Merlin Gerin Bardin Clip on fault passage indicator for MV Networks FLITE 11X FLITE 110 FLITE 112 FLITE 117 N° D1120008 Ed. : 12 / 03 User’s manual

Thank you for choosing Bardin’s FLITE11X Overhead Lines Fault Current Clip-On Indicators fully Programmable. This dependable indication device will greatly help you in reducing your outage time by shortening the time needed to locate the faults on your MV network. Important Notice Fault Current Indicators must catch the fault passage before the Feeder protection device actually trips and interrupts the MV supply. They also must reset automatically when the MV supply is restored. It is therefore important, prior to purchasing, to check two important feeder parameters : 1/ Sensing time [msec] : it must be less than the feeder protection device (Circuit Breakers + protection relay, usually) opening time. 2/ Fault Current Trip Value [A]: it must be less or equal to your feeder protection relay trip value. In doubt, please consult your local Bardin dealer.

Contents

Flite 11X overview

page 2

physical form

page 4

Flite 11X dimensions battery

connection and operation battery connection self-test parametering of the apparatus trip adjustment. Switches Imax, absolute trip delayed trip mode device reset inrush current restraint automatic timer reset manual reset

installation on the MV conductor live-line mounting dismouting of the indicator

application FCIs installation lay-out capacitive backfeed current line closing/re-closing closing on a healthy line closing on a faulty line automatic reclosing load increase fuse protected lines multiple faults

maintenance battery replacement housing

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Flite 11X overview FLITE11X is a single-phase Fault Passage Indicator for Overhead Line, and should be used in group of 3 units at each location in order to allow for the detection of all possible faults configurations. Like other FPIs, it must be installed at well-defined strategic locations along the overhead line such as : start of a spur tab or bifurcation point and sectionalizers. It mounts directly on the live MV conductor thanks to its specially-designed spring operated clamp and by means of an isolated hot-stick fitted with Bardin’s FLITE11X adapter. In case of a fault and like any other FCI, all the FLITE11X located between the bus bars and the faulty section will trip and start flashing, whilst the FLITE11X located beyond the faulty section will stay idle. The red LED flash is very powerful and is seen on a 180° solid angle of vision. FLITE 11X family tree : FLITE 11X products share the same design and PCB, they differ only as follows : FLITE 110 : 9 Leds with1 13 A4 Lithium batteries. Voltage threshold is 4 KV.m FLITE 117 : same as FLITE 110 with voltage threshold at 9 KV.m FLITE 112 : same as FLITE 110 with 4 Leds instead of 9 and smaller battery

flashes

fig. 1 - Principle of Overhead detection.

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The FLITE11X relies on two sensors to successfully detect MV faults. The electro-magnetic field generated by the line current induces a voltage in the indicator coil or antenna. This voltage is fed to a di/dt analogue sensor in order to discriminate between a normal load current and a real fault current. A normal variation of the load current will not cause the FLITE11X to trip.

reset button

coil

metal sheet and battery holder

The automatic reset can be performed by means of the built-in voltage sensor. A metal sheet acts as a capacitor between the phase conductor and the electronics, therefore sensing the electric field generated by the Medium Voltage.

fig. 2

In comparison to the pole-mounted FLITE2xx indicator, it should be used when: - indicators can be vandalized or stolen - line set-ups are such that unpredictable electromagnetic fields would cause a pole-mounted indicator to trip.

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physical form

130 mm 5.11“

FLITE 11X : The apparatus is delivered in a carton with packaging protection. The packing consists of: - one shipment carton box containing: - 1 pc FLITE11X - 1 pc user’s manual

The special adapter for the hot-stick must be ordered separately. Dimension of shipment carton are 23,5x17,5x13 cm 9.25”x6.89”x5.11” Total weight is 600g. (21.16 oz)

Dimensions fig. 3 Ø 130 Outline drawing: Ø 5.11” The FLITE11X is fully self-contained and does not necessitate any additional transformer or connection.

fig. 3

Battery The electronic PCB comes equipped with one 3,6 V unconnected lithium battery. In case of prolonged storage, it is recommended to disconnect the batteries in order to preserve battery life. This battery has been carefully specified by our engineers and should in no case be replaced by an other battery type even if very similar. Important Notice Lithium batteries are subject to a so-called passivation phenomenon, in that it is unable to supply power after being stored unconnected (i.e. “passive”) for several weeks. In order to quickly solve this problem, a simple short circuiting of the + and - terminals will de-passivate the battery. In doubt, please consult your local Bardin dealer.

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Connection and operation FLITE 11X : battery connection It is recommended to program the apparatus in the laboratory before installing it on site. The procedure is the following: - Connect the battery using the fool-proof J1 connector as shown in the diagram fig 2. - Press the Reset button Now the apparatus is entirely active and can detect faults as soon as MV is present and stabelized, according to the configuration parameters set by means of the switches.

RL1

Self-test

Leds

It is recommended that a self-test be performed before installing the apparatus on site . This is performed by activating the RL1 Reed-relay located on the PCB (component-side) by means of a permanent magnet. Approaching the magnet to the RL1 relay will trip the flash whatever the set configuration, for a duration of ca. 30 s soon after the magnet is removed. If the magnet is not removed the indicator will flash indefinetely. It should be noted that this test is intended to test the battery load level and therefore only exercises the flashing function, irrespective of the detection or the reset circuitry. A magnet is built-in the FLITE11X hot-stick adapter, so as to have a test automatically performed at each installation. fig. 4 coil

Parametering of the apparatus : The FLITE 11X is a completely programmable fault current indicator. A battery of Dual-In line-Package switches (DIP Switches), located on the component side of the PCB, renders the apparatus very versatile and helps the user meet virtually all types of applications / configurations whilst avoiding any return to factory for adjustments setting. In other words only one device needs to be held in inventory, thus reducing costs and possibilities of mistakes. Warning ! After modifying DIP-Switches with the power on, make sure to depress the reset pushbutton so as to make sure that the new parameter settings are taken into account. Failing to do so, might cause the indicator to start scanning in an unsteady state.

fig. 5

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Trip adjustment. Switches The apparatus continuously scans the phase current and compares it with a user-defined value. Bardin’s FLITE 11X has an self-adjustable tripping feature, in that it trips not only in absolute value (Imax) but also in relative value (di/dt). This di/dt trip mode is always active. ∆ t is factory set to 30 msec, ∆ i is user-selectable from 4 different values : 6, 12, 25 and 60 A (see parametering sheet). Warning ! These positions are excluding each other. The basic operation mode is as follows: 1 - The line must have been powered for at least the inrush restraint time parameter ( 0, 3, 30 or 60 sec). This criterion is verified by the voltage sensor. 2 - The line current should quickly increase (within 30 msec) above a user-defined trip value. This criterion is verified by the current sensor 3 - The line must be de-energized by the feeder protection devices, within 0 or 5 sec ( see delayed trip mode parameter). This criterion is verified by the voltage sensor. This operation can be modified or fine-tuned to meet the feeder specific protection settings, by means of the above mentioned DIPSwitches.

Imax, absolute trip : (see parametering sheet) Threshold values 200 A or 500 A.

Delayed Trip Mode : (see parametering sheet) Due to the fast response time of the relative trip feature and in order to avoid any spurious trip, it can be advisable to validate the occurrence of the fault with the presence or absence of the medium voltage. A “ real “ permanent fault always causes the feeder protection devices to trip and consequently the medium voltage disappears. If an overcurrent has been detected and the medium voltage is still present, then the fault was a “ spurious “ fault i.e. a non permanent fault and should therefore be ignored. This is the reason why a fault validation feature has been included in the FLITE 11X. This is materialized on position # 2 of DIP SWitch #1 No validation with MV or 5 sec. MV absence validation

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This means that the device, after detecting an overcurrent (absolute or relative trip detection) will start tripping and actually flashing, if the MV disappears before validation delay have elapsed. Warning ! When selecting No MV fault confirmation the device will automatically select the timer reset mode regardless of the DIPSW #2 pos. 5 and 6 settings. This in order to avoid any false voltage reset due to adjacent conductors on MV fused lines.

Device Reset (stop flash) : (see parametering sheet) Automatic reset is a feature provided by Bardin’s FLITE 11X by means of a built-in MV sensor. When the Medium Voltage is restored it means that the fault has disappeared and that the indicator should stop flashing. This is materialized with position #5 and position #6 of DIP SWitch #2. 3 Sec. MV presence The flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensed for at least 3 seconds. 30 Sec. MV presence The flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensed for at least 30 seconds. 60 Sec. MV presence The flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensed for at least 60 seconds. If switches 5 and 6 are off, automatic voltage reset is disabled. In this case, automatic timer reset has to be set, otherwise the device would flash indefinitely. As a matter of fact, in order to save battery life duration, the voltage automatic reset is always logically OR’ed to the timer reset. In other words, the indicator will reset either when the voltage is restored ( + 3, 30 or 60 sec.) or when the timer pre-set period has elapsed.

Inrush Current Restraint : (see parametering sheet) The magnetizing inrush current of a line can be very important, this is why the device has been designed with an “ inrush restraint “ feature that blocks the detection until the line current is stabilized. This is materialized by position #3 and position #4 of DIP SWitch #2. The inrush restraint cycle will only start after the reset cycle has elapsed (timer or voltage). Various Inrush restraint filtering delays are possible: 3, 30 or 60 sec.

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Automatic Timer Reset : (see parametering sheet) When no Voltage reset feature is set, for instance when the operators wish to catch the fault on-site even after the automatic reclosing devices have extinguished the fault, a time-out reset feature is mandatory. This reset mode must also be used when the sub-feeder is equipped with MV fuses instead of a Circuit Breaker. In this case, only the faulty phase will be interrupted whilst the non-faulted phase will create enough MV electric field for the false reset of the indicator on the faulted phase.

Manual Reset : It is possible to reset the flashing indicator at any time by means of a magnet. (see §2 Self-test). It will stop flashing 30 sec. after the magnet is removed. Parametering of the apparatus : - factory setting in bold. Switch 1 : SW1
i 06 A 12 A 25 A 60A IMAX NO IMAX 200 A 500 A VALIDATION 0S 5S Switch 2 : SW2

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1 TIMER RESET 02 H OFF 04 H OFF 08 H ON 16 H ON INRUSH No inrush X 03 S X 30 S X 60 S X VOLTAGE RESET No reset X 03 S X 30 S X 60 S X

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installation on the MV conductor The apparatus is to be clipped to the conductor, it should be mounted at least 5 m away from the pole. In order to offer a complete detection spectrum, it is recommended to mount one FLITE 11X on each phase conductor. The location of the installation on the MV network should be chosen at strategic points at least at the start of every spur. In doubt consult your local Bardin dealer

MV conductor

Live-line mounting: FLITE 11X adapter

hot - stick fig. 6

see fig. 6 and 7 - Connect the battery as shown in §3.1 - Configure the device as described on parametering sheet - Close the FLITE 110 by twisting the see-through optical cover onto the gray plastic housing. The index on the optical cover should be pointing to the corresponding opposite index on the housing. - Perform a test as described in §3.2 - Fasten Bardin’s adapter to the adequate isolated hot stick. - Insert the indicator into the lugs of the adapter. The upper part of the gray plastic housing must be located between the upper and the lower adapter lugs. - Open the clamp “ jaws “. - Force the indicator against the MV line conductor until the clamp closes. - Slide the hot stick (with its adapter ) to free the lugs from the indicator housing. - In order to ease its release from the adapter lugs it is advisable to move two steps in the opposite direction of the adapter prior to disengage the adapter by sliding it off the housing. This will avoid an exagerated bending of the hot stick (see fig 7). Should the adapter not disengage from the housing, clip off the indicator from the line conductor, loosen up the lugs of the adaptor, and proceed to mounting again. - Check that the indicator starts flashing and stops after 30 sec.

Dismounting of the indicator: see fig. 6 and 7 - Position the V-part of the adapter onto the line conductor near the indicator - Slide the hot-stick toward the indicator while maintaining contact with the conductor - Clip/lock the adapter lugs onto the indicator body - In order to avoid any falling off of the indicator, it is advisable to incline the hot stick so that the adapter lugs face skywards. - Pull the hot stick to release the indicator clamp 2 meters

FCIs Installation lay-out (see fig 1 page 2)

fig. 7

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application It is advisable to perform a previous network analysis prior to installation so that the best results be obtained. Please follow these recommendations in installing the FPIs: - always install 3 indicators, one per phase, at each location. - install the indicators in easily accessible network locations, near the road. Note: This is not always possible, this is the reason why Bardin offers additional remote indication units in its product range ( radio or telephone link, see your local dealer for more information) - install one set of indicators every 10 kms of line, if this is not possible at least: - install indicators at each start of a spur. Also install indicators just after this branching point on the line backbone, so as to avoid any confusion: multiple faults are frequent. - install the indicators before and after inaccessible network sections (mountains, woods etc...) , in order to quickly locate the fault. Use FLITE11X in: - 6 to 36 kV Distribution networks Note: For higher voltages check the conductor diameter - 3W or 4W type - radial networks - solidly earthed neutral networks - impedance earthed neutral networks. ( if detection of earth faults is required, carefully select the ∆ i sensitivity, in accordance to the subfeeder protection relay settings ) - conductors from 5 to 25 mm diameter Do not use FLITE11X in: - Ring networks ( permanently ring-connected ) or multiple feeds - Petersen coil compensated networks Note: In this case FLITE11X will only be capable to detect phase to phase faults. - line locations where the load current can exceed 500A - line location where the capacitive backfeed current generated beyond the indicator, can cause false tripping.

Capacitive backfeed current A shielded, underground cable is also a high value capacitor since it develops a large surface area (dia. of cable, multiplied by the length). This capacitor is charged and discharged at the nominal 50Hz frequency. As soon as an earth fault appears, all the power stored in

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this stray capacitance discharges through the fault. The capacitive current for each of the feeders is therefore going to return through the network, to flow toward the earth at the site of the short-circuit. This is known as the backfeed current. For a 20 kV voltage , and a 150 mm2 PEX cable, there is approximately 1A per km of cable per phase (10 times less in overhead lines). It is thus easy to see that this current could become significant in underground networks. This phenomenon has been taken into account by the network protection engineer when setting its protection devices, a rule-of-thumb is that the 3Io protection setting is set at least 20 % above the capacitive current. Rural networks present more and more a mixture of overhead and underground sections. In order to estimate the capacitive discharge current at a line location, the contribution from each spur beyond this location must evaluated. The FLITE11X trip value must be set above this backfeed capacitive current. This is due to the fact that the FLITE11X is unable to discriminate between earth fault current and capacitive current although they flow in opposite direction. The FLITE11X fault indicator is non directional. Note however that Bardin does offer overhead directional FCIs, this is the FLITE3xx range. This family of indicators is more sophisticated, it is pole-mounted, offers a built-in datalogger for momentary faults. For more information please consult your local Bardin dealer.

Line Closing /Re-closing Closing on a healthy line The demagnetizing current, so-called in rush current can be high enough to cause the indicator to trip. In order to avoid this false tripping possibility an inrush restraint feature is provided. Depending on the line, various Inrush restraint filtering delays are possible: 3, 30 or 60 sec. If the FLITE11X was already flashing due to a previous fault upon closing the line, it will reset after 3, 30 or 60 sec if the voltage reset option has been enabled. Closing on a faulty line Closing on a faulty line while the indicator is already flashing Closing a CB on to a fault will create an immediate trip. Priority is always given to fault detection. If the voltage reset mode has been selected, since a filter of 3, 30 or 60 sec of voltage presence has been selected, the indicator will continue flashing without interruption. If the timer reset mode has been selected, the indicator will not reset the time counter and will continue flashing until the selected period of time has elapsed. Closing on a faulty line while the indicator is not flashing The indicator will trip according to its parameter setting.

Automatic reclosing : 11

Time elapsed

Flash period