CAT Standard series Circuit Breaker Analyzers & Timers

CAT Standard series

Circuit Breaker Analyzers & Timers

• Simple and easy to operate
• Robust design for field use

Accurate measurement in high voltage environment

• Timing and motion measurement
• Voltage and current measurement

Detailed analysis of test results using software

Descripción

The CAT Standard series circuit breaker analyzers & timers are stand-alone or a PCcontrolled digital instruments for circuit breakers condition assessments. The timing channels record closing and opening of the arcing, resistor and auxiliary contacts. CAT Standard series records graphs of both, trip and close coil currents and displacements of the HV and MV circuit breaker moving parts. The main contact channels can also measure the resistance value of the pre-insertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker). Test results can be downloaded to a USB memory stick or saved to internal memory. The CAT Standard series internal memory can store up to 500 test results (numerical and graphical data). Test results can also be printed on the 80 mm (3.15 inch) thermal printer (optional accessory) in tabular and graphical form.

• Trip-Close-Trip (O-C-O)

Multiple operations, such as Trip-Close and TripCloseTrip, can be initiated by using a predefined delay time or by sensing a breaker’s contact position.

The circuit breaker operation can be initiated in different ways (for instance from a control room, by a local switch or externally by a testing device) depending on a testing condition. The several time measurement triggers are available to record a measurement in a various testing condition:

• external trigger
• analog channels
• auxiliary channels

CAT Standard series provides an easy selection of different operational modes:

• Trip (O)
• Close (C)
• Reclose (O-0,3s-C)
• Tripfree (CO)
• O-0,3s-CO
• Trip-Close (O-C)
• Close-Trip (C-O)
• coil control channel

The auxiliary inputs are used to monitor dry and wet auxiliary contacts. The external trigger input can be used as the additional auxiliary input.

The two coil control analog channels can measure and record the coil currents simultaneously (TRIP and CLOSE), up to 35 A AC/DC.

The two additional analog channels have four selectable voltage ranges available (±0,5 V, ±2,5 V, ±60 V and ±300 V AC/DC). They can be used to monitor:

• Circuit-breaker substation battery voltage,
• Motor voltage and current,
• Other types of analog signals that may be relevant.

The transducer channel is intended for easuring displacement of the circuit breaker moving parts, contact wipe, over-travel, rebound, damping time and an average velocity. Either an analog or a digital transducer can be connected to this universal channel..

Application

The list of the instrument applications includes:

• Simultaneous timing measurement of up to 6 main contacts (2 breaks per phase) including preinsertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker) and 3 auxiliary contacts,
• Resistance measurement of the pre-insertion resistors (if present in the circuit breaker),
• Evaluation of synchronization (simultaneity) between the circuit breaker poles,
• A measurement of the coil currents, simultaneously for 2 coils,
• Evaluating the state of the substation’s batteries by graphically showing the voltage value,
• A measurement of displacement, contact wipe, over-travel, rebound, damping time and average velocity of the breaker’s moving parts.

Features

1 - Mains power supply input

90 - 264 V CA; 50 Hz - 60 Hz

2 - Thermal printer (optional)

(Built-in 80 mm wide) Graphic and numeric printout of contact and travel wave form.

6 - Motion transducer inputs Intended for measuring displacement of circuit breaker’s moving parts.

7 - 7 - 24 V DC output Used for current clamp supply.

12 - Coil control outputs Used for operating the circuit breaker’s TRIP and CLOSE coil.

13 - Breaker state indicator Indicates CLOSE or OPEN breaker position.

3 - External Trigger input

External trigger is used to start timing of the breaker when sensing a voltage.

4 - Main contacts inputs

Used for timing of the ain and preinsertion resistor contacts, and for the resistance measurement of the preinsertion resistors.

5 - Auxiliary inputs

Used for timing measurement of dry or wet auxiliary contacts.

8 - Analog channels inputs Used for a voltage measurement of an analog signal that may be relevant.

9 - PC communication USB interface.

10 - Flash drive Used for a direct download of test results on a USB memory stick.

11 - Coil supply input Voltage supply input for coil control.

14 - Ground (earth) terminal Used for grounding the device.

15 - Alphanumeric keypad

Used for entering breaker data, test data and control functions.

16 - LCD display

20 characters by 4 Lines; LCD display with backlight, viewable in bright sunlight.

17 - READY button

Prepares the instrument for the start of the test

Timing Measurement

Timing measurement of the mechanical operations is one of the most important tests to determine real condition of the circuit breaker. Timing measurement tests fulfill all the requirements defined by IEC 62271100 and IEEE C37.09.

In three-phase systems, not only the contacts in a single pole have to operate simultaneously, but all poles must also operate at the same time. All contacts must be synchronized, within a certain tolerance limit.

Synchronization between the circuit breaker poles during opening shall not exceed 1/6 of the rated frequency cycle (3,33 ms at 50 Hz; 2,78 ms at 60 Hz) and during closing shall not exceed 1/4 of the rated frequency cycle, as well (5,0 ms at 50 Hz; 4,17 ms at 60 Hz).

Simultaneous measurements within a single phase are important in situations where a number of contacts are connected in series.

The maximum difference between the instants of contact separation within series connected interrupter units shall not exceed 1/8 of a cycle of rated frequency (2,50 ms at 50 Hz; 2,08 ms at 60 Hz).

Maximum difference between the instants of contacts touching within series connected interrupter units shall not exceed a 1/6 of a cycle of rated frequency (3,33 ms at 50 Hz; 2,78 ms at 60 Hz).

Auxiliary contacts are mechanically driven by the operating mechanism and are used for control and indication of main contacts state. There are no general requirements, related to timing measurement of auxiliary contacts, described in IEC® and IEEE® standards. Anyway, in order to assess condition of highvoltage circuit breakers, it is important to check their operation.

Type “a” contact follows circuit breaker main contact position and must close/open ahead of the closing/ opening of the main contact. Type “a” contact is connected in series with the trip coil and interrupts the trip coil circuit when the circuit breaker opens.

The “b” contact must open/close when the operating mechanism has released its stored energy in order to close/open the breaker. Type “b” contact is connected in series with the closing coil, interrupting the closing coil circuit when the circuit breaker closes.

Motion measurement

Motion measurement of the high voltage circuit breakers’ contact system is of crucial importance for assessing a condition of the test object. The three motion transducer channels can acquire data from 3 linear or rotary motion transducers. Each channel can be configured for either an analog or a digital transducer.

closed position, or contactseparation point. The lower point is determined based on the upper point. It can either be a distance below the upper point or a time before the upper point.

Due to universal transducer channels design, a user is able to connect a variety of motion transducers available on the market.

Performance values such as stroke, over-travel, rebound, contact wipe are obtained as a result of the measurement. These values can be compared to the manufacturer’s reference data and data acquired from previous measurements. This provides indications about potential wear of the breaker.

Average velocity is calculated between the two points on the motion curve. The upper point is defined as a distance in length or time elapsed from the breaker’s

User is usually allowed to mount transducers on accessible parts of the circuit breaker’s mechanical linkage. Beside this, instrument often records rotary motion, even it is known the main contacts motion is linear. As a result, motion results obtained do not represent real movement of the main contacts, but just linear or nonlinear interpretation of the main contacts moving parts displacement.

The Software provides transfer function feature which allows user to define linear or nonlinear parameters in order to obtain actual displacement values of the main contact moving parts.

Coil current measurement

The IEC 62271-100 standard states that it is desirable to record the coil currents waveform, since it provides information about coils’ condition (e.g. increased friction of the plungers, burned insulation, short-circuited part of the winding), the latch for release of the operating mechanism (e.g. increased friction) and the operating mechanism (e.g. if there is reduced operating mechanism speed that can be seen based on the opening time of auxiliary contacts).

When the opening or closing command is initiated, the coil is energized (point 1) and the current rises causing a magnetic field to apply a force on the iron plunger. When the force on the plunger exceeds the retaining force the plunger begins to move (point 2). The motion of the iron plunger induces an EMF in the coil, effectively reducing the current. The combined mass of the plunger and the latch continue to move at a reduced velocity causing a further reduction in the coil current (points 2-3) until it hits a buffer bringing it to a rest (point 3). If the current values at points 2 and 3 are higher than specified and the time at point 3 is longer than specified, it may indicate a friction of the plunger and latch. With the plunger at rest, the current increases to the saturation level (DC current which is proportional to the coil resistance, point 4). If the current value from point 4 to point 5 deviates from specific it may indicate a burned insulation or short-circuited part of the winding of coil. Meanwhile, the latch unlocks operating mechanism, releasing the stored energy to open the main breaker contacts. Typically, after a short delay the auxiliary contacts open, disconnecting the opening coil from the control voltage (point 5). As the coil is de-energized the current drops quickly to zero in accordance with the coil inductance (point 6). Longer time than specified at points 5 and 6 may indicate auxiliary contact malfunction or insufÏcient driving energy of the operating mechanism.

Software

Acquisition and Analysis

The Software provides acquisition and analysis of the test results, as well as control of all the CAT Standard series functions from a PC. It supports measurements process and step by step guidance through the entire test procedure, providing faster, easier and safer testing.

Graphical presentation

Graphical presentation of a variety of measurements and timing test results uses cursors and powerful zoom functions for detailed analysis. Colors, grids, scales and positioning of the test data are all controlled by the user. software supports automatic unit conversion (e.g.: cycles to seconds or mm to inches). The test records can be exported in .dwc file format for further analysis.

Database

Results are automatically stored and organized in the database on your PC and are available for analysis and reporting. Each test can be automatically assessed according to manufacturer specifications or based on your individual limit values.

The Software database can be updated with over 500 test plans of different apparatus commonly used in most utilities and substations. This valuable benchmark data used for test results evaluation is provided upon request.

Reports

The Software automatically generates reports including all asset-related information and performed tests. This gives you a comprehensive overview of the test object, test results and assessment. You can easily adapt test reports, for example, by choosing from different types of result tables and diagrams and by providing comments on every test. Furthermore, you can incorporate your company logo, photos and other test results.

• Full control of the CAT functions from a PC
• Downloading the test results from the instrument
• Acquisition and analysis of the test results
• The test results can be viewed, edited, saved, printed and exported
• Viewing and overlaying several graphs, for an easy test result comparison
• Selecting the measurement points and intervals using the two cursors
• Zoom and pan graph feature
• Specific test sequence setup
• Creation of predefined test plans for an easy and quick field testing
• Customized configuration of the test result graphs

Technical Data

Main contact inputs

• Number of contact inputs: 3 (3 x 1), 1 per phase (CAT03, CAT31, CAT34)
• Electronic drivers provide superior timing control
• Overcurrent and overvoltage protection
• Coil.
• 6 (3 x 2), 2 per phase (CAT61, CAT64)
• Each channel detects Main and pre-insertion resistor contacts.

Current measurement

• Closed ≤ 10 Ω,
• Resistor contacts range10 Ω a 5kΩ,
• Open ≥ 5kΩ Open circuit voltage: 20 V DC
• Short circuit current 50 mA
• Each channel measures resistance of preinsertion resistors

Auxiliary inputs

• Number of channels: 3, galvanically isolated (external trigger input can be used as a third auxiliary input))
• User selectable: dry or wet
• Contact sensing (dry): Open circuit voltage 24 V DC
• Short circuit current 5 mA
• Voltage sensing (wet): Working voltage 300 V DC, 250V AC Low activation mode ± 5V High activation mode ±10V
• Current measurement for Trip and Close coil, 2 channels, Hall-Effect sensor
• Range ±35 A DC to 5 kHz
• Accuracy: ± (0,5 % rdg + 0,1 % FS)
• Graphic presentation: currents waveform is displayed with a resolution of 0,1 ms

Analog inputs

• 2 channels – Coil current measurement
• 2 Voltage channels, each channel has four measurement ranges: ±0,5 V, ±2,5 V, ±60 V and ±300 V AC/DC

The analog inputs are isolated with respect to all other circuits.

DC output

24 V voltage supply for current clamps

• Overcurrent and overvoltage protection

Internal memory

Time measurement

500 test results (numerical and graphical data)

Time measurement resolution:

• 0,1 ms for 2 s test duration (sampling rate 10 kHz)
• 1 ms for 20 s test duration
• (sampling rate 1 kHz)
• 10 ms for 200 s test duration (sampling rate 100 Hz)

Time accuracy: 0,05% of the reading ± resolution

Breaker operation

Printer (optional)

• Thermal printer
• Graphic and numeric printout
• Paper width 80 mm (3.15 in)
• Printer operating temperature: 0 ºC - + 50 ºC / 32 ºF - +122 ºF
• Printer density is guaranteed in this range 5 ºC - + 40 ºC / 41 ºF - +104 ºF 20 – 85% relative humidity, non condensing
• Close (C)
• Open (O)
• Close-Open (C-O)
• Open-Close (O-C)
• Open-Close-Open (O-C-O)

Transducer input

• Digital transducer inputs: 1
• Analogue transducer inputs: 1

Time measurement triggers

The user can select any desired test sequence.

• External trigger: 2 channels (trigger input voltage: 10 V – 300 V AC/DC)

Coil driver

• Number of channels: 2 (Trip and Close coil)
• Coil currents: threshold level user selectable
• Auxiliary inputs (change of contacts state)
• Two separate outputs for coil triggering
• Driver characteristics: 300 V DC max, 35 A DC max.

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensiones (W x H x D):
• 405 mm x 170 mm x 335 mm 15,9 x 6,7 en x 13,1 in

(con batería recargable integrada)

• Weight:
• 5,5 - 7 kg / 12,1 - 15,4 lb

Mains power supply

• Connection according to IEC/EN60320-1; UL498, CSA 22.2
• Mains supply: 90 V - 264 V AC
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz
• Input power: 250 VA

Internal battery power supply (optional)

• Integrated rechargeable battery
• Type 4 x 3, 7 V, Celda - 2600 mAh Li-Ion

Applicable standards

• Safety:

Low Voltage Directive: Directive 2014/35/EU (CE conform) Applicable standards, for a class I instrument, pollution degree 2, Installation category II: IEC EN 61010-1

• Electromagnetic Compatibility: Directive 2014/30/EU (CE conform Applicable standard: EN 61326-1
• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.61010-1

Environmental conditions

• Operating temperature:
• 10 ºC to + 55 ºC / 14 ºF to +131 ºF
• Storage & transportation:
• 40 ºC to + 70ºC / -40 ºF to +158 ºF
• Humidity 5 % - 95 % relative humidity, non condensing

Garantía

• 3 years

All specifications herein are valid at ambient temperature of + 25 °C and recommended accessories.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Accessories

**The above linear analog transducers are available in several lengths. Please contact Amperisr for more information.

CAT Standard – Models

CAT03

CAT31

CAT34

CAT61

CAT64

Ordering information