Technical Articles
Electrical assemblies and plants are susceptible to various types of over voltage, including temporary over voltage from the supply line and more severe transient non-linear overvoltage caused by atmospheric events such as lightning. These transient over voltages can occur directly when lightning strikes the structure or indirectly through electromagnetic fields induced around the impact point.
The capability of the assemblies to withstand such stresses depends all on the dielectric strength of the air between the two live parts carrying the impulse.
To assess the capability of electrical assemblies to withstand transient overvoltage, a specific test is conducted. This test involves applying an impulse withstand voltage of 1.2/50 μs, as illustrated in Figure 1, following a detailed procedure.
T1: peak time = 1.2 μs
T2: time at half value of U = 50 μs
The impulse voltage shall be applied five times at intervals of 1 second minimum between:
The test is passed if no discharges are detected.
This test is performed according to Table 10 of the IEC 61439-1, (shown below) which suggests the alternative between effective impulse, alternating voltage (r.m.s. value) and direct voltage, with the value defined as a function of the altitude and consequently of the quality of the ambient air around the assembly under test.
| IEC 61439-1, Impulse withstand voltages | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp (kV) | Test voltages and corresponding altitudes during test | |||||||||
| U1,2/50, a.c. peak and d.c. (kV) Sea level | a.c. r.m.s. (kV) | |||||||||
| Sea level | 200 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 2000 m | Sea level | 200 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 2000 m | |
| 2,5 | 2,95 | 2,8 | 2,8 | 2,7 | 2,5 | 2,1 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 1,9 | 1,8 |
| 4,0 | 4,8 | 4,8 | 4,7 | 4,4 | 4,0 | 3,4 | 3,4 | 3,3 | 3,1 | 2,8 |
| 6,0 | 7,3 | 7,2 | 7,0 | 6,7 | 6,0 | 5,1 | 5,1 | 5,0 | 4,7 | 4,2 |
| 8,0 | 9,8 | 9,6 | 9,3 | 9,0 | 8,0 | 6,9 | 6,8 | 6,6 | 6,4 | 5,7 |
| 12,0 | 14,8 | 14,5 | 14,0 | 13,3 | 12,0 | 10,5 | 10,3 | 9,9 | 9,4 | 8,5 |
Verification by assessment (as an alternative to testing) prescribes to verify that clearances between all live parts with risk of disruptive discharges shall be at least 1.5 times the values specified in Table 1 of IEC 61439-1 as shown below. The 1.5 safety factor takes into consideration manufacturing tolerances.
| Minimum clearances in air | |
|---|---|
| Rated impulse withstand voltage Uimp (kV) | Minimum clearance (mm) |
| ≤ 2,5 | 1,5 |
| 4,0 | 3,0 |
| 6,0 | 5,5 |
| 8,0 | 8,0 |
| 12,0 | 14,0 |
| Based on inhomogeneous field conditions and pollution degree 3. | |
In the context of busbar trunking systems, the choice between an 8 kV and a 12 kV impulse withstand voltage significantly impacts the system’s ability to withstand lightning surges and switching surges. A 12 kV rating offers more robust protection compared to an 8 kV rating, which is particularly beneficial in areas prone to severe electrical storms or with higher voltage requirements.
While 8 kV may be sufficient for some applications, 12 kV provides a higher margin of safety and can prevent potential damage or outages caused by transient voltage spikes.
Benefits of a 12 kV Impulse Withstand Voltage
While an 8 kV impulse withstand voltage can be adequate for certain applications, a 12 kV rating provides a more robust and reliable solution for busbar trunking systems. The higher rating offers enhanced protection against transient over voltages, ensuring better long-term performance, especially in areas with higher voltage requirements or severe electrical conditions. Therefore, choosing a 12 kV impulse withstand voltage can be a prudent decision for ensuring the resilience and reliability of electrical systems against transient over voltages.
Rajesh R Shirodkar,
DGM-Corporate CommunicationRajesh Shirodkar is a seasoned marketing and business leader with over 20 years of experience in the automation and electrical industry, spanning marketing communications, sales, business development, and software solution selling. He has led successful brand transformation initiatives and high-impact marketing programs, including branding and account-based marketing campaigns, as well as industry events that drive visibility, engagement, and growth. With expertise in brand building, lead generation, solution selling, and sales enablement, Rajesh is known for translating technology and business offerings into compelling value propositions and delivering sustainable growth through strong stakeholder collaboration.
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