Merlin Gerin Bardin

Clip on fault passageindicator for MV NetworksFLITE 11XFLITE 110FLITE 112FLITE 117

N° D1120008Ed. : 12 / 03User’s manual

Thank you for choosing Bardin’s FLITE11X Overhead Lines Fault Current Clip-On Indicators fully Programmable. Thisdependable indication device will greatly help you in reducing your outage time by shortening the time needed tolocate the faults on your MV network.

Important Notice

Fault Current Indicators must catch the fault passage before the Feeder protection device actually trips and interruptsthe 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 4Flite 11X page 4dimensions page 4battery page 4

connection and operation page 5battery connection page 5self-test page 5parametering of the apparatus page 5trip adjustment. Switches page 6Imax, absolute trip page 6delayed trip mode page 6device reset page 7inrush current restraint page 7automatic timer reset page 8manual reset page 8

installation on the MV conductor page 9live-line mounting page 9dismouting of the indicator page 9

application page 10FCIs installation lay-out page 10capacitive backfeed current page 10line closing/re-closing page 11

closing on a healthy line page 11closing on a faulty line page 11automatic reclosing page 12

load increase page 12fuse protected lines page 12multiple faults page 13

maintenance page 13battery replacement page 13housing page 13

1

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 toallow for the detection of all possible faults configurations. Like otherFPIs, it must be installed at well-defined strategic locations along theoverhead line such as : start of a spur tab or bifurcation point andsectionalizers. It mounts directly on the live MV conductor thanks toits specially-designed spring operated clamp and by means of anisolated hot-stick fitted with Bardin’s FLITE11X adapter.

In case of a fault and like any other FCI, all the FLITE11X locatedbetween the bus bars and the faulty section will trip and startflashing, whilst the FLITE11X located beyond the faulty section willstay idle.

The red LED flash is very powerful and is seen on a 180° solid angleof vision.FLITE 11X family tree : FLITE 11X products share the same design and PCB, they differ onlyas follows :FLITE 110 : 9 Leds with1 13 A4 Lithium batteries. Voltage threshold is4 KV.mFLITE 117 : same as FLITE 110 with voltage threshold at 9 KV.mFLITE 112 : same as FLITE 110 with 4 Leds instead of 9 and smallerbattery

Flite 11X overview

fig. 1 - Principle of Overhead detection.

flashes

2

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

The automatic reset can be performed by means of the built-involtage sensor. A metal sheet acts as a capacitor between the phaseconductor and the electronics, therefore sensing the electric fieldgenerated by the Medium Voltage.

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

metal sheetand battery holder

reset button

coil

fig. 2

3

physical form

fig. 3

130

mm

5.11

“

Ø 130Ø 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 cm9.25”x6.89”x5.11”Total weight is 600g. (21.16 oz)

Dimensions

fig. 3Outline drawing:

The FLITE11X is fully self-contained and does not necessitate anyadditional transformer or connection.

Battery

The electronic PCB comes equipped with one 3,6 V unconnectedlithium battery. In case of prolonged storage, it is recommended todisconnect the batteries in order to preserve battery life. This batteryhas been carefully specified by our engineers and should in no casebe replaced by an other battery type even if very similar.

Important Notice

Lithium batteries are subject to a so-called passivationphenomenon, in that it is unable to supply power afterbeing stored unconnected (i.e. “passive”) for severalweeks. In order to quickly solve this problem, a simpleshort circuiting of the + and - terminals will de-passivatethe battery.In doubt, please consult your local Bardin dealer.

4

Connection and operation

FLITE 11X : battery connection

It is recommended to program the apparatus in the laboratory beforeinstalling it on site.

The procedure is the following:- Connect the battery using the fool-proof J1 connector as shown inthe diagram fig 2.- Press the Reset button

Now the apparatus is entirely active and can detect faults as soon asMV is present and stabelized, according to the configurationparameters set by means of the switches.

Self-test

It is recommended that a self-test be performed before installing theapparatus on site . This is performed by activating the RL1 Reed-relaylocated on the PCB (component-side) by means of a permanentmagnet. Approaching the magnet to the RL1 relay will trip the flashwhatever the set configuration, for a duration of ca. 30 s soon afterthe magnet is removed. If the magnet is not removed the indicatorwill flash indefinetely. It should be noted that this test is intended totest the battery load level and therefore only exercises the flashingfunction, irrespective of the detection or the reset circuitry.A magnet is built-in the FLITE11X hot-stick adapter, so as to have atest automatically performed at each installation.

Parametering of the apparatus :

The FLITE 11X is a completely programmable fault current indicator. Abattery of Dual-In line-Package switches (DIP Switches), located onthe component side of the PCB, renders the apparatus very versatileand helps the user meet virtually all types of applications /configurations whilst avoiding any return to factory for adjustmentssetting. 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, makesure to depress the reset pushbutton so as to make surethat the new parameter settings are taken into account.Failing to do so, might cause the indicator to startscanning in an unsteady state.

RL1 Leds

fig. 4

coil

fig. 5

5

Trip adjustment. Switches

The apparatus continuously scans the phase current and compares itwith a user-defined value. Bardin’s FLITE 11X has an self-adjustabletripping feature, in that it trips not only in absolute value (Imax) butalso 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 inrushrestraint 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 auser-defined trip value. This criterion is verified by the current sensor3 - The line must be de-energized by the feeder protection devices,within 0 or 5 sec ( see delayed trip mode parameter). This criterion isverified by the voltage sensor.

This operation can be modified or fine-tuned to meet the feederspecific protection settings, by means of the above mentioned DIP-Switches.

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 orderto avoid any spurious trip, it can be advisable to validate theoccurrence of the fault with the presence or absence of the mediumvoltage. A “ real “ permanent fault always causes the feeder protectiondevices to trip and consequently the medium voltage disappears. If anovercurrent has been detected and the medium voltage is stillpresent, then the fault was a “ spurious “ fault i.e. a non permanentfault and should therefore be ignored.This is the reason why a fault validation feature has been included inthe FLITE 11X. This is materialized on position # 2 of DIP SWitch #1

No validation with MV or 5 sec. MV absence validation

6

This means that the device, after detecting an overcurrent (absolute or relative trip detection) will start tripping and actuallyflashing, if the MV disappears before validation delay have elapsed.

Warning !When selecting No MV fault confirmation the device willautomatically select the timer reset mode regardless of the DIPSW #2pos. 5 and 6 settings. This in order to avoid any false voltage resetdue 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 meansof a built-in MV sensor. When the Medium Voltage is restored itmeans that the fault has disappeared and that the indicator shouldstop flashing. This is materialized with position #5 and position #6 of DIPSWitch #2.

3 Sec. MV presenceThe flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensedfor at least 3 seconds.30 Sec. MV presenceThe flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensedfor at least 30 seconds.60 Sec. MV presenceThe flash will stop as soon as the Medium Voltage has been sensedfor at least 60 seconds.

If switches 5 and 6 are off, automatic voltage reset is disabled. Inthis case, automatic timer reset has to be set, otherwise the devicewould flash indefinitely. As a matter of fact, in order to save batterylife duration, the voltage automatic reset is always logically OR’ed tothe timer reset. In other words, the indicator will reset either whenthe voltage is restored ( + 3, 30 or 60 sec.) or when the timer pre-setperiod has elapsed.

Inrush Current Restraint :

(see parametering sheet)The magnetizing inrush current of a line can be very important, this iswhy 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 haselapsed (timer or voltage).Various Inrush restraint filtering delays are possible: 3, 30 or 60 sec.

7

Automatic Timer Reset :

(see parametering sheet)When no Voltage reset feature is set, for instance when the operatorswish to catch the fault on-site even after the automatic reclosingdevices have extinguished the fault, a time-out reset feature ismandatory. This reset mode must also be used when the sub-feeder isequipped with MV fuses instead of a Circuit Breaker. In this case, onlythe faulty phase will be interrupted whilst the non-faulted phase willcreate enough MV electric field for the false reset of the indicator onthe faulted phase.

Manual Reset :It is possible to reset the flashing indicator at any time by means of amagnet. (see §2 Self-test). It will stop flashing 30 sec. afterthe magnet is removed.Parametering of the apparatus : - factory setting in bold.

Switch 1 : SW11 2 3 4 5 6

�i06 A X X X OFF OFF OFF12 A X X X ON OFF OFF25 A X X X OFF ON OFF60A X X X OFF OFF ONIMAXNO IMAX ON X X X X X200 A OFF X ON X X X500 A OFF X OFF X X XVALIDATION0 S X OFF X X X X5 S X ON X X X X

1 2 3 4 5 6TIMER RESET02 H OFF OFF X X X X04 H OFF ON X X X X08 H ON OFF X X X X16 H ON ON X X X XINRUSHNo inrush X X OFF OFF X X03 S X X ON OFF X X30 S X X OFF ON X X60 S X X ON ON X XVOLTAGE RESET

No reset X X X X OFF OFF03 S X X X X OFF ON30 S X X X X ON OFF60 S X X X X ON ON

Switch 2 : SW2

8

fig. 6

adapter

FLITE 11X

MV conductor

hot - stick

installation on the MV conductor

The apparatus is to be clipped to the conductor, it should be mountedat least 5 m away from the pole. In order to offer a completedetection spectrum, it is recommended to mount one FLITE 11X oneach phase conductor. The location of the installation on the MVnetwork should be chosen at strategic points at least at the start ofevery spur. In doubt consult your local Bardin dealer

Live-line mounting: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 ontothe gray plastic housing. The index on the optical cover should bepointing 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 ofthe gray plastic housing must be located between the upper and thelower adapter lugs.- Open the clamp “ jaws “.- Force the indicator against the MV line conductor until the clampcloses.- Slide the hot stick (with its adapter ) to free the lugs from theindicator housing.- In order to ease its release from the adapter lugs it is advisable tomove two steps in the opposite direction of the adapter prior todisengage the adapter by sliding it off the housing. This will avoid anexagerated bending of the hot stick (see fig 7). Should the adapternot disengage from the housing, clip off the indicator from the lineconductor, loosen up the lugs of the adaptor, and proceed tomounting 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 theindicator- Slide the hot-stick toward the indicator while maintaining contactwith the conductor- Clip/lock the adapter lugs onto the indicator body- In order to avoid any falling off of the indicator, it is advisable toincline the hot stick so that the adapter lugs face skywards.- Pull the hot stick to release the indicator clamp

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

fig. 7

2 meters

9

application

It is advisable to perform a previous network analysis prior toinstallation so that the best results be obtained. Please follow theserecommendations in installing the FPIs:- always install 3 indicators, one per phase, at each location. - install the indicators in easily accessible network locations, near theroad. Note: This is not always possible, this is the reason why Bardin offersadditional remote indication units in its product range ( radio ortelephone link, see your local dealer for more information)- install one set of indicators every 10 kms of line, if this is notpossible at least: - install indicators at each start of a spur. Also install indicators justafter this branching point on the line backbone, so as to avoid anyconfusion: 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 networksNote: 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 isrequired, carefully select the ∆ i sensitivity, in accordance to the sub-feeder 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 networksNote: In this case FLITE11X will only be capable to detect phase tophase faults.- line locations where the load current can exceed 500A- line location where the capacitive backfeed current generatedbeyond the indicator, can cause false tripping.

Capacitive backfeed current

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

10

this stray capacitance discharges through the fault. The capacitivecurrent for each of the feeders is therefore going to return throughthe 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 isapproximately 1A per km of cable per phase (10 times less inoverhead lines). It is thus easy to see that this current could becomesignificant in underground networks. This phenomenon has beentaken into account by the network protection engineer when settingits protection devices, a rule-of-thumb is that the 3Io protectionsetting is set at least 20 % above the capacitive current. Ruralnetworks present more and more a mixture of overhead andunderground sections. In order to estimate the capacitive dischargecurrent at a line location, the contribution from each spur beyond thislocation must evaluated. The FLITE11X trip value must be set abovethis backfeed capacitive current. This is due to the fact that theFLITE11X is unable to discriminate between earth fault current andcapacitive current although they flow in opposite direction. TheFLITE11X fault indicator is non directional. Note however that Bardin does offer overhead directional FCIs, this isthe FLITE3xx range. This family of indicators is more sophisticated, itis 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 highenough to cause the indicator to trip. In order to avoid this falsetripping possibility an inrush restraint feature is provided. Dependingon 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 uponclosing the line, it will reset after 3, 30 or 60 sec if the voltage resetoption has been enabled.

Closing on a faulty line

Closing on a faulty line while the indicator is already flashingClosing a CB on to a fault will create an immediate trip. Priority isalways given to fault detection. If the voltage reset mode has beenselected, since a filter of 3, 30 or 60 sec of voltage presence has been selected, the indicator willcontinue flashing without interruption.If the timer reset mode has been selected, the indicator will not resetthe time counter and will continue flashing until the selected periodof time has elapsed.

Closing on a faulty line while the indicator is not flashingThe indicator will trip according to its parameter setting.

Automatic reclosing :

11

The indicator is not basically affected by automatic recloser cycles ifthe voltage automatic reset feature is selected. After a successfulreclosing cycle, the indicator will continue flashing for 3, 30 or 60 secand then stop. After an unsuccessful reclosing cycle, the indicator willcontinue flashing after the fault appearance and will not reset untilthe line is re-energized again. It is sometimes required to catch recurring non-permanent(momentary) faults, in this case simply switch off the voltage resetmode but do use the criterion of voltage-drop validation after 5 sec.(This, in order to avoid any false tripping which could not be reset).Select the automatic timer reset mode to the maximum time it takesfor the linemen to patrol the faulty line or select 16 H and manualreset (i.e. 16 H timer reset and no voltage reset ). Note that this flashduration has obviously an impact on the Lithium battery lifeexpectation, this is why the FLITE11X standard version has noprovision to suppress the timer reset mode. This can be implementedin factory upon request, please consult your local Bardin dealer.In order to save battery life, Bardin has provided FLITE11X with theunique ECO-feature which adapts the flash rate to the duration of thefault. This flashing rate also gives the linemen a rough indication ofwhen the fault occurred.

Load increase :

If a sudden load pick-up of 6, 12, 25 or 60A occurs within 30 msec(or say, one period) , the indicator will trip since it considers it as apossible fault. However if the feeder protection device did not trip,the line remains consequently energized and the indicator will adjust:- in the case the delayed trip mode has been selected, the indicatorwill await 5 sec. before flashing in order to check if the line has beende-energized. It will therefore discard this sudden load pick-up andwill not flash at all.- in the case the delayed trip mode has not been selected, theindicator automatically switches to the timer reset mode.It is highly recommended not to use a low Di trip valuewithout voltage reset mode. In all cases always use di tripmode with delayed trip mode.

Fuse protected lines

The basic operating criterion of FLITE11X is that the detection isalways confirmed by a subsequent voltage drop. In the case of fusedlines, only the faulty phase will be interrupted whilst the non-faultedphase will create enough MV electric field for the false reset of the

indicator on the faulted phase. Conclusion ; if MV > 25 kV, werecommend to use a FLITE 117 on lines protected by fuses or singleswitches.This is the reason why FLITE 11X automatically switches to timerreset mode whenever this no MV fault confirmation mode is used.Make sure you use a higher ∆i trip value i.e. 60A in order to avoidfalse tripping on spurious current spikes, since it would only resetafter the preset timer period.

Time elapsed Flash period

< 2 H 3 sec

< 4 H 5 sec

< 8 H 7 sec

< 16 H 9 sec

12

Multiple faultsA single fault appearing at one location causes stress everywhere inthe network. If there are weak points in the line, they will notwithstand these induced voltage surges and a second fault mightappear just after the first. The longer the fault duration, or the more the reclosing cycles count,the more likely multiple faults can occur. Multiple faults can be quite tricky to pinpoint, since they are veryoften momentary: as soon as the original stress ceases the secondfault disappears. In order to catch them:- indicators should be placed on the line backbone after a spur (branching point) and at the start of each spur. ( see § FCI lay-out)- for momentary multiple faults see § automatic reclosing

Maintenance

It is advisable to inspect the indicator once every 5 years. This checkcan be performed when the line is energized using an isolated hot-stick with the special adapter. Approaching the adapter from theFLITE11X will cause it to flash for 30 sec.

Battery replacement :Lithium batteries are rated for a 10 years lifetime without load. Sinceit is not possible to evaluate the number of flashes the indicatoralready delivered, and since the battery capacity varies with itsaverage cell temperature (the higher the temperature the lower the capacity) we dorecommend to check the battery load (see above) at least every 5years. The manufacturing year is clearly visible on the reflectingsticker on the cover. In order to replace the battery, pull the batteryplug from the PCB and pull the battery from the holder. Be sure touse a genuine Bardin spare battery, the replacement can beperformed on-site provided the weather conditions are dry enough.Do not forget to depress the reset button once thebattery is replaced

Housing

Apart from the battery, all steps have been taken in the design phaseso that your FLITE11X gives you 15 years of troublefree operation.The plastic material PC-ABS is UV- stabilized and flame retarding.The clamp shaft are made of stainless steel.

13

Sorhodel Bardin839, Chemin des Batterses ZI Ouest01700 Beynost - FRANCE -Tel. : +33 (04) 78 55 72 77Fax. : +33 (04) 78 55 50 00

Web : www.schneider-electric.comE.mail : sav@earsergy.com

Schneider Electricindustrie SA.

N° D1120008Ed. : 12 / 03