IEC 62271-3:2015

IEC 62271-3 ®
Edition 2.0 2015-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 3: Digital interfaces based on IEC 61850

Appareillage à haute tension –
Partie 3: Interfaces numériques basées sur l'IEC 61850

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IEC 62271-3 ®
Edition 2.0 2015-03
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –

Part 3: Digital interfaces based on IEC 61850

Appareillage à haute tension –

Partie 3: Interfaces numériques basées sur l'IEC 61850

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.130.10 ISBN 978-2-8322-2341-3

– 2 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 5
INTRODUCTION . 7
0.1 General . 7
0.2 Position of this standard in relation to the IEC 61850 series . 7
1 Scope . 8
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Normal and special service conditions . 13
5 Ratings and classifications . 13
5.1 LNs on the process level of a high-voltage substation . 13
5.2 Communication services . 15
5.2.1 Conformance classes . 15
5.2.2 ACSI basic conformance statement . 15
5.2.3 ACSI models conformance statement . 16
5.2.4 ACSI service conformance statement . 18
5.3 Timing requirements . 19
5.3.1 General . 19
5.3.2 Opening and closing times for circuit-breakers . 21
5.4 Data security. 23
5.5 Data integrity . 23
5.6 Performance requirements . 23
5.6.1 Performance classes for reliability . 23
5.6.2 Performance classes for availability . 23
5.6.3 Performance classes for maintainability . 23
5.6.4 Dependability . 23
5.6.5 Maximum expansion of the network . 24
6 Design and construction . 24
6.1 General . 24
6.1.1 Typical location of switchgear controllers and communication devices . 24
6.1.2 Typical system topology . 26
6.1.3 Typical controller system redundancy . 30
6.2 Technological boundaries . 30
6.2.1 General . 30
6.2.2 Interface point . 30
6.2.3 Transmission systems . 30
6.2.4 Human machine interface . 31
6.3 Mechanical requirements . 31
6.3.1 Mechanical stresses . 31
6.3.2 Degree of protection provided by enclosures . 31
6.3.3 Degree of protection for connectors . 31
6.3.4 Accessibility. 31
6.4 Electrical requirements . 31
6.5 EMC . 31
6.6 Electronic nameplates . 31
7 Type tests . 32

7.1 General . 32
7.2 Switchgear communication interface conformance tests . 32
7.3 Time measurement of switchgear . 32
7.3.1 Circuit-breakers . 32
7.3.2 Other switchgear . 35
8 Routine tests . 35
8.1 General . 35
8.2 Time measurement on switchgear . 36
9 Information to be given with enquiries, tenders and orders . 36
10 Rules for transport, storage, installation, operation and maintenance . 36
11 Safety . 36
Annex A (normative) Test overview table . 37
Annex B (normative) Electronic nameplates . 38
B.1 General . 38
B.2 Electronic nameplate for circuit breaker . 38
B.3 Electronic nameplate for switchgear other than circuit breakers . 40
B.4 Presence conditions . 41
Annex C (informative) Test procedures – Performance type testing . 44
Bibliography . 46

Figure 1 – Calculation of intelligent switchgear operating times (example 1) . 20
Figure 2 – Calculation of intelligent switchgear operating times (example 2) . 20
Figure 3 – Opening/closing command to intelligent switchgear . 21
Figure 4 – Opening/closing command to switchgear . 21
Figure 5 – Opening operation of an intelligent circuit-breaker. 22
Figure 6 – Closing operation of an intelligent circuit-breaker . 23
Figure 7 – GIS (example 1) . 24
Figure 8 – Secondary system in medium voltage cubicle (example 2) . 25
Figure 9 – AIS circuit-breaker (example 3) . 26
Figure 10 – AIS circuit-breaker (example 4) . 26
Figure 11 – GIS (example 1) with serial communication network . 27
Figure 12 – GIS (example 2) with serial communication network . 28
Figure 13 – AIS circuit-breaker (example 3) with serial communication network . 29
Figure 14 – AIS circuit-breaker (example 4) with serial communication network . 29
Figure 15 – Performance test of an intelligent switchgear (configuration 1) . 33
Figure 16 – Performance test of an intelligent switchgear (configuration 2) . 34
Figure C.1 – Performance test of an intelligent switchgear – CBC operating time . 44
Figure C.2 – Performance test of an intelligent switchgear – CB operating time . 45

Table 1 – LNs on process level . 14
Table 2 – ACSI basic conformance statement . 16
Table 3 – ACSI models conformance statement . 17
Table 4 – Additional restrictions for GOOSE . 18
Table 5 – ACSI service conformance statement . 19

– 4 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
Table A.1 – Test overview table . 37
Table B.1 – Common data class VSD . 38
Table B.2 – New Data Objects added to LN XCBR . 39
Table B.3 – New data objects added to LN XSWI . 40
Table B.4 – Conditions for application of new data objects . 41
Table B.5 – Explanations for attributes (1 of 2) . 42

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 3: Digital interfaces based on IEC 61850

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62271-3 has been prepared by subcommittee 17C: High-voltage
switchgear and controlgear assemblies, of IEC technical committee 17: Switchgear and
controlgear.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2006. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) an update to the latest edition(s) of IEC 61850 series;
(e.g. Annex B “LNs for sensors and monitoring” of edition 1 has been deleted since these
LNs are now covered by standard IEC 61850-7-4:2010)
b) an update of normative references;

– 6 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
c) the minimum voltage range this standard refers to, was changed from 72,5 kV to above
1 kV;
d) the description of performance tests and conformance tests became more specific;
e) the new – informative – Annex C gives an example for performance type testing;
f) 6.2.3 “transmission systems” as well as appropriate subclauses have been superseded by
standard IEC TR 61850-90-4:2013;
g) fibre optical connector type LC becomes only recommended type of fibre optic connector
in accordance with IEC TR 61850-90-4:2013;
h) electronic nameplates have been redefined as extension of LN XCBR and LN XSWI with
data objects, reflecting required additional name plate information.
NOTE A new common data class Visible String Description (VSD) will be added to the IEC 61850-7-3 to support
these new data objects.
This standard has the status of a product family standard and may be used as a normative
reference in a dedicated product standard for highvoltage switchgear and controlgear.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
17C/617/FDIS 17C/623/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62271 series, published under the general title High voltage
switchgear and controlgear, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
INTRODUCTION
0.1 General
This standard is a product family standard for high-voltage switchgear and controlgear and
assemblies thereof. It provides an application of the horizontal standard series IEC 61850
which details layered power utility communication architecture, in the world of high-voltage
switchgear and controlgear.
By providing tutorial material such as examples and explanations, it also gives an access for
switchgear experts to concepts and methods applied in the IEC 61850 series.
Compared to switchgear equipment, digital communication technology is subject to ongoing
changes which are expected to continue in the future. Profound experience with electronics
integrated directly into switchgear has yet to be gathered on a broader basis, as this type of
equipment is not widely spread in the industry and a change of metabolism has not yet
occurred.
This situation is taken into account in this standard by setting an appropriate validity date and
by specifying several options to most of the communication-related requirements, such as
connectors or fibres.
0.2 Position of this standard in relation to the IEC 61850 series
The IEC 61850 series is a horizontal standard intended to be used for communication and
systems in the power utility. The most important parts of this series define:
1) information models for the power utility automation system.
These information models include both the models of the switchgear (like circuit-breakers
and disconnectors) and other process equipment (like instrument transformers), and the
models of the power utility automation system (like protection relays);
2) the communication between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of the power utility
automation system;
3) a configuration language used to describe the configuration aspects of the power utility
automation system;
4) conformance testing of the communication interfaces of the IEDs of the power utility
automation system including their data models.
Typically, IEDs like bay level controllers interface to switchgear. In that case, the data models
of the switchgear are implemented in these devices. However, this is not the only realization.
In the case where electronics are integrated direct into switchgear, the above-mentioned data
models should be implemented within the switchgear and the switchgear supports a
communication interface.
IEC 61850, being a horizontal standard series, leaves many options open in order to support
present and future requirements of all sizes of power utility automation system at all voltage
levels.
– 8 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
HIGH-VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR –

Part 3: Digital interfaces based on IEC 61850

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62271 is applicable to high-voltage switchgear and controlgear for all rated
voltage levels above 1 kV and assemblies thereof and specifies equipment for digital
communication with other parts of the power utility automation and its impact on testing. This
equipment for digital communication, replacing metal parallel wiring, can be integrated into
the high-voltage switchgear, controlgear, and assemblies thereof, or can be external
equipment in order to provide compliance for existing switchgear and controlgear and
assemblies thereof with the standards of the IEC 61850 series.
This International Standard is a product standard based on the IEC 61850 series. It deals with
all relevant aspects of switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof with a serial
communication interface according to the IEC 61850 series. In particular it defines:
a) a selection of the information models from the IEC 61850 series that are supported by
such switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof;
b) conformance classes for the set of communication services that are supported by the
switchgear and controlgear, and assemblies thereof;
c) modifications and extensions to type and routine tests of switchgear and controlgear, and
assemblies thereof that are required due to the serial communication interface.
The standard specifies the requirements for digital communication equipment used within
high-voltage switchgear, controlgear, and assemblies thereof, as well as the relevant testing
requirements.
The relevant switchgear standards of the IEC 62271 series are applicable in general, with the
additional specifications described in this standard.
NOTE 1 This standard intends to promote interoperability of communication interfaces. Interchangeability is
outside the scope of this standard, as there is no requirement for it. Interchangeability is also outside the scope of
the IEC 61850 series.
NOTE 2 For an introduction to power utility automation communication and the related terms, definitions and
models, refer to IEC 61850-1 which provides an overview of the objectives and requirements of the IEC 61850
series in general. IEC 61850-7-1 provides an overview of modelling techniques.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60870-4:1990, Telecontrol equipment and systems – Part 4: Performance requirements
IEC 61850-3:2013, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 3: General requirements
IEC 61850-4:2011, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 4: System and project management

IEC 61850-5:2013, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 5: Communication requirements for functions and device models
IEC 61850-7-2:2010, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-2: Basic information and communication structure – Abstract communication service
interface (ACSI)
IEC 61850-7-3:2010, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-3: Basic communication structure – Common data classes
IEC 61850-7-4:2010, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 7-4: Basic communication structure – Compatible logical node classes and data object
classes
IEC 61850-8-1:2011, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 8-1: Specific communication service mapping (SCSM) – Mappings to MMS (ISO 9506-1
and ISO 9506-2) and to ISO/IEC 8802-3
IEC 61850-9-2:2011, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 9-2: Specific communication service mapping (SCSM) – Sampled values over ISO/IEC
8802-3
IEC 61850-10:2012, Communication networks and systems for power utility automations –
Part 10: Conformance testing
IEC TR 61850-90-4:2013, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation
– Part 90-4: Network engineering guidelines
IEC 62271-1:2007, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications
IEC 62271-1:2007/AMD1:2011
IEC 62271-100:2008, High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 100: Alternating current
circuit-breakers
IEC 62271-100:2008/AMD1:2012
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
time requirement
maximum acceptable time delay between source and sink
3.2
mandatory data
data where coding is specified and the information always present
Note 1 to entry: Mandatory data ensures interoperability in power utility automation.
3.3
optional data
data where the coding is specified but the information not necessarily present
3.4
data integrity
ability of a communication system to deliver data from its originator to its destinations with an
acceptable residual error rate

– 10 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
Note 1 to entry: In the case of switchgear with a digital interface, data integrity concerns the probability of
undetected errors resulting in wrong information about actual process states in the monitoring direction or
unintended actions in the control direction of the system.
3.5
interoperability
ability of two or more IEDs from the same vendor, or from different vendors, to exchange
information and use that information for correct execution of specified functions
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61850-1:2013, 3.1.8]
3.6
logical node
LN
smallest part of a function that exchanges data
Note 1 to entry: A logical node is an object defined by its data and methods.
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61850-1:2013, 3.1.9]
3.7
abstract communication service interface
ACSI
virtual interface to an IED providing abstract communication services, for example,
connection, variable access, unsolicited data transfer, device control and file transfer
services, independent of the actual communication stack and profiles used
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61850-1:2013, 3.1.1]
3.8
intelligent electronic device
IED
any device incorporating one or more processors with the capability to receive or send
data/controls from or to an external source (for example, electronic multifunction meters,
digital relays, controllers)
[SOURCE: IEC TR 61850-1:2013, 3.1.6]
3.9
protocol implementation conformance statements
PICS
summary of the capabilities of the system to be tested
Note 1 to entry: PICS contain information regarding the ACSI. This information could typically be optional parts,
specific restrictions, or add-ons (see IEC 61850-7-2:2010).
[SOURCE: adapted from ISO/IEC 8823-2:1997]
3.10
model implementation conformance statement
MICS
statement which details the standard data object model elements supported by the system or
device
[SOURCE: IEC 61850-10:2012, 3.4]
3.11
service
functional capability of a resource which can be modelled by a sequence of service primitives

Note 1 to entry: A resource in the context of this standard is an IED. A service primitive is an abstract,
implementation independent representation of an interaction between the service user and the service provider.
[SOURCE: IEC TS 61850-2:2003, 2.121, modified – addition of a new note to entry]
3.12
configuration (of a system or device)
step in system design, for example, selecting functional units, assigning their locations and
defining their interconnections
[SOURCE: IEC TS 61850-2:2003, 2.14]
3.13
data security
ability to avoid placing the controlled system in a potentially dangerous or unstable situation
by an undetected error
3.14
reliability
measure of a system or equipment to perform its intended function under specified conditions
for a specified period of time
Note 1 to entry: It is a probability figure, based on failure data and length of operating time.
[SOURCE: adapted from IEC 60050-191:1990, 191-02-06]
3.15
availability
the ability of an item to be in a state to perform a required function under given conditions at a
given instant of time or over a given time interval, assuming that the required external
resources are provided
Note 1 to entry: This ability depends on the combined aspects of the reliability performance, the maintainability
performance and the maintenance support performance.
Note 2 to entry: Required external resources, other than maintenance resources do not affect the availability
performance of the item.
Note 3 to entry: In French the term "disponibilité" is also used in the sense of "instantaneous availability".
3.16
maintainability
the ability of an item under given conditions of use, to be retained in, or restored to, a state in
which it can perform a required function, when maintenance is performed under given
conditions and using stated procedures and resources
Note 1 to entry: The term "maintainability" is also used as a measure of maintainability performance.
3.17
dependability
collective term used to describe the availability performance and its influencing factors:
reliability performance, maintainability performance, and maintenance support performance
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-191:1990, 191-02-03]
3.18
communication conformance test
check of data flow on communication channels in accordance with the standard conditions
concerning access organization, formats and bit sequences, time synchronization, timing,
signal form and level and reaction to errors

– 12 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
Note 1 to entry: The conformance test can be carried out and certified to the standard or to specifically described
parts of the standard.
Note 2 to entry: The term "communication" has been added to "conformance test" in order to state that this test
refers to communication conformance.
3.19
performance test
test on complete intelligent switchgear system to characterize it under operating conditions
3.20
intelligent switchgear
switchgear composed of its primary part, its mechanism and one or more switchgear
controllers containing at a minimum set of logical nodes according to the IEC 61850 series
Note 1 to entry: Minimum set of logical nodes are as per 5.1. of this standard.
3.21
switchgear controller
IED with an interface according to IEC 61850-8-1:2011
Note 1 to entry: A switchgear controller can be:
• a circuit-breaker controller (abbreviated as CBC in this standard);
• a disconnector controller (abbreviated as DCC in this standard);
• an earthing switch controller (abbreviated as ESC in this standard);
• a controller of another type of switchgear.
3.22
intelligent sensor
sensor with a processor and communications interface according to the IEC 61850 series
EXAMPLE An interface according to IEC 61850-9-2:2011, used for current and voltage measurement via a merging
unit as specified within IEC 61869-9.
3.23
communication device
equipment used for interconnection of several IEDs
Note 1 to entry: The term “communication switch” is used in this standard in order to distinguish this type of
equipment from switches as defined in IEC 62271-103:2011. Such a communication switch is used in local area
communication networks to combine communication network segments with different communication hardware,
such as copper- based and fibre optic serial communication networks. The defined data rate is available on every
network segment in parallel. A communication switch is a device which implements layers 1 and 2 of the ISO/OSI
reference model according to ISO/IEC 7498 series.
Note 2 to entry: A communication gateway is a communication device used for interconnection of several IEDs
which may use completely different communication methods (for example, one IED with proprietary communication
and another IED with communication according to IEC 61850 series). A communication gateway is a device which
implements all 7 layers of the ISO/OSI communication reference model according to ISO/IEC 7498 series.
Note 3 to entry: The communication device does not provide for application functionality.
3.24
test device
equipment used for generation of test signals and/or test functions
3.25
test object
device under test
———————
To be published.
4 Normal and special service conditions
Clause 2 of IEC 62271-1:2007/AMD 1:2011 giving service conditions, such as ambient air
temperature, altitude is applicable.
5 Ratings and classifications
5.1 LNs on the process level of a high-voltage substation
According to the number of functions integrated in the switchgear, a choice of LNs, among
those given in IEC 61850-5:2013, can be implemented. This standard describes a minimum
requirement if the relevant functions are present.
NOTE 1 LNs are one of the basic concepts of the IEC 61850 series. They can be seen as containers of data
within an IED. LNs are compatibly defined in IEC 61850-7-4:2010 in order to achieve interoperability between IEDs.
For further information, IEC 61850-7-1:2011 is referred to.
NOTE 2 For example, a circuit-breaker controller of an intelligent circuit-breaker implements the LN XCBR.
Should that circuit-breaker controller also implement a synchrocheck function, the LN RSYN would also be
included. Apart from that, sampled values are subject to IEC 61850-9-2:2011.
The LNs as given in Table 1 shall be used to model the communication interface of the
relevant switchgear functions; they are mandatory in the case where the function is present
and it has a serial communication interface:
NOTE 3 The LNs given in Table 1 are taken from IEC 61850-7-4:2010. The column “Purpose and explanation”
gives requirements and explanations to fit into the context of this standard.

– 14 – IEC 62271-3:2015 © IEC 2015
Table 1 – LNs on process level
Logical node Name Purpose and explanation
Alarm handling (creation of group alarms CALH This LN shall be used to handle alarms and events
and group events)
LN zero LLN0 This LN shall be used to address common data for
logical devices
(mandatory for every logical device)
NOTE 1 According to IEC 61850-7-2:2010, a logical
device can be seen as a composition of LNs and
communication services.
A logical device is not a switching device.
NOTE 2 Communication services are the means to
access the data which reside in LNs.
LN physical device LPHD This LN shall be used to model common data for
physical devices
(mandatory for every physical device)
NOTE A physical device according to IEC 61850-7-
2:2010 is an IED (such as a circuit-breaker controller),
not a switching device.
Circuit-breaker XCBR This LN shall be used for modelling circuit-breakers
NOTE If there is a single-phase circuit-breaker, this LN
has an instance per phase. These three instances may
be allocated to multiple physical devices.
All kinds of switchgear except circuit- XSWI This LN shall be used for modelling all kinds of
breakers, such as: switchgear except circuit-breakers
Switch-disconnectors NOTE If there is a single-phase switchgear (not a
circuit-breaker), this LN has an instance per phase.
Disconnectors
These three instances may be allocated to multiple
physical devices.
Earthing switches
High-speed earthing switches
Insulation medium supervision (gas) SIMG This LN shall be used to supervise the gas volumes of
GIS (gas-insulated switchgear) regarding density,
pressure, temperature, etc.
Monitoring and diagnostics for arcs SARC This LN shall be used to supervise the gas volumes of
GIS regarding switching faults or fault arcs
Monitoring and diagnostics for partial SPDC This LN shall be used to supervise the gas volumes of
discharge GIS regarding signatures of partial discharges
Circuit-breaker monitoring SCBR This LN shall be used specifically for circuit-breaker
monitoring
Monitoring of all kinds of switchgear SSWI This LN shall be used specifically for circuit switch
except circuit-breakers, such as: monitoring of all kinds of switchgear except circuit-
breakers
Switch-disconnectors
Disconnectors
Earthing switches
High-speed earthing switches
The use of these nodes should also be considered for situations where the monitoring
equipment is located remotely from the switchgear being monitored and for the communi-
cation of manufacturer-specific data.
Where additional data above that specified in the IEC 61850 series is required for the
monitoring of insulation, arcs and partial discharge, this shall be achieved by the extension of
the LNs SIMG, SARC and SPDC as specified in IEC 61850-7-4:2010.

5.2 Communication services
5.2.1 Conformance classes
The standards of the IEC 61850 series specify a large set of communication services. Not all
of these services are used to operate switchgear; many of these services support additional
capabilities such as configuration and supervision of an IED.
NOTE 1 Communication services are used to access and exchange data residing in logical nodes via a serial
communication network according to the IEC 61850 series.
Therefore, not all of the services defined in the IEC 61850 series need to be implemented in
an IED. The services that are required to be
...