Using AC switchgear in DC applications

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4/19/2013

Using AC switchgear in DC applications

Skin effect
Switchgear designed for alternating current can carry at least the same rated continuous operational DC
current. With direct current the skin effect in the circuits disappears and none of the specific effects associated with
alternating currents such as hysteresis or eddy current losses occur.
DC devices that are operated at low voltage can be switched by AC switchgear without difficulty, as their direct
current switching capacity at low voltages is practically the same as for alternating current.
With voltages in excess of around 60 V, the direct current switching capacity of AC switchgear with doublebreaking contacts (for example contactors) decreases strongly.
By connecting two or three circuits in series ( Figure 1) this limit can be raised to twice or three times the voltage.

Where grounded power supplies are used (top graph) with loads switched on both sides, it should be noted that
ground faults can lead to bridging of contacts and hence to a reduction in the breakable voltage.

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The reason for the reduced switching capacity with DC compared with AC is the absence of the current zero
crossover that with AC supports the quenching of the electric
arc.
The electric arc in the contact system can continue to burn
under larger direct voltages and thus destroy the switchgear.
With direct voltages, the contact erosion and hence also the
contact life span differ from those at alternating voltage. The
attainable values for direct current are specifically tested and
documented.
With direct current, the load affects the switching capacity
more strongly than with alternating current.

Figure 1 Examples of diagrams for poles connected in series

The energy stored in the inductance of the load must largely be

dissipated in the form of an electric arc.
Hence with a strongly inductive load (large time constant L/R) the permissible switching capacity for the same
electrical life span is smaller than with an ohmic load due to the much longer breaking times.

Overload release units

The reaction of bimetal strips heated by the

operating current depends on the heat generated
in the bimetal strips and intheir heating coil, if any.
This applies equally for alternating current and direct
current.
The trip characteristic can be somewhat slower
with direct current as there are no hysteresis and
eddy current losses.
With overload releases that are sensitive to phase
failure, all three circuits should always be connected
in series to prevent premature tripping.
Overload releases heated via current transformers
are not suitable for direct current. Also electronic
overload relays in most cases cannot be used in
direct current applications as the current is
measured via current transformers and their
functionality is tailored to alternating current.

Thermal-magnetic circuit breakers employ a bi-metalic strip to sense overload

conditions.

Short-circuit releases

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Short Circuit Trip

Electromagnetic overcurrent releases can be used with direct current. However the tripping threshold current is
somewhat higher than with alternating current.

Undervoltage and shunt-trip releases

Undervoltage and shunt-trip releases operate with magnet circuits. Special designs are required for direct voltage.
Resource: Allen Bradley Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear

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