IEEE Standards Interpretations
for
IEEE Std C37.20^.1™-1993

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This is an interpretation of IEEE Std C37.20.1-1993. Interpretations are issued to explain and clarify the intent of a standard and are not intended to constitute an alteration to the original standard or to supply consulting information. Permission is hereby granted to download and print one copy of this document. Individuals seeking permission to reproduce and/or distribute this document in its entirety or portions of this document must contact the IEEE Standard Department for the appropriate license. Use of the information contained in this document is at your own risk.

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March 2005

Interpretation #1

Topic: Temperature Limits
Relevant Clauses: Table 4

 

 

In Table 4 (Temperature limits for buses and connections as used in switch gear assemblies), it is indicated that buses and connections silver surfaced, tine surfaced or equivalent connecting joints can have hottest spot total temperature of 105 deg.C. In order to meet this requirement, whether both the mating surfaces of a joint need to be silver surfaced, tin surfaced or equivalent or is it adequate if anyone of the two mating surfaces at the joint are silver surfaced, tin surfaced or equivalent?

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Interpretation #1 IEEE Std C37.20.1-1993

IEEE C37.20.1-1993, Table 4 offers several classifications of joints in the several rows, but for our purposes, it is sufficient to consider the two
rows dealing with "buses and connections".

 

* The first row discusses "buses and connections with unplated copper to copper connecting joints". Note that the first conductor is "unplated copper", while the second conductor is "copper" with no modifier. Thus, the first row applies to a joint in which one conductor is unplated, while the other conductor may be plated or unplated.

 

* The second row discusses "buses and connections silver surfaced, tin surfaced or equivalent connecting joints". Note that this statement treats "buses and connections" as a group, and the following phrases contain the modifier "silver surfaced, tin surfaced or equivalent".

 

* From the construction of the two rows, it is clear that a joint which includes (for example) two buses one with plated surfaces and the other with unplated surfaces, will be governed by the first row and the lower temperature rise limit. In contrast, the same joint, but with both conductors having plated surfaces, will be governed by the second row, with the higher temperature rise limit.

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