Consultancy, R&D Training

IEC 62271-307 – Extension of

the validity of type tests to
avoid tests repetitions.
https://www.cognitor.com.br/IEC62271307ENG.pdf
Author: Sergio Feitoza Costa

1. INTRODUCTION

The document IEC TR 62271-307 began to be prepared in 2011 and was published in 2015. Its title is High-voltage
Switchgear and Controlgear – Part 307: Guidance for the extension of validity of type tests of AC metal and solid-insulation
enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV. Sergio Feitoza Costa is
coauthor and was a member of the IEC working group that prepared it along several international meetings.

This IEC Report (TR) focuses on medium/high voltage switchgear of the IEC 62271-200 and 62271-201 standards and
provides a method to avoid unnecessary repetition of costly tests. These opportunities can only be taken advantage of by
manufacturers who have test reports on hand that transparently describe the details of the equipment that was actually
tested. For reference, the information that must be included in a complete test report for this purpose is like in the
document http://www.cognitor.com.br/TR_071_ENG_ValidationSwitchgear.pdf . The more relevant information is
presented in the tables of next pages. The manufacturer going to test the “original” equipment must be careful to alert
the testing laboratory the information to include in the test reports.

To help understand the concepts involved in replacing laboratory tests with rules and/or calculations, it is also worth
mentioning the standards for low voltage switchgear. The ways to avoid tests in the IEC 60439 series (TTA / PTTA) were
only for temperature rise and short circuit tests (electrodynamic forces only). Repetition of tests is replaced by comparing
a tested design with the untested derived design. In the series of IEC 61439 standards that replaced 60439, the so-called
“Design Rules” were added. These “Rules” allow even to avoid tests and calculations. Table 1 below shows the
fundamentals of the design rules. There are more details on this topic in the book “Switchgear, Busways and other
Substation Equipment” (free download at: http://www.cognitor.com.br/Book_SE_SW_2013_ENG.pdf )

Table 1 – Design rules for LV switchgear

2. USE OF IEC 62271-307 TO AVOID TESTS ON MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR.

Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600
E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training

This TR allows, if certain rules are met, a report of tests carried out on a certain panel representative of a family of panels,
to be used as the basis for a study that demonstrates that if the tested one passed the tests, the non-tested one would
also pass.

The extension of the validity of test reports seeks to avoid unnecessary repetition of tests of IEC 62271-200 and 62271-
201 standards. It can be used to extend type tests performed on one sample with a defined set of ratings for another
switchgear of the same family with a different set of ratings or different arrangements. The IEC TR62271-307 describes:

• The use, parameters and application of extension criteria and the use of calculations
• The information necessary to extend the validity (which must be included in the test reports)
• Specific aspects to extend the validity of, one by one, dielectric tests, temperature rise tests, mechanical tests, short-
duration and crest withstand current tests, interruption and internal arc tests.
• The extension of validity of a test report to other functional units (situation a)
• Validation of a family by selecting test objects (situation b)
• Validation of a set of existing test reports (situation c)
• Validation of a project modification (situation d)
• Justification for extension criteria
• Examples of extending the validity of type tests such as:
o Design modification of a cable terminal in an air-insulated switchgear (AIS)
o Modification of the design of a functional unit by adding current transformers
o Modification of the design of a key-lock on the door of an AIS functional unit
o Extension of reports from a” ring main unit GIS” to functional units with greater width
o Extension of a family of gas insulated assemblies (GIS) to a functional unit

The section “Use of Extension Criteria” explains that due to the wide variety of functional unit types and possible
component combinations, it is not practical to perform type tests with all possible switchgears. Therefore, the
performance of a particular assembly can be evaluated against reports of type testing done on other assemblies in the
same assembly family. For each type of test type, a non-exhaustive list of design parameters is shown, which must be
analysed for the extension of validity. The analysis must be based on solid technical principles, physics, experience, and
calculations.

Each design parameter listed in Tables 2 to 6 must be compared between tested and untested designs under the criteria
provided in the tables. A simple example to visualize is that in the temperature rise test (line 5 of table 2) , if the current
density of the conductors of the untested equipment is lower than that of the one tested, the criterion is accepted as it
will heat up less. If any of the criteria is not clearly met, it is necessary to use other arguments such as calculations,
explanations and simulations or even additional tests.

Calculations and simulations can only be applied in a comparative sense based on the design parameters and acceptance
criteria. The tools must be previously validated and the simulation reproducible. Validation of software tools and
calculation methods are outside the scope of the TR IEC.

2.1) CRITERIA FOR TEMPERTURE RISE TESTS

The IEC TR 60890 document provides calculation procedures that can be applied to compare fluid temperatures inside
enclosures. The calculation is made based on the Watts dissipated, the area of the compartment walls, the number of
horizontal partitions, and the area of the ventilation openings. Simulations are generally carried using tools like the
SwitchgearDesign software whose validation is at http://www.cognitor.com.br/TR_071_ENG_ValidationSwitchgear.pdf

Table 2 – Extension criteria for temperature rise performance.

Item Design parameter Acceptance Condition Criteria was
criterion attended?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600
E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
1 Centre distance between phases  Only to be validated for rated normal currents above 1
250 A (see IEC 62271-1:2007, 6.5.2)
2 Phase to earth distance  Only to validate if an influence on the surrounding
elements due to currents cannot be excluded, e.g.,
eddy currents and magnetising currents.

3 Enclosure/compartment dimensions  The enclosure and compartments are of the same

(L,H,W) and volume construction.

4 Minimum pressure of insulating gas  Same gas; for gas insulated switchgear
5 Current density of conductors  The conductors have the same physical arrangement
6 Resistance per unit length of  Compare conductor material and cross-section
conductors

7 Contact surface area of connections /  Same or better contact material

joints
8 Contact force of connections / joints  Same or better contact material

9 Permissible temperature of contact  Including metallic coatings having the same or lower
materials of connections / joints resistivity
10 Effective ventilation area of partitions  Note 3
and enclosure

11 Power dissipation of components  Here the main switching devices, fuses and current
transformers are considered.

12 Area of insulating barriers  Barriers have the same physical arrangement

13 Thickness of insulating coating of  Thermal resistivity and emission coefficient of the

conductors coating should be the same.

14 Total coated surface area of  The emission coefficient of the coating should be the
enclosure for heat transfer same.
15 Temperature class of insulating 
material in contact with conductors

2.2) CRITERIA FOR DIELECTRIC TESTS (electric fields)

The dielectric performance of two switchgears may, if necessary, involve simulating and comparing the strength of electric
fields using software tools.

Table 3 – Extension criteria for dielectric withstand performance.

Item Design Parameter Acceptance Condition Criteria was
Criterion attended?
(1) (2) (3) (4)

Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600

E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
1 Clearance between phases 
2 Clearance to earth 
3 Creepage distance 
4 Electrical properties of  A comparative result between two materials might be required (e.g.
Comparative Tracking Index according to IEC 60112 [7])
Insulating material
5 Surface roughness of live 
parts
6 Radius of conductive parts  Not only the radius of live parts, but also the radius of all other
conductive parts facing live parts (e.g., earthing devices, enclosure,
LV wiring, supporting structures) shall be considered
7 Open contact gap  If influenced by the switchgear assembly
8 Isolating distance  If influenced by the switchgear assembly
9 Minimum functional pressure  Same fluid; for fluid insulated switchgear
for insulation

2.3) CRITERIA FOR MECHANICAL TESTS

The use of simulations and calculations to extend the validity of mechanical type tests is not recommended, mainly due
to the difficulty or impossibility of validating their results.
Table 4 – Extension criteria for performance regarding mechanical supportability
Acceptance Criteria
Item Part Design parameter Condition
criterion attended?
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

1 shutter systems Strength of locked  The principal design of the shutter

mechanical linkage, system is the same, but dimensions
including shutter may be different.
See Note
mass of shutter 
2 contacts of removable number of contact  The designs of contacts, including base
part points and coating material, and supports of
movable and fixed contacts are the
contact force per  same
contact
roughness of contact 
surface

3 interlocking-system Strength of locked  The principle design of the interlocking

directly operated on the mechanical linkage system is the same, but dimensions
mechanical chain may be different.
torque applied during  Note
operation attempt

4 interlocking- system Strength of locked  The principle design of the interlocking

preventing access to the mechanical linkage system is the same, but dimensions
operating devices may be different.
normal operating 
force

2.4) CRITERIA FOR THERMAL AND ELECTRODYNAMIC STRESSES DURING SHORT CIRCUIT
Calculations include determining electromagnetic forces between conductors and the mechanical stress that can bend
bars and cause damage to insulators. The calculation methods used in the SwitchgearDesign software in:
◼ IEC 61117, Method for assessing the short-circuit withstand strength of partially type-tested assemblies (PTTA)
◼ IEC 60865-1, Short-circuit currents – Calculation of effects – Part 1: Definitions and calculation methods.
Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600
E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
◼ IEC TR 60865-2, Short-circuit currents – Calculation of effects – Part 2: Examples of calculation.

Table 5 – Extension criteria for performance regarding thermal and electrodynamic short-circuit stresses.
Item Design parameter Acceptance Condition Criteria
criterion attended?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1 Centre distance between 
phases
2 Electro-dynamic forces  The conductors have the same physical arrangement.
due to current path Note 1

3 Mechanical strength of  Notes 2 and 3

insulating conductor
supports
4 Length of unsupported 
sections of conductors
5 Cross-section of  Connections of the conductors are scaled and have the same or
greater clamping force and contact area.
conductors
Notes 4 and 5

6 Material of conductors same Notes 4 and 5

7 Temperature class of 
insulating material in
contact with conductors
8 Mechanical strength of  Notes 2 and 3
the enclosure /partitions/
bushings
9 Contacts of removable same Consider complete design of contact sub-assembly and
part the fixing / mounting of the removable part.
NOTE 1 The effect of different paths can be assessed by calculation of electro-dynamic forces
NOTE 2 Strength includes mechanical resistance to compression, traction, and bending loads.
NOTE 3 The enclosure can provide the base for the mechanical supports.
NOTE 4 In case of earthing circuits: in some designs, conductors can include parts of the metallic enclosure being used as earthing circuit.
NOTE 5 Conductors include connections in the main circuit and in the earthing circuit up to the earthing terminal.

2.5) CRITERIA FOR OVERPRESSURE CAUSED BY INTERNAL ARC

Comparing the performance of electric panels in withstanding overpressure in the compartments is the analysis to be
carried out. Overpressure is a function of arc currents, areas of depressurization openings and internal volumes. The
evaluation of the force on the switchgear walls can be done for simple geometries using a calculation formula,
otherwise using finite element analysis for mechanical stress.

The flow of hot gases expelled can be simulated by CFD programs and the burning of indicators can be simulated, but no
one to date has validated this type of calculation. It would be very expensive to do as it would require a lot of testing.
The basis for the assessment are the values obtained for the overpressure’s curves. These concepts are well detailed in
the pages 177 to 191 of this book authored by Sergio http://www.cognitor.com.br/Book_SE_SW_2013_ENG.pdf
The worldwide reference for this theme is the brochure CIGRÈ 602 / 2014 Tools for the Simulation of The Effects of the
Internal Arc in T&D Switchgear. Sergio is coauthor of this Cigrè document and was member of CIGRE working group that
prepared it. https://www.e-cigre.org/publications/detail/602-tools-for-simulation-of-the-internal-arc-effects-in-hv-and-mv-switchgear.html
Table 7 – Extension criteria for internal arc tests (equipment)
Item Design parameter Acceptance Condition The criteria
criterion were
attended?

Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600

E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
1 Clearance between phases 

2 Clearance to earth same This concerns the region where the arc is initiated.

3 Net compartment volume 

4 Rated pressure of insulating 

gas, if applicable; see Note 1

5 Cross-section of conductors  This concerns the region where the arc is initiated.

6 Raw material of conductors same This concerns the region where the arc is initiated.
(Al or Cu or their alloys)

7 Location of the point of arc same Applying the rules of IEC 62271-200 or IEC 62271-201
initiation

8 Insulating material exposed same

to the arc
9 Exhaust cross sectional area  The position of the exhaust in the compartment and
the gas flow path are the same. Larger cross-sectional
areas are only acceptable if an exhaust duct is used
10 Exhaust opening pressure  Applicable to fluid tight compartments

11 Mechanical strength of  Applicable to non-tight compartments.

elements to let open the The relief device and its retaining elements have the
relief device (flap) same design.

12 Mechanical strength of the  This also includes the strength of partitions and
enclosure and compartment bushings

Note 2
13 Thickness of the enclosure  Same material
walls
Note 2
14 Mechanical strength of the  Note 2
doors and covers

15 Degree of protection (IP-  Where relevant for indicator ignition criterion

code) of enclosure

2.6) CRITERIA FOR INTERRUPTION AND BREAKING TESTS

Table 7 – Extension criteria for interruption and establishment of short-circuit currents.
Item Design parameter Acceptance Condition The criteria were
criterion attended?

Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600

E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
(1) (2) (3) (4)

1 Clearance between phases  Note 1

2 Clearance to earth 
3 Enclosure/compartment volume  Only to be validated, if the fluid (gas or liquid) in
the volume is involved in the making and breaking
process.
4 Pressure of insulating gas  The travel characteristic is within the permissible
tolerances.

5 Cross-section of conductors  Note 2

6 Electro-dynamic forces due to the  Only to be validated, if there is an impact of the

current in the connection paths to current path on the making and breaking
the switching device performance
7 Mechanical strength of insulating  Here, the supports of the phase conductors should
supports be considered

Note 3
8 Mechanical strength of the  Note 3
enclosure/ partitions / bushings

9 Length of unsupported section of  Note 3

conductors
NOTE 1 Extensions of type test validity with respect to the centre distance between phases inside the switching device
should be dealt with in accordance with the relevant component standard.
NOTE 2 The contacts of a removable part do not affect the making and breaking capacity of the associated switching device
and therefore need not be considered.
NOTE 3 It is assumed that the mechanical strength is already validated by a short time and peak withstand current test.
Not applicable for capacitive or any other load switching currents.

2.5) INFORMATION REQUIRED TO EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF TYPE TESTS

Information from the switchgear that is required in type tests in accordance with IEC 62271 1 and IEC 62271-200 must be
collected. Furthermore, the relevant parameters information is that shown in Tables 2 to 7 for each specific test and
functional unit under evaluation. Applicable type test reports of the tested switchgear shall be provided for comparison
of “tested” and “untested” assemblies.
For this reason, it is recommended that the manufacturer inform clearly the testing laboratory that need that the relevant
information on the design parameters listed in tables 2 to 7 be included in the test reports (even if the product standard
does not request it). Relevant and detailed drawings are essential as part of this information. It is recommended to use
testing laboratories that have technical resources to obtain essential information, e.g. measuring overpressures in internal
arc tests.

//////////////////////////////////// END OF ARTICLE /////////// /////////////////////////

ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF THE ARTICLE

The author of this article is Eng. Sérgio Feitoza Costa. Sergio is an electrical engineer, M.Sc. in power systems and director
of COGNITOR. He has more than 40 years of experience in the design, operation and management of high power, high
voltage, and other testing laboratories. After leaving CEPEL, Sergio gained considerable experience in using test
Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600
E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br
 Consultancy, R&D Training
simulations to support manufacturers and certification companies in substation equipment design. He is co-author of
several IEC standards and Cigrè brochures. Sergio is the author of the SwitchgearDesign simulation software, and a patent
related to electrical panels.

More details, free Publications and training program in the site https://www.cognitor.com.br

Publications : https://www.cognitor.com.br/downloads1.html

Good technical LinkedIn posts: linkedin.com/in/sergiofeitozacosta

Training for substation equipment design + software: https://www.cognitor.com.br/trainingENG.pdf

CV https://www.cognitor.com.br/Curriculum.html

Things Sergio helped to do: https://www.cognitor.com.br/HelpedToDo.pdf

AVOID UNNECESSARY REPETITION OF TESTS USING IEC TR62271-307:

If you need an evaluation, with high recognition and a third-party report, with the
experience of Sergio Feitoza Costa, one of the co-authors of this IEC TR, please
contact us via email at [email protected]

Cell phone: +55-21-9 88874600

E-mail: [email protected] Site: http://www.cognitor.com.br