fixed contact and
moving contact are immerged inside the insulating oil. Whenever there is a separation of
current carrying contacts in the oil, the arc is initialized at the moment of separation of
contacts, and due to this arc the oil is vaporized and decomposed in mostly hydrogen gas
and ultimately creates a hydrogen bubble around the arc. This highly compressed gas
bubble around the arc prevents re-striking of the arc after current reaches zero crossing of
the cycle.
There are mainly two types of oil circuit breakers available:
Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker or BOCB is such types of circuit breakers where oil is used
as arc quenching media as well as insulating media between current carrying contacts and
earthed parts of the breaker. The oil used here is same as transformer insulating oil.
Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker or MOCB These types of circuit breakers utilize oil as
the interrupting media. However, unlike bulk oil circuit breaker, a minimum oil circuit
breaker places the interrupting unit in insulating chamber at live potential. The
insulating oil is available only in interrupting chamber. The features of designing MOCB
are to reduce requirement of oil, and hence these breaker are called minimum oil circuit
breaker.

Other breakers
The following types are described in separate articles.
 Breakers for protections against earth faults too small to trip an over-current
device:
o Residual-current device (RCD, formerly known as a residual current circuit
breaker) — detects current imbalance, but does not provide over-current
protection.
o Residual current breaker with over-current protection (RCBO) — combines
the functions of an RCD and an MCB in one package. In the United States
and Canada, panel-mounted devices that combine ground (earth) fault
detection and over-current protection are called Ground Fault Interrupter
(GFI) breakers; a wall mounted outlet device or separately enclosed plug-in
device providing ground fault detection and interruption only (no overload
protection) is called a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).
o Earth leakage circuit breaker (ELCB)—This detects earth current directly
rather than detecting imbalance. They are no longer seen in new installations
for various reasons.
 Autorecloser—A type of circuit breaker that closes automatically after a delay.
These are used on overhead power distribution systems, to prevent short duration
faults from causing sustained outages.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 10

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Each circuit breaker will be studied thoroughly in the subsequent sections. This
circuit breaker employs various techniques to extinguish the arc resulting from separation
of the current carrying contacts. The mode of arc extinction is either 'high resistance
interruption' or 'zero-point interruption'.
High Resistance Interruption: In this process the resistance of the arc is increased by
lengthening and cooling it to such an extent that the system voltage is no longer able to
maintain the arc and the arc gets extinguished. This technique is employed in air break
circuit breakers and d.c. circuit breakers.
Low Resistance or Zero Point Interruption: In this process, the arc gets extinguished at
natural current zero of the alternating current wave and is prevented from restriking again
by rapid build-up of dielectric strength of the contacts space. The process is employed in
almost all a.c. circuit breakers.

Air-break circuit breaker: Utilize air at atmospheric pressure for arc extinction.
Air-blast circuit breakers: Utilize high pressure-compressed air for arc extinction. They
need compressed air plant.
Bulk-oil and Minimum-oil circuit breaker: utilize dielectric oil ( Transformer oil ) for
arc extinction. In bulk-oil circuit breakers, the contacts are separated inside a steel tank
filled with dielectric oil. In minimum oil circuit breakers the contacts are separated in an
insulating housing (interrupter) filled with dielectric oil.
SF6 circuit breakers: sulphur-Hexa-Fluoride gas is used for arc extinction. There are
two types:
 Single pressure puffer type SF6 circuit breaker, in which the entire circuit breaker is
filled with SF6 gas at single pressure ( 4 to 6 kg/cm2). The pressure and gas flow
required for arc extinction is obtained by piston action.
 Double pressure type SF6 circuit breaker in which the gas from high-pressure system
is released into low pressure system over the arc during the arc quenching process.
This type has been superseded by puffer type.
Vacuum circuit breaker: In vacuum circuit breaker the fixed and moving contacts are
housed inside a permanently sealed vacuum interrupter. The arc is quenched as the
contacts are separated in high vacuum.

In Your Home's Electric Panel

Circuit breakers were introduced into homes during the 19th century as electrical power
was introduced. Essentially, in a home electrical panel, there are five types of breakers
found, although most homes just use two types.
Single-pole Circuit Breaker--This type of breaker is very common and it delivers 120
volts to an appliance. They also deliver electricity to one circuit that branches off to a
designated area of the home. Many homes have combos of 15 and 20 amp single-pole
breakers. You'll notice them if you open the breaker panel in your basement.
Double-pole Circuit Breaker--This is the second-most-common breaker in a home. This
breaker starts at 30 amps and delivers one circuit to an area as well, but typically to an
outlet that powers a dryer or other large appliance.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 11
Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Quad Breaker--Just as you might imagine, this type of breaker is made of two double-
pole breakers. The purpose is for use in a small electrical panel box. They can be
configured so that one double-pole breaker has 30 amps, and the other 20 amp.
GFCI Breaker--This type of breaker is for areas of the home which can be wet, like a
kitchen or bath. These breakers trip immediately when there's an imbalance in electrical
flow. This keeps people who might be in those areas form being electrocuted, should an
electrical current be exposed to water.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 12

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Table 2: Comparison between Circuit Breakers

Voltage.
Design
Type Medium Breaking Remarks
Feature
capacity
Used for medium
430-600 V, 5-15-35 Incorporates: and low voltage,
1- Air- Air at
MVA Arc runners, arc A.C., D.C.,
break circuit atmospheric
Recently 3.6-12 splitters, Industrial circuit
breaker pressure
KV, 500 MVA magnetic coils breakers. Have
current limiting
Air at Small size,
Used for low and
Miniature C.B. atmospheric 430-600 KV current limiting
medium voltage
pressure feature
One tank up to
2- Tank 36 KV, 3 tank Getting obsolete,
type oil circuit Dielectric oil 12-36 KV above 36 KV, used up to 12
breaker fitted with arc KV, 500 MVA
control devices
The circuit
breaking Used for metal
chamber is enclosed
3-
separate from switchgear up to
Minimum oil Dielectric oil 3.6-245 KV
supporting 36 KV. Outdoor
circuit breaker
chamber. Small type between 36
size, arc control and 245 KV
device used
Unit type Suitable for all
245 KV, 35.000
Compressed construction, EHV
MVA up to 1100
4- Air blast air several units per applications, fast
KV, 50.000 MVA,
circuit breaker (20-30 pole, auxiliary opening-closing.
also 36 KV, 500
kg/cm2) compressed air Also for arc
MVA
system required furnace duty
145 KV, 7500 Suitable for SF6
MVA Live tank/Dead switchgear, and
5- SF6
SF6 gas 245 KV, 10.000 tank design, medium voltage
circuit breaker
(5 kg/cm2) MVA single pressure switchgear. EHV
–single
12 KV, 500 MVA type preferred circuit breaker.
36 KV, 2000 MVA Maintenance free
Suitable for a
Preferred for indoor Variety of
variety of
6- Vacuum switchgear rated up designs, long
Vacuum applications from
circuit breaker to 36 KV, 750 life, modest
3.6 KV up to 36
MVA maintenance
KV
Artificial current Recently
7- H.V.D.C Vacuum or 500 KV DC, 15 zero by developed, used in
circuit breaker SF6 KA/20 KA switching in HVDC systems.
capacitors Installed in USA

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 13

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

The Fault Clearing Process

During the normal operating condition the Circuit Breaker can be opened or closed
by a station operator for the purpose of Switching and maintenance. During the
abnormal or faulty conditions the relays sense the fault and close the trip circuit of the
Circuit Breaker. Thereafter the Circuit Breaker opens. The Circuit Breaker has two
working positions, open and closed. These correspond to open Circuit Breaker contacts
and closed Circuit Breaker contacts respectively.
The operation of automatic opening and closing the contacts is achieved by means
of the operating mechanism of the Circuit Breaker. As the relay contacts close, the trip
circuit is closed and the operating mechanism of the Circuit Breaker starts the opening
operation.
The contacts of the Circuit Breaker open and an arc is draw between them.
The arc is extinguished at some natural current zero of a.c. wave. The process of current
interruption is completed when the arc is extinguished and the current reaches final zero
value. The fault is said to be cleared.
Trip circuit of circuit breakers
Consider a simplified circuit of a typical relay as shown in the Fig. 1.4 usually the relay
circuit is a three phase circuit and the contact circuit of relays is very much complicated.
The Fig. 1.4 shows a single phase simplified circuit to explain the basic action of a relay.
Let part A is the circuit to be protected. The current transformer C.T. is connected with
its primary in series with the line to be protected. The secondary of C.T. is connected in
series with the relay coil. The relay contacts are the part of a trip circuit of a circuit
breaker. The trip circuit consists of a trip coil and a battery, in addition to relay contacts.
The trip circuit can operate on a.c. or d.c.
If the fault occurs as shown in the Fig. 1.4, then current through the line connected to an
increases to a very high value. The current transformer senses this current. Accordingly
its secondary current increases which are nothing but the current through a relay coil.
Thus the relay contacts get closed mechanically under the influence of such a high fault
current. Thus the trip circuit of a circuit breaker gets closed and current starts flowing
from battery, through trip coil, in a trip circuit. Thus the trip coil of a circuit breaker gets
energized. This activates the circuit breaker opening mechanism, making the circuit
breaker open. This isolates the faulty part from rest of the healthy system.
The process of fault clearing has the following sequence:
1- Fault Occurs. As the fault occurs, the fault impedance being low, the currents
increase and the relay gets actuated. The moving part of the relay move
because of the increase in the operating torque. The relay takes some time to
close its contacts.
2- Relay contacts close the trip circuit of the Circuit Breaker closes and trip coil is
energized.
3- The operating mechanism starts operating for the opening operation. The
Circuit Breaker contacts separate.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 14

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

4- Arc is drawn between the breaker contacts. The arc is extinguished in the
Circuit Breaker by suitable techniques. The current reaches final zero as the arc
is extinguished and does not restrict again.

Fig.1.4 Typical Trip-Circuit

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 15

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Tripping Schemes in Circuit Breaker

Two schemes are very popularly used for tripping in circuit breakers which are:
1. Relay with make type contact
2. Relay with break time contact
The relay with make type contact requires auxiliary D.C supply with its operation. While
the relay with break type contact uses the energy from the main supply source for its
operation. Let us see the details of these two types of schemes.

1- Relays with Make Type Contact

The schematic diagram representing the arrangement of various elements in a relay with
make type contact is shown in the Fig.1.5. A separate supply is necessary for the relay
operation. The relays are connected in star while the relay contacts are connected in
parallel. The entire relay contact unit is connected in series with the auxiliary switch, trip
coil and the battery. Relay contacts are open in normal position.

Fig. 1.5 Relay with make type contact

Operation: When the fault occurs, the current through relay coils increases to a very
high value. Due to this, the normally open relay contacts C , C and C get closed. This
1 2 3

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 16

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

activates the trip coil of a circuit breaker. The auxiliary switch is initially closed along
with the circuit breaker. So when contacts C , C and C are closed, the current flows
1 2 3
through trip coil of circuit breaker. This activates the trip coil which opens the circuit
breaker. As auxiliary switch is mechanically coupled with the circuit breaker, it also gets
opened. This interrupts the current through trip coil. Thus supply to fault part gets
interrupted and trip coil also gets de-energized. This brings the relay contacts back to
normal position.
Due to auxiliary switch, arcing across relay contacts gets avoided. As relay contacts are
normally open and they 'make' the circuit to open the circuit breaker hence called make
type contact relay.

2- Relay With Break Type Contact

The schematic arrangement of various elements in a relay with break type contact is
shown in the Fig. 1.6. This type of relay does not require external battery supply for the
tripping. The current transformers (C.T.s) or potential transformers (P.T.s) are used to
derive the energy required for the relay from the main supply source. The relay using
C.T.s to derive operating energy from the supply is shown in the Fig. 1.6.

Fig.1.6 Relay with break type contact (using C.T.s)

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 17
Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Operation: In this scheme, the relay coil and trip coil of each are connected in series.
The three phases are then connected in star. Under normal working, the relay contacts C ,
1
C and C are closed. The energy for relay coils is derived from supply using C.T.s. The
2 3
trip coils of circuit breaker are de-energized under normal condition. When the fault
occurs, heavy current flows through relay coils which causes the relay contacts C , C
1 2
and C break. Thus current flows through trip coils of circuit breaker causes the circuit
3
breaker gets open.

The Fig. 1.7 shows the break type contact relay using P.T. to derive energy to keep relay
coils energized.

Fig.1.7 Relay with break type contact (using P.T.)

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 18

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

Operation: In this type, in addition to normal trip coils of circuit breaker, an additional
under voltage trip coil is used. All the relay contacts are in series with the under voltage
trip coil. Through potential transformer, for normal voltage, the under voltage trip coil is
kept energized. When the voltage becomes less than the normal value, the magnetic
effect produced by under voltage trip coil reduced which is responsible for the opening of
the circuit breaker. When fault occurs, the normal trip coils of circuit breaker come into
the picture and are responsible for the opening of the circuit breaker.

In both the above types of tripping circuit (using C.T. Or P.T.), relay contacts 'break' to
cause the circuit breaker operation hence the relay is called break type contact relay.

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 19

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

STANDARD RATINGS OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND THEIR SELECTION

The ratings of a circuit breaker denote its capabilities under specified condition of use
and behavior. The following paragraphs are generally based on the recommendation
of IEC-56: "High Voltage Alternating Current Circuit-Breakers" and IS-2516:
"Specifications of Alternating current circuit-breaker".
The capabilities of a circuit breaker of a particular type are proved by conducting type
tests as per the recommendations of the standards.
The characteristics of a Circuit Breaker including its operating devices and
auxiliary equipment that are used to determine the rating are:
(a) Rated characteristics to be given for all Circuit Breakers.
1. Rated voltage.
2. Rated insulation level.
3. Rated frequency.
4. rated current.
5. Rated short Circuit breaking current.
6. Rated transient recovery voltage for terminal faults.
7. Rated short circuit making current.
8. Rated operating sequence.
9. Rated short time current.

1. Rated Voltage
The rated voltage of a circuit-breaker corresponds to the higher system voltage for
which the circuit breaker is intended. The standards values of rated voltages are
given in table 3. The rated voltage is expressed in KVrms and refers to phase to
phase voltage for three-phase circuit. The earlier practice of specifying the rated
voltage of a circuit breaker as nominal system voltage is no more followed.
Table 3: Rated Voltage of Circuit Breaker
Nominal System Voltage Rated Voltage of Circuit Breaker
( KVrms ) ( KVrms )
0.240 0.246
0.415 0.440
3.300 3.600
6.600 7.200
11.000 12.000
22.000 24.000
33.000 36.000
66.000 72.000
132.000 145.000
220.000 245.000
400.000 420.000
500.000 525.000
750.000 765.000

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 20

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

2. Rated Insulation Level

The rated insulation level of a circuit breaker refers to the power frequency
withstand voltage and impulse voltage withstand values which characterize the
insulation of the circuit breaker.
Power-frequency over voltages are due to regulation, ferranti effect, higher tap-
setting, etc. The circuit breaker should be capable of withstanding the power
frequency over-voltages which are likely to occur. These capabilities are verified
by conducting power frequency voltage withstand tests and impulse voltage
withstand tests. The circuit breaker is subjected to impulse over-voltage due causes
like lighting surge and switching surge.
During single-line to ground faults, the voltage of healthy lines to earth increases to
√3 time the normal value in the system with insulated neutral. Hence higher values
of insulation are recommended for circuit breaker connected in noneffectively
earthed systems. The following insulations are provided in the circuit breaker:
 Insulation between live parts and earth for each pole external and internal.
 Insulation between poles.
 Insulation between terminals of the same pole-external and internal
The design of these insulations depends upon the structural form of the circuit
breaker and the rated insulation level desired.
3. Rated Frequency
The standard frequency for a three pole circuit breaker is the frequency of the
power system (50/60 HZ). The characteristics like normal current breaking
capacity etc. are based on the rated frequency.
The frequency of the current influences the circuit breaker behavior as follows:
 The temperature rise of current carrying parts and neighboring metallic parts
is influenced by eddy-current heating . The increase in frequency results in
increased eddy currents. Hence, with specified limits of the temperature rise
the rated current of a circuit breaker needs de-rating for application on higher
frequency.
 The frequency corresponds to the number of current-zeros per second. Since
the breaking time of the circuit breaker is associated with the time for half
cycles during the arc extinguishing process, the breaking time is influenced
by the frequency of current. The breaking time increases with reducing in
frequency.
 The increase in frequency influences the TRV and rate-of-rise TRV. Hence a
circuit breaker designed and rated for a certain frequency cannot be
recommended for other frequencies unless capabilities are proved for those
frequencies.
 The d.c. circuit breakers generally adopt a different principle of arc extinction
and have different construction than a.c. circuit breaker
4. Rated Normal Current (Rated Current)
The rated normal current of a circuit breaker is the r.m.s value of the current which
the circuit breaker can carry continuously and with temperature rise of the various
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 21
Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

parts within specified limits. Preferred values of rated current in A rms are 400, 630,
800, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3150, and 4000.
The design of contacts and other current carrying parts in the interrupter of the
circuit breaker are generally based on the limits of the temperature rise. For a given
cross-section of the conductor and a certain value of current, the temperature rise
depends upon the conductivity of the material. Hence, high conductivity material is
preferred for current carrying parts. The cross-section of the conductors should be
increased for materials with lower conductivity. The use of magnetic materials in
close circuits should be avoided to prevent heating due to hysteresis loss and eddy
currents. The rated current of a circuit breaker is verified by conducting
temperature rise tests.
The rated short circuit breaking current of a circuit breaker is the highest rms value
of short circuit current which the circuit breaker is capable of breaking under
specified conditions of transient recovery voltage and power frequency voltage. It
is expressed in KArms at contact separation.
5. Rated Short Circuit Breaker Current
Referring to Fig. below (Oscillogram of Current and Voltage during fault clearing),
the short circuit current has a certain value at the instant of contact separation, (t =
T1). The breaking current refers to value of current at the instant of the contact
separation.

Fig.1.8 Oscillogram of Current and Voltage during fault clearing

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 22

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

The transient recovery voltage refers to the transient voltage appearing across the
circuit breaker pole immediately after the arc interruption.
The rated values of transient recovery voltage are specified for various rated
voltage of circuit breakers. For specified conditions of rated TRV and rated power
frequency recovery voltage, a circuit breaker has a certain limit of breaking current.
This limit is determined by conducting short circuit type tests on the circuit
breaker. The waveforms of short circuit current are obtained during the breaking
test.
The evaluation of the breaking current is explained in Fig. below (Dimension of
breaking current). The breaking current is expressed by two values:
1. The r.m.s value of a.c. component at the instant of contact separation EE,
given by

2. The percentage d.c. component at the instant of contact separation given by

The r.m.s values of a.c. components are expressed in KA. The standard values
being 8, 10, 12.5, 16, 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 45, 63, 80 and 100KA.
The earlier practice was to express the rated breaking capacity of a circuit breaker
in terms of MVA given as follows:
MVA = √3 x KV x KA
Where MVA = Breaking capacity of a circuit breaker kV, kV = Rated voltage,
kA = Rated breaking current

Fig.1.9 Dimension of breaking current

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 23

Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

This practice of specifying the breaking capacity in terms of MVA is convenient

while calculating the fault levels. However, as per the revised standards, the
breaking capacity is expressed in KA for specified conditions of TRV and this
method takes into account both breaking current and TRV.
While selecting the circuit breaker for a particular location in the power system the
fault level at that location is determined. The rated breaking current can then be
selected from standard range.
6. Rated Short Circuit Making Current
It may so happen that circuit breaker may close on an existing fault. In such cases
the current increase to the maximum value at the peak of first current loop. The
circuit breaker should be able to close without hesitation as contact touch. The
circuit breaker should be able to withstand the high mechanical forces during such
a closure. These capabilities are proved by carrying out making current test. The
rated short circuit making current of a circuit breaker is the peak value of first
current loop of short circuit current (Imax)Which the circuit breaker is capable of
making at its rated voltage.
The rated short circuit making current should be at least 2.5 times the r.m.s. value
of a.c. component of rated breaking current.
Rated making current = 1.8 x √2 x Rated short circuit breaking current
= 2.5 x Rated short circuit breaking current
In the above equation the factor √2 convert the r.m.s value to peak value. Factor
1.8 takes into account the doubling effect of short circuit current with consideration
to slight drop in current during the first quarter cycle.
7. Circuit Breaker Time ( total break time)
Fault clearing time is the sum of "relay time" and "circuit breaker time". Circuit
breaker time is also called "total break time"
The rapid fault clearing of extra high voltage transmission lines improves the
power system stability. Hence, faster relying and fast circuit breaker are preferred
for extra high voltage transmission lines, where the circuit breaker time being in
order of 2.5 cycles.
For distribution system, such a fast clearing is not necessary. Discrimination is
obtained by "graded time lag. Hence, slower circuit breaker, 3 to 5 cycles, are used.
Total breaking time varies between 80-120 ms for circuit breaker up to 12KV and
40-80 ms for circuit breaker above 36KV. It is less than 60 ms for 145KV, less
than 50 ms for a 420 kV circuit breaker.
Remember the following time events:
 Fault clearing time = relay time + circuit breaker time
 Relay time = instant of fault to closure of trip circuit
 Circuit breaker time = opening time + arcing time
(b) Rated characteristics to be given in the Specific cases given below:
1. Rated characteristics for short line faults for three pole Circuit Breakers rated at
72.5 kV and above, more than 12.5 kA rated short circuit breaking current and
designed for direct connection to overhead transmission lines.
Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 24
Circuit Breakers & Substations 4th Year Electrical Power Eng. Dep.

2. Rated line charging breaking current, for three pole Circuit Breakers rated at 72.5
kV and above and intended for switching over- head transmission lines.
3. Rated supply voltage of closing and opening devices, where applicable.
4. Rated supply frequency of closing and opening devices, where applicable.
5. Rated pressure of compressed gas supply for operation and Interruption, where
applicable.
(c) Optional rated characteristics:
1. Rated out of phase breaking current.
2. Rated line charging breaking current, for three pole Circuit Breakers rated at less
than 72.5 kV and for single pole Circuit Breakers.
3. Rated cable charging breaking current.
4. Rated single capacitor bank breaking current.
5. Rated small inductive breaking current.
6. Rated supply voltage of auxiliary circuits.
7. Rated supply frequency of auxiliary circuits

Prof. Dr. Sayed A. Ward Eng. Essam M. Shaalan Page 25