Electrical Power & Protection


Medium voltage distribution solutions

March 2010 Electrical Power & Protection

Schneider Electric’s RM6 provides high reliability in distribution networks while providing exceptional levels of safety.

Schneider Electric offers medium voltage distribution solutions to enhance electrical power dependability on distribution networks.

The RM6 range rated up to 24 kV and 630 A is a highly-reliable ring main unit combining all medium voltage transformers and cables to enable connection, supply and protection. It is convenient for open ring or radial networks with one or two transformers and for medium voltage switching stations. RM6 can be applied in a variety of electrical distribution and control applications and is specifically suitable for use in the management of underground distribution networks.

Compact or extensible, the RM6 range can be customised to and evolve with an organisation’s growing needs. All functional units are available as single modules that are extensible on both sides with most compact units also being extensible. Thanks to its optimised dimensions – floor-mounted by four bolts and fast cable connections on the front – the RM6 is fast and easy to install. This ensures full flexibility to combine compact and modular units to create the required medium voltage switchboard. Its extensibility on site with no handling of gas or particular floor preparations also enables simple and safe upgrades.

“People safety is a major commitment of ours,” says Schneider Electric South Africa’s energy and infrastructure manager, Gerrit Steyn. “Therefore, the RM6 provides total safety through internal arc withstand, visible earthing contact, hi-reliable mimic diagram and natural interlocking via three-position switchgear.

“We also understand that a medium voltage power supply interruption is unacceptable, especially in critical applications. To give our clients peace of mind, the RM6 enables automatic control and management of power sources in a medium voltage secondary distribution network with a short transfer time – less than 10 seconds – guaranteeing the high reliability of the installation.”

The design of the RM6 includes genuine total insulation, which makes the switchgear completely resistant to harsh environments. Whether it is dust, extreme humidity or temporary soaking, the RM6 range ensures continuity of service so energy is always available.

When combined with the Easergy monitoring and control range, also from Schneider Electric, outage times can be reduced. Between the outage occurrence and the moment the loop is re-energised, less than one minute might pass. Furthermore, by choosing the appropriate protection equipment, organisations can add communication to protection and benefit from the high reliability of a device that provides sensitive earth faults indication, specific protection such as against thermal overload, and load monitoring.

“RM6 benefits from Schneider Electric’s know-how in factory-built cubicles and SF6 breaking technology. More than one million RM6 functional units are protecting people and goods all over the world, including major municipalities and some of Africa’s biggest industries and mines. Whatever you do, wherever you are, you can benefit from high reliability,” Steyn concludes.

For more information contact Gerrit Steyn, Schneider Electric, +27 (0)11 254 6400, [email protected], www.schneider-electric.co.za



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