Complementary Discrimination table

technical information

Contents
Coordination between Discrimination (selectivity) What is discrimination? page 6
circuit breakers
Discrimination of modular circuit breakers Contents 220-240/380-415 V page 13

Discrimination of circuit breakers Contents Ue y 440 V page 46

Protection discrimination with fuses Principle page 79

Cascading Contents page 93

Using the tables

Two circuit breakers offer total discrimination when the corresponding box in the discrimination table is shaded or contains the letter T.
When discrimination is partial for the combination, the corresponding box indicates the maximum value of the fault current for which
discrimination is provided. For fault currents above this value, the two circuit breakers trip simultaneously.

5
Complementary Coordination between circuit
technical information
breakers
Discrimination of modular circuit breakers

Contents
Downstream Upstream
Type iDPN, iDPN N iC60N/H/L NG125N/H/L,
C120N/H
Curve B C D B C D B C D
iDPN B page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 28 page 30 page 32
C page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 28 page 30 page 32
D page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 28 page 30 page 32
iDPN N B page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 29 page 31 page 33
C page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 29 page 31 page 33
D page 16 page 17 page 18 page 19 page 20 page 21 page 29 page 31 page 33
iC60N/H/L B – – – page page page page page page
22-23 24-25 26-27 34-41 36-37 38-39
C – – – page page page page page page
22-23 24-25 26-27 34-41 36-37 38-39
D – – – page page page page page page
22-23 24-25 26-27 34-41 36-37 38-39
C120, B – – – – – – page page page
NG125 40-41 42-43 44-45
C – – – – – – page page page
40-41 42-43 44-45
D – – – – – – page page page
40-41 42-43 44-45

Discrimination between circuit breakers

In the following tables we show the level of discrimination between two LV circuits
that are protected by circuit breakers.
This discrimination will be either:
bb total: represented by a T (up to the breaking capacity of the downstream device),
bb partial: discrimination limit current (Is) indicated. Below this value discrimination is
ensured, above this value the upstream device is also involved in breaking,
bb zero: no discrimination ensured.

13
Complementary Discrimination table
technical information
Discrimination of circuit breakers

Ue y 440 V AC

Contents
Downstream Upstream
Type NG160 NSX100 NSX160 NSX250 NSX400 NSX630
TM-D Micrologic TM-D Micrologic TM-D Micrologic Micrologic Micrologic
iDPN page 47 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 52 page 52
iDPN N page 47 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 52 page 52
iC60N/H/L page 47 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 52 page 52
C120, page 47 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 52 page 52
NG125
NG160 - page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 48 page 49 page 52 page 52
NSX100 - page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 52 page 52
NSX160 - page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 52 page 52
NSX250 - page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 50 page 51 page 52 page 52
NSX400 - - - - - - - page 52 page 52

Discrimination between circuit breakers

In the following tables we show the level of discrimination between two LV circuits
that are protected by circuit breakers up to 440 V, 50/60 Hz systems.
This discrimination will be either:
bb total: represented by a T (up to the breaking capacity of the downstream device),
bb partial: discrimination limit current (Is) indicated. Below this value discrimination is
ensured, above this value the upstream device is also involved in breaking,
bb zero: no discrimination ensured.

46
 Complementary Coordination between circuit
technical information
breakers
Discrimination (Selectivity)

Discrimination between Compact NSX upstream

and modular circuit breakers downstream
Compact NSX circuit breakers have been designed to ensure total discrimination
with Acti9 range.
bb Total discrimination between Compact NSX 100 A with electronic trip unit and
Acti9 circuit breaker up to 40 A.
bb Total discrimination between Compact NSX u 160 A with TMD trip unit u125 A or
electronic trip unit and Acti9 up to 63 A.

Discrimination between Compact NSX circuit

breakers
Thanks to the Roto-Active breaking principle in the Compact NSX, a combination of
Schneider Electric circuit breakers provides an exceptional level of discrimination
DB115814.eps

between protection devices.

This performance is due to the combination and optimization of 3 principles:
bb current discrimination,
bb energy discrimination,
bb time discrimination.

Protection against overloads: current discrimination

The protection is selective if the ratio between the setting thresholds is higher than 1.6 (in the
case of two distribution circuit breakers).

Protection against weak short circuits: time discrimination

Tripping of the upstream device has a slight time delay; tripping of the downstream device is
faster.
The protection is selective if the ratio between the short-circuit protection thresholds is no less
than 1.5.

Protection against high short circuits: energy discrimination

This principle combines the exceptional limiting power of the Compact NSX devices and reflex
release, sensitive to the energy dissipated by the short circuit in the device.
When a short circuit is high, if it is seen by two devices, the downstream device limits it greatly.
The energy dissipated in the upstream device is insufficient to cause it to trip: there is
discrimination whatever the value of the short circuit.
The range has been designed to ensure energy discrimination between NSX630/NSX250/
NSX100 or NSX400/NSX160.

Discrimination between Masterpact or Compact NS

u 630 A upstream and Compact NSX downstream
Thanks to their high-performance control units and a very innovative design,
Masterpact and Compact NS u 630 A devices offer, as standard, a very high level of
discrimination with downstream Compact NSX up to 630 A
Respect the basic rules of discrimination for overload and short-circuit, or check that
curves do not overlap with Ecodial software.
Check the discrimination limit in tables for high short-circuit current or when using
limiter circuit breakers (Masterpact NT L1 or Compact NS L or LB) upstream.

Discrimination between Masterpact or Compact NS

u 630 A upstream and downstream
The utilization category of these devices (excepted limiters ones) is B according to
IEC 60947 standard. Discrimination is ensured by a combination of current
discrimination and time discrimination.
Respect the basic rules of discrimination for overload and short-circuit, or check that
curves do not overlap with Ecodial software.
Check the discrimination limit in tables for high short-circuit current or when using
limiter circuit breakers (Masterpact NT L1 or Compact NS L or LB).

Basic rules of discrimination for overload and short-

circuit
Upstream Downstream Thermal protection Magnetic protection
Ir upstream / Ir downstream Im upstream / Im downstream
TM TM or MCB u 1.6 u2
Micrologic u 1.6 u 1.5
Micrologic TM or MCB u 1.6 u 1.5
Micrologic u 1.3 u 1.5 (1)
(1) See "Additional conditions according to the trip units".

10
 Complementary Protection discrimination
technical information
with fuses

Principle
DB403798.eps

Schneider Electric offers a coordinated protection system

In an electrical installation, protection fuses are never used alone and must always
be integrated in a system comprising circuit breakers.
Coordination is required between:
bb upstream and downstream fuses
bb upstream circuit breakers and downstream fuses
bb upstream fuses and downstream circuit breakers.

Upstream fuse / Downstream fuse

I ON

O
OFF

test

Discrimination is ensured when

Total energy of downstream fuse (Etav) < Pre-arcing energy of upstream fuse
Acti 9
(Epam)
O
OFF
I ON

Note: If Etav is higher than 80 % of Epam, the upstream fuse may be derated.
bb Upstream gG fuse-link / downstream gG fuse-link
test

Standard IEC 60269-2-1 indicates limit values for pre-arcing and total energies for
operation of gG and gM fuse-links, where the operating current is approximately
30 In.
DB115746.eps

I2t limit and test currents for verification of discrimination

In (A) Minimum values of pre-arcing I 2t Maximum values of operating I2t
Rms values of I 2t Rms values of I 2t
I prospective (A2s) I prospective (A2s)
(kA) (kA)
16 0.27 291 0.55 1 210
20 0.40 640 0.79 2 500
25 0.55 1 210 1.00 4 000
32 0.79 2 500 1.20 5 750
40 1.00 4 000 1.50 9 000
50 1.20 5 750 1.85 13 700
63 1.50 9 000 2.30 21 200
80 1.85 13 700 3.00 36 000
100 2.30 21 200 4.00 64 000
125 3.00 36 000 5.10 104 000
160 4.00 64 000 6.80 185 000
200 5.10 104 000 8.70 302 000
250 6.80 185 000 11.80 557 000
315 8.70 302 000 15.00 900 000
Curves E = f ( I) superimposed. 400 11.80 557 000 20.00 1 600 000
500 15.00 900 000 26.00 2 700 000
DB114881.eps

630 20.00 1 600 000 37.00 5 470 000

800 26.00 2 700 000 50.00 10 000 000
1000 37.00 5 470 000 66.00 66,00 17 400 000
1250 50.00 10 000 000 90,00 33 100 000

bb Upstream gG fuse-link / downstream aM fuse-link

The I = f (t) curve for an aM fuse-link is steeper. aM fuse-links are just as fast as
gG fuse-links for short-circuit currents, but slower for low overloads.
That is why the discrimination ratio between gG and aM fuse-links is
approximately 2.5 to 4.

l = f(t) curves.

79
 Complementary Protection discrimination
technical information
with fuses

Feature exclusive to Schneider Electric

DB125650.eps

Masterpact NT or NW upstream of a Fupact equipped with a gG

fuse-link
HA10 12kV
NX 08 Uimp
Ui 1000V
Ue (V)
690

50kA/1s
50/60Hz

947-2 AS NBMA
IEC UNE
EN 60947-2BS CEI
VDE
UTE

The new Micrologic control unit has a special LT delay setting for HVF very inverse
time applications.
This curve is ideal for discrimination when fuse-based protection devices are
installed downstream (LV distribution) or upstream (HV).

DB125654.eps

DB125655.eps
I ON

O
OFF

test

IDMTL curve.

Increase in discrimination.

The new Micrologic 5.0 - 6.0 - 7.0 P / H control units are equipped as standard with
four settings for LT inverse-time curves with adjustable slopes.
SIT: standard inverse time.
VIT: very inverse time.
EIT: extremely inverse time (traditional LT curve).
HVF: high-voltage fuse, inverse-time curve that follows the fuse thermal curve.

81
Complementary Protection discrimination
technical information
with fuses

Masterpact NT or NW upstream of an aM fuse-link

The upstream protection circuit breaker must be coordinated with the thermal relay
and the short-circuit protection aM fuse-link.

DB115188.eps

bb Overload zone - coordination between Masterpact and the thermal relay

Masterpact offers an EIT long-time setting that is totally coordinated with the curves
of the thermal relay. Discrimination is ensured as long as the setting ratio is greater
than 1.6.
bb Short-circuit zone - coordination between Masterpact and the aM fuse-link
Under short-circuit conditions > 10 In, the I = f (t) characteristic of an aM fuse-link is
very similar to that of a gG fuse-link with the same rating.

Given the above and using the EIT long-time setting, Masterpact offers the same
discrimination ratios for both gG and aM downstream fuse-links. This ratio is very
similar to that for gG fuse-links installed upstream of aM fuse-links.

Note: if there are motor feeders protected by aM fuse-links and distribution lines protected by gG
fuse-links downstream of a Masterpact circuit breaker, selection of HVF long-time curves is the
means to ensure identical discrimination for both types of circuit.

See pages 85 to 88 for the discrimination tables.

l2t ON setting
To significantly limit the stresses exerted on the installation (cables installed on
trays, power supplied by an engine generator set, etc.), it may be necessary to set
the ST protection function to a low value.
The I²t ON function, a constant-energy tripping curve, maintains the level of
discrimination performance and facilitates total discrimination.
DB115820.eps

DB115190.eps

l2t ON curve.

Increase in the discrimination limit.

82
 Complementary Protection discrimination
technical information
with fuses

Compact NSX upstream of gG or aM fuse-links

DB125652.eps

Compact NSX is a current-limiting circuit breaker. Even without an ST (short time)

delay setting, discrimination at the ST critical point is significantly improved because
Compact NSX has a mini-delay that considerably increases curve values at the ST
critical point.

DB419907.eps
I ON

O
OFF

test

I2t curve for Compact NSX and a fuse.

See pages 90 and 92 for the discrimination tables.

Compact NSX downstream of gG or aM fuse-links

DB125657.eps

Compact NSX offers an extremely high level of current-limiting performance due to

the piston-based reflex tripping system. Again, discrimination is significantly
O
OFF

test
I ON

improved with an upstream fuse.

DB403802.eps

See page 92 for the discrimination tables.

83
Complementary Cascading
technical information Contents

Downstream Upstream
Type iDPN iC60 C120 NG125 NG160 NSX100 NSX160 NSX250

380-415 V (Ph/N 220-240 V)

iDPN 230 Ph/N page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 99 page 99 page 100
iC60 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 99 page 99 page 100
C120 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 98 page 99 page 99 page 100
NG125 - - - page 98 page 98 page 99 page 99 page 100
NG160 - - - - - page 99 page 99 page 100
NSX100 - - - - - page 99 page 99 page 100
NSX160 - - - - - - page 99 page 100
NSX250 - - - - - - - page 100
440 V
iC60 - page 105 - page 105 - page 105 page 105 -
NG125 - page 105 - page 105 - page 105 page 105 page 106
NG160 - - - - - - page 105 page 106
NSX100 - - - - page 105 page 105 page 106
NSX160 - - - - - - page 105 page 106
NSX250 - - - - - - - page 106
220-240 V (Ph/N 110-130 V)
iDPN 130 Ph/N page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
iC60 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
C120 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
NG125 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
NG160 - - - - page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
NSX100 - - - - page 110 page 110 page 111 page 112
NSX160 - - - - - - page 111 page 112
NSX250 - - - - - - - page 112

Discrimination enhanced by cascading

Downstream Upstream
Type NG160 NSX100 NSX160 NSX250
380-415 V (Ph/N 220-240 V)
iC60 page 117 page 119 page 118-119 page 118-120
C120 - - - page 118-120
NG125 - - page 118 page 118-120
NG160 - - - page 120
NSX100 - - - page 120
440 V
iC60 - page 124 page 123 -
NG125 - page 124 page 123 page 123
NSX100 - page 124 - page 123
220-240 V (Ph/N 110-130 V)
iC60 - page 128 page 127-128 page 127-129
C120 - - - page 127-129
NG125 - - page 127 page 127-129
NG160 - - - page 130
NSX100 - - - page 130

93
Complementary Cascading
technical information Contents

Downstream Upstream
Type NSX400 NSX630 NS630b NS800 NS1000 NS1250 NS2000 Masterpact
NS1600 NS2500
H/L H NS3200
380-415 V (Ph/N 220-240 V)
NG160 page 101 page 102 page 103 - - - - -
NSX100 page 101 page 102 page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NSX160 page 101 page 102 page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NSX250 page 101 page 102 page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NSX400 page 101 page 102 page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NSX630 - page 102 page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NS630b - - page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NS800 - - page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NS1000 - - page 103 page 103 page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NS1250 - - - - page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
NS1600 - - - - page 104 page 104 page 104 page 104
440 V
NG160 page 106 page 107 - - - - - -
NSX100 page 106 page 107 page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NSX160 page 106 page 107 page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NSX250 page 106 page 107 page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NSX400 page 106 page 107 page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NSX630 - page 107 page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NS630b - - page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NS800 - - page 108 page 108 page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NS1000 - - - - page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NS1250 - - - - page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
NS1600 - - - - page 109 page 109 page 109 page 109
220-240 V (Ph/N 110-130 V)
NG160 page 113 page 114 - - - - - -
NSX100 page 113 page 114 page 115 page 115 page 115 - - page 115
NSX160 page 113 page 114 page 115 page 115 page 115 - - page 115
NSX250 page 113 page 114 page 115 page 115 page 115 - - page 115
NSX400 page 113 page 114 page 115 page 115 page 115 - - page 115
NSX630 - page 114 page 115 page 115 page 115 - - page 115

Discrimination enhanced by cascading

Downstream Upstream
Type NSX400 NSX630 NS800 NS1000 NS1250 NS1600
380-415 V (Ph/N 220-240 V)
NG160 page 121 page 121 - - - -
NSX100 page 121 page 121 page 122 page 122 page 122 page 122
NSX160 page 121 page 121 page 122 page 122 page 122 page 122
NSX250 page 121 page 121 page 122 page 122 page 122 page 122
NSX400 - - page 122 page 122 page 122 page 122
NSX630 - - page 122 page 122 page 122 page 122
440 V
NSX100 page 125 page 125 page 126 page 126 page 126 page 126
NSX160 page 125 page 125 page 126 page 126 page 126 page 126
NSX250 page 125 page 125 page 126 page 126 page 126 page 126
NSX400 - - page 126 page 126 page 126 page 126
NSX630 - - page 126 page 126 page 126 page 126
220-240 V (Ph/N 110-130 V)
NG160 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -
NSX100 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -
NSX160 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -
NSX250 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -
NSX400 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -
NSX630 page 131 page 131 page 131 page 131 - -

94
Complementary Cascading
technical information

Using the cascading tables

This table takes in account all types of faults: between phases, phase and neutral,
phase and earth in all earthing systems.
In IT the following cascading tables can not be used to improve performances in
case of "double fault" between two different phases and earth in two different
locations of the installation. Each breaker shall comply to IEC60947-2 Annex H to be
used in such a system.
Depending on the network and the type of downstream circuit breaker, the selection
table below indicates which table should be consulted to find out the cascading
value.

Selection table
Upstream network
DB123996.eps

DB123998.eps

DB123997.eps
L1 L1 L1
N L2 L2
L3 L3
N
Type of Type of Downstream Type of circuit breaker upstream device: 1P, 2P, 3P or 4P circuit breaker
Downstream protection device Ph/N Ph/N Ph/N Ph/N Ph/Ph Ph/Ph
network 110-130 V 220-240 V 110-130 V 220-240 V 220-240 V 380-415 V
Ph/Ph Ph/Ph
220-240 V 380-415 V
DB123991.eps

N L1
DB124079.eps

(1) (1)

See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue:
2P 220-240 V 380-415 V 220-240 V 380-415 V
DB124191.eps

DB123992.eps

(2) (2)

See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue:
1P 1P + N 220-240 V 380-415 V 220-240 V 380-415 V

L1 L2
DB124192.eps

DB123991.eps

See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue:
2P 220-240 V 380-415 V 220-240 V 380-415 V

L1L2 L3
DB124080.eps

DB123993.eps

See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue: See table Ue:
3P 220-240 V 380-415 V 220-240 V 380-415 V

N L1 L2 L3
DB124081.eps

DB123994.eps

See table Ue: See table Ue:

4P 220-240 V 380-415 V
DB123993.eps

DB123995.eps

See table Ue: See table Ue:

3P 3P+N 220-240 V 380-415 V
(1) For fault phase-neutral with upstream protection of neutral, please consult the table Ue: 220-240 V.
(2) For iC60 1P+N circuit breaker connected between phase and neutral under 220-240 V, consult the table Ue: 220-240 V (only for faults between phase and neutral).

96
 Complementary Cascading
technical information

Example of three level cascading

DB120608.eps

Consider three circuit breakers A, B and C connected in series. The criteria for
cascading are fulfilled in the following two cases:
bb the upstream device A is coordinated for cascading with both devices B and C
(even if the cascading criteria are not fulfilled between B and C). It is simply
necessary to check that the combinations A + B and A + C have the required
breaking capacity
bb each pair of successive devices is coordinated, i.e. A with B and B with C (even if
the cascading criteria are not fulfilled between A and C). It is simply necessary to
check that the combinations A + B and B + C have the required breaking capacity.
The upstream breaker A is a NSX250L (breaking capacity 150 kA) for a prospective
lsc of 80 kA across its output terminals.
A NSX100B (breaking capacity 25 kA) can be used for circuit breaker B for a
iC60H prospective lsc of 40 kA across its output terminals, since the "reinforced" breaking
25 A capacity provided by cascading with the upstream NSX250L is 50 kA.
A C60H (breaking capacity 15 kA) can be used for circuit breaker C for a prospective
lsc of 24 kA across its output terminals since the "reinforced" breaking capacity
provided by cascading with the upstream NSX250L is 25 kA.
Note that the "reinforced" breaking capacity of the C60H with the NSX100B
upstream is only 20 kA, but:
bb A + B = 50 kA
bb A + C = 25 kA.

97
Complementary Discrimination enhanced
technical information
by cascading

With traditional circuit breakers, cascading between two devices generally results in
the look of discrimination.
With Compact circuit breakers, the discrimination characteristics in the tables remain
applicable and are in some cases even enhanced. Protection discrimination is
ensured for short-circuit currents greater than the rated breaking capacity of the
circuit breaker and even, in some cases, for its enhanced breaking capacity. In the
later case, protection discrimination is total, i.e. only the downstream device trips
for any and all possible faults at its point in the installation.
Example
Consider a combination between:
bb a Compact NSX250H with trip unit TM250D
bb a Compact NSX100F with trip unit TM25D.
The discrimination tables indicate total discrimination. Protection discrimination is
therefore ensured up to the breaking capacity of the NSX100F, i.e. 36 kA.
The cascading tables indicate an enhanced breaking capacity of 70 kA.
The enhanced discrimination tables indicate that in a cascading configuration,
discrimination is ensured up to 70 kA, i.e. for any and all possible faults at that point
in the installation.

Enhanced discrimination tables - 380-415 V

For each combination of two circuit breakers, the tables indicate the:
Downstream device
breaking capacity enhanced
by cascading (in kA)
15 / 25
Selectivity limit enhanced by cascading
(in kA)

In a table, a box containing two equal values indicates that discrimination is provided
up to the reinforced breaking capacity of the downstream device.
These tables apply only to cases with combined discrimination and cascading
between two devices. For all other cases, refer to the normal cascading and
discrimination tables.

Technical principle
Enhanced discrimination is the result of the exclusive Compact NSX Roto-active
breaking technique which operates as follows:
bb due to the short-circuit current (electrodynamic forces), the contacts in both
devices simultaneously separate. The result is major limitation of the short-circuit
current
bb the dissipated energy provokes the reflex tripping of the downstream device,
but is insufficient to trip the upstream device.
DB125677.eps

iC60N
63 A

Note: respect the basic rules of discrimination, in terms of overload, short-circuit, see pages 6 and 14.

116
 Complementary Motor protection discrimination
technical information

Contents
Using the tables
Two circuit breakers offer total discrimination when the corresponding box in the
discrimination table is shaded or contains the letter T.
When discrimination is partial for the combination, the corresponding box indicates
the maximum value of the fault current for which discrimination is provided.
For fault currents above this value, the two circuit breakers trip simultaneously.

Application Upstream device Downstream device Table page

Motor protection Compact NSX100 to 250 TM-D GV2, GV3, LUB12, LUB32, Integral 63 page 133
discrimination iC60L MA, NG125L MA, NS80H-MA, NSX100 to 250 page 136
Compact NSX100 to 160 Micrologic GV2, GV3, LUB12, LUB32, Integral 63 page 134
Compact NSX100 to 250 Micrologic iC60L MA, NG125L MA, NS80H-MA, NSX100 to 250 page 137
Compact NSX250 to 630 Micrologic GV2, GV3, LUB12, LUB32, Integral 63 page 135
Compact NSX400 to 630 Micrologic iC60L MA, NG125L MA, NS80H-MA, NSX100 to 250 page 138
Compact NS630b to 1600 N/H GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, NS80H page 139
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 MA, NSX100 - 630
Compact NS630b to 1000 L GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 140
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Compact NS1600b to 3200 N GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 141
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Masterpact NT06 - 16 H1/H2 GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 142
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Masterpact NT06 - 10 L1 GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 143
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Masterpact NW08 - 20 N1/H1/H2/L1 GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 144
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Masterpact NW25 - 40 H1/H2, NW40b - 63 H1 GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 145
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Masterpact NW20 - 40 H3, NW40b - 63 H2 GV2, GV3, TeSys U, iC60 L MA, NG125 L MA, page 146
Micrologic 2.0/5.0/6.0/7.0 NS80H MA, NSX100 - 630
Cascading NG125, NG160, Compact NSX iC60, NG125, Compact NS, LUB, GV, Integral page 147
Cascading and enhanced Compact NSX160 to 400 LUB, Integral page 149
discrimination 380/415 V Compact NSX160 GV2 ME page 150
GV2 P page 151
GV2 L page 152
Cascading and enhanced Compact NSX160 to 400 LUB12 to LUB32 page 153
discrimination 440 V
Protection of motor circuits Circuit breaker/contactor coordination page 154
Using the circuit breaker/contactor page 159
Type 2 coordination page 163
Type 1 coordination page 184
Protection of motor circuits with fuses: general page 191
Protection of motor circuits with BS fuses page 192
Protection of motor circuits with NFC fuses page 193
Protection of motor circuits with DIN fuses page 195
Type 2 coordination page 197
DB115197.eps

How to use the discrimination tables

bb For discrimination between a circuit breaker and a motor control and
protection assembly
If discrimination is partial, the table indicates the maximum fault current value for
which discrimination is ensured. For fault currents above this value, the 2 devices
trip simultaneously.

Discrimination between circuit breakers used for motor

protection.

Requisite conditions
The values indicated in the tables (for 220, 380, 415 and 440 V) are guaranteed
if the following conditions are respected:

Upstream Downstream Thermal protection Magnetic protection

Ir up/Ir down Im up/Im down
TM MA + separate therm. relay u3 u2
Thermal-magnetic motor type u3 u2
Micrologic MA + separate therm. relay u3 u 1.5
Thermal-magnetic motor type u3 u 1.5

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 Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Circuit breaker/contactor coordination

A circuit supplying a motor may include one, two, three or four switchgear or
controlgear devices fulfilling one or more functions.
When a number of devices are used, they must be coordinated to ensure
optimum operation of the motor.
Protection of a motor circuit involves a number of parameters that depend on:
bb the application (type of machine driven, operating safety, starting frequency, etc.)
bb the level of service continuity imposed by the load or the application
bb the applicable standards to ensure protection of life and property.
The necessary electrical functions are of very different natures:
bb protection (motor-dedicated for overloads)
bb control (generally with high endurance levels)
bb isolation.

Protection functions


Disconnection functions:
bb Isolate a motor circuit prior to maintenance operations.
Short-circuit protection:
Protect the starter and the cables against major overcurrents (> 10 In).
Control:
Start and stop the motor, and, if applicable:
bb gradual acceleration
bb speed control.
Overload protection:
Protect the starter and the cables against minor overcurrents (< 10 In).
Additional specific protection:
bb limitative fault protection (while the motor is running)
bb preventive fault protection (monitoring of motor insulation with motor off).
Overloads (I < 10 In).
An overload may be caused by:
bb an electrical problem, for instance on the mains (loss of a phase, voltage outside
tolerances, etc.)
bb a mechanical problem, for instance excessive torque due to abnormally high
demands by the process or motor damage (bearing vibrations, etc.)
A further consequence of these two origins is excessively long starting.
Impedant short-circuit (10 < I < 50 In)
Deterioration of motor-winding insulation is the primary cause.
Short-circuit (I > 50 In)
This type of fault is relatively rare. A possible cause may be a connection error during
maintenance.
Overload protection
Thermal relays provide protection against this type of fault. They may be:
bb integrated in the short-circuit protective device
bb separate.
Short-circuit protection
This type of protection is provided by a circuit breaker.
Protection against insulation faults
This type of protection may be provided by:
bb a residual current device (RCD)
bb an insulation monitoring device (IMD).

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Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Circuit breaker/contactor coordination

Applicable standards
A circuit supplying a motor must comply with the general rules set out in IEC
standard 60947-4-1 and in particular with those concerning contactors, motor
starters and their protection as stipulated in IEC 60947-4-1, notably:
bb coordination of the components of the motor circuit
bb trip class for thermal relays
bb contactor utilisation categories
bb coordination of insulation.

Coordination of the components of the motor circuit

Two types of coordination
The standard defines tests at different current levels. The purpose of these tests is to
place the switchgear and controlgear in extreme conditions. Depending on the state
of the components following the tests, the standard defines two types of
coordination:
bb type 1:
Deterioration of the contactor and the relay is acceptable under two conditions:
vv no danger to operating personnel
vv no danger to any components other than the contactor and the relay
bb type 2:
Only minor welding of the contactor or starter contacts is permissible and the
contacts must be easily separated.
vv following type-2 coordination tests, the switchgear and controlgear functions must
be fully operational.
Which type of coordination is needed?
Selection of a type of coordination depends on the operating conditions
encountered.
The goal is to achieve the best balance between the user’s needs and the cost of the
installation.
bb type 1:
vv qualified maintenance service
vv low cost of switchgear and controlgear
vv continuity of service is not imperative or may be ensured by simply replacing the
faulty motor drawer
bb type 2:
vv continuity of service is imperative
vv limited maintenance service
vv specifications stipulating type 2.

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Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Circuit breaker/contactor coordination

The different test currents

"Ic", "r" and "Iq" test currents
To qualify for type-2 coordination, the standard requires three fault-current tests to
check that the switchgear and controlgear operates correctly under overload and
short-circuit conditions.
"Ic" current (overload I < 10 In)
The thermal relay provides protection against this type of fault, up to the Ic value (a
function of Im or Isd) defined by the manufacturer.
IEC standard 60947-4-1 stipulates two tests that must be carried out to guarantee
coordination between the thermal relay and the short-circuit protective device:
bb at 0.75 Ic, only the thermal relay reacts
bb at 1.25 Ic, the short-circuit protective device reacts.
Following the tests at 0.75 and 1.25 Ic, the trip characteristics of the thermal relay
must be unchanged. Type-2 coordination thus enhances continuity of service. The
contactor may be closed automatically following clearing of the faul.
"r" current
(Impedant short-circuit 10 < I < 50 In)
The primary cause of this type of fault is the deterioration of insulation. IEC standard
60947-4-1 defines an intermediate short-circuit current “r”. This test current is used
to check that the protective device provides protection against impedant short-
circuits.
There must be no modification in the original characteristics of the contactor and the
thermal relay following the test.
The circuit breaker must trip in y 10 ms for a fault current u 15 In.

Operational current Ie (AC3) of the motor (in A) "r" current (kA)

Ie y 16 1
16 < Ie y 63 3
63 < Ie y 125 5
125 < Ie y 315 10
315 < Ie < 630 18

“Iq” current
(short-circuit I > 50 In)
This type of fault is relatively rare. A possible cause may be a connection error during
maintenance.
Short-circuit protection is provided by devices that open quickly.
IEC standard 60947-4-1 defines the “Iq” current as generally u 50 kA.
The “Iq” current is used to check the coordination of the switchgear and controlgear
installed on a motor supply circuit.
Following this test under extreme conditions, all the coordinated switchgear
and controlgear must remain operational.


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 Complementary Protection of motor circuits
 technical information Circuit breaker/contactor coordination

Trip class of a thermal relay

The four trip class of a thermal relay are 10 A, 10, 20 and 30
(maximum tripping times at 7.2 Ir).
Classes 10 and 10 A are the most commonly used. Classes 20 and 30 are reserved
for motors with difficult starting conditions.
The diagram and the table opposite can be used to select a thermal relay suited
to the motor starting time.

Class 1.05 Ir 1.2 Ir 1.5 Ir 7.2 Ir

10 A t>2h t<2h t < 2 min. 2 y t y 10 s
10 t>2h t<2h t < 4 min. 4 y t y 10 s
20 t>2h t<2h t < 8 min. 6 y t y 20 s
30 t>2h t<2h t < 12 min. 9 y t y 30 s

Trip class of a thermal relay.

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 Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Circuit breaker/contactor coordination

The four utilisation categories of contactors (AC1 to AC4)

The four utilisation categories of contactors (AC1 to AC4)The utilisation category
determines the operating frequency and endurance of a contactor. The category
depends on the type of load. If the load is a motor; the category also depends on the
service classification.
Main characteristics of the controlled electrical circuits and applications

Category Type of load Contactor usage Typical applications

AC1 No-inductive (cos j 0.8) Energisation Heating, distribution
AC2 Slip-ring motors (cos j 0.65) Starting Wire drawing machines
Switching off during running
Regenerative braking
Inching
AC3 Squirrel-cage motors Starting Compressors, lifts, mixing
(cos j 0.45 for le y 100A) Switching off during running Pumps, escalators, fans,
(cos j 0.35 for le > 100A) Conveyers, air-conditioning
AC4 Squirrel-cage motors Starting Printing machines, wire
(cos j 0.45 for le y 100A) Switching off during running
(cos j 0.35 for le > 100A) Regenerative braking
Plugging
Inching

AC3 utilisation category



This category covers asynchronous squirrel-cage motors that are switched off during
running. This is the most common situation (85 % of all cases).
The control device establishes the starting current and interrupts the rated current at
a voltage equal to approximately one-sixth of the rated value.
Current interruption is carried out with no difficulty.

AC3 utilisation category. The contactor interrupts the rated

current of the motor.

AC4 utilisation category



This category covers asynchronous squirrel-cage or slip-ring motors capable of

operating under regenerative-braking or inching (jogging) conditions.
The control device establishes the starting current and is capable of interrupting the
starting current at a voltage that may be equal to that of the mains.
Such difficult conditions require oversizing of the control and protective devices with
respect to category AC3.

AC4 utilisation category. The contactor must be capable of

interrupting the starting current id.

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Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Using the circuit breaker/contactor

Subtransient phenomena related to direct on-line starting of

asynchronous motors
Subtransient phenomena occurring when starting squirrel-cage motors:
A squirrel-cage motor draws a high inrush current during starting. This current is
related to the combined influence of two parameters:
bb the high inductance of the copper stator winding
bb the magnetisation of the iron core of the stator.
In motor: current drawn by the motor at full rated load (in A rms)
Id: current drawn by the motor during starting (in A ms)
Id’’: subtransient current generated by the motor when it is energised.
This very short subtransient phenomenon is expressed as k x Id x r 2
(in A peak).
td: motor starting time, from 0.5 to 30 seconds depending on the application.
td’’: duration of the subtransient current, from 0.010 to 0.015 seconds when the
motor is energised.
Irm: magnetic setting of the circuit breakers.


Typical upper and lower limits for these subtransient currents:

These values, not covered by standards, also depend on the type of motor
technology used:
bb ordinary motors Id’’ = 2 Id to 2.1 Id (in A peak)
bb high-efficiency motors Id’’ = 2.2 Id to 2.5 Id (in A peak).
bb variation of Id’’ as a function of Id:
Type of motor d Id’’
(in A rms) (in A peak)
Ordinary motor 5.8 to 8.6 In motor Id’’ = 2 Id = 11.5 In (A peak)
to Id’’ = 2.1 Id = 18 In (A peak)
High-efficiency motor 5.8 to 8.6 In motor Id’’ = 2.2 Id = 12.5 In (A peak)
to Id’’ = 2.5 Id = 21.5 In (A
peak)
Example: Upon energisation, a high-efficiency motor with an Id of 7.5 In produces a subtransient
current with a value between (depending on its characteritics):
vv minimum = 16.5 In (in A peak)
vv maximum = 18.8 In (in A peak).

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Complementary Protection of motor circuits
technical information Using the circuit breaker/contactor coordination
tables

Subtransient currents and protection settings:

bb as illustrated in the above table, subtransient currents can be very high.
bb If they approach their upper limits, they can trip short-cicuit protection devices
(nuisance tripping)
bb circuit breakers are rated to provide optimum short-circuit protection for motor
starters (type 2 coordination with thermal relay and contactor)
bb combinations made up of circuit breakers and contactors and thermal relays are
designed to allow starting of motors generating high subtransient currents (up to 19
In motor peak)
bb the tripping of short-circuit protective devices when starting with a combination
listed in the coordination tables means:
vv the limits of certain devices may be reached
vv the use of the starter under type 2 coordination conditions on the given motor may
lead to premature wear of one of the components of the combination.
In event of such a problem, the ratings of the starter and the associated
protective devices must be redesigned.

Using the coordination tables for circuit breaker and

contactors:
bb ordinary motor:
The starter components can be selected directly from the coordination tables,
whatever the values of the starting current (Id from 5.8 to 8.6 In) and the
subtransient current
bb high-efficiency motors with Id y 7.5 In:
The starter components can be selected directly from the coordination tables,
whatever the values of the starting current and the subtransient current
bb high-efficiency motors with Id > 7.5 In:
When circuit breakers are used for motor currents in the neighbourhood of their
rated current, they are set to provide minimum short-circuit protection at 19 In
motor (A peak).
There are two possibilities:
bb the subtransient starting current is known (indicated by the motor manufacturer)
and is less than 19 In motor (A peak).
In this case, the starter components can be selected directly from the coordination
tables, whatever the value of the starting current (for Id > 7.5 In).
Example: for a 110 kW 380/415 V 3-phase motor, the selected components are:
NSX250-MA220/LC1-F225/LR9-F5371.
bb the subtransient starting current is unknown or greater than 19 In motor
(A peak).
In this case, the value used for the motor power in the coordination tables should
be increased by 20 % to satisfy optimum starting and coordination conditions.
Example: for a 110 kW 380/415 V 3-phase motor, the selected components are
those for a motor power of 110 + 20 % = 132 kW:
NSX400 Micrologic 4.3M/LC1-F265/LR9-F5371

Reversing starters and coordination

The starter components can be selected using the tables for direct-on-line starting.
Replace contactors LC1 by LC2.

Star-delta starting and coordination

bb the components should be sized according to the current flowing in the motor
windings
bb the mounting locations and connections of the various components of star-delta
starters should be selected according to the type of coordination required and the
protective devices implemented.

160