Q: Does the ETC-12 Trip Unit Pass ANSI C37.59 Testing?
A: Yes, the ETC-12 meets ANSI C37.59 standards and passes ANSI C37.59 Testing.
7/17/14 – This is a video of the ETC-12 kit passing ANSI C37.59 Testing in the Power Lab on XX/XX/XX . Under extreme loads, the ETC-12 opened as expected, protecting the lab’s upstream equipment, including the main breaker in the testing facility.
Testing Details
The ETC-12 trip unit for low voltage circuit breakers was recently tested by an independent high current test lab and a separate independent radio frequency facility. These tests were performed to verify the quality and performance of the ETC-12. A summary of the tests is available below. If you would like to view the detailed test results, links to those are available at the bottom of the page.
High Current Testing
During the high current test, the breaker closes onto a fault that is at the maximum frame rating of the breaker. The trip unit and kit has to correctly read the high current, and instantly cause the breaker to open. After the first successful opening the whole process happens again 15 seconds later. Only after the trip unit has opened the breaker twice can it pass in accordance with the ANSI standard.
Fortunately the ETC-12 performed as it should during the max interrupt test and tripped the breaker. The ETC-12 was able to handle the extreme incoming current from its CT’s and the contacts on the board along with the rest of the ETC-12 internal components remained in tact. If this breaker had failed to open in a practical application, the main breaker should trip. However, in the worst case scenario where the main breaker also failed to open, the protected breaker could overheat and cause a catastrophic failure.
Radio Frequency Interference Testing
During the radio frequency (RF) test the ETC-12 was subjected to RF or varying frequency, intensity and location. The test was conducted in accordance with the European standards for RF susceptibility. The performance of the ETC-12 was monitored during each phase of the test. If there was any errors in the operation of the trip unit such as a nuisance trip during the test, the trip unit would fail that portion of the testing.
The ETC-12 passed at all ANSI required levels during the RF testing. There were no nuisance trips, no LCD failures nor any unexpected power losses due to the exposure to RF energy.