Control Panel

Technical Guide
How to find the right circuit breaker
and transfer switch for a genset

schneider-electric.com
™
 Standby power supply
by generator set
Everything has been
planned so that this
will not happen…
If it is not controlled, the disappearance of
the 'mains' power supply of a facility is an event
with potentially serious consequences,
endangering the occupants, disrupting critical
activities and causing economic loss.
A standby generator set is the commonly
adopted solution to temporarily supply power
when the main source fails. An immediate and
reliable service is expected, whatever happens
to the electrical installation.

In this guide,
important IEC
design options
that cannot be
ignored
Apart from sizing the set's power,
certain technological options are important
with regard to reliability of service.

They concern, in particular:

>>Protecting of the set from electrical faults
>>Mains/Generator switchover.

2 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
Summary

Design
Generator set protection
by circuit breaker......................................... p. 4
Insulation fault protection system................. p. 6
Transfer switching equipment...................... p. 7

Typical applications
Standby power supply
for standard installations.............................. p. 10
Standby power supply
for safety installations................................... p. 16
Standby power supply
for mission critical installations..................... p. 22

Recommendations
Recommended products
for generator set applications....................... p. 25

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 3
 Generator set protection
by circuit breaker
What you should know

Number of circuit breaker poles: 4-pole device recommended

Generator

N N N N

L1 L2 L3 PEN L1 L2 L3 PEN L1 L2 L3 PE L1 L2 L3 PE PE N L1 L2 L3 PE N L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 PE N L1 L2 L3 PE N L1 L2 L3

TNC system IT system IT system TT system TNS system*

(non-distributed neutral) (distributed neutral)

* Neutral cutoff: preserves the operation of earth leakage protection devices

Three-pole circuit breaker Four-pole circuit breaker

When the earthing system is not known, the choice of a four-pole circuit breaker allows ex-post adaptation to all constraints (even if it means
using it as a three-pole device in the case of a non-distributed neutral). The same reasoning will apply in choosing the transfer
switching equipment.

Overload protection: choice of circuit breaker rating

Allowance for max. power: PRP or LTP
Adjustable tripping threshold
The set's PRP (Prime Running Power) is the power available for a variable load,
The IEC 60364 installation rules require overload
during an unlimited period. A 10% overload is permissible.
protection for cable between generator and
installation. or
However, the protection system is often determined The set's LTP (Limited Time Running Power) is the power that it can supply for at most
according to the generator characteristics, when its 500 hours per year at a constant load. No overload is permissible.
resistance to overload is lower than that of the cable.
Consequently, prefer a circuit breaker whose tripping Rating (Ir)*: that corresponding to the current (In) for selected
threshold "Ir" is adjustable, to optimize protection. power or that immediately higher
*Ir for 40°C ambient temperature. 50°C: Ir + 5%; 60°C: Ir + 10%
ESP, PRP, LTP, COP rating categories
ISO-8528-1:2005 defines four generator set basic
rating categories: Example:
> Emergency Standby Power (ESP), PRP = 70 kVA / 400 V In: 100 A - possible overload 110 A
> Prime Power (PRP), LTP = 77 kVA / 400 V In: 110 A - overload prohibited

> Limited-Time Running Prime (LTP), Schneider Electric circuit breaker Ir = 100 A:
- Non-tripping current limit 1.05 x Ir: 105 A
> Continuous Power (COP). - Tripping < 2 h 1.3 x Ir: 130 A
For each category, the generator set rating is
determined by maximum allowable power output
in relation to running time and load profile.

4 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
Protection: must be adapted to the generator operating characteristics
Time (sec.)

The characteristics define 3 types of situations depending on 1000

the current delivered by the generator:
Permissible Region of destruction
operating range of the generator
> Normal situation: the max. current can be maintained for a long time
> Risk: the current may reach or exceed its overload value; the circuit 100
breaker must open Max. current
withstand in
> Destruction: the short-circuit current is destructive when it occurs short circuit
for more than a few seconds.
10

The circuit breaker must be able to prevent

damage to the generator by tripping on
a low short-circuit current. 1

Mandatory
tripping region
of protective
device
0.10

Permissible
instantaneous
overload region

0.01
0 Current (A)
100 300 1000
(In) (3 x In)

Example of chart of short-circuit resistance time – Generator with In = 100 A

Circuit breaker: with thermomagnetic or electronic tripping device?

Its tripping curve must be located in the mandatory tripping region.

Thermomagnetic tripping device Electronic tripping device

A circuit breaker with a low magnetic threshold (tripping at 3 x In) The electronic tripping device allows precision adjustment of
will protect better than a circuit breaker with a standard magnetic its tripping curve according to the desired profile.
threshold (tripping between 5 and 10 x In).

Time (sec.) Time (sec.)

1000 1000
Recommended The Micrologic
Permissible Permissible
operating range
choice: electronic
Persistent operating range Long-delay threshold
• up to 63 A, tripping device
risk region
with 3 In curve Acti9 B curve combined
100 circuit breaker 100
Long-delay timer
with a ComPact
Persistent • over 63 A,
risk region or MasterPact
ComPact NSX Set to 0.5 s for
with 5 In curve 6 Ir to maintain circuit breaker
+ TMG tripping the generator is the ideal
device within the limit of protection
10 10 1.5 In for 30 sec.
These solutions solution.
do not cover the
entire 'persisten
Tripping curve at risk region' of Long-delay threshold
3 x In threshold
1 the diagram. 1

Tripping curve at
5 x In threshold Short-delay
timer

0.10 0.10

Permissible Mandatory Permissible

instantaneous tripping region instantaneous Instantaneous
overload of protective overload threshold
region region
device
0.01 0.01
0 Current (A) 0 Current (A)
100 300 1000 100 300 1000
(In) (3 x In) (In) (3 x In)

Illustration of persistent risk: with circuit breaker at 3 x In threshold, Illustration of the adjustable tripping curve: no risk region persists
with 5 x In circuit breaker

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 5
 Insulation fault protection
system
What you should know

Protection by a Residual Current Device (RCD)

This is mandatory:
> in a TN system when the main circuit breaker does not trip fast enough in the event of a phase-to-earth fault (in particular with C curves or
TM-D tripping devices: see previous chapter)
> in a TT system
> on mobile units

When the generator set is provided with power sockets, they must be protected by RCDs of 30 mA sensitivity.

Principle of RCDs
RCDs monitor any earth current leak. They are activated upon a fault exceeding a current threshold after a time lag.
The threshold and the time lag can be adjustable.

Vigi Tripping coil

Vigirex RH99

'Vigi module' type RCD: 'Residual current relay' type RCD:

To be associated electrically and mechanically This RCD, independent of the circuit breaker,
with a circuit breaker. measures the earth fault current by means of
Advantage: no auxiliary power supply. a current transformer placed on the neutral earthing of
the generator. Its 'fault' output contact controls
Disadvantages: size, less installation flexibility,
the tripping coil (MX or MN) of the main circuit breaker.
commercial reference depending on the rating of
the main circuit breaker. Advantage: one product reference and one size
irrespective of the set's power.
Disadvantages: requires a tripping coil in the main
circuit breaker and an auxiliary power supply.

RCDs are by definition very sensitive. Due to their position at the incoming end of the installation in the generator set, it is recommended to
choose selective versions, of the 'S' type, with an adjustable time lag (when there is no information concerning the downstream installation).

Combination of RCD + circuit breaker The choice of a TMD tripping device or a

Installation rules such as IEC 60364 require checking the conformity of the time for C-curve circuit breaker combined with a
automatic disconnection of the power supply in the event of a phase-to-earth fault. RCD would, in the event of a short circuit,
In practice, setting the 'magnetic' threshold of a TMG tripping device to 3 x In or dramatically reduce the generator protection
choosing a B-curve circuit breaker combined with an RCD offers satisfactory due to a longer response time even if it still
protection of the electrical installation. contributes to human life protection.

6 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Transfer switching
equipment
What you should know

Transfer switching equipt. classes CB PC CC

as per IEC 60947-6-1

Technology Circuit breakers Switches Contactors

Short-circuit withstand

Breaking capacity in the event of a short circuit Yes No No

Without risk of contact Without risk of contact Risk of contact welding
welding welding

Necessary coordination - With the circuit breaker upstream

Selection criteria Icu = ultimate breaking Iq = conditional short-circuit current of the

capacity combination circuit breaker + switch or contactor.

Must be greater than the Must be greater than the prospective short-circuit
prospective short-circuit current of the installation
current of the installation

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 7
 Transfer switching
equipment
Recommended solution up to 410 kVA
Contactors with electrical and mechanical interlocking
This CC class solution is economical.
The installation's safety is ensured by choosing a coordinated contactor + circuit
(*) breaker combination, but with no guarantee of absence of contact welding.

Selection of contactors according to the coordination table

Coordination

The table on pages 12 and 13 shows coordinated contactor + circuit breaker

combinations according to type 1, in accordance with the IEC 60947-4-1 standard,
(*)
up to the breaking capacity of the upstream circuit breaker.

Type 1 coordination specifies that the effect of the short circuit on all coordinated
products is safe for the operators.

Repair or replacement is needed to resume operation.

(*) Coordination of contactor (transfer-switch) and main source

(Utility) protection device must be validated by electrical
installation designer.

8 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
Recommended solution above 410 kVA
Circuit breaker + switch with electrical and mechanical
interlocking integrated into the main LV switchboard
Since the transformer is generally near the main LV switchboard, this solution
is optimized, and ensures good reliability:
> A single circuit breaker performs the functions of switchboard incoming end
protection and 'Mains' source switching
> One switch is sufficient to ensure switching to the generator set
> The circuit breaker and switch have been designed to interface directly
with an interlocking mechanism.

Savings can be achieved by using different ratings for Mains and Generator, when
the generator set is sized for partial backup of the electrical installation.

Feasible combinations: Mains circuit breaker + Generator circuit breaker or switch

Generator
NSX100 NSX400 NS630b MTZ1 MTZ2
NSX160 NSX630 NS1600 MTZ3
NSX250
Mains
NSX100/160/250

NSX400 - 630

NS630b… NS1600

MTZ1

MTZ2, MTZ3

These combinations allow the use of an interlocking mechanism, irrespective of

the size or rating of the devices.

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 9
 Standby power supply
for standard installations

Backup power
supply is
appreciated in case
of power outage
from the main supply
(e.g. the Utility).
In this case, the
generator supplies
a selection of
essential equipment.

10 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Standby power supply
for standard applications

Mains power supply source:

power distributor's network Standby generator set:
engine + generator

Incomer
circuit breaker
Set protection circuit breaker

'Mains/Generator' transfer switch

Main low voltage switchboard

of the electrical installation

What is expected
Typical concern for normal service application:
>>Loads supply for a limited period of time
>>Technically/economically optimized solution.
The Genset is used as a backup source in case
of power outage (usually the Grid).
A transfer switch is needed (open transition).

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 11
 Quick component selection table
Standby
Standard Generator sets up to 45 kVA

400 V
50 Hz

Generator Circuit breaker (1) Transfer switching

equipment (2)
Power Current Curve Rating Type CC class
PRP LTP @ 400 V / Reference (3)
(40°C) (27°C) 50 Hz
(kVA) (kVA) (A) (A)
10 11 15 B 16 Mutli9 C60N 16A – B (M9F10416) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E09

15 16.5 22 B 25 Mutli9 C60N 25A – B (M9F10425) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E09

20 22 29 B 32 Mutli9 C60N 32A – B (M9F10432) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E18

25 27.5 37 B 40 Mutli9 C60N 40A – B (M9F10440) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E25

27 30 39 B 40 Mutli9 C60N 40A – B (M9F10440) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E25

32 35.2 47 B 50 Mutli9 C60N 50A – B (M9F10450) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E32

35 38.5 51 B 50 Mutli9 C60N 50A – B (M9F10450) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E38

40 45 58 B 63 Mutli9 C60N 63A – B (M9F10463) + Vigi or RH EasyPact TVS - LC1E40

(1) Circuit breakers in accordance with the IEC 60947-2 standard – for a 40°C environment (for 60°C, derate by 10%)
Vigi = Residual Current Device; RH = Residual Current protection relay
(2) Transfer switching equipment in accordance with the IEC 60947-6-1 standard - Two devices of this type are needed, with mechanical and electrical interlocking
(3) Each reference must be completed by a coil voltage code > see details on page 15

CC type transfer switching equipt: selectivity not guaranteed for tripping of a downstream CB; contactor welding possible upon short circuit.

12 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Standby
Standard Generator sets up to 450 kVA

400 V
50 Hz

Generator Circuit breaker (1) Transfer switching

equipment (2)
Puissance Current Curve Rating Type CC class
PRP LTP @ 400 V / Reference Reference (3)
(40°C) (27°C) 50 Hz
(kVA) (kVA) (A) (A)
45 50 65 TM-G 80 EasyPact CVS100B + TM-G 80 4P: LV510748 EasyPact TVS - LC1E65••

50 55 73 TM-G 80 EasyPact CVS100B + TM-G 80 4P: LV510748 EasyPact TVS - LC1E65••

60 66 87 TM-G 100 EasyPact CVS100B + TM-G 100 4P: LV510749 EasyPact TVS - LC1E80••

70 77 101 TM-G 100 EasyPact CVS100B + TM-G 100 4P: LV510749 EasyPact TVS - LC1E80••

80 90 116 TM-G 160 EasyPact CVS160B + TM-G 160 4P: LV516743 EasyPact TVS - LC1E95••

90 100 130 TM-G 160 EasyPact CVS160B + TM-G 160 4P: LV516743 EasyPact TVS - LC1E120•• (4)

105 116 152 TM-G 160 EasyPact CVS160B + TM-G 160 4P: LV516743 EasyPact TVS - LC1E120•• (4)

125 138 181 TM-G 200 EasyPact CVS250B + TM-G 200 4P: LV525742 EasyPact TVS - LC1E160•• (4)

135 150 195 TM-G 200 EasyPact CVS250B + TM-G 200 4P: LV525742 EasyPact TVS - LC1E160•• (4)

150 165 217 TM-G 250 EasyPact CVS250B + TM-G 250 4P: LV525743 EasyPact TVS - LC1E200•• (4)

165 175 239 TM-G 250 EasyPact CVS250B + TM-G 250 4P: LV525743 EasyPact TVS - LC1E200•• (4)

180 203 260 Adj. 400 EasyPact CVS400F + ETS 2.3 400A 4P: LV540506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E300•• (4)

200 223 289 Adj. 400 EasyPact CVS400F + ETS 2.3 400A 4P: LV540506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E300•• (4)

250 275 361 Adj. 400 EasyPact CVS400F + ETS 2.3 400A 4P: LV540506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E400•• (4)

280 300 405 Adj. 400 EasyPact CVS400F + ETS 2.3 400A 4P: LV540506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E400•• (4)

315 341 455 Adj. 630 EasyPact CVS630F + ETS 2.3 630A 4P: LV563506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E400•• (4)

365 420 527 Adj. 630 EasyPact CVS630F + ETS 2.3 630A 4P: LV563506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E500•• (4)

410 450 592 Adj. 630 EasyPact CVS630F + ETS 2.3 630A 4P: LV563506 EasyPact TVS - LC1E500•• (4)

(1) Circuit breakers in accordance with the IEC 60947-2 standard – for a 40°C environment (for 60°C, derate by 10%)
The addition of a residual current protection relay to the circuit breaker is recommended:
> Integrated RCD: MH vigi module for Easypact CVS 100 and CVS 160 (LV429211), MH Vigi module for CVS 250 (LV431536) and MB vigi module for
CVS 400 and CVS 630 (LV432456)
> Separate RCD: Vigirex RH21.
(2) Transfer switching equipment in accordance with the IEC 60947-6-1 standard - Two devices of this type are needed, with mechanical and electrical interlocking
(3) Each reference must be completed by a coil voltage code > see details on page 15
(4) LC1E120 ... LC1E500 contactor references are only available in 3 poles configuration. For a 4-poles configuration, choose from the TeSys F product range

CC type transfer switching equipt: selectivity not guaranteed for tripping of a downstream CB; contactor welding possible upon short circuit.

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 13
 Quick component selection table
Standby
Standard Generator sets over 450 kVA

ComPact NS EasyPact MVS

Generator Circuit breaker (1) Transfer switching

equipment (2)
Power Current Curve Rating Type CB class
PRP (40°C) LTP (27°C) @ 400 V / 50 Hz
(kVA) (kVA) (A) (A)
ComPact NS800N +
455 500 657 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS800N +
500 570 722 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS800N +
550 600 794 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS1000N +
600 660 866 Adj. 1000
Micrologic 5.0: 33347
ComPact NS1000N +
660 725 953 Adj. 1000
Micrologic 5.0: 33347
ComPact NS1250N +
725 800 1047 Adj. 1250
Micrologic 5.0: 33357
CB class transfer switching
ComPact NS1250N +
800 880 1155 Adj. 1250 equipment recommended
Micrologic 5.0: 33357
in main LV switchboard
ComPact NS1600N +
880 960 1271 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
ComPact NS1600N +
910 1000 1314 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
ComPact NS1600N +
1000 1100 1444 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
EasyPact MVS 20 H -
1250 1375 1805 Adj. 2000
ET5S + RH
EasyPact MVS 20 H -
1350 1485 1949 Adj. 2000
ET5S + RH
EasyPact MVS 25 H -
1500 1650 2166 Adj. 2500
ET5S + RH

(1) Circuit breakers in accordance with the IEC 60947-2 standard

(2) Transfer switching equipment in accordance with the IEC 60947-6-1 standard - Two devices of this type are needed, with mechanical and electrical interlocking
The addition of a residual current protection relay to the circuit breaker is recommended:
> Vigirex RH21.

14 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
Coding of Easypact TVS (LC1E ) contactor references

LC1E

Frequency Code
50 Hz 5
60 Hz 6
50/60 Hz 7

Coil voltage Code

24 V B
48 V E
110 V F
220 V M
240 V U
380 V Q
415 V N
440 V R

Rated operation current (AC3) Auxiliary contact configuration Code

EasyPact TVS 3-pole
06… 38 1NO (or 1 NC) 01 (or 10)
40… 160 1NO +1 NC none
200… 630 no auxiliary contact none
Rated operation current (AC3) Main contact Code
EasyPact TVS 4-pole
06… 95 4NO 004
06… 95 2NO + 2NC 008

Rated operation current (AC3) Code

EasyPact TVS 3-pole
06… 630 06… 630
EasyPact TVS 4-pole
06… 95 06… 95

Type Designation
Contactor EasyPact TVS

Accessories for interlocked contactor assembly

Contactors with screw clamp terminals
Using 2 identical contactors Set of power connections Mechanical interlock
Reference Reference
Mechanical interlock
LC1E06...E12 LAEP1 LAEM1
LC1E18/E25 LAEP12 LAEM1
LC1E32/E38 LAEP2 LAEM1
LC1E40...E65 LAEP3 LAEM1
LC1E80/E95 LAEP4 LAEM4
LC1E120/E160 – (DIY) (1) LAEM5
LC1E200/E250 – (DIY) (1) LAEM6
LC1E300 – (DIY) (1) LAEM7
LC1E400 – (DIY) (1) LAEM7
LC1E500 – (DIY) (1) LAEM7
LC1E630 – (DIY) (1) LAEM8
(1) DIY: Do It Yourself.

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 15
 Standby power supply
for safety installations

Permanence of
the power supply
can be important to
maintain the safety
of building users
in the event of
a mains failure.
In that case the
generator source
powers the lighting
of areas used for
evacuation, smoke
extractors, elevators
reserved for
emergency
responders, etc.

Additional requirements apply

to generator sets in this case
(appended: IEC 60364-5-56)

16 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Standby power supply
for safety applications

Mains power supply source:

power distributor's network Standby generator set:
engine + generator

Incomer
circuit breaker
Set protection circuit breaker

'Mains/Generator' transfer switch

Critical and safety loads:

- Elevators
Main low voltage switchboard - Firing system
of the electrical installation - Lighting...

What is expected
The Genset shall provide power supply to the
critical equipments and life safety systems in
case of power outage (safety lighting, smoke
extractors, elevators...).
Typical concerns for safety services application:
>>Local regulation requirements
>>Selective electrical protection
>>High reliability and periodic tests requested
>>Need for a transfer switch (open transition)

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 17
 Standby power supply
for safety installations
Selectivity requirement: only the circuit breaker closest to
the electrical fault should trip

Transfer switching equipment's impact on selectivity

ComPact NSX ComPact NSX 100 A +

+ TMG 100 A Micrologic 2.2

Tripping Non-tripping

Selectivity is also
required:
>>between the
circuit breakers and
the Mains power
circuit breaker;
>>between RCDs.
Acti 9 / iC60N Acti 9 / iC60N
32 A C curve 32 A C curve

Short circuit Short circuit

The ComPact NSX circuit breaker with TMG 100 A The ComPact NSX circuit breaker with
thermomagnetic tripping device does not allow Micrologic 2.2 electronic tripping device
selectivity with the Acti9 iC60N C-curve circuit breaker. allows selectivity with the Acti9 iC60N C-curve
circuit breaker

18 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Safety requirement: the transfer switching equipment must
withstand short-circuit currents without any damage

Transfer switching equipment's impact on safety

The coordination
study of the various
protection and switching
devices must be
performed for the
Contact welding
complete installation
in accordance with
the IEC 60364-5-56
standard.
Integration of the
transfer switching
equipment in the main
LV switchboard
facilitates consistent
electrical studies.
Short circuit Short circuit

Transfer switching equipment with contactors:

Transfer switching equipment with circuit
A short circuit in the installation is likely to cause
breakers (= class CB) or switches (= class PC)
welding of the Mains contactor contacts.
Switchover to the generator set will becomes Safe switchover to the generator set, without risk of
impossible. contact welding.

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 19
 Standby power supply
for safety installations
Standby
Safety Generator sets up to 410 kVA
Integration of the transfer switching equipment in the Main Low Voltage Switchboard is
the preferred solution.

Generator Circuit breaker (1) Transfer switching

equipment (2)
Power Current Rating Type CB class
PRP (40°C) LTP (27°C) @ 400 V / 50 Hz
(kVA) (kVA) (A) (A)
ComPact NSX 100B +
45 50 65 80
Micrologic 2.2: LV429785
ComPact NSX 100B +
50 55 73 80
Micrologic 2.2: LV429785
ComPact NSX 100B +
60 66 87 100
Micrologic 2.2: LV429785
ComPact NSX 100B +
70 77 101 100
Micrologic 2.2: LV429785
ComPact NSX 160B +
80 90 116 125
Micrologic 2.2: LV430750
ComPact NSX 160B +
90 100 130 160
Micrologic 2.2: LV430750
ComPact NSX 160B +
105 116 152 160
Micrologic 2.2: LV430750
ComPact NSX 250B +
125 138 181 200
Micrologic 2.2: LV431150
ComPact NSX 250B +
135 150 195 200 CB class transfer switching
Micrologic 2.2: LV431150
equipment recommended
ComPact NSX 250B +
150 165 217 250 in main LV switchboard
Micrologic 2.2: LV431150
ComPact NSX 250B +
165 175 239 250
Micrologic 2.2: LV431150
ComPact NSX 400F +
180 203 260 400
Micrologic 2.3 400 A: LV432677
ComPact NSX 400F +
200 223 289 400
Micrologic 2.3 400 A: LV432677
ComPact NSX 400F +
250 275 361 400
Micrologic 2.3 400 A: LV432677
ComPact NSX 400F +
280 300 405 400
Micrologic 2.3 400 A: LV432677
ComPact NSX 630F +
315 341 455 630
Micrologic 2.3 630 A: LV432877
ComPact NSX 630F +
365 420 527 630
Micrologic 2.3 630 A: LV432877
ComPact NSX 630F +
410 450 592 630
Micrologic 2.3 630 A: LV432877

(1) Circuit breakers in accordance with the IEC 60947-2 standard – the addition of a residual current protection relay is recommended
(2) Transfer switching equipment in accordance with the IEC 60947-6-1 standard - Two devices of this type are needed, with mechanical and electrical interlocking
RCD: if used it should be chosen to ensure selectivity:
> Integrated RCD: ComPact NSX with embedded earth leakage protection (Micrologic 4 or Micrologic 7E including metering)
> Separate RCD: Vigirex RH99.

20 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Standby
Safety Generator sets over 450 kVA

Generator Circuit breaker (1) Transfer switching

equipment (2)
Power Current Curve Rating Type CB class
PRP (40°C) LTP (27°C) @ 400 V / 50 Hz
(kVA) (kVA) (A) (A) (A)
ComPact NS800N +
455 500 657 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS800N +
500 570 722 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS800N +
550 600 794 Adj. 800
Micrologic 5.0: 33337
ComPact NS1000N +
600 660 866 Adj. 1000
Micrologic 5.0: 33347
ComPact NS1000N +
660 725 953 Adj. 1000
Micrologic 5.0: 33347
ComPact NS1250N +
725 800 1047 Adj. 1250
Micrologic 5.0: 33357
CB class transfer switching
ComPact NS1250N +
800 880 1155 Adj. 1250 equipment recommended
Micrologic 5.0: 33357
in main LV switchboard
ComPact NS1600N +
880 960 1271 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
ComPact NS1600N +
910 1000 1314 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
ComPact NS1600N +
1000 1100 1444 Adj. 1600
Micrologic 5.0: 33367
MasterPact MTZ2 20 H1 -
1250 1375 1805 Adj. 2000
Micro 5.0X
MasterPact MTZ2 20 H1 -
1350 1485 1949 Adj. 2000
Micro 5.0X
MasterPact MTZ2 25 H1 -
1500 1650 2166 Adj. 2500
Micro 5.0X

(1) Circuit breakers in accordance with the IEC 60947-2 standard – the addition of a residual current protection relay is recommended
(2) Transfer switching equipment in accordance with the IEC 60947-6-1 standard - Two devices of this type are needed, with mechanical and electrical interlocking
RCD: if used it should be chosen to ensure selectivity:
> Integrated RCD: Micrologic 7.0
> Separate RCD: Vigirex RH99.

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 21
 Standby power supply
for mission critical installations

A reliable power
supply is critical to
ensure
uninterrupted
surgical operations,
breathing
assistance systems,
premature infant
care, etc.
Power failure to
certain industrial
processes has
serious
consequences.

Like those of safety

installations (reliability,
selectivity), the characteristics
of these installations are also
enhanced: redundant standby
sources, test modes, parallel
connection of sources, etc.

22 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Standby power supply for
mission critical installations

Mains power supply source:

power distributor's network

Incomer Incomer
circuit breaker circuit breaker
Standby generator set:
engine + generator

Set protection circuit breaker

'Mains/Generator'
transfer switch

What is expected
The Genset shall provide power supply to the The design of the backup power supply
critical loads and life safety systems in case of through generator sets is generally managed by
power outage from the main supply (Grid). the design engineering company in charge of
the design for the project.
Typical concerns for critical mission application:
>>Regulatory requirements related to building Indeed each project is different and has its own
activity (e.g. hospital) specificities according to final application
>>Selective electrical protection (hospital, data center…) and geographical
>>Continuity of service locations, generator sets can be redundant,
>>High reliability and periodic tests requested operates in parallel with the Grid, be centralized
>>Architectures allowing operating redundancy in medium voltage… so no selection table is given
>>Need for a transfer switch (could be open, in this section as all case studies are different.
close or soft transition).

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 23
 Source changeover without outage

Specific constraints for

HV / LV
transformer choosing the
Generator set
generator circuit
breaker and transfer
Synchronyser
switching equipment:
>>They must resist the
maximum short-circuit
current from main
source or generator
Main LV
Switchboard >>They allow total
selectivity
>>The transfer
switching equipment
does not prevent
simultaneous closing
of the two electrical
paths (main/backup).
There are solutions that can limit the impact of cutoffs during switching:
>>during scheduled cutoffs of the Mains source
>>during generator set tests
>>upon return to the Mains source
One of the solutions is coupling of the generator set for a period of time in parallel with
the main source (Grid).

High power or very high availability

Source changeover types:

Multi – generators supply
>>Open transition: transition where the changeover
from one source to the other is done sequentially
without overlap. Interlocks are implemented between
the 2 sources.
>>Close transition: transition where the changeover
from one source to the other is done with short
overlap (< 100-300 ms) meaning both sources
HV/LV Tr HV/LV Tr
operating in parallel during a short period of time.
>>Soft transition: transition where the changeover
from one source to the other is done with longer
overlap (few seconds to 1 min) meaning both
sources operating in parallel to enable Genset load
HV/LV Tr HV/LV Tr HV/LV Tr HV/LV Tr ramp up or down.

Parallel coupling of generator sets is used to increase the standby power or to get
redundancy in case of unavailability of a generator (maintenance, malfunction, etc.).

Note: specific constraints for choosing generator circuit breakers:

> They must resist the sum total of short-circuit currents of the generator sets + possibly the main
source (if main and backup sources are used in parallel)
> They do not prevent parallel operation of the generator sets (no interlocking)
> They allow total selectivity with the downstream protective devices

24 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
Recommended products
for generator set applications

Circuit breakers, for protection of generators and cables

Multi9 iC60 ComPact NSX ComPact NS EasyPact CVS EasyPact MVS MasterPact MTZ

Residual current devices, for protection of human life

Multi9 Vigi C60 ComPact NSX ELCB Vigirex

Transfer switching equipment

EasyPact TVS CB type: ComPact NSX

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 25
 Recommended products
for generator set applications

Buttons, indicators, emergency stop switch

Scan or click
on QR code to
discover the
catalog

Harmony range

Measuring equipment

Scan or click
on QR code to
discover the
PowerLogic
catalog

PowerLogic Voltmeters PowerLogic multi-function PowerTag sensors

and ammeters metering for Acti9 circuit breakers

Auxiliary circuit monitoring and motor control

Scan or click on
QR code to discover
TeSys catalog

Scan or click on
QR code to discover
Zelio catalog

Zelio control relays TeSys motor control and protection components

26 Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset
 Enclosures and thermal management Industrial power sockets

Spacial

ClimaSys Pratika

Scan or click on Scan or click on

QR code to discover QR code to discover
the Universal the Pratika industrial plugs
Enclosures catalog and sockets catalog

MV transformers, switchgears

Trihal Minera Premset SM6

Control Panel Technical Guide - How to find the right circuit breaker and transfer switch for a genset 27
Schneider Electric Industries SAS

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92506 Rueil Malmaison Cedex (France)

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www.schneider-electric.com

07-2019
CPTG012_EN

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