S&C Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear Overcurrent Control

Outdoor Distribution

S&C Vista Underground Distribution Switchgear features
load-interrupter switches and resettable, vacuum fault
interrupters in series with disconnect switches . . . all in a
submersible, SF6-insulated, welded-steel tank. The
switchgear includes clearly visible open gaps and integral
visible grounds to simplify operations, enhance safety,
and minimize the duration of an outage. With the optional
voltage-indication feature, all routine tasks—switching,
voltage testing, and grounding—can be accomplished by a
single person without cable handling or exposure to high
voltage.
The load-interrupter switches provide three-pole
switching for 600-ampere main feeders, and the fault
interrupters provide single-pole switching and single-pole
or three-pole fault protection for 600-ampere main feeders
and 200-ampere taps, laterals, and subloops. Fault inter-
ruption is initiated by a microprocessor-based overcur-
rent control which is housed in a watertight enclosure
mounted on the gear. The control features innovative
time-current characteristic (TCC) curves with selectable
instantaneous and definite-time delay attributes for supe-
rior coordination with upstream protective devices and
downstream power fuses. Standard “E” speed curves can
also be selected. The minimum total clearing time (from
initiation of the fault to total clearing) is 40 milliseconds
(2.5 cycles) allowing for easier coordination with
upstream circuit breakers. Integral current transformers
provide power and current sensing.

Watertight enclosure

Overcurrent control—current transformers

(not shown) provide power and signal input
for the control
Adapter cable

User-supplied personal computer

is used to program the overcurrent
control. Allows selection of TCC
curves and single-pole or three-pole
tripping for the fault interrupters

Figure 1. User-supplied personal computer is attached to the overcurrent control for programming of the control in the field.
Selectable TCCs include E-speed, coordinating-speed tap, and coordinating-speed main curves. Coordinating-speed curves
can be tailored to the application using various instantaneous and definite-time settings.

Supersedes Photo Sheet 681-703 dated 9-3-96 ©2004

PHOTO SHEET 681-703

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S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY February 23, 2004
S&C Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear
Outdoor Distribution
Available TCCs
The overcurrent control was designed to meet specific
coordination needs. Existing pad-mounted gear with fuses
only coordinates with upstream relays and downstream
current-limiting fuses through 5,000 or 6,000 amperes,
even though underground distribution systems often see
higher fault currents. In response, S&C has developed
special new “coordinating” speed TCC curves that provide
complete coordination with upstream circuit-breaker
relays as well as downstream current-limiting fuses
through the entire range of typical fault currents . . . all the
way to 12,500 amperes.
The control features phase-overcurrent curves as well
as ground-overcurrent curves to coordinate with source-
side breakers or reclosers with ground-trip settings. Sepa-
rate curves were designed for main and tap protection to
provide complete coordination between fault interrupters
applied on main feeders and those applied on associated
subloop taps.
Five families of curves are available as follows:
• “E” speed curves—from 25E amperes through 200E
amperes.
• “K” speed curves—from 25K amperes through 200K
amperes.
• “Coordinating” speed tap curves—with minimum
pickup settings from 50 amperes through 400 amperes.
These curves are used in conjunction with fault inter-
rupters feeding subloop taps and have been specifically
designed to optimize coordination with load-side weak-
link/backup current-limiting fuse combinations and
PHOTO SHEET
681-703
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February 23, 2004
Overcurrent Control
source-side relays with low time-dial settings. As such,
the curves are faster than “E” speed and “K” speed
power fuse TCC curves.
• “Coordinating” speed main curves—with minimum
pickup settings from 100 amperes through 800
amperes. These curves are used in conjunction with
fault interrupters on main feeders and have longer min-
imum response times and different shapes to coordi-
nate with tap-interrupter curves.
• Time-overcurrent relay curves conforming to
IEEE C37.112-1996 IEEE Standard Inverse-Time
Characteristic Equations for Overcurrent Relays
—U.S. Moderately Inverse Curve U1, U.S. Inverse
Curve U2, U.S. Very Inverse Curve U3, U.S. Extremely
Inverse Curve U4, U.S. Short-Time Inverse Curve U5,
I.E.C. Class A Curve (Standard Inverse) C1, I.E.C. Class
B Curve (Very Inverse) C2, I.E.C. Class C Curve
(Extremely Inverse) C3, I.E.C. Long-Time Inverse
Curve C4, and I.E.C. Short-Time Inverse Curve C5.
The coordinating-speed TCCs can be customized into
hundreds of different curves using a variety of instanta-
neous (1 ka through 8 ka) and definite-time delay (32 ms
through 96 ms) settings. The minimum total clearing time
is 40 milliseconds (2.5 cycles) to allow proper coordina-
tion with typical upstream circuit-breaker relays.
If activated, the definite-time delay attribute adds an
intentional time delay to allow coordination with conven-
tional power fuses located downstream. For even more
specialized shapes, a definite-time delay setting can be
combined with an instantaneous trip setting.
S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
Control Settings
The parameters for the TCC curves are set using a
personal computer connected to the data port of the over-
current control. Programming of the control can be done
in the shop or in the field. Refer to Figure 1. Unlike other
controls that use knobs and dials, the settings cannot be
inadvertently or haphazardly changed by unauthorized
persons. Only qualified technicians have the ability to
alter the settings. There is no need to purchase and install
new circuit cards or entirely new controls to make
changes. For maximum reliability, there are no mechani-
cal parts such as switches and potentiometers to wear out
or malfunction.
The control allows a choice of single-pole or three-pole
fault interruption, and 50- or 60-hertz operation. Input
parameters for the TCCs include minimum pickup levels,
instantaneous pickup levels, and definite-time delays for
both phase- and ground-overcurrent curves. The ground-
overcurrent circuit, and the instantaneous and definite-
Figure 2. Overcurrent-control settings.
S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
time delay attributes can be disabled if desired. When an
E-speed curve is selected, only the minimum pickup level
for phase overcurrents is programmed into the control. As
shown in Figure 2, the settings programmed into the com-
puter can also be viewed for verification.
When the overcurrent control is programmed for
single-pole tripping of the fault interrupter, only those
poles that have faulted will trip. The control will not
respond to ground overcurrents, but will respond to phase
overcurrents whether or not a ground fault is involved.
For three-pole tripping of the fault interrupter, all three
poles will operate regardless of which pole has faulted. In
this case, the control will operate the fault interrupter in
response to ground overcurrents given that a ground-fault
setting has been programmed into the control.
The ability to program the control for three-pole trip-
ping allows for three-pole protection of three-phase trans-
formers and other three-phase loads.
PHOTO SHEET 681-703
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February 23, 2004
S&C Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear Overcurrent Control
Outdoor Distribution

Applications 1000

Two applications of S&C Vista Underground Distribution Transformer- Subloop Fuse

Switchgear are described below. Each shows how the Primary Fuse (200E, Standard
(100E, Standard Speed)
switchgear improves coordination and reliability using Speed)
the same or fewer units of gear than required with tradi- 100

tional equipment.
Phase
Overcurrent Relay
Increased Load-Carrying Capability and Type: CO-9
Time Dial: 3
Improved Coordination 10 Min. Pickup Current: 720A

TIME IN SECONDS
As shown in Figure 3, the first application involves an CTI: 0.15 sec.
industrial park with 1,000- and 2,000-kva transformers
served by a single loop. Due to the kva sizes of the trans-
formers, power fuses are used at the transformers. It is 1
necessary to limit the loop to two transformers of this size
because of coordination problems between the 100E fuse
at the transformer, the 200E fuse in the pad-mounted gear,
and the utility’s phase relay at the substation which is
.1
set to pick up at 720 amperes. The coordination plot in
Figure 4 shows how this design will only coordinate
through 5,600 amperes, which is not always high enough
since many industrial parks are located at the beginning Miscoordination
of a circuit where fault currents are high. .01

100 000
10 000
100

1 000
10
When Vista switchgear is applied in the same situation,
at least twice as many transformers can be served by two CURRENT IN AMPERES

Figure 4. Miscoordination between 100E transformer fuse

and 200E subloop fuse.

B
CO-9 Relay 200E 200E
Phase: 720A

N.O.

50E 100E

1000 KVA 2000 KVA

Figure 3. Subloop protection provided by conventional (fused) pad-mounted switchgear.

PHOTO SHEET
681-703
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February 23, 2004 S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
 1000
units of gear. See Figure 5. Full coordination is also
achieved—through 12,500 amperes—by using a 400- Tap Interrupter (Phase)
Min. Pickup Current: 400A
ampere coordinating-speed curve. As shown in Figure 6, Transformer-
Def. Time Delay: 4 cycle
Primary Fuse
the tap-interrupter curve includes a 4-cycle definite-time (100E, Standard
delay to coordinate with the 100E standard-speed fuse 100 Speed)
protecting the 2,000-kva transformer. Phase
Overcurrent Relay
Type: CO-9
Improved Circuit Reliability and Reduced Time Dial: 3
Equipment Needs 10 Min. Pickup Current: 720A
CTI: 0.15 sec.

TIME IN SECONDS
As shown in Figure 7, the second application involves the
use of conventional pad-mounted gear to tap a main
feeder to serve two commercial parks. The settings of the
phase- and ground-overcurrent relays at the utility’s sub- 1
station are 720 amperes and 480 amperes, respectively.
Three 1,500-kva transformers, each protected by an inter-
nal current-limiting fuse rated 100C (which is the largest
internal fuse available), are used to serve three buildings.
.1
The largest tap fuse that will carry the load of two trans-
formers and coordinate with the substation relays is 140K.
Refer to Figure 8. Thus, it is necessary to establish two
loops to serve the load.
.01
The total demand of the commercial park is 3,000 kva,

100 000
10 000
100

1 000
10
and three such commercial parks could be connected to
one main feeder without exceeding the capacity of a CURRENT IN AMPERES

13.2-kv circuit. However, the reliability of this design may Figure 6. Coordinating-speed tap curve with definite-time
delay coordinates completely with 100E transformer fuse.

B
CO-9 Relay 400A 400A
Phase: 720A

N.O.

50E 100E 50E 100E

1000 KVA 2000 KVA 1000 KVA 2000 KVA

Figure 5. Vista switchgear provides increased load-carrying capability in a single subloop.

PHOTO SHEET 681-703

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S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY February 23, 2004
S&C Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear Overcurrent Control
Outdoor Distribution

be questionable, depending on the length of the main 1000

feeder and the history of cable failures. The solution until

now has been to bring a second circuit into the area to
Subloop Fuse
serve one of the commercial parks . . . obviously very Transformer (140K)
expensive. Weak-Link Fuse
100
(100A)
With Vista switchgear, there is a better solution involv- Phase
ing the installation of a “main” fault interrupter with a Overcurrent Relay
Type: CO-9
phase-overcurrent rating of 450 amperes and ground-over- Time Dial: 3
current rating of 400 amperes. Refer to Figure 9. When a 10
Min. Pickup Current: 720A
main interrupter is used on the main feeder, not only is an CTI: 0.15 sec.

TIME IN SECONDS
additional circuit not required but the reliability of the
system is substantially improved through increased
sectionalization. Due to better coordination and the
1
higher continuous-current capability of the switchgear,
only two units of gear are required to serve the entire load
Ground
at each commercial park where previously three units Overcurrent Relay
were required. Figures 10 and 11 show the improved Type: CO-9
coordination for the phase current and ground current, Time Dial: 2.5
.1
Min. Pickup Current: 480A
respectively. CTI: 0.15 sec.

.01

100 000
10 000
100

1 000
10

CURRENT IN AMPERES

Figure 8. Coordination between 140K subloop fuse,

upstream relay, and 100A (C16) transformer weak-link fuse.

CO-9 Relay
Phase: 720A
Ground: 480A

B
140K 140K 140K 140K 140K

COMMERCIAL
PARK

N.O. N.O.

100C 100C 100C

1500 KVA 1500 KVA 1500 KVA

COMMERCIAL PARK

Figure 7. Commercial parks supplied by conventional (fused) pad-mounted switchgear.

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681-703
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February 23, 2004 S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
 CO-9 Relay MAIN PROTECTOR
Phase: 720A Phase: 450A
Ground: 480A Ground: 400A

B
TAP PROTECTOR
Phase: 350A
Ground: 300A

COMMERCIAL
PARK

COMMERCIAL PARK

N.O.

100C 100C 100C

1500 KVA 1500 KVA 1500 KVA

Figure 9. Addition of a fault interrupter on the main feeder provides increased reliability.

1000 1000

Tap Interrupter Main Interrupter (Phase)

Tap Interrupter
(Phase) Min. Pickup
(Ground) Main Interrupter (Ground)
Min. Pickup Current: 450A
Min. Pickup Min. Pickup
Current: 350A Current: 300A Current: 400A
100 100

Phase
Transformer Overcurrent Relay
Weak-Link Fuse Type: CO-9 Ground
(100A) Time Dial: 3 Overcurrent Relay
10 Min. Pickup Current: 720A 10 Type: CO-9
Time Dial: 2.5
TIME IN SECONDS
TIME IN SECONDS

CTI: 0.15 sec.

Min. Pickup Current: 480A
CTI: 0.15 sec.

1 1

.1 .1

.01 .01
100 000
100 000

10 000
10 000

100
100

1 000
1 000

10
10

CURRENT IN AMPERES CURRENT IN AMPERES

Figure 10. Complete coordination between upstream phase Figure 11. Complete coordination between upstream
relay, feeder interrupter (phase TCC), and subloop tap inter- ground relay, main feeder interrupter (ground TCC), and
rupter (phase TCC). subloop tap interrupter (ground TCC).

PHOTO SHEET 681-703

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S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY February 23, 2004
S&C Vista® Underground Distribution Switchgear Overcurrent Control
Outdoor Distribution

Event Recording have faulted, the magnitude of the fault, and whether or
The overcurrent control features an event log that cap- not a ground overcurrent was involved. This information
tures the last twelve operations of a fault interrupter. As can be accessed via a personal computer connected to the
shown in Figure 12, the event log indicates which poles data port of the control.

View Menu INTERRUPTER 1: <select number>

1. View event report (last 12 events)
2. View load current
3. View relay settings
4. View relay self-test
9. Switch to Main Menu
= View FI 1 > 1
View FI 1> 1
Elapsed
*Eve* **Faulted Poles** **** * Amperes *****
**Time**
# 1 2 3 G 1 2 3 G (Seconds)
1 X X X 4 2040 1829 1908 0.019
2 X X 24 1926 18 1908
3 X X 2010 22 18 1992

Press <ENTER> for menu

Figure 12. Event log showing last three events that caused the fault interrupter to operate.

Printed in U.S.A.

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February 23, 2004 S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY