Sivacon S8 Technology

Low-voltage switchboards in a new dimension

Large volumes of energy, countless consumers, 24/7 equipment readiness?

With our standardized products and systems, you always remain in control — in any situation and throughout the entire life cycle of a low-voltage switchgear assembly (LVA). Standardized high-tech components significantly reduce costs and risks associated with capital investment in equipment. The modular and intelligent design of all components proves its value many times over through lower operating costs and maximum equipment availability.

As part of Siemens’ integrated power supply concept (TIP), we offer unified solutions for power distribution — from medium-voltage substations to standard outlets. The communication capabilities of our LVAs allow efficient integration into industrial and building automation systems, contributing significantly to energy and cost savings.

In power distribution, Siemens provides a comprehensive system that includes:

• SIMATIC Powercontrol systems for energy flow management
• SIVACON LV switchboards and MCCs
• SIVACON busbar trunking systems
• SENTRON switching and protection devices
• Simaris Design software for low-voltage network design and calculations

Switchboard design solution

Maximum reliability and appealing design of SIVACON S8 complement each other in effectively distributing electrical power up to 7000 A in administrative and industrial buildings, as well as in continuous technological processes. Alongside enhanced protection features for personnel and equipment, the new design opens up entirely new application areas for these switchboards.

Wide possibilities, great advantages

• Maximum reliability thanks to fully tested standard components (TTA)
• Maximum safety for personnel with arc fault-resistant construction
• Refined industrial design for integration into modern environments
• Compactness – section footprint from 400 × 500 mm
• Busbar arrangement on top or rear
• Combination of various mounting methods within one section
• Flexible internal separation options according to customer requirements
• Easy door hinge adjustment thanks to universal hinges
• Efficient ventilation system

Comprehensively tested and proven reliability

SIVACON S8 is a fully tested low-voltage switchgear assembly (TTA), whose physical characteristics meet operational and emergency conditions. Final type tests conducted according to IEC 60439-1 and DIN EN 60439-1 guarantee the highest safety for both equipment and personnel.

The results of arc fault containment tests according to IEC 61641 and VDE 0660 Part 500, Sheet 2, also apply to SIVACON switchgear in standard configurations.

Sections with circuit breakers

Incoming, distribution, and sectionalizing sections are equipped with SENTRON 3WL air circuit breakers in withdrawable or fixed versions, or alternatively with compact SENTRON 3VL breakers. Since these sections typically connect a large number of consumers, they are given special attention to ensure long-term protection of equipment and personnel. Compact and reliable SIVACON switchgear fully meets these requirements in every respect.

Auxiliary device compartment

• Optimal conditions for installing panels with auxiliary devices, including control and interlocking systems.
• The panel can be separated from the power unit and pulled out for modification.

Device compartment

• Safe movement of the circuit breaker with closed doors.
• The maintenance position allows inspection on-site without removing the circuit breaker.

Cable or busbar connection compartment

• Flexible top or bottom connection of cables or busbars.
• Different compartment dimensions for various rated currents ensure optimal cable and busbar connection conditions.
• Optimized compartment design reduces installation time.

SIVACON S8 technology – by S-Engineering

• High reliability through the use of standard tested components (TTA).
• Test and disconnected positions available with closed doors.
• Section dimensions correspond to the circuit breaker size (width 400 mm up to 1600 A, 600 mm up to 3200 A, 800 mm up to 4000 A, 1000 mm up to 6300 A).
• Optimal connection conditions for every current range.
• Bottom/top connection of cables or busbars.
• Standard adapters for SIVACON 8PS busbar trunking systems.

SENTRON 3WL is easy to operate and maintain.

• Rated current range: 630 A to 6300 A.
• Flexible choice of power input direction without limiting technical parameters.
• High thermal resistance ensures selective time protection against short circuits up to 400 ms, guaranteeing reliable operation of unaffected system parts.
• Short-circuit protection via zonal selective control (ZSS) with extremely short delay times (50 ms), regardless of the number of cascade levels.
• LCD display showing operating current on the control panel — no need for additional ammeters or current transformers.

Universal mounting sections

Withdrawable and removable units

In many cases, it is necessary to ensure the most optimal dimensions of the switchgear. In such cases, different mounting methods need to be combined within one section. Universal mounting sections of the SIVACON switchgear offer cost-efficiency, reliability, and flexibility by combining withdrawable feeders, removable units, fixed-mounted equipment, and feeders with removable 3NJ6 fuse switch disconnectors. When requirements change frequently — for example, installing motors of different power or connecting new loads — flexibility can be achieved by replacing withdrawable units. Their design also considers ergonomic requirements. Simple and reliable operation and short reconfiguration times ensure high equipment availability.

Plug-in busbar system

The plug-in busbar system is located at the rear of the section. It provides finger-safe protection against live parts even without protective shutters.

• Arc fault protection
• Phase separation
• 3- and 4-pole design
• Finger-safe (IP20B)
• Tapping points spaced at 50 mm for standard and miniature withdrawable units

Options:

• Dual-action shutters for standard withdrawable units

Adapter for miniature withdrawable units

The adapter for miniature withdrawable units is inserted into the plug-in busbar system and provides connections for power supply, outgoing circuits, and control lines for ¼ and ½ size miniature units.

• Arc fault protection
• Phase separation
• 3- and 4-pole design
• Finger-safe (IP20B)
• Tapping points for up to four ¼-size or two ½-size withdrawable units

Options:

• Shutters for miniature withdrawable units

SIVACON withdrawable units — reliable and safe

Maintenance and operation

• High reliability due to standard tested components (TTA)
• Unified control for all withdrawable unit sizes
• Matching sizes to corresponding power ratings (miniature or standard units)
• No protruding parts beyond the unit’s contour (damage protection)
• Built-in interlocks preventing operational errors on all withdrawable units
• Clear indication of unit position
• Separate control for main switch and unit position
• Test and disconnected positions possible with closed doors without losing protection degree
• Locking in disconnected position with a key
• Patented long-life contact system
• Optional coding system preventing incorrect insertion of same-size units
• Rotating tool panel on standard withdrawable units for adjustments during operation
• Standard withdrawable units for motor and cable feeders up to 630 A
• Miniature withdrawable units for

Miniature withdrawable units

• Dimensions ¼ and ½, height 150 mm and 200 mm (up to 48 units per section)

Standard withdrawable units

• Height from 100 mm to 700 mm (up to 18 units per section)

Optional design as a removable unit (The structure is similar to that of the standard withdrawable unit)

• Fixed contact system and auxiliary circuit connector (removable unit moves)
• Only operational and isolated positions (no test or disconnected positions available)
• Built-in interlocks prevent operational errors

Flexibility and safety when adapting to new requirements

• Easy modification or reconfiguration of compartments without disconnecting the section
• No connection operations required on the withdrawable unit itself
• Contacts for power and control cable connections located in a separate compartment
• Front cable connection compartment width: 400 mm or 600 mm
• Rear cable connection compartment width: 600 mm for section width 600 mm
• Control cable connection via spring or screw terminals

Communication with SIMOCODE pro via PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP, and MODBUS RTU

• Integrated full motor protection
• Wide range of control functions
• Convenient diagnostics
• Independent operation of each feeder via operator panel
• Reduced hardware and wiring volume

Universal mounting sections

Fixed units in compartments with doors and removable 3NJ6 fuse switch disconnectors

In many cases, compact solutions are required. This often means combining different mounting types within one section. SIVACON panels lead in cost efficiency, reliability, and flexibility thanks to the possibility of combining fixed feeder assemblies with removable 3NJ6 fuse switch disconnector feeders.

Vertical distribution busbars

• High reliability through standardized tested components (TTA)
• Cable assemblies up to 630 A with or without current measurement
• Combination of various mounting types (fixed and removable cable assemblies)
• Flexible combination of functional module blocks
• Additional components for practical compartment separation (up to Form 4b)
• Service side equipped with either full-height doors or individual compartment doors
• Cable connection compartment width 400 mm or 600 mm

Various connection options for cables, wires, and busbars without drilling holes

Compartment separation

User-oriented compartmentalization and compliance with safety requirements

Patented terminals for power cable connections, internal separation up to Form 4b

Wide integration

Fixed mounting with front covers

In some cases, replacement of components without production downtime is not required or short breaks are possible. Here, SIVACON fixed mounting sections with front covers ensure high efficiency, safety, and flexibility.

• High reliability through standardized tested components (TTA)
• Cable assemblies up to 630 A with or without current measurement
• Free combination of functional module blocks
• Innovative fasteners for front covers
• Front covers on hinged frames for easy commissioning and maintenance
• Additional components for practical compartment separation (up to Form 4b)
• Service side equipped with front covers or full-height doors
• Transparent doors for integration into modern facilities
• Cable connection compartment width 400 mm or 600 mm

Locks or front covers on hinged frame

• Innovative latches for quick and simple front cover installation
• Front cover on hinged frame for easy commissioning and maintenance

Single or multiple feeder assemblies

• Adjustable plates for front-aligned device installation
• Control through front cover
• Assembly with or without plug-in base

Electrical installation devices

• Aluminum mounting rail for electrical devices

Cost-efficient installation

Sections with fixed 3NJ4 fuse switch disconnectors

Sections for fixed-mounted cable assemblies are equipped with 3NJ4 fuse switch disconnectors, which, due to their compactness and modularity, provide an optimal and economical solution for infrastructure applications.

• High reliability through standardized tested components (TTA)
• Cable assemblies up to 630 A with or without current measurement
• Up to 14 cable assemblies per section
• Fuse replacement in de-energized condition
• Optional solid or cut-out doors
• Optional quick-mounting or rail systems
• Section width 600 mm or 800 mm

Quick retrofit capability

Section with removable 3NJ6 fuse switch disconnectors

Switching devices with plug-in contacts on the supply side provide a cost-effective alternative to withdrawable units and, thanks to their modular design, allow fast retrofitting or replacement without production interruption.
SIVACON switchgear symbolizes efficiency, reliability, and flexibility.

• High reliability through standardized tested components (TTA)
• Double-break load disconnectors for cable assemblies up to 630 A
• Built-in (interchangeable) current transformers
• Manual or motor drive
• Retrofit accessories
• High installation density – up to 35 feeders per section
• Cable connection compartment width 400 mm or 600 mm
• Protection degree up to IP41
• Each device can be replaced without disconnecting the switchgear

Reactive power compensation

Reactive power occurs in electrical circuits due to inductive loads such as motors, transformers, chokes, welding machines, and others.

Reactive power control unit for door mounting

• Multifunctional display
• Automatic adjustment of C/k values
• Adjustable cos φ setpoint from 0.8 inductive to 0.8 capacitive
• Manual/automatic mode
• Indication of network parameters: U, I, f, cos φ, P, S, Q, higher harmonics

Capacitor module (up to 200 kVAr)

• Load break switch-fuse
• Capacitor contactors
• MKK capacitors
• Discharge devices
• Filter reactors for harmonic suppression

Load disconnector module

• Option for centralized disconnection of built-in capacitor modules with visible isolation

All-around protection

Arc fault containment

Tests of switchgear under arc fault conditions belong to special tests according to IEC 61641 or VDE 0660 Part 500, Sheet 2. These tests assess the potential hazards personnel may face in case of an internal arc fault within a section. Performing such tests confirms the safety of SIVACON switchgear in standard configuration.

Evaluation criteria

1. Doors, covers, etc., must remain closed.
2. Components must remain in place.
3. No burn-through holes may appear in the enclosure.
4. Indicators must not ignite.
5. Electrical continuity of the protective conductor (PE) must be maintained.

Additional components

To limit the impact of an arc fault within the switchgear:

• Localization within one section (arc barriers)
• Complete insulation of main busbars

The modular principle, both within a single section and throughout the switchgear assembly, allows optimal adaptation of the switchgear to any customer requirements.

• Main busbar position can be top or rear
• Any arrangement of compartments regardless of busbar position or section depth
• Internal partitioning degree from 1 to 4 (IEC 61439-2, DIN EN 61439-2)
• Possibility to combine various mounting types within one section (withdrawable and removable units, fixed installation, and universal mounting sections)

Optimal adaptation to room conditions

• Installation aligned to the front or rear wall for all section types
• Arrangement options: single-row, double-row, or back-to-back
• Cable or busbar connection from top, bottom, or rear
• Panel height 2000 mm or 2200 mm (optional)
• Base height 100 mm or 200 mm (optional)

Quick adaptation to new technical requirements

• Fast replacement or expansion of functional units
• Easy access to busbars
• Rapid processing and delivery of additional orders due to modular design

Full flexibility in every aspect

Busbar positioning

Different operational requirements demand individual implementation options.
In all solutions—from “simple” systems to complex networks with cross and longitudinal sectioning—SIVACON switchgear combines structural efficiency with superior quality.

• Top or rear busbar arrangement
• Busbar systems rated up to 7000 A
• Electrodynamic withstand (Ipk) up to 330 kA
• Option to integrate two busbar systems into one switchgear
• Easy access to transport joints from the front or top
• Maintenance-free busbar connections

Options

• Arc barriers for localization within one section
• Full insulation of main busbars