Overview
IEC TS 63346-2-2:2026 is an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Technical Specification that establishes common rules and detailed requirements for the design of low-voltage DC auxiliary power systems (APSs) intended for substations. This document focuses on the configuration of DC power sources, system wiring, selection of electrical equipment, and the physical layout of the DC APS. Its scope extends from the low-voltage AC input of the charger to the DC input points of the loads within the substation.
By providing robust design criteria, IEC TS 63346-2-2:2026 aims to promote safety, reliability, and operational efficiency for substations. It is particularly relevant for systems using lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries connected in series, but may be referenced for parallel cell systems as well. Specialized applications such as traction, offshore, or nuclear substations are explicitly excluded from this standard.
Key Topics
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System Configuration
Defines the basic structure of a DC APS, typically including batteries, chargers, distribution networks, monitoring equipment, and control devices. The system is designed to ensure functionality during both normal operation and AC power failure.
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Design Principles
Emphasizes the balance of economy, reliability, flexibility, and safety. The determination of system capacity, selection of voltage, structure, protection, and equipment must align with the specific characteristics and criticality of the substation.
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Electrical Requirements
- System earthing (isolated or IT-system)
- Nominal voltage selection compliant with IEC 60038 (commonly 220 V and 110 V)
- Overvoltage protection and insulation coordination per IEC 60664-1
- Dual-source AC input for chargers to enhance reliability
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Load Assessment and Classification
- Categorization of DC loads as continuous, emergency, or momentary
- Differentiation between power loads and control loads
- Statistical approach for demand and load factors to appropriately size the system and its battery backup
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System Structure and Redundancy
- Single/dual battery and charger configurations for varying levels of reliability
- Guidelines for bus segmentation, network topology (e.g., star, mesh), and backup strategies
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Equipment Selection and Layout
- Requirements for batteries, chargers, cables, cabinets, and monitoring devices
- Safety and environmental considerations per IEC 62485-2 and additional referenced standards
Applications
IEC TS 63346-2-2:2026 delivers practical guidance for engineers, designers, and operators involved in the construction, upgrade, or maintenance of substations. Key applications include:
- Substation Power Continuity: Ensuring that critical protection, control, and communication systems in substations receive uninterrupted DC power, even during AC supply failures.
- Equipment Specification: Supporting procurement and specification processes by outlining criteria for selecting batteries, chargers, monitoring devices, distribution boards, and wiring.
- System Safety and Reliability: Incorporating redundancy and fault-tolerance in system design, such as isolated DC systems, duplicate battery arrangements, and compliant earthing.
- Compliance and Standardization: Helping utilities and developers meet international requirements and enhance compatibility and interoperability across projects.
By focusing on proven design criteria and referencing the latest IEC standards, this specification enhances the operational stability and resilience of electrical substations worldwide.
Related Standards
To ensure consistency and compatibility with the broader electric power infrastructure, IEC TS 63346-2-2:2026 should be used alongside the following related standards:
- IEC 60038: IEC standard voltages
- IEC 60364 Series: Low-voltage electrical installations - Covers safety, protection, and equipment selection
- IEC 60664-1: Insulation coordination for equipment within low-voltage supply systems
- IEC 60896 Series: Stationary lead-acid batteries - Requirements and testing methods
- IEC 60947-2: Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Circuit-breakers
- IEC 62485-2: Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations
- IEC TS 63346-1-1: Low-voltage auxiliary power systems - Terminology
- IEC 63346-2-1: General design criteria for low-voltage auxiliary power systems in substations
By adhering to IEC TS 63346-2-2:2026 and these referenced standards, substation projects can achieve higher levels of electrical safety, reliability, and performance.