IEEE Std 620-1987

(Originally issued for trial use in 1981)

IEEE Guide for Construction and

Interpretation of Thermal Limit Curves for
Squirrel-Cage Motors Over 500 hp

Published by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc 345 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA
March 9,1987 SH11007

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Authorized licensed use limited to: UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX. Downloaded on January 04,2016 at 07:31:52 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
 IEEE
Std 62G1987
IEEE Guide for Construction and
Interpretation of Thermal Limit Curves for
Squirrel-Cage Motors Over 500 hp
1. Purpose
The purpose of this guide is t o assist in a uni-
form understanding of the construction, inter-
pretation, and use of motor thermal limit
curves.
2. Scope
2.1 This guide defines thermal limit curves,
recommends a standard procedure for con-
struction of the curves, and provides the defi-
nitions and information necessary t o properly
use these curves.
2.2 The guide also describes thermal limit
curves for large squirrel-cage motors defined as
those motor ratings built in frames larger than
the frame normally used for 500 hp, 1800 r/min
motors.
3. Definition
thermal limit curves for large squirrel-cage
motors. Plots of maximum permissible time
versus percent of rated current flowing in the
motor winding under specified emergency con-
ditions. These curves can be used in conjunc-
tion with the motor time-current curve for a
normal start t o set protective relays and break-
ers for motor thermal protection during start-
ing and running conditions.
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IEEE GUIDE FOR CONSTRUCTION AND INTERPRETATION OF
4. Construction
4.1 The thermal limit curve is a plot of time in
seconds versus percent of rated current. See
Fig 1.
4.2 The percent of rated full load current is t o
be plotted as the abscissa on a linear scale.
4.3 Time is to be plotted as the ordinate on a
multicycle, usually three, logarithmic scale.
4.4 The curves should represent two emergency
conditions.
4.4.1 At approximately 300% or 400% CUT-
rent and higher, a locked rotor condition
should be represented. The curve or curves also
should be labeled concerning initial conditions
such as: (1)motor initially at ambient tempera-
ture or, (2) motor initially at operating
temperature.
4.4.2 From approximately operating current
up to the current approximately correspond-
ing t o breakdown torque, a motor overload
condition should be represented. The curve
should be drawn assuming the motor was
initially at its highest normal operating tempera-
ture.
4.5 The thermal limit curve may be continuous
when a single curve adequately represents the
data. The curve may be discontinuous when
two or more curve segments are needed to
adequately represent the data.
4.6 Where pertinent, additional data or curves,
 BEE
THERMAL LIMIT CURVES FOR SQUIRRELXAGE MOTORS OVER 500 hp Std 620-1987
700
600
500

400

300

200

IO 0
90
80
70
60
50

40
0
z
030
Y

IO
9
8
7
6
5

4 I
I
* Motor initially a t operating temperature -
3 .
N O T E : When required the locked curve
may be drawn and labeled for starting
2 'I I n i t ia I I y a t a m b i en t tern pe ra t u re 'I
-

I
0 IO0 200 300 400 500 600
PERCENT OF RATED CURRENT

Fig 1
Thermal Limit Curve

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 IEEE
Std 620-1987
such as thermal capability during acceleration,
may be included.
4.7 The motor rated current in amperes should
appear on the curve.
5 . Use
5.1 The currents and times involved most prob-
ably will heat the motor parts beyond normal
operating temperatures. Some reduction in
motor life is expected. No permanent critical
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damage t o motor parts should occur.
I
5.2 The curves are not an indication of over-
load capacity and should not be used as a basis
for planned overload operations. Repeated op-
eration up t o the thermal limit will significant-
ly reduce motor life.
5.3 These curves should be used along with the
motor starting timecurrent curve t o permit
the choice of protective equipment which will
allow normal motor starting and will protect
the motor against overheating.