SRI VENKATESWARA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - 602117

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

EE6702 Protection and Switchgear
QUESTION BANK
UNIT I PROTECTION SCHEMES
PART A
1.Why protection scheme is needed for Power System?
(i) If the fault is not cleared; the system voltage may reduce to a low level and the generators
may lose synchronism leads to unnecessary interruption of service to the customers.
(ii) Rapid disconnection of faulted apparatus limits the amount of damage to it and prevents
the effects of faults from spreading into the system.
2.Give the consequences of short circuit.
Whenever short-circuit occurs, the current flowing through the coil increases to an enormous
value. If protective relays are present, a heavy current also flows through the relay coil, causing
it to operate by closing its contacts. The trip circuit is then closed, the circuit breaker opens and
the fault is isolated from the rest of the system. Also, a low voltage may be created which may
damage systems connected to the supply.
3. Write the sources of fault power. (Nov/Dec 2013)
The fault power can be originated from the generation or transmission or from the distribution
side. Also the fault power can be from external sources like lightning.
4. What are the various types of faults occurring in a power system? (May/June 2012)
(May/June 2014 )
SERIES FAULT: a) One open conductor fault b) Two open conductor fault
SHUNT FAULT: (a) Symmetrical or balanced fault (i) Three phase Fault(LLLG)
(b) Unsymmetrical or unbalanced fault (i) Line to line fault(LL) (ii) Line to ground fault (LG)
(iii) Double line to ground fault.(LLG).
5. What are the effects of power system faults? (Nov/Dec 2012)
Increase in current above rated value, Insulation failure, Equipment damage.
6. What is the difference between short circuit and overload? (Nov/Dec 2015)
On the occurrence of short circuit, the voltage at the point of fault falls to zero and the current in
the network increases abnormally to a higher value. But in the case of overload reduction in the
terminal voltage of the equipment occurs but the voltage will never fall to zero. Similarly the
current also increases to a higher value but not as high as in the case of short circuit.
7. State the significance of single line to ground fault.
In single line to ground fault all the sequence networks are connected in series. All the sequence
currents are equal and the fault current magnitude is three times its sequence currents.
8. State the significance of double line fault.
It has no zero sequence component and the positive and negative sequence networks are
connected in parallel.
9.What are symmetrical components?
It is a mathematical tool to resolve unbalanced components into balanced components. The
symmetrical components of three phase system are, i) Positive sequence components, ii)
Negative sequence components and iii) Zero sequence components.
10. Write down the importance of symmetrical components for fault current calculation.
(i) Positive sequence voltage corresponds to the generated voltages of an alternator. This really
means that if the direction of rotation of the stator field is same as that of rotor, the set of
voltages are positive sequence voltages.
(ii) On the contrary, if the direction of rotation of stator field is opposite to that of rotor, the set
of voltages are negative sequence voltages.
(iii)The zero sequence voltages are in-phase voltages, and therefore they give rise to an
alternating field in space, does not produce any rotating field.
These are used to determine the voltages and currents on the occurrence of unsymmetrical faults
11. Define negative sequence component.
It has three vectors equal in magnitude and displaced from each other by an angle 120 degrees
and has the phase sequence in opposite to its original phasors.
12. Differentiate between a fuse and a circuit breaker.
Fuse is a low current interrupting device. It is a copper or an aluminum wire. Circuit breaker is a
high current interrupting device and it act as a switch under normal operating conditions.
13. Draw the basic circuit of protective relay with circuit breaker.

14. What are the functions of protective relays? (May/June 2013) (Apr/May 2015)
To detect the fault and initiate the operation of the circuit breaker to isolate the defective element
from the rest of the system, thereby protecting the system from damages consequent to the fault.
15. What is the necessity for earthing? (Nov/Dec 2014) (May/June 2014 ) (Nov/Dec 2015)
When earthing is provided it ensures the safety of personnel against electrical shocks and avoids
accidents. The potential of earthed body does not reach to dangerously high value above earth
since it is connected to earth. Also the earth fault current flows through the earthing and may
cause operation of fuse or an earth relay.
16. What are the different types of earthing? (Apr/May 2015)
i) Effective grounding (solid grounding)
ii) Resistance grounding
iii) Reactance earthing
iv) Resonant earthing
v) voltage transformer grounding
17. How are arcing grounds avoided? (May/June 2012)
The presence of inductive and capacitive currents in the isolated neutral system leads to
formation of arcs called as arcing grounds. Arcing grounds are avoided by earthing.
18. List out the duties of fault limiting reactors. (Nov/Dec 2013)
The duties of fault limiting reactors are to limit fault current and to eliminate the arcing ground.
19. What is a protection zone? (Apr/May 2015)
To limit the extent of the power system that is disconnected when a fault occurs, protection is
arranged in zones. Ideally, the zones of protection should overlap, so that no part of the power
system is left unprotected.
20. What is primary protection?
Primary protection is the protection in which the fault occurring in a line will be cleared by its
own relay and circuit breaker. It serves as the first line of defense.
21. What is back up protection? (Nov/Dec 2012)
Back up protection is the second line of defense, which operates if the primary protection fails to
activate within a definite time delay.
22. State the essential qualities of protection.
The essential qualities of a protective system are as follows:
i) Selectivity or discrimination, (ii) Reliability, (iii) Sensitivity
iv) Stability, (v) Fast operation and (vi) Discrimination
23. List the most common protective schemes which are usually used for the protection of a
modern power system.
(i) Overcurrent protection
(ii) Distance protection
(iii) Carrier-current protection
(iv) Differential protection

PART B

1. Write short notes on the following:

(i) Various principles of power system protection (8)
(ii) Discuss briefly the role of protective relays in a modern power system. (8)
2. Describe fault current calculation using symmetrical components for different types of
faults in the power system. Which of these are more frequent?
3. For a power system shown in Fig., design the rating of circuit breaker to be provided at
the two ends of transmission line which could be subjected to (i) L-G (ii) L-L (iii) L-L-G
and (iv) L-L-L-G faults at mid point. The reactances in p.u. are on the same base. (10)

4. Explain various methods of effective and non-effective neutral grounding (12)

5. What is a Peterson coil? Explain the protective function performed by this device with
necessary diagram.
6. Write short notes on the following:
(i) Common practices followed in neutral grounding at present (8)
(ii) Various protection schemes (8)
7. (i) What do you understand by zones of protection? Discuss various zones of
protection for a modern power system. (8)
(ii) Describe the essential qualities of protective relaying system (8)
 UNIT II ELECTROMAGNETIC RELAYS
PART A
1.Define energizing (actuating) quantity.
The electrical quantity i.e., current or voltage either alone or in combination with other electrical
quantities required for the functioning of the relay is called the energizing quantity
2.What is meant by pick-up current? (May/June 2013)(Nov/Dec 2014)
The minimum current at which the relay armature is attracted to close the trip circuit is called
pick-up current.
3.Define operating time of a relay.
Operating time of a relay is defined as the time period extending from the occurrence of the fault
through the relay detecting the fault to the operation of the relay.
4.Define resetting time of a relay.
Resetting time of a relay is defined as the time taken by the relay from the instant of isolating the
fault to the moment when the fault is removed and the relay can be reset.
5.A relay is connected to 400/5 ratio current transformer with current setting of 150%.
Calculate the Plug Setting Multiplier when circuit carries a fault current of 2400 A.
Pick up current = 5 X 1.5 = 7.5A
CT Ratio = 400/5 = 80
PSM = 2400 /(7.5 X 80) = 4
6.What is the operational principle of induction cup structure relay?
Induction cup relay work in same principle of induction disc relay. The basis construction of this
relay is just like four poles or eight pole induction motor. The number of poles in the protective
relay depends upon the number of winding to be accommodated. Actually when any one replaces
disc of induction relay by a aluminum cup, the inertia of rotating system of relay is significantly
reduced. Due to low mechanical inertia, the operating speed of induction cup relay is much
higher than that of induction disc relay. Moreover, projected pole system is designed to give
maximum torque per VA input.
7.Write the Universal torque equation of relays.
T = K1I2 + K2V2 + K3VI cos ( - ) + k4
Where, K1, K2, K3 are tap settings or constants of I and V and K4 is the mechanical restraint due
to spring or gravity.
8.What are Over and Under current relays?
Over current relays are those that operate when the current in a line exceeds a predetermined
value. (e.g.: Induction type non-directional/directional over current relay, differential over
current relay) whereas Undercurrent relays are those which operate whenever the current in a
circuit/line drops below a predetermined value.(e.g.: differential over-voltage relay)
9. What are the different types of over current relays
i) Definite time ii) Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) iii) Very Inverse iv) Extremely
Inverse
10. What is meant by directional relay? (May/June 2012)
The relay which is able to sense the direction of power flow and act for a particular direction of
power flow is called directional relay.
11. Justify the need for directional relays.
If directional relays are not provided, in conjunction with OC relays, then desired zones will not
be generated. It results in both lines trip out for any fault on any one of the lines
12. What are the features of directional relay?
High speed operation; high sensitivity; ability to operate at low voltages; adequate short-time
thermal ratio; burden must not be excessive.
13. Mention the principle of operation of distance relay.
The distance relay measures impedance of the line section between the relay location and the
point of fault and it operates when the impedance measured during fault condition is less than the
impedance (set value) during normal condition.
14. List out the different types of distance relay.(May/June 2014)
Dependent on the ratio of V and I there are three types of distance relays which are
i) Impedance relay which is based on measurement of impedance Z, ii) Reactance relay which is
based on measurement of reactance X, iii) Admittance or Mho relay which is based on
measurement of component of admittance Y.
15. In what way distance relay is superior to over current protection? (Nov/Dec 2015)
Distance relays are preferred to overcurrent relays because they are not nearly so much affected
by changes in short-circuit-current magnitude as overcurrent relays are, and, hence, are much
less affected by changes in generating capacity and in system configuration. This is because
distance relays achieve selectivity on the basis of impedance rather than current.
16. What is meant by differential relay? (May/June 2013) (Apr/May 2015)
A differential relay is one that operates when the phasor difference of two or more similar
electrical quantities exceeds a predetermined value.
17. What is biased differential beam relay?
The biased beam relay is designed to respond to the differential current in terms of its fractional
relation to the current flowing through the protected zone. It is essentially an over-current
balanced beam relay type with an additional restraining coil. The restraining coil produces a bias
force in the opposite direction to the operating force.
18. Give the limitations of Merz Price protection.
Since neutral earthing resistances are often used to protect circuit from earth-fault currents, it
becomes impossible to protect the whole of a star-connected alternator. If an earth-fault occurs
near the neutral point, the voltage may be insufficient to operate the relay. Also it is extremely
difficult to find two identical CT’s. In addition to this, there always an inherent phase difference
between the primary and the secondary quantities and a possibility of current through the relay
even when there is no fault.
19. Where are negative sequence relays employed?
It is necessary to provide the negative sequence protection to the generators against the
unbalanced load condition. The negative phase sequence filter along with the over current relay
provides the necessary protection against the unbalanced loads.
20. What is an under frequency relay. (Nov/Dec 2013) (Nov/Dec 2014)
Under frequency relay trips the feeder on load at set value of frequency. So as to give relief to
the generator, thereby saving the unit .Under frequency relay thus aids load shedding programme
to save the grid.
21. Why is an under frequency relay required in a power system?(May/June 2012)
(Nov/Dec 2013)
An under frequency relay is one which operates when the frequency of the system (usually an
alternator or transformer) falls below a certain value. This relay is used to sense the frequency of
the entire power system.
22. Write the functions of under frequency relay. (Nov/Dec 2013)
The frequency relay is designed to be used for the protection of power generators and other AC
equipment against over frequency and under frequency. The operation of the relay can be based
on the definite time principle, on the rate of frequency change principle, or on a combination of
these two principles.
23. What are the three measurement operations that need to be done for relay operation?
1. Magnitude measurement,
2. Comparison,
3. Ratio measurement.

PART B

1.With neat block diagram, explain the construction and operating principle of electromagnetic
relay.
2.What are the different inverse-time characteristics of over current relays and mention how
these characteristics can be achieved in practice for an electromagnetic relay? or Discuss
different types of over current relays based upon time of operation.
3.Describe the construction and operation of over current relay with directional scheme (June
2014) (Nov/Dec 2015).
4.i) Discuss the operating principle, constructional features and area of applications of directional
relay.
ii) How do you implement directional feature in the over current relay. (Nov/Dec 2015)
5.Explain the principle of operation with R-X diagram based on universal torque equation for the
following types of distance relays i) Impedance relay ii) Reactance relay iii) Mho relay. (16)
(May/June 2013) (Nov/Dec 2015)
6.Describe the operating principles and characteristics of impedance and mho relays. (Nov/Dec
2013)
7.Explain in what way distance protection is superior to over current protection for the protection
of transmission lines. (Nov/Dec 2013) (May/June 2014) (Nov/Dec 2014)
8.Explain the principle of Merz-Price and percentage Biased differential relay with necessary
diagrams.
9.Explain clearly about current balance differential relays.
10. Explain the operation of i) Negative sequence relay and ii) Under frequency relay with
necessary phasor diagrams.
 UNIT III - APPARATUS PROTECTION
PART A
1.What are the various faults that would affect an alternator?
(a) Stator faults i) Phase to phase faults ii) Phase to earth faults iii) Stator inter turn faults
(b) Rotor faults i)Rotor earth faults ii) Field over loading iii) Heating of rotor
(c) Abnormal Running Conditions i) Over speeding ii) Over loading iii) Unbalanced Loading iv)
Over voltage v) Failure of Prime mover.
(d) External faults
2. What is the cause of over speed and how alternators are protected from it?
(i) Cause of over speed is the sudden loss of all or major part of load on the alternator
(ii) Alternators are provided with mechanical centrifugal devices mounted on their driving shaft
to trip the main valve of the prime mover when dangerous over speed occurs.
3.What are faults associated with a transformer?
a) Overheating b) Winding Faults: i) phase to phase fault ii) Earth fault iii) Inter-turn faults
c) Open circuits d) Through faults e) Over fluxing.
4.What are the limitations of Buchholz relay?
(a) Only fault below the oil level are detected.(b) Mercury switch setting should be very
accurate, otherwise even for vibration, there can be a false operation.(c) The relay is of slow
operating type, which is unsatisfactory.
5.What are the problems arising in differential protection in power transformer and how
are they overcome? (May/June 2012) (Nov/Dec 2015)
i) Difference in lengths of pilot wires on either sides of the relay. This is overcome by connecting
adjustable resistors to pilot wires to get equi-potential points on the pilot wires ii) Difference in
CT ratio error makes the relay to operate even for external or through faults. This is overcome by
introducing biased coil. iii) Tap changing alters the ratio of voltage and currents between HV and
LV sides and the relay will sense this and act. Biasing the coil will solve this. iv) Magnetizing
inrush current will actuate the differential relay. A harmonic restraining unit is added to the relay
which will block it when the transformer is energized.
6. What is over fluxing protection in transformer?
If the turn’s ratio of the transformer is more than 1:1, there will be higher core loss and the
capability of the transformer to withstand this is limited to a few minutes only. This phenomenon
is called over fluxing.
7. What is the general connection rule for Current transformers in differential
protection?
If the windings of the power transformer are delta connected then the current transformers are
star connected and if the windings of the power transformer are star connected then the current
transformers are delta connected.
8. Explain why the secondary of current transformer should not be left open.
The secondary side of a CT should never be kept open because, when kept open, there is a very
high voltage found across the secondary. This causes a high magnetizing current to build up on
the secondary side which results in excessive flux and makes the core to saturate and damage the
insulation of the transformer.
9. What is the need for instrument transformer?
(i) Instrument Transformers are used in AC system for measurement of electrical quantities like
voltage, current, power, energy, power factor and frequency.
(ii) Instrument transformers are also used with protective relays for power system protection.
(iii) Basic function is to step down the AC System voltage and current.
(iv) The voltage and current level of power system is very high.
(v) It is very difficult and costly to design the measuring instruments for measurement of such
high level voltage and current
10. List the applications of current transformer. (May/June 2014)
i) To the supply the stepped down current to the relay coil in the event of any overloading or
short-circuiting of the equipment lines. ii) To measure power of a load, in conjunction with a
wattmeter. The secondary of the CT is connected to the current coil of the wattmeter. iii) To
measure large currents in conjunction with medium/Small range meters.
11. Give examples of Unit and Non – Unit Protection Schemes (Nov/Dec 2015)
The concept of 'Unit Protection', whereby sections of the power system are protected
individually as a complete unit without reference to other sections. Eg.: Differential protection,
Carrier current protection.
Non – Unit Protection: Eg.: time-graded over-current protection, current-graded overcurrent
protection and distance Protection.
12. Why bus-bar protection is need to be protected? (May/June 2013)
(i) Fault level at bus-bar is high (ii) The stability of the system is affected by the faults in the bus
zone.(iii) A fault in the bus bar causes interruption of supply to a large portion of the system
network.
13. List the type of bus - bar protection
i. Bus backup protection
ii. Differential protection
iii. Fault bus or Frame leakage protection
14. What are the protection methods used for transmission line?
(i) Time - graded over current protection. (ii) Current - graded over current protection
(iii) Distance protection. (iv) Differential pilot wire protection (v) Carrier current protection
15. What are the advantages of carrier aided protection of transmission lines?
1. Simultaneous reclosing of circuit breaker systems is possible
2. Faults can be cleared rapidly
3. Easy discrimination between faults.
4. Mal operation of circuit breaker based on false data can be avoided

PART-B

1. Give a detailed explanation about CT's and PT's and its application to power system.
2. Explain with the neat diagram the application of Merz-price circulating current principle for
protection of generator/transformer and discuss its advantages and disadvantages.
3. The neutral point of a three-phase 20 MVA, 11 kV alternator is earthed through a resistance
of 5 ohms, the relay is set to operate when there is an out of balance current of 1.5 A. The
CTs have a ratio of 1000/5. What is the percentage of winding protected? Also calculate the
earthing resistance required to protect 90% of the winding.
4. Explain the protection scheme for protection of transformer against incipient fault (Buchholz
relay)
5. Why is harmonic restrained differential relay used for protecting large size transformer?
Describe its working and construction.
6. Discuss how the generator is protected against an inter-turn fault with necessary diagrams (8)
7. With neat sketch explain the protection schemes for motors.
8. With suitable diagrams explain bus bar protection.
9. Explain about the following transmission line protection schemes
(a) Carrier aided protection
(b) Distance protection

UNIT IV - STATIC RELAYS AND NUMERICAL PROTECTION

PART A
1. What is static relay?
It is a relay in which measurement or comparison of electrical quantities is made in a static
network which is designed to give an output signal when a threshold condition is passed which
operates a tripping device.
2. What are the advantages of static relay over electromagnetic relay?
 Low power consumption as low as 1mW
 No moving contacts; hence no problem of arcing, contact bounce, erosion, replacement.
 No gravity effect on operation of static relays. Hence can be used in vessels ie, ships,
aircrafts
 A single relay can perform several functions like over current, under voltage, single
phasing protection by incorporating respective functional blocks.
 Static relay is compact. Superior operating characteristics and accuracy
 Effect of vibration is nil, hence can be used in earthquake-prone areas
 Simplified testing and servicing. Can convert even non-electrical quantities to electrical
in conjunction with transducers.
3. Draw the block diagram of static relay

4. What are the basic circuits used in static relays?

(i) Timers, (ii) Phase comparators, (iii) Amplitude comparators, (iv) Level detectors
(v) Integrators, (vi) Polarity detectors
5. What are amplitude and phase comparators?
An amplitude comparator compares the magnitudes of two input quantities, irrespective of
the angle between them. A phase comparator compares two input quantities in phase angle
irrespective of their magnitudes and operates if phase angle between them is ≤ 90 ͦ
6. What are the different types of amplitude comparators?
Integrating type, instantaneous type and sampling type comparator.
7. What are the different types of phase comparators?
Vector product type
i. Hall effect type and ii. Magneto-resistivity type
Coincidence type
i. Rectifier bridge type, ii. Integrating type, iii. Phase splitting type and iv. Time-bias
type
8. What are the advantages of numerical relays over conventional relays?
No moving parts and therefore no friction, Easy to replace and service, Numeric relays are not
affected by gravity, Compact and has modular arrangement, Various characteristics can be
obtained.
9. What is sampling theorem?
A band limited signal can be reconstructed exactly if it is sampled at a rate atleast twice the
maximum frequency component in it.
10. What is Aliasing?
Aliasing is a phenomenon where the high frequency components of the sampled signal interfere
with each other because of inadequate sampling.
11. What is sampling?
Sampling is the process of converting a signal (for example, a function of continuous time or
space) into a numeric sequence (a function of discrete time or space).
State Nyquist–Shannon sampling theorem
If a function x(t) contains no frequencies higher than B hertz, it is completely determined by
giving its ordinates at a series of points spaced 1/(2B) seconds apart.
12. What is sample and hold circuit?
A sample and hold circuit is an analog device that samples (captures, grabs) the voltage of a
continuously varying analog signal and holds (locks, freezes) its value at a constant level for a
specified minimum period of time. Sample and hold circuits and related peak detectors are the
elementary analog memory devices.
13. Draw the block diagram of numerical relay.

14. State the difference between conventional relay and numerical relay.
Conventional relay Numerical relay
Bulky in size Compact in size and use LCD for
relay actuation
More components are used and has Few components are used and component
more component failures failures are reduced
Comparatively lesser sensitivity Greater sensitively and high pick up ratio
Uses mechanical components mechanical components are not used here
15. List out the general characteristics of numerical protection.
(i) Reliability
(ii) Self diagnosis
(iii) Event and distance records
(iv) Adaptive protection

PART-B
1. Realize the different conventional over current relays using static circuits.
2. Explain different types of amplitude and phase comparators
3. Discuss how an amplitude comparator can be converted to a phase comparator, and vice
versa.
4. How will you synthesize impedance/reactance/mho relay using static comparators?
5. Draw the block diagram of numerical relay and explain the various components of it.
6. Explain in detail about numerical over current protection
7. Explain in detail about numerical transformer differential protection scheme.
8. Discuss the operation of a numerical distance protection with the help of block diagram.

UNIT V - CIRCUIT BREAKERS

PART A
1. What are the basic requirements of circuit breaker?
i)To make or break a circuit either manually or by remote control under normal conditions
ii)Break a circuit automatically under fault condition iii)Make a circuit automatically either
manually or by remote control after the fault is cleared.
2. Write the difference between fuse and circuit breaker.
Fuse is a low current interrupting device. It is a copper or an aluminum wire. Circuit breaker is a
high current interrupting device and it act as a switch under normal operating conditions.
3. Write the function of isolating switch.
A disconnector, disconnect switch or isolator switch is used to ensure that an electrical circuit is
completely de-energised for service or maintenance. The disconnector is usually not intended for
normal control of the circuit, but only for safety isolation. Disconnector can be operated either
manually or automatically (motorized disconnector).
4. What are the factors the arc resistance depends upon?
i) Degree of ionization ii) Length of the arc iii) Cross section area of the arc
5. What are the two theories explaining current zero interruption?
i) Recovery rate theory or voltage race theory or slepain’s theory ii) Energy balance theory or
Cassie’s theory.
6. List out the various methods of arc interruption.
i) High resistance interruption ii) Current zero method.
7. What is meant by current chopping?
While interrupting small inductive currents such as unloaded currents of transformers and
currents of shunt reactor, there is a possibility of overvoltage depending on the value of the
chopping current. This small inductive current is interrupted just before natural current zero and
thus induces high transient voltages, which is known as current chopping.
8. What is resistance switching?
It is the method of connecting a resistance in parallel with the contact space(arc). The resistance
reduces the restriking voltage frequency and it diverts part of the arc current. It assists the circuit
breaker in interrupting the magnetizing current and capacity current.
9. What is restriking voltage?
It is the transient voltage appearing across the breaker contacts at the instant of arc being
extinguished.
10. What is meant by recovery voltage?
The power frequency RMS voltage appearing across the breaker contacts after the arc is
extinguished and transient oscillations die out is called recovery voltage.
11. Define the term RRRV?
It is the Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage, expressed in volts per microsecond. It is closely
associated with natural frequency of oscillation.
12. What are the problems associated with DC circuit breakers?
i) Natural current zero does not occur as in the case of A.C circuit breakers. ii) The amount of
energy to be dissipated during the short interval of breaking is very high as compared to
conventional A.C circuit breakers.
13. Mention different types of circuit breakers?
i) Air break circuit breaker ii) Oil circuit breaker iii) Minimum oil circuit breaker iv) Air blast
circuit breaker v) SF6 circuit breaker vi) Vacuum circuit breaker
14. Give the advantage of SF6 circuit breaker over air blast circuit breaker.
High electro negativity, compactness, reduced switching over voltages, reduced insulation time,
superior arc interruption and increased safety.
15. What is meant by electro negativity of SF6 gas?
SF6 has high affinity for electrons. When a free electron comes and collides with a neutral gas
molecule, the electron is absorbed by the neutral gas molecule and negative ion is formed. This is
called as electro negativity of SF6 gas.
16. What are the different types of oil circuit breakers?
i) Plain break oil circuit breakers ii) Arc control circuit breakers iii) Minimum oil circuit breakers
17. Mention any two advantages of vacuum circuit breakers.
i) They are compact in size and have longer life. ii) there are no fire hazards. iii) No generation
of gas during and after operation. iv) they require less maintenance and quiet in operation. v)
they can successfully withstand lightning surges.
18. Write the ratings of the circuit breaker.
Circuit breaker has three ratings. i) Breaking capacity ii) Making capacity and iii) Short time
capacity.
19. What is making capacity?
It is the capacity of the circuit breaker to be closed onto a short circuit.It is expressed as 1.414 X
1.8 X symmetrical breaking capacity.
20. Enumerate breaking capacity of circuit breaker.
The breaking capacity of a circuit breaker is expressed in MVA and given as 1.732 X (rated
voltage in kV) X (rated current in kA).
 PART B
1.Discuss the recovery rate theory and energy balance theory of arc interruption in a circuit
breaker.
2.Explain the phenomenon of current chopping and capacitive current breaking with necessary
diagrams and waveforms.
3.Derive an expression for restriking voltage and RRRV in terms of system voltage, inductance
upto the fault location and bushing to earth capacitance of the circuit breaker.
4.With neat sketch explain resistance switching. Derive the expression for critical resistance.
5.(i) Explain the methods of arc interruption.
(ii) Compare different types circuit breakers.
6.With a neat block diagram, explain the construction, operating principle and applications of
SF6 / Vacuum circuit breaker. What are its advantages over other circuit breaker?
7.With neat sketches, explain the construction and operating principle of minimum oil circuit
breaker.
8.With neat sketch explain the principles of axial blast circuit breaker. Enumerate the advantages
and disadvantages of air blast circuit breakers.
9.In a 220 kV system, the reactance and capacitance up to the location of circuit breaker is 8Ω
and 0.025 μF respectively. A resistance of 600 Ω is connected across the contacts of the
circuit breaker. Determine the following: Natural frequency of oscillation Damped frequency
of oscillation. Critical value of resistance which will give no transient oscillation. The value of
resistance which will give damped frequency of oscillation, one fourth of the natural
frequency of oscillation.
10. Describe the operating principle of DC circuit breaker.
11. i) Describe the various types of ratings of circuit breaker.
ii) Discuss the selection of circuit breakers for different ranges of system voltages.