Ring Main Unit up to 24 kV

1.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Xiria switchgear system manufactured by Eaton Holec is fully air insulated and
mounted in a safe metal enclosure. It is provided with fixed built-in vacuum switches
and circuit-breakers and can be applied in networks with a rated voltage of up to
and including 24 kV.
The characteristics of the Xiria system are:
-

three phase metal-enclosed

vacuum switches and circuit-breakers
air insulated, insensitive to ambient conditions
primary and mechanical parts fully protected for the complete life cycle
against the ingress of moisture and dust
suitable for application as distribution unit and ring main unit
compact design due to application of synthetic materials for
insulation and construction purposes
degree of protection IP31D (enclosure)
internal arc resistant in accordance with IEC60298 Annex AA
optional with remote control
inspection window with visible position indication of the changeover switch and
of the vacuum switch and circuit-breaker.

Xiria switchgear is designed for mounting in indoor areas under normal service
conditions (ambient air temperature, altitude, humidity, etc) as laid down in
IEC60694 clause 2.1.1.

1.1

Internal arc resistance

The Xiria switchgear is designed in accordance with the recommendations laid down
in IEC60298. In this standard is stated that switchgear, satisfying these
requirements, is designed in principle to prevent the occurrence of internal faults.
To comply with this requirement the Xiria system is single pole insulated with high
quality insulation materials, surrounded by a sealed enclosure which is not
influenced by dust and moist.
Also, the special internal electrical design keeps the electrical field levels low,
resulting in a negligible chance of internal faults to occur. Practical experience has
been obtained in the market with products based upon this philosophy of single pole
insulation - i.e. Magnefix and SVS - during a period of more than 40 years. These

experiences prove in a sufficient way that the possibility of an unsafe situation is

negligible small. In this situation Xiria switchgear can be placed in a transformer
station without extra provisions. We then recommend to keep a distance of 100 mm
between the rear side of the switchgear and the wall of the station. This wall must
be able to withstand a dynamic peak pressure of 42 mbar. Also this rear side of the
switchgear should not be accessible for operating personnel.
In the international market it is common approach that, although the probability on
internal arcs may be extremely low, in general they cannot be completely disregarded.
In Annex AA of IEC 60298 specific attention is paid to the safety of operating
personnel when an internal arc occurs in a switchboard. When installed in the
correct way the Xiria switchgear also complies with this additional requirement. The
system is provided with a venting compartment on the rear side to enable pressure
to be released into the space behind the switchboard or into the cable trench. As an
option also arc proof cable compartments are available.
For the exact installation instructions and choices, we gladly refer to the User
Manual and the switch room drawings.

1.2

Degree of protection
Xiria switchgear complies with IP31D in accordance with IEC60529. This means that
it is under normal service conditions protected against the ingress of objects with a
diameter of 2.5 mm and of horizontally dripping waterdrops. Furthermore all current
carrying parts such as terminal blocks and secondary equipment are protected
against the ingress of objects with a diameter of 1 mm. With the front cover or top
cover removed the protection degree is IP2X.
The primary current carrying parts and the main mechanism are mounted in a fully
sealed enclosure such, that these parts are protected during the whole life cycle of
the switchgear (> 25 years) against the ingress of moisture and dust. This is achieved
by, amongst other things, the application of conditioned air in the sealed enclosure.
The degrees of protection are more than sufficient for application of the
switchgear in indoor areas under normal conditions (ambient air temperature,
altitude, humidity, etc) as laid down in IEC60694 clause 2.1.1.

1.3

Surface treatment
The surface treatment of the sheet steel is carried out according to the powder
coating principle, whereby a thermosetting powder is applied to the sheet steel,
electrostatically with an average layer of minimum fifty micrometers. The powder
used is a combination of epoxy and polyester resin. The advantages of this powder
coating process are the excellent mechanical characteristics, such as high shock and
impact resistance, excellent adhesion, very good elasticity, adequate coverage of
edges and corners and a high resistance to corrosion.
Before the powder coating is applied, the sheet steel parts are degreased in a spray
tunnel and phosphated with 0.4 to 0.8 g/m2 iron phosphate. In this way, a better
adhesion is obtained and undercoat corrosion is prevented.

Technical data for the powder coating

1.4

base

epoxy polyester resin

colour

RAL7047/7001/3005

degree of shine

60 a 70% according to Lange 60 degrees

sg

1.53 g/cm3

adhesion

glass test DIN53151 (Gto)

elasticity

Buckling test DIN53156

salt spray test

ASTM 1500 h. for the sealed primary

enclosure
ASTM 800 h. for the remaining sheet steel
parts.

System philosophy
The Xiria system is distinctive due to the combination of fixed built-in vacuum
switches and circuit-breakers, the use of air and synthetic materials as insulation
mediums and the application of electrical field control for optimum dimensioning of
the primary parts. In this way, a high level of compactness is achieved.
Switches or circuit-breakers can be mounted in the panels as well as the changeover
switches for the connection to the main busbars. The primary cables can be earthed
in a safe manner by means of this changeover switch in combination with the shortcircuit making capacity of the switch or circuit-breaker. After this has been
accomplished, work on the cables can commence in the earthed panel in accordance
with the pertaining procedures.

1.4.1

Product range
The product range comprises switches for ring cable connection and circuitbreakers for protected tee-offs. These protected tee-offs can be applied for both
the direct protection of transformers as well as the linking up of cable connections
with several transformers. Switchboards comprising a combination of three or four
of these panels can be supplied, whereby the panel sequence and combinations can be
chosen at will. Consequently, a wide scale of configurations can be installed.

1.4.2

Quality assurance
Xiria switchgear is manufactured and tested in accordance with the procedures as
laid down in ISO 9001-2000. KEMA Registered Quality B.V. checks periodically that
these standards are adhered to. In addition, with respect to its integral
environmental management system, Eaton Holec adheres to ISO 14001.

1.5

System design
A Xiria switchboard comprises several different compartments. In these
compartments are mounted the various functional devices. The functions of these
compartments are described below.

1.5.1

Primary compartment
The primary compartment comprises a fully enclosed metal enclosure in which the
main busbars, the vacuum switches and circuit-breakers, the main mechanisms and
the changeover switches are mounted. The internal parts are notable due to their
special design, whereby use is made of field control. Consequently, the switchgear is
very compact.
The switches and circuit-breakers are provided with Eaton Holec vacuum
interrupters. These interrupters require no maintenance and have been designed for
a trouble-free life cycle of at least 25 years. The switches can be used for both the
switching of cables as well as short-circuit resistant earthing of these cables when
the changeover switch is in the earthed position.

1.5.2

Operating compartment
The operating compartment is fully separated from the primary compartment and
when in service, is only accessible after removal of the top cover of the
switchboard. In this compartment are mounted the operating shafts and trip
interlock of the switches and circuit-breakers, the earth interlock and the
operating handle interlock. The terminals for internal connection of the secondary
apparatus mounted on the front of the operating panel are also located in this
compartment.

If a switchboard is provided with remote control, the auxiliary contacts and trip
coils are also situated in this compartment. If later, modifications to the secondary
circuits are required, this can be easily and safely accomplished by removal of the
front cover.

1.5.3

Auxiliary compartment
The auxiliary compartment is located on the front side of the switchboard and can
be reached by removing the front cover plate above the cable entry doors. The
protection relays for the circuit-breaker panels are mounted in this compartment.
These protection relays can be read, tested and set without the disconnection of
any wiring. If the switchboard is provided with remote control, the terminal blocks
and cable duct are also located in this compartment.

1.5.4

Cable termination compartment

Paper insulated lead covered cables and plastic insulated cables can be connected to
Xiria switchgear, for which standard cable connectors can be applied. To ensure
that the cables are correctly supported, the panels are provided with short-circuit
resistant synthetic cable clamps.
When more space for the cable connection is needed, the switchboard can be
provided with an optional plinth of 250 mm.
Both plug and screw type cable connectors can be supplied up to and including 24 kV.
For this purpose, the panels are provided with standard cones in accordance with
EN50181. Type C (630 A) is suitable for the switch panels and the 400 A circuitbreaker panels. Type A (250 A) or type C (630 A) are suitable for the 200 A
circuit-breaker panels, both of which can be applied up to the rated current of this
panel, being 200 A.
These connectors are not normally supplied by Eaton Holec. There are various types
available on the market (depending on the short-circuit capacity, field control,
protection etc.) that can be obtained with or without the associated test equipment.
For application above 12 kV, only connectors with a safe earthed layer on the
outside should be applied, because of the very limited space available and
prevention of discharging. In addition, the earth bar, the current transformers for
the protection relay and, when required, for ammetering are located in the cable
compartment.

1.5.5

Venting compartment
To comply with IEC 60298 Annex AA, the primary part of the Xiria switchgear is
provided with venting flaps with an outlet in a venting compartment on the rear side.
This compartment is open on the rear and bottom sides to enable pressure from the
primary compartment to be released into the space behind the switchboard and/or
into the cable trench. As an option, pressure relief of the cable compartments can
also be achieved via this venting compartment.

1.6

Interlocks
To ensure safe and faultless operation, Xiria switchgear is provided with the
following interlocks:

1.6.1

Earthing padlock
After a cable has been earthed, the switch or circuit-breaker can be padlocked to
ensure that they cannot be tripped. The cable compartment can be opened when the
cable is earthed.

1.6.2

Remote and local operation

Remote operation is only possible when the selector knob is in the middle position.
Neither the switch nor the circuit-breaker can then be switched on locally. In this
situation, the changeover switch can also not be operated.

1.6.3

Tripping interlock switch and circuit-breaker

Operation of the mechanical tripping push-button of the switch and the circuitbreaker can be prevented by means of a padlockable cover on the button.

1.6.4

OFF position interlock on switch and circuit-breaker

Switching on of a de-energized switch or circuit-breaker can be prevented by means
of a padlock and a separate locking device, to be placed in the access hole for the
handle. Neither mechanical nor electrical making operations can then be carried out.

1.7

Earthing

1.7.1

Earthing system
Xiria switchgear is provided with an earth bar in the cable compartments. The
copper earth bar has a cross-section of 120 mm2 and can be connected during
installation in the switchroom, on the outside of the switchboard, from both sides,
to the distribution network earthing system. Internal earthing via the changeover
switch runs via the metal enclosure of the switchboard and has been fully tested in
compliance with 1EC60298.

1.7.2

Cable earthing
The Xiria panels are provided with an integrated changeover switch that has a
service position and earthing position, in combination with the switch and circuitbreaker, the primary cable can be earthed in a safe and short-circuit resistant
manner.
The switch or circuit-breaker can, when in the earthed position, be protected against
undesired tripping by means of a padlock and an appropriate warning sign can be
attached. The position of the changeover switch and of the vacuum switch and
circuit-breaker is clearly visible through the windows in the front of the
switchboard, thus ensuring optimum safe working conditions for operating personnel.

1.8

Primary components
All primary components are designed in accordance with ISO 9001-2000 and satisfy
the highest quality demands. The primary section of Xiria is completely
maintenance-free. The switches, circuit-breakers and changeover switches have
been developed and manufactured in the Eaton Holec factory in accordance with the
appropriate IEC standards.

1.8.1

Current transformers
The current transformers applied comply with IEC60044-1. The current
transformers for the protection system are mounted behind the cable cones.
Consequently, they do not have to be removed during connection of the primary
cables.

The optional transformer for current measurement in the circuit-breaker panel

should be mounted on the primary cable in the middle phase when fitting the
primary cables. This optional transformer cannot be mounted in case of a three
phase cable with splitting point.
In switchboards with metering in a circuit-breaker panel, both the current
transformers for protection and for metering will be mounted around the outgoing
cable.

1.8.2

Voltage transformers
The voltage transformers are cast-resin insulated. The primary connection is made by
means of cable to the cable connection points of the circuit-breaker panel. On the
secondary side the transformers are connected to terminals via DIN00 fuses.
Voltage transformers meet the requirements as mentioned in IEC60044-2.

1.8.3

Surge arresters
The switchboard meets the relevant IEC international standards with respect to
system voltages and currents. We remark however that, in case of switching certain
capacitive and inductive currents, overvoltages can occur, which falls outside
specifications. For example, capacitor banks, harmonic filters, motors and
generators especially with small machines and short connection cables.
Such cases need special attention for overvoltages. The application of surge
arresters in this situation is advisable. Mounting can be in the switchboard or near
the connected object. Eaton Holec can advise with respect to the application of
surge arresters, if required.

1.9

Secondary circuit

1.9.1

Secondary equipment
Xiria switchboards are provided with a secondary compartment on the front side in
which terminal blocks, cable ducts and protection relays are located. The secondary
components that give operational information when the switchboard is in service
are mounted on the front of the operating panel. Operation of the switchboard is
normally carried out manually but, as an option, electrical operation with pushbuttons at the front can be supplied when required.

Xiria panels are provided with LED voltage detectors, type VDS according to
IEC61243-5, which detect continuous voltage conditions, in this way, it is possible
to detect whether the cables are energized. The detectors are provided with test
facilities so that the whole circuit can be checked by means of a piezo electrical
voltage tester.
As an option, the circuit-breaker units can be provided with a trip indicator
(tripping by means of the protection relay). Max. demand ammetering (bimetal
system) is also an option on the circuit-breaker panel.
Switch panels can also be provided as an option with an overcurrent indicator.

1.9.2

Secondary wiring
The secondary wiring will be executed with single-core flexible untinned copper wire
with heat resistant grey colored halogen-free insulation. Exceptions to this are the
current transformer circuits for protection and the voltage detector circuit, for
which multiple core halogen-free cables are applied.
The wiring is executed according to our standard for wiring.
The cross section of the wiring applied for current and voltage transformer
circuits for tariff-metering is 2.5 mm2, the other circuits are wired with 1.5 mm2.

1.10 Type test

Xiria switchgear is fully certified in accordance with IEC60298 and fulfils the
definition "compartmented". With respect to arc resistance, the system has been
fully tested conform IEC60298 Annex AA. With regard to personal safety, it
conforms with IEC60529 (IP code, degree of protection).
Xiria switchgear is very well suitable for application in locations where normal
conditions prevail as described in IEC60694 clause 2.1. If used under conditions
different from the normal service conditions, such as altitude and ambient air
temperature, the current and voltage ratings should be recalculated.

The system complies with:

- IEC60694 / IEC62271-1

Common specifications for high-voltage

switchgear and control gear standards
- IEC60056 / IEC62271-100 High-voltage alternating-current circuit-breakers
- IEC60129 / IEC62271-102 Alternating current disconnectors and earthing
switches
- IEC60265 / IEC62271-103 High-voltage switches
- IEC60470 / IEC62271-106 High-voltage alternating current contactors
- IEC60298 / IEC62271-200 A.C. metal-enclosed switchgear and control gear for
rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52
kV
- IEC60932 / IEC62271-304 Additional requirements for enclosed switchgear
and control gear from 1 kV to 72.5 kV to be used in
severe climatic conditions
- IEC60529
Degrees of protection provided by enclosures
- IEC60185/IEC60044-1
Instrument transformers - Part 1: Current
transformers

- IEC60186 / IEC60044-2
- IEC60282
- EN50181

Instrument transformers - Part 2: Inductive voltage

transformers
High-voltage fuses
Plug-in type bushings above 1 kV up to 36 kV

Above summary gives for some subjects the old and the new standards. Xiria
switchgear is tested according to the lEC standard as applicable at the time of the
type tests. Herewith both the old and the new standards will be used.
1.11

Dimensions and weight of the switchboard

For dimensions and weight of the switchboard see below table.

3 panel switchboard

4 panel switchboard

length
height

1110 mm
1305 mm

length
height

1460 mm
1305 mm

height incl. plinth

1555 mm

height incl. plinth

1555 mm

depth

600 mm

depth

600 mm

weight

350 kg

weight

430 kg

weight incl. plinth

410 kg

weight incl. plinth

490 kg

For a switchboard with tariff-metering the above mentioned length must be added
with 175 mm or 550 mm depending upon the way of mounting of the secondary
instrument panel. The height is in that situation always 1555 mm.