IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013:2015

Overview

IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013:2015 - "High‑voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 37‑013: Alternating‑current generator circuit‑breakers" is an international dual‑logo standard that specifies requirements for three‑phase a.c. generator circuit‑breakers (GCBs). It applies to indoor and outdoor installations on 50 Hz and 60 Hz systems with voltages above 1 kV up to 38 kV, and is intended primarily for GCBs installed between the generator and transformer. The 2015 edition includes the June 2017 corrigendum.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard defines essential ratings, tests and design features for high‑voltage generator circuit‑breakers and their auxiliary systems:

• Rated parameters: rated voltage, frequency, normal current, short‑time and peak withstand currents, making/breaking currents and transient recovery voltage (TRV) characteristics.
• Operating sequences and time quantities: standard sequences for short‑circuit, load and out‑of‑phase operations; rated break time and minimum opening time.
• Design and construction: requirements for liquids/gases, earthing, enclosures (IP/IK), creepage distances, gas/vacuum tightness, fire/flame considerations, EMC and X‑ray emission.
• Mechanisms and auxiliary equipment: specifications for closing/opening releases, stored energy and dependent power operation, interlocks, position indication and nameplates.
• Type tests and measurements: dielectric tests, radio interference (RIV), temperature‑rise, short‑time and peak withstand current tests, TRV verification and measurement of circuit resistances.
• Special provisions: explicit focus on GCBs for generators/transformers rated 10 MVA or more; installations below 10 MVA and pumped‑storage plants are treated as special applications and are not fully covered.

Practical applications

IEC/IEEE 62271‑37‑013 is used to:

• Specify and procure high‑voltage generator circuit‑breakers for power plants, combined‑cycle plants and large synchronous generator installations.
• Guide design and type‑testing of GCBs to meet safety, performance and interoperability requirements.
• Establish factory and site acceptance criteria for TRV behavior, short‑circuit interruption capability and mechanical endurance.

Who should use this standard

• Switchgear and generator circuit‑breaker manufacturers
• Power plant and substation design engineers
• Utility protection and commissioning teams
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Procurement/specification writers for large rotating‑machine installations

Related standards

• IEC 62271‑1 (general rules for high‑voltage switchgear and controlgear) - referenced for general requirements and temperature/insulation classes.
• Other IEC/IEEE 62271 parts covering specific switchgear types, testing methods and system interfaces.

Keywords: IEC/IEEE 62271‑37‑013:2015, generator circuit‑breaker, high‑voltage switchgear, TRV, type tests, rated short‑circuit current, HV GCB, alternating‑current generator circuit‑breakers.