APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch

PART 1 : SCOPE AND CONDITIONS
1.

SCOPE

This specification covers the design, engineering, manufacture, testing, supply, delivery, off-loading
and performance requirements of 11kV, 400/ 200 amp. triple pole Gang Operated Air Break (G.O.A.B.)
Switches for outdoor installation. The switches shall be suitable for operation mainly under off load
conditions and are intended for use on the distribution lines and substations of WESCO.
The equipment offered shall have been successfully type tested and the design shall have been in
satisfactory operation for a period not less than two years on the date of bid opening. Compliance shall
be demonstrated by submitting with the bid, (i) authenticated copies of the type test reports and (ii)
performance certificates from the users.
However where the Bidder offers similar but not identical equipment to that which has been type tested,
the difference shall be stated in Test Certificate Schedule. Acceptance of the offered equipment and test
data presented shall be at the discretion of the Purchaser.
The Air Break Switches shall conform in all respects to highest standards of engineering, design,
workmanship, this specification and the latest revisions of relevant standards at the time of offer and the
Purchaser shall have the power to reject any work or material, which, in his judgement, is not in full
accordance therewith.
2.

STANDARDS

Except where modified by this specification, the air break switches shall be designed, manufactured and
tested in accordance with the latest editions of the following standards.

IEC / ISO/ BS

Indian Standard

IEC 265

IS 9920

High Voltage Switches for rated voltages above 1kV

and up to and including 52kV

IEC 273

IS 2544

Post Insulators for systems with nominal voltage above

1,000V

IEC 168

ISO 1460, BS 729

Title

Tests on indoor and outdoor post insulators of ceramic

materials or glass with nominal voltages greater than
1,000V
IS 2629, IS 4736

Hot Dip Galvanising

IS 2633

Method of testing uniformity on zinc coated articles

The bidder may propose alternative standards, provided it is demonstrated that they give a degree of quality
and performance equivalent to or better than the referenced standards. Acceptability of any alternative
standard is at the discretion of the Purchaser. The bidder shall furnish a copy of the alternative standard
proposed along with his bid. If the alternative standard is in a language other than English, an English
translation shall be submitted with the standard. In the case of conflict the order of precedence shall be 1)
IEC or ISO Standards, 2) Indian Standards, 3) other alternative standards.
This list is not to be considered exhaustive and reference to a particular standard or recommendation in
this Specification does not relieve the Contractor of the necessity of providing the goods complying
with other relevant standards or recommendations.

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
3.

SERVICE CONDITIONS

The service conditions shall be as follows:

maximum altitude above sea level

1,000m

maximum ambient air temperature

50C

maximum daily average ambient air temperature

35C

minimum ambient air temperature

maximum temperature attainable by an object exposed to the sun

60C

maximum yearly weighted average ambient temperature

32C

maximum relative humidity

100%

average number of thunderstorm days per annum (isokeraunic level)

average number of rainy days per annum

average annual rainfall

maximum wind pressure

4.

SYSTEM CONDITIONS

0C

70
120
150 cm
94.3 kg/m

The equipment shall be suitable for installation in supply systems of the following characteristics:

Frequency

Nominal system voltages

Maximum system voltages:

Minimum LV voltage

Nominal short circuit levels:

Insulation Levels:

50Hz
33kV
11kV
400/230V
33kV System
11kV System
LV System

340V

1.2/50 s impulse withstand voltage

(positive and negative polarity):

36kV
12kV
476V

Power frequency one minute withstand

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33kV System
11kV System

25kA
12.5kA

33kV System
11kV System

170kV
75kV

APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
voltage (wet and dry) rms

33kV System
11kV System
LV System

70kV
28kV
2kV

33kV System
11kV System
LV System

solidly earthed
solidly earthed
solidly earthed

200 A

400 A

Rated voltage

12kV

12kV

Normal continuous rating.

200A

400A

Short time rating: current rms (1 second)

10kA

16kA

25kA

40kA

32kV
28kV

32kV
28kV

85kV
75kV

85kV
75kV

Power frequency puncture withstand

voltage

1.3 times the actual

flash over voltage

1.3 times the actual

flash over voltage

Mainly active load breaking capacity

10A

10A

Transformer off-load current breaking

capacity

6.3A

6.3A

Line charging current breaking capacity

2.5A

2.5A

Cable charging current breaking capacity

10A

10A

To be stated by
the Contractor

To be stated by
the Contractor

Neutral earthing arrangements:

PART 2 : TECHNICAL
5.

RATINGS.

The air break switches shall have the following ratings:

peak
Power frequency withstand voltage, one
minute, dry and wet,rms
i) across isolating distance
ii) between phases and to earth
Impulse voltage withstand level,
peak(1.2/50 s wave )
i) across isolating distance
ii) between phases and to earth

Short circuit making capacity

6.

GENERAL CONSTRUCTIONAL FEATURES.

The air break switch shall have triple pole construction and shall be suitable for horizontal mounting
having two post insulators per phase. The switch shall be manually operated with a rocking type

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
arrangement. Alternative offers for rotating insulator type switches will also be considered. The
recommended phase spacing is 760 mm centre to centre.
6.1.

Operating Mechanism.

The operating mechanism shall be suitable for manual operation from ground level by one person with
ease and shall be so designed that all the three phases open or close simultaneously. The switches shall
be robust in construction and shall be protected against over travel or straining that may adversely affect
any of its parts.
An operating rod consisting of galvanised iron pipe of 30mm diameter and of about 6000 mm length
shall be provided for closing and opening operations.
6.2.

Galvanising.

All ferrous parts except springs shall be hot dip galvanised with heavy coating as specified in the
section on Surface Treatment in this specification.
6.3.
Contacts.
All the current carrying parts shall be made of tin plated electrolytic copper of 99.98% purity. The
contacts shall be silver plated to thickness of not less than 30 microns. The fixed (female) contacts shall
be spring loaded pressure type so as to ensure firm contact and proper alignment. The springs shall,
however, not carry any current.
Arcing contacts with spring assisted operation shall be provided. The arcing contacts shall open after
the main contacts and close before the main contacts.
6.4.

Base and Mounting.

A rigid base of galvanised steel channel of size approximately 75 x 40 x 6mm. shall be provided with
suitable holes, clamps and bolts for mounting firmly on steel structure. It shall be suitable for both
horizontal and vertical mounting.
6.5.

Padlocking

Suitable padlocking or other approved locking arrangement shall be provided for locking the operating
handle both in the ON and in the OFF position.
6.6.

Earthing Terminal.

Two earthing terminals having clamping bolts with a minimum diameter of 12mm, with nuts, washers
and spring washers shall be provided on the frame of each pole. The earthing terminals shall be of
electroplated brass and of adequate size to carry full short circuit current.
6.7.

Other Features.

Live parts shall be designed to avoid sharp point edges and other corona producing surfaces as
far as possible.
The switch blades shall be so assembled that all three phases operate in synchronism. Fixed guides
shall be provided for proper seating of the contacts even when a blade is out of alignment to a minor
extent.
There should not be any play or backlash to produce non-uniform travel of the blades of the three
phases and all the three phases shall make simultaneous closing with good electrical contact.
A suitable arrangement for accelerating the opening of contacts shall be provided to avoid excessive
sparking.

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
The G.O.A.B. switches shall be capable of withstanding in their closed position the dynamic and
thermal effects of the short circuit current specified in the section on Ratings. The switches shall be
so constructed that the blades do not open or close under the influence of a short circuit, gravity,
wind pressure, vibration, shocks or accidental breaking of the operating shaft.
7.

POST INSULATORS

High strength porcelain insulators shall be used for supporting and insulating the fixed contacts and the
moving blades. They shall be made of homogeneous material, with uniform glazing, free from cavities
and other flaws and have a high quality smooth finish. They shall withstand the maximum expected
static and dynamic loads to which the isolator may be subjected during its service life. They shall
conform to IEC 273 or IS 2544 and shall be subjected to all the tests provided in these standards and in
IEC 168.
The creepage distance of the insulators shall be suitable for the atmospheric conditions described in the
section on Service Conditions, but shall not be less than 25mm / kV. The protected creepage distance
shall be at least fifty percent of the total.
The Bidder shall quote the make, type of insulation material, metal fittings, creepage distance, protected
creepage distance along with cantilever, torsion, tension and compression strengths.
8.

TERMINATIONS

The equipment shall be supplied with electrical connection terminals of a size and rating appropriate for
all the duties, including overload duty specified for the equipment. The terminals shall be of the bimetallic type, suitable for connection of all aluminium alloy conductor (AAAC) or aluminium
conductor steel reinforced (ACSR). In general connections using palm type solderless sockets shall be
preferred. The proposed method of connection shall be stated in the offer and shall be subject to
approval by the Purchaser. Where the terminals are of the clamp type, they shall be suitable for taking a
range of conductors appropriate to the rating of the equipment.
All nuts, bolts, washers and spring washers required to complete the connection shall be supplied with
the equipment.
9.

TEMPERATURE RISE

The temperature rise shall not exceed the following figures when the switch is in continuous operation,
over ambient temperature of 50 deg.C
Part

Temperature Rise

Total Temperature

Copper Contacts

55oC

105oC

Terminals

40oC

90oC

Metal Parts

40oC

90oC

10.
TESTS
Type tests and routine tests shall be carried out and results given along with certification as appropriate
in the Technical Data Schedule and Test Certificates Schedule of this specification.

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
10.1. Type tests.
The following type tests are required:
Visual Examination
Verification of dimensions
Visible discharge test
Dielectric test (impulse and one minute power frequency withstand test, dry and wet )
Temperature cycle test.
Short time current and peak current withstand test.
Mainly active load breaking capacity test.
Transformer magnetising current breaking capacity test.
Line charging current breaking capacity test.
Cable charging current breaking capacity test.
Mechanical strength test for post insulator as per IEC 168 / IS 2544
Operational and mechanical endurance test.
Test for galvanisation of ferrous parts.
Porosity test on post insulators
10.2. Routine Tests.
The following routine tests shall be conducted on each set and results are to be furnished for
consideration:
Power frequency voltage dry test
Measurement of resistance of main circuit
Tests to prove satisfactory operation and mechanical strength.
Dimension test
Visual Inspection test.
Millivolt drop test
11.

COMPLIANCE WITH SPECIFICATION

The Air Break Switch shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this specification. However,
any minor departure from the provisions of the specification shall be disclosed at the time of tendering
in the Non Compliance Schedule in this document.
12.

COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS

All the equipment shall comply in all respects with the Indian Regulations and Acts in force.
The equipment and connections shall be designed and arranged to minimise the risk of fire and any
damage which might be caused in the event of fire.

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch
13.

Inspection and Testing

The Purchaser shall have free entry at all times, while work on the contract is being performed, to all parts
of the manufacturer's works which concern the processing of the equipment ordered. The manufacturer
shall afford the Purchaser without charge, all reasonable facilities to assure that the equipment being
furnished is in accordance with this specification.
The equipment shall successfully pass all the type tests and routine tests referred to in the section on Tests
and those listed in the most recent edition of the standards given in this specification.
The Purchaser reserves the right to reject an item of equipment if the test results do not comply with the
values specified or with the data given in the technical data schedule.
Type tests shall be carried out at an independent testing laboratory or be witnessed by a representative of
such laboratory or some other representative acceptable to the Purchaser. Routine tests shall be carried out
by the Contractor at no extra charge at the manufacturer's works.
Type Test certificates shall be submitted with the bid for evaluation. The requirement for additional
type tests will be at the discretion of the Purchaser.
The Purchaser may witness routine and type tests. In order to facilitate this, the Contractor shall give the
Purchaser a minimum of four weeks notice that the material is ready for testing. If the Purchaser does not
indicate his intention to participate in the testing, the manufacturer may proceed with the tests and shall
furnish the results thereof to the Purchaser.
Full details of the proposed methods of testing, including connection diagrams, shall be submitted to the
Purchaser by the Contractor for approval, at least one month before testing.
All costs in connection with the testing, including any necessary re-testing, shall be borne by the
Contractor, who shall provide the Purchaser with all the test facilities which the latter may require, free of
charge. The Purchaser shall have the right to select the samples for test and shall also have the right to
assure that the testing apparatus is correct. Measuring apparatus for routine tests shall be calibrated at the
expense of the Contractor at an approved laboratory and shall be approved by the Purchaser.
The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper testing of the materials supplied by sub-suppliers to
the same extent as if the materials were completed or supplied by the Contractor.
Any cost incurred by the Purchaser in connection with inspection and re-testing as a result of failure of the
equipment under test or damage during transport or offloading shall be to the account of the Contractor.
The Contractor shall submit to the Purchaser five signed copies of the test certificates, giving the results of
the tests as required. No materials shall be dispatched until the test certificates have been received by the
Purchaser and the Contractor has been informed that they are acceptable.
The test certificates must show the actual values obtained from the tests, in the units used in this
specification, and not merely confirm that the requirements have been met.
In the case of components for which specific type tests or routine tests are not given in this specification,
the Contractor shall include a list of the tests normally required for these components. All materials used in
the Contract shall withstand and shall be certified to have satisfactorily passed such tests.
No inspection or lack of inspection or passing by the Purchasers Representative of equipment or
materials whether supplied by the Contractor or sub-contractor, shall relieve the Contractor from his
liability to complete the contract works in accordance with the contract or exonerate him from any of
his guarantees.

13.1.

Guarantee

The Contractor shall guarantee the following :

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APDRP SCHEME , WESCO

Technical Specification for 11kV Air Break Switch

Quality and strength of materials used.

Satisfactory operation during the guarantee period of one year from the date of commissioning, or
18 months from the date of acceptance of the equipment by the Purchaser following delivery,
whichever is the earlier. Performance figures as supplied by the Bidder in the Technical Data
Schedule.

The offered surface treatment shall protect the treated metal from corrosion for a period of not
less than five years from the date of delivery.

14.

SUBMITTALS

The following shall be required in duplicate:

Completed technical data schedule;
Descriptive literature giving full technical details of equipment offered;
Outline dimension drawing for each component, general arrangement drawing showing component
layout;
Type test certificates, where available, and sample routine test reports;
Detailed reference list of customers already using equipment offered during the last 5 years with
particular emphasis on units of similar design and rating;
Details of manufacturer's quality assurance standards and programme and ISO 9000 series or equivalent
national certification;
Deviations from this specification. Only deviations approved in writing before award of contract shall
be accepted;
List of recommended spare parts for five years of operation with prices and spare parts catalogue with
price list for future requirements.

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