Upgraded NOJA Power OSM15 310 series Automatic Circuit Recloser passes type test for 16-kA maximum interrupt rating

Electrical switchgear engineers NOJA Power today announces that its OSM15 310 series 15-kV Automatic Circuit Recloser (ACR or “auto-recloser”) has been type tested by an independent test laboratory for compliance with IEC62271-111 and IEEE C37.60 standards for a 16-kA maximum interrupt rating. This represents a significant upgrade on the previous product certification for a rating of 12.5 kA. The product was also tested and passed compliance for a short time withstand current of 16 kA for three seconds.

The OSM15 310 series was introduced in April 2014 to replace older products with units capable of a rated maximum voltage of 15.5 kV and rated maximum continuous current of 800 A. The enhanced ACRs are suitable for use in a wider range of electrical network configuration options for conventional grids and smart grids.

Previously, NOJA Power’s OSM15 310 series ACRs had been subjected to full type testing and certification by independent test laboratory DNV GL KEMA of The Netherlands. The original certification included a 12.5-kA maximum interrupt rating and maximum continuous current of 630 A. The new type testing by DNV GL KEMA proves the capability of the OSM15 310 series ACR at a 16-kA maximum interrupt rating, maximum continuous current of 800 A and short time withstand current test of 16 kA for three seconds.

“The OSM15 310 series ACRs are the direct result of over a decade of significant investment in R&D and enable NOJA Power to offer 15-kV ACRs that meet the demanding requirements of smart grid distribution automation. The popularity of the products led to market demand for a higher rated version,” says Neil O’Sullivan, NOJA Power’s Managing Director.

“It was a tough challenge to upgrade the OSM15 310 auto-recloser from 12.5 kA to 16 kA maximum interrupt rating to meet that demand. The company’s engineers and other technical staff deserve great credit in this achievement and, with this successful test, their work has now been verified for compliance to international standards by an independent laboratory.”

Type Test Certificates with a gold label issued by DNV GL KEMA confirm that NOJA Power’s ACRs comply with international standards such as IEC62271-111 and IEEE C37.60. These Type Test Certificates are the only documents which certify that medium-voltage switchgear products such as ACRs (and other components used in systems for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy) have completed and passed testing to verify that they meet international standards.

“Type testing from an independent laboratory assures customers that the certified auto-recloser complies with the relevant aspects of the international standards,” explains Oleg Samarski, NOJA Power’s Quality & Service Director. “At NOJA Power we ensure all our OSM auto-reclosers are independently tested to underline our commitment to the design and manufacture of products that perform reliably over the long term and are completely safe.”

NOJA Power’s OSM15 310 series products benefit from the use of a vacuum interrupt and solid dielectric insulator instead of the environmentally unfriendly oil or sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas used in older products. Another key feature of the OSM15 310 series is its stainless steel enclosure that forms the only solid dielectric unit with controlled arc venting on the market. The controlled arc venting design meets the requirements of IEC62271-200 Clause 6.106 and Annex A, and the efficacy of this important safety feature has previously been verified as part of the type-testing certification.

About IEC/IEEE international standards

The Geneva-based International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and New York-based Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) publish international standards for the electrical, electronic and related industries. International standards ensure that manufacturers develop products that meet defined specifications. Since 2002, IEC and IEEE have collaborated to avoid duplication when developing, adopting or revising international standards in order to accelerate their issue. IEC62271-111 and IEEE C37.60 (“High voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 111: Overhead, pad-mounted, dry vault, and submersible automatic circuit reclosers and fault interrupters for alternating current systems up to 38 kV”) covers the design, manufacture and test of automatic circuit reclosers, was first issued in 2005 as a harmonized international standard and carries the logos of both organizations.