511 International Enquiry On Reliability of High Voltage Equipment Part 3 - Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

511
Final Report of the 2004 - 2007

International Enquiry on Reliability of
High Voltage Equipment
Part 3 - Disconnectors and Earthing Switches
Working Group
A3.06
October 2012
File name incl. at
Disconnectors and earthing switches
Working Group A3.06
Final Report of the 2004 - 2007

International Enquiry on Reliability of
High Voltage Equipment
Part 3 – Disconnectors and Earthing Switches
Members
M. Runde (NO) Convener, C. E. Sölver (SE) Past Convener,

A. Carvalho (BR), M. L. Cormenzana (ES), H. Furuta (JP), W. Grieshaber (FR), A. Hyrczak (PL),
D. Kopejtkova (CZ), J. G. Krone (NL), M. Kudoke (CH), D. Makareinis (DE), J. F. Martins (PT),
K. Mestrovic (HR), I. Ohno (JP), J. Östlund (SE), K.-Y. Park (KR), J. Patel (IN), C. Protze (DE),
J. Schmid (DE), J. E. Skog (US), B. Sweeney (UK), F. Waite (UK).
Corresponding Members
B. Bergman (US), S. Tsukao (JP)
Copyright © 2012
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ISBN: 978- 2- 85873- 203-6

Table of Contents
3.1 COMMON MATTERS OF THE 2004-2007 RELIABILITY SURVEY ..................... 1
3.2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1
3.3 PARTICIPATION ................................................................................................... 3
3.3.1 Application and Country ......................................................................... 3
3.3.2 Application and Voltage Class ................................................................ 4
3.3.3 Major Failure Frequency ......................................................................... 5
3.4 AIS DISCONNECTORS AND EARTHING SWITCHES ........................................ 5
3.4.1 AIS DE Service Experience .................................................................... 5
3.4.1.1 Country .......................................................................................... 5
3.4.1.2 Voltage Class and Design ............................................................. 7
3.4.1.3 Kind and Type of Drive by Voltage Class ...................................... 8
3.4.1.4 Voltage Class and Location ........................................................... 9
3.4.1.5 Voltage Class and Period of Manufacture ................................... 10
3.4.1.6 Kind and Type of Drive by Period of Manufacture ....................... 11
3.4.2 AIS DE Failures .................................................................................... 12
3.4.3 AIS DE Major Failure Frequencies ....................................................... 14
3.4.3.1 Country ........................................................................................ 14
3.4.3.2 Voltage Class ............................................................................... 15
3.4.3.3 Voltage Class and Location ......................................................... 16
3.4.3.4 Voltage Class and Kind/Design ................................................... 18
3.4.3.5 Type of Drive and Kind/Design .................................................... 24
3.4.3.6 Period of Manufacture ................................................................. 29
3.4.3.7 Period of Manufacture and Kind/Design ...................................... 31
3.4.3.8 Period of Manufacture and Type of Drive .................................... 36
3.4.3.9 Responsible Part for DE Failure .................................................. 39
3.4.4 AIS DE Failure Characteristics ............................................................. 40
3.4.4.1 Failure Mode ................................................................................ 40
3.4.4.2 Failed Subassembly .................................................................... 43
3.4.4.3 Failure Origin ............................................................................... 45
3.4.4.4 Primary Cause ............................................................................. 46
3.4.4.5 Failure Repair .............................................................................. 49
3.4.4.6 Service Condition ......................................................................... 50
3.4.4.7 Consequential Measure ............................................................... 52
3.4.5 AIS DE Analyses of Failures of DE Excluding Drive............................. 54
3.4.5.1 Failure Mode ................................................................................ 54
3.4.5.3 Failure Origin ............................................................................... 57
3.4.5.4 Primary Cause ............................................................................. 59
3.4.6 AIS DE Analyses of Drive Failures ....................................................... 61
3.4.6.1 Failure Mode ................................................................................ 62
3.4.6.3 Failure Origin ............................................................................... 67
3.4.6.4 Primary Cause ............................................................................. 67
3.4.7 AIS DE Analyses of Maintenance ......................................................... 70
3.5 GIS DISCONNECTORS AND EARTHING SWITCHES ...................................... 72
3.5.1 GIS DE Service Experience ................................................................. 72
3.5.1.1 Country ........................................................................................ 72
3.5.1.2 Voltage Class and Kind/Design ................................................... 74
3.5.1.3 Voltage Class and Type of Drive ................................................. 75
3.5.1.4 Kind/design and Type of Drive ..................................................... 76
3.5.1.5 Voltage Class and Type of Enclosure .......................................... 77
ii
3.5.1.7 Voltage Class and Period of Manufacture ................................... 79
3.5.2 GIS DE Failures .................................................................................... 82
3.5.3 GIS DE Major Failure Frequencies ....................................................... 83
3.5.3.1 Country ........................................................................................ 83
3.5.3.2 Voltage Class ............................................................................... 85
3.5.3.3 Voltage Class and Kind ............................................................... 86
3.5.3.4 Design of ES ................................................................................ 88
3.5.3.5 Voltage Class and Type of Drive ................................................. 89
3.5.3.6 Kind and Type of Drive ................................................................ 92
3.5.3.7 Voltage Class, Kind and Type of Enclosure................................. 95
3.5.3.9 Period of Manufacture ............................................................... 101
3.5.3.10 Period of Manufacture and Voltage Class ................................. 102
3.5.3.11 Period of Manufacture and Kind ................................................ 107
3.5.3.12 Period of Manufacture and Type of Drive .................................. 109
3.5.3.13 Responsible Part for DE Failure ................................................ 113
3.5.4 GIS DE Failure Characteristics ........................................................... 113
3.5.4.1 Failure Mode .............................................................................. 113
3.5.4.2 Failed Subassembly .................................................................. 116
3.5.4.3 Failure Origin ............................................................................. 118
3.5.4.4 Primary Cause ........................................................................... 119
3.5.4.5 Service Condition ....................................................................... 121
3.5.5 GIS DE Analyses of Maintenance ...................................................... 122
3.6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UTILITIES AND MANUFACTURES ................... 122
3.7 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS ........................................... 123
3.8 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS .................................................................... 124
3.8.1 AIS DE Summary and Conclusions .................................................... 124
3.8.2 GIS DE Summary and Conclusions.................................................... 126
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ................................................................................................. 128
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................ 129
APPENDIX 1 - DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................... 130
APPENDIX 2 - QUESTIONNAIRE OF DE PART ......................................................... 137
iii
3.1 Common Matters of the 2004-2007 Reliability Survey
The results of the 2004 - 2007 reliability study of high voltage equipment are presented
in six Technical Brochures (TBs):
• TB 509 “Final Report of the 2004 - 2007 International Enquiry on Reliability of
High Voltage Equipment, Part 1 - Summary and General Matters” [1]
High Voltage Equipment, Part 2 - SF6 Circuit Breakers” [2]
• TB 511, “Final Report of the 2004 - 2007 International Enquiry on Reliability of
High Voltage Equipment, Part 3 - Disconnectors and Earthing Switches”
High Voltage Equipment, Part 4 - Instrument Transformers” [3]
High Voltage Equipment, Part 5 - Gas Insulated Switchgear” [4]
High Voltage Equipment, Part 6 - GIS practices” [5]
TB 509 contains material that concerns the entire work, such as the objectives and
scope, description of how the survey was organized, explanations of the statistical
methods being applied, suggestions on how utilities can use the results, some general
definitions and a short bibliography. In addition, extensive summaries of the most
important findings from the different component types are included.
The four component TBs, i.e., no. 510 - 513, contain much more details as they present
all results for each component type. This includes tables, figures, and graphs presenting
reliability and service experience data and correlations, as well as text with
commentaries and discussions. The relevant parts of the questionnaire and the relevant
definitions used in the survey are shown in their appendices.
TB 514 presents an overview of utility practices concerning commissioning (high voltage
testing), service (monitoring, diagnostics and service problems), major maintenance,
extension as well as experience with new technology for gas insulated switchgear (GIS).
The information was collected by means of a questionnaire that was circulated together
with the reliability enquiry questionnaire. Again, the relevant parts of the questionnaire
and the associated definitions are shown in its own appendix.
Each TB is a self contained and complete report, but does also form a part of a bigger
whole. To simplify cross-referencing between the different parts, an overall numbering
system that assigns a unique number to all sections, tables and figures is applied. Items
in Part 1 are numbered using the format 1.X.X.X, in Part 2 the format is 2.X.X.X, etc.
3.2 Introduction
This report gives the results of the 1st international enquiry on reliability of high voltage
disconnectors and earthing switches (DE) that was circulated in 2003 as part of a wider
survey on the reliability of switchgear and related equipment.
The survey collected population and failure data for disconnectors (DS) and earthing
switches (ES) that were in service during the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive. The scope of
this survey was all disconnectors and earthing switches from air insulated switchgear
(AIS) and gas insulated switchgear (GIS) substations with voltages above 60 kV. All data
in this report are for 3-phase equipment.
1
The report analyzed the returned survey response data for disconnectors and earthing
switches providing service experience and failure frequency information. The information
is organized in two main sections: AIS disconnectors and earthing switches and GIS
disconnectors and earthing switches.
Concerning title designation used in tables and graphs, two common expressions are
used: AIS DE (+ title of table or graph) and GIS DE (+ title of table or graph). This format
explicitly informs the reader as to whether the table/graph refers to air insulated
disconnectors and earthing switches (AIS DE) or gas insulated disconnectors and
earthing switches (GIS DE).
Within each section, the results summarized in tables and graphs are commented with
findings and conclusions concerning the following issues: service experience, major
failures (MaF) and minor failures (MiF), major failure frequencies and failure
characteristics.
Furthermore, customized analyses, such as analysis by design of the equipment (which
includes the component at service voltage and the kinematic chain) or drive (which
includes operating mechanism as well as electrical control and auxiliary circuits), were
performed for disconnectors and earthing switches.
Additionally, the AIS disconnectors and earthing switches section includes a short
analysis on maintenance, while in GIS disconnectors and earthing switches this matter
was taken under consideration in [4].
The calculation of major failure frequencies for AIS and GIS is based on the matching of
service experience data with major failures only. For service experience distributions, all
available (matched and mismatched) data were used. Therefore, it is not possible to
calculate or recalculate any major failure frequency from the published total service
experience and total failure data. Because of the assumed underreporting of minor
failures there is no calculation of minor failure frequencies in this survey. Because of two
prevailing countries, it was necessary to carry out two separate analyses: one analysis
with all data and another analysis with all data excluding the two prevailing countries. In
order to compare the results of these analyses hypothesis tests were performed. The
tests show if the subpopulation (all data without two prevailing countries) has an equal
behavior as the total population (all data).
The major results, conclusions and recommendations resulted from the analyses are
presented in the last three sections of this report.
The definitions and the questionnaire of the DE part are shown in the annex.
Table 3-1 shows the expressions of voltage class used in the questionnaire and this
report.
Table 3-1 Voltage Class
Expression of voltage Expression of voltage class Expression of voltage

class in questionnaire in tables and graphs class in text
60 <= ... < 100 kV 60 ≤ U < 100 kV 1
100 <= ... < 200 kV 60 ≤ U < 100 kV 2
200 <= ... < 300 kV 60 ≤ U < 100 kV 3
300 <= ... < 500 kV 60 ≤ U < 100 kV 4
500 <= ... < 700 kV 60 ≤ U < 100 kV 5
>= 700 kV U ≥ 700 kV 6
2
Due to confidentiality of the survey, participating countries do not have a fixed number in
the tables and graphs. The countries have a sequential number depending on the shown
characteristic. The country number will differ within the document.
3.3 Participation
The survey was performed on a worldwide basis. The total sum of the reported
number of disconnectors and earthing switches per each survey year (population
data) gives the total service experience (DE years) of the survey.
3.3.1 Application and Country

Table 3-2 shows the reported service experience and number of participating countries.
In Figure 3-1 is shown the distribution between AIS and GIS population data by country.
From the participation, it can be concluded that there are two prevailing countries for AIS
disconnectors and earthing switches and also two prevailing countries for GIS
disconnectors and earthing switches. These countries are marked with “*” in Table 3-2.
Some analyses were performed both with and without the prevailing countries.
Table 3-2 DE service experience by country
DE service experience DE service experience
Country [DE years] Country [DE years]
AIS GIS AIS GIS
1 14092 0 15 7504 462
2 6900 26 16 13128 1080
3 19324 260 17 10501 934
4 707 10 18 16218 1538
5 6778 120 19 28060 2693
6 27917 497 20 8514 1051
7 11359 203 21 12213 3755
8 4882 115 22 7881 2756
9 97718* 4175 23 265844* 219248*
10 14022 604 24 10350 57588*
11 13104 573 25 0 3564
12 11104 544 632015 303189
Total
13 365 18 935204
14 23530 1375 * … prevailing country
Findings and Commentaries

In the end, 25 countries from five continents were willing to deliver their disconnectors
and earthing switches data. The main contributions came from Asia and Europe. One
country has delivered 52% of all population data. Some countries participated in AIS or
GIS only, but the majority participated in both surveys.
3
100%
90%
Distribution of service experience

80% GIS
70% AIS
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Country
Figure 3-1 DE service experience distribution by country
3.3.2 Application and Voltage Class

In Table 3-3 and Figure 3-2 is shown the service experience of AIS- and GIS-equipment
per voltage class.
Table 3-3 DE service experience by application and voltage class
DE service experience [DE years]
Voltage class [kV]
AIS GIS
60 ≤ U < 100 205657 155077
100 ≤ U < 200 225653 70779
200 ≤ U < 300 111521 31642
300 ≤ U < 500 79860 33882
500 ≤ U < 700 9109 11353
U ≥ 700 215 456
Total 632015 303189
100%
90%
GIS
80%
70% AIS
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-2 DE service experience distribution by application and voltage class
4
2/3rds of the service experience is for AIS-equipment and 1/3rd is for GIS-equipment.
Equipment between 60 kV and below 500 kV mainly consists of AIS. Because of the
contribution of one prevailing country, the equipment for 500 kV and above mainly
consists of GIS.
3.3.3 Major Failure Frequency

For disconnectors and earthing switches the overall MaF frequency is 0,21 per 100 DE
years. Failure frequencies differ significantly among the technologies (AIS, GIS).
Because of the failure frequency differences between AIS and GIS, the analyses is
made for the different technologies separately in the following sections.
3.4 AIS Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

This section handles information and data for air insulated disconnectors and earthing
switches only.
All data and analyses for service experience and failures are for 3-phase equipment.
3.4.1 AIS DE Service Experience

Service experience is the summation of AIS disconnectors and earthing switches
reported in each year of the survey. Service experience is expressed in DE years.
3.4.1.1 Country
Table 3-4 gives the services experience of disconnectors and earthing switches
separately by country.
The experience of the working group is a relationship of an average ratio of
approximately 3:1 between disconnectors and earthing switches. In this survey less than
20% of equipment is ES (DS / ES = 4:1), which means that there could be
underreporting of the ES. One explanation for the underreporting of ES can be the fact
that DS with build-on ES have been reported as DS only. Also some countries have not
reported any ES.
The working group has no impression what kind “other” can mean. Because of the small
population of kind “other” (0,06%) no further analyses have been done.
The total service experience reported above was used in all analyses. For MaF
frequency analyses and maintenance analyses, the total service experience without two
prevailing countries was also used.
5
Table 3-4 AIS DE service experience by country and kind
AIS DE service experience
Kind All data All data
without 1 without 2
Country All data
prevailing prevailing
DS ES Other
country countries
[DE years] [%]
1 210723 55121 0 265844 42,1 - -
2 64947 32771 0 97718 15,5 26,7 -
3 20315 7745 0 28060 4,4 7,7 10,5
4 21245 6672 0 27917 4,4 7,6 10,4
5 19442 4088 0 23530 3,7 6,4 8,8
6 19252 72 0 19324 3,1 5,3 7,2
7 15666 552 0 16218 2,6 4,4 6,0
8 12974 1118 0 14092 2,2 3,8 5,2
9 11424 2520 78 14022 2,2 3,8 5,2
10 13086 36 6 13128 2,1 3,6 4,9
11 11208 1896 0 13104 2,1 3,6 4,9
12 9361 2852 0 12213 1,9 3,3 4,5
13 9587 1772 0 11359 1,8 3,1 4,2
14 11104 0 0 11104 1,8 3,0 4,1
15 10501 0 0 10501 1,7 2,9 3,9
16 8965 1371 14 10350 1,6 2,8 3,9
17 8445 69 0 8514 1,3 2,3 3,2
18 7577 0 304 7881 1,2 2,2 2,9
19 7504 0 0 7504 1,2 2,0 2,8
20 2964 3932 4 6900 1,1 1,9 2,6
21 4146 2632 0 6778 1,1 1,9 2,5
22 2858 2024 0 4882 0,8 1,3 1,8
23 707 0 0 707 0,1 0.2 0,3
24 365 0 0 365 0,1 0,1 0,1
Total 504366 127243 406 632015 100 - -
Total
without 1
293643 72122 406 366171 - 100 -
prevailing
country
Total
without 2
228696 39351 406 268453 - - 100
prevailing
countries
6
3.4.1.2 Voltage Class and Design
Table 3-5 and Figure 3-3 give the services experience of disconnectors and earthing
switches per design and voltage class.
Please note that the total in Table 3-5 is less than Table 3-4 because of some reported
equipment with type other or with no DS design, which are not shown in Table 3-5.
Table 3-5: AIS DE service experience per voltage class and kind/design
AIS DE service experience [DE years]

DS
Voltage class
Pantograph
pantograph
Knee type
[kV]
Vertical
Double
Centre
ES Total
Semi-
break
break
break
60 ≤ U < 100 34121 101750 441 25792 958 1191 40731 204984
100 ≤ U < 200 122607 15245 6865 18733 2274 11805 47238 224767
200 ≤ U < 300 47271 15376 1060 17986 20 10631 19075 111419
300 ≤ U < 500 30009 8555 1032 9975 636 11796 17770 79773
500 ≤ U < 700 3048 127 0 3048 224 272 2390 9109
U ≥ 700 106 0 0 70 0 0 39 215
237162 141053 9398 75604 4112 35695
Total 127243 630267
503024
100%
Earthing switch
90%
80% Pantograph
70%
Semi-pantograph
60%
50% Vertical break
40% DS
Knee type
30%
20% Double break
10% Centre break
0%
100≤ U <200
200≤ U <300
300≤ U <500
500≤ U <700
60≤ U <100
U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-3 AIS DE service experience distribution by voltage class and design
In the voltage class below 100 kV the double break disconnector is the most popular
design. Between 100 kV and below 500 kV the centre break disconnector design is most
in use. Above 500 kV most disconnectors are of centre break or vertical break design.
7
3.4.1.3 Kind and Type of Drive by Voltage Class
Table 3-6, Figure 3-4 and Figure 3-5 give the service experiences of disconnectors and
earthing switches by kind, type of drive and voltage class.
Table 3-6 AIS DE service experience by voltage class, kind and type of drive
Voltage class
Kind Type of drive
[kV] Total
Electric Pneumatic Spring Manual Other
DS 79937 60466 338 22870 1301 164912
60 ≤ U < 100 ES 29190 9755 516 993 277 40731
Total 109127 70221 854 23877 1578 205657
DS 111112 35989 34 29785 1249 178169
100 ≤ U < 200 ES 29312 11656 82 6125 63 47238
Total 140633 47645 116 35913 1346 225653
DS 57729 23534 48 9375 1656 92342
200 ≤ U < 300 ES 13766 4035 4 1214 56 19075
Total 71557 27569 52 10589 1754 111521
DS 51982 8508 8 979 571 62048
300 ≤ U < 500 ES 16047 629 17 999 78 17770
Total 68071 9137 25 1978 649 79860
DS 4303 2376 0 20 20 6719
500 ≤ U < 700 ES 1936 340 8 106 0 2390
Total 6239 2716 8 126 20 9109
DS 176 0 0 0 0 176
U ≥ 700 ES 39 0 0 0 0 39
Total 215 0 0 0 0 215
DS 305239 130873 428 63029 4797 504366
Total ES 90290 26415 627 9437 474 127243
Total 395842 157288 1055 72483 5347 632015
DS 60,5% 25,9% 0,1% 12,5% 1,0% 100%
Total % ES 71,0% 20,8% 0,5% 7,4% 0,4% 100%
Total 62,6% 24,9% 0,2% 11,5% 0,8% 100%
100%
90%
80%
70%
ES
60%
DS
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-4 AIS DE service experience distribution by voltage class and kind
8
100%
90%

80%
70%
60%
50% Other
40% Manual
Spring
30%
Pneumatic
20%
Electric
10%
0%
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-5 AIS DE service experience distribution by voltage class and type of drive
Please note that the total service experience can be higher than the summation of
disconnector and earthing switch service experience because for a very small number of
equipment where the kind has been classified as other.
Figure 3-4 shows the rather constant ratio between DS and ES over all voltage classes.
Figure 3-5 shows that the majority of drives is electric operated followed by pneumatic
and manual drives. The tendency of the percentage of electric drive increases along with
the voltage class.
3.4.1.4 Voltage Class and Location

Table 3-7 and Figure 3-6 give the services experience by location and voltage class.
Table 3-7 AIS DE service experience by voltage class and location
Voltage class
Location
[kV] Total
Indoor Outdoor
60 ≤ U < 100 25149 180508 205657
100 ≤ U < 200 3230 222423 225653
200 ≤ U < 300 2436 109085 111521
300 ≤ U < 500 1119 78741 79860
500 ≤ U < 700 0 9109 9109
U ≥ 700 0 215 215
Total 31934 600081 632015
9
100%
90% Outdoor

80% Indoor
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-6 AIS DE service experience distribution by voltage class and location
For equipment up to 100 kV 12% is located indoor: For all other voltage classes less
than 2% of all equipment is located indoor.
3.4.1.5 Voltage Class and Period of Manufacture

Table 3-8 and Figure 3-7 give the services experience by period of manufacture and
voltage class.
Table 3-8 AIS DE service experience by voltage class and period of manufacture
Period of Voltage class [kV]
manufacture 60 ≤ U 100 ≤ U 200 ≤ U 300 ≤ U 500 ≤ U U≥ Total
< 100 < 200 < 300 < 500 < 700 700
before 1974 30368 60669 30040 11699 2362 0 135138
1974 – 1983 61871 59301 31609 18335 4047 173 175336
1984 – 1993 69666 49665 23911 23768 1911 42 168963
1994 – 2004 41339 44472 21230 21537 740 0 129318
2004 – 2007 2413 11546 4731 4521 49 0 23260
Total 205657 225653 111521 79860 9109 215 632015

21% of all equipment are 33 years or older and 24% are 13 years old or younger.
For 500 kV and above 70% of equipment are manufactured between 1974 and 1983.
Please note that for 700 kV and above the service experience is based on the
information of one country only.
10
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 - 2004 2004 - 2007
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-7 AIS DE service experience distribution by voltage class and period of
manufacture
3.4.1.6 Kind and Type of Drive by Period of Manufacture

Table 3-9 and Figure 3-9 give the services experience by period of manufacture and
type of drive.
Table 3-9 AIS DE service experience by type of drive and period of manufacture
Period of
Kind Type of drive
manufacture Total
Electric Pneumatic Spring Manual Other
DS 48472 39362 12 26549 1821 116216
before 1974 ES 8691 7978 44 1997 90 18800
Total 57251 47340 56 28546 1945 135138
DS 65439 53932 14 14661 1484 135530
1974 – 1983 ES 24784 11050 45 3561 202 39642
Total 90328 64982 59 18239 1728 175336
DS 86143 33012 104 11630 929 131818
1984 – 1993 ES 27220 7064 98 2612 137 37131
Total 113377 40076 202 14242 1066 168963
DS 87856 4354 286 7979 401 100876
1994 – 2004 ES 26370 309 428 1192 45 28344
Total 114324 4663 714 9171 446 129318
DS 17329 213 12 2210 162 19926
2004 – 2007 ES 3225 14 12 75 0 3326
Total 20562 227 24 2285 162 23260
DS 305239 130873 428 63029 4797 504366
Total ES 90290 26415 627 9437 474 127243
Total 395842 157288 1055 72483 5347 632015
DS 60,5% 25,9% 0,1% 12,5% 1,0% 100%
Total % ES 71,0% 20,8% 0,5% 7,4% 0,4% 100%
Total 62,6% 24,9% 0,2% 11,5% 0,8% 100%
11
100%
90%

80% ES
70% DS
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
before 1974 1974-1983 1984-1993 1994-2003 2004-2007
Period of manufacture
Figure 3-8 AIS DE service experience distribution by kind and period of manufacture
100%
90%
80%
70%
60% Other
50% Manual
Spring
40%
Pneumatic
30% Electric
20%
10%
0%
before 1974 1974-1983 1984-1993 1994-2003 2004-2007
Figure 3-9 AIS DE service experience distribution by type of drive and period of
manufacture
The Figure 3-8 shows a similar DS-ES-ratio of 4:1 over all periods of manufacture.
The percentage of electric operated drives increased from 42% before 1974 to 88% after
2004. This increase is a result of very strong reduction of pneumatic drives and
considerable reduction of manual drives.
3.4.2 AIS DE Failures

This section deals with the number of failures of AIS disconnectors and earthing
switches contained within the survey.
Table 3-10 as well as Figure 3-10 give for disconnectors and earthing switches, the
distribution of MaF and MiF as well as the ratio by country.
12
Please note that the numbering of countries in the table below differ from the numbering
of countries in the service experience section. There is no connection between the
country numbers of the service experience and the failures.
Table 3-10 AIS DE failures by country
Country No. of MaF No. of MiF Country No. of MaF No. of MiF
1 106 0 14 797 1119
2 6 1 15 33 47
3 4 1 16 166 271
4 14 4 17 6 12
5 27 10 18 57 150
6 2 1 19 72 300
7 244 131 20 22 136
8 25 15 21 1 7
9 99 72 22 20 246
10 10 8 23 8 139
11 1 1 24 0 0
12 9 9
Total 1795 2768
13 66 88
100%
90%
80%
Distribution of MaF-MiF-ratio
70%
60% MaF
50% MiF
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Country
Figure 3-10 AIS DE failure distribution by country

From the numbers in Table 3-10 and also from Figure 3-10 the working group assumes
a different grouping of failures as well as an underreporting of MiF from some
participants of this survey. Please note that one country with a small service experience
reported no MaF and MiF.
13
3.4.3 AIS DE Major Failure Frequencies
The calculation of MaF frequencies is based on matched data of service experience and
MaF only. In sections 3.4.1 “AIS DE Service Experience” and 3.4.2 “AIS DE Failures” all
available (matched and mismatched) data are used. Therefore it is not possible to
calculate or recalculate any MaF frequency from the published total service experience
and total failure data.
The working group wants to note that there could be an under- or a over-reporting of
MaF as a result of different grouping of failure modes by some participants of this
survey.
Because of the assumed underreporting of MiF there is no calculation of MiF
frequencies in this survey.
Because of the two prevailing countries, it was necessary to carry out two separate
analyses: one analysis with all data and another analysis with all data without two
prevailing countries. In order to compare the results of these analyses, hypothesis tests
were performed. The tests show if the subpopulation (all data without two prevailing
countries) compared the total population (all data) behaves equal or not equal. A not
equal behavior means that the two populations (total or sub) show statistically significant
difference of MaF frequencies. That means one population behaves better than the
other. The base for the hypothesis test is in every case is the total population.
Please note that the unit of the MaF frequency [failures / 100 DE years] is independent
of the subpopulation (e. g. DS or ES only).
3.4.3.1 Country
Table 3-11 and Figure 3-11 show the MaF frequencies by country for all AIS equipment.
Please note that the numbering of countries in the table below differs from the
numbering of countries in the service experience section as well in the failure section.
There is no connection between the country numbers of these three sections.
Table 3-11 AIS DE MaF frequency by country
MaF frequency MaF frequency
Country Country
[failures / 100 DE years] [failures / 100 DE years]
1 1,18 16 0,12
2 0,88 17 0,11
3 0,65 18 0,09
4 0,59 19 0,08
5 0,55 20 0,03
6 0,51 21 0,02
7 0,40 22-23 0,01
8 0,30 24 0,00
9 0,25
All data 0,29
10 0,20
11 0,18 All data without 2
0,29
12 0,17 prevailing countries
13 0,16 Result of
equal
14-15 0,14 hypothesis test
14
1,2
[failures per 100 DE years] 1,0

MaF frequency
0,8
0,6
0,4
All data
0,2
0,0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Country
Figure 3-11 AIS DE MaF frequency by country

The total MaF frequency of all disconnectors and earthing switches of this survey is
0,29 MaF per 100 DE years.
Two countries with a small service experience (each < 1,5 % of total service experience)
show high MaF frequencies, more than three times higher than average.
Four countries with an added service experiences less than 9% of total have a MaF fre-
quency less than 0,03 MaF per 100 DE years.
One country with a service experience less than 350 DE years has no reported MaF.
With the total MaF frequency of 0,29MaF per 100 DE years and a service experience
less than 350 DE years the prediction of the MaF number is 0 respectively 1. Therefore
the reported number of 0 MaF is within the statistical prediction level for a service
experience less than 350 DE.
The hypothesis test shows no statistically significant difference of MaF frequencies
between all data and all data without two prevailing countries.
3.4.3.2 Voltage Class

Table 3-12 and Figure 3-12 show the MaF frequency including calculated confidence
interval by voltage class using a confidence level of 95%.
15
Table 3-12 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE by voltage class
MaF frequency [failures / 100 DE years]
All data without 2
All data Result of
Voltage class prevailing countries
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
Lower Upper Lower Upper test
esti- esti-
limit limit limit limit
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,23 0,25 0,28 0,03 0,07 0,12 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,27 0,30 0,32 0,26 0,29 0,32 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,25 0,28 0,32 0,22 0,26 0,31 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,32 0,36 0,40 0,34 0,39 0,45 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,21 0,33 0,48 0,06 0,21 0,53 equal
U ≥ 700 0,76 2,33 5,43 0,76 2,33 5,43 equal
Total 0,28 0,29 0,30 0,27 0,29 0,32 equal
All data
6
upper limit point estimation lower limit
5
[failures per 100 DE years]
0,6
4 0,5
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
3
0,2
0,1
2 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-12 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE by voltage class

It is shown in connection with the service experience section that the confidence interval
becomes larger when the years of service experience decreases.
The failure frequencies by voltage class as shown in the figure above are stable
between 60 kV and below 700 kV. The MaF frequency of equipment of voltage class
700 kV and above is much higher. The working group assumes a high influence of the
age of the equipment and of the small number of service experience.

The Table 3-13 and Table 3-14 show the influence of location by voltage class on MaF
frequency.
16
Table 3-13 AIS DE MaF frequency of outdoor DE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,25 0,27 0,30 0,03 0,07 0,12 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,28 0,30 0,32 0,26 0,29 0,32 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,25 0,28 0,32 0,22 0,26 0,31 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,32 0,36 0,41 0,34 0,39 0,45 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,21 0,33 0,48 0,06 0,21 0,53 equal
U ≥ 700 0,76 2,33 5,43 0,76 2,33 5,43 equal
Total 0,28 0,30 0,31 0,27 0,30 0,32 equal
Table 3-14 AIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,08 0,12 0,17 0,00 0,07 0,38 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,05 0,15 0,36 0,03 0,27 0,98 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,08 0,24 0,56 0,00 0,00 0,42 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,09 0,50 0,00 0,00 27,23 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 - - - - - - -
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,09 0,13 0,18 0,02 0,10 0,30 equal
All data
6
5
0,6
4 0,5
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
3
0,2
0,1
2 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-13 AIS DE MaF frequency of outdoor DE by voltage class
17
All data
0,6
upper limit
0,5
[failures per 100 DE years] point estimation
0,4
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-14 AIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class

The MaF frequencies of indoor located equipment are considerably lower than those of
outdoor located equipment. This could be a result of the differing environmental
influence.
3.4.3.4 Voltage Class and Kind/Design

Table 3-15 to Table 3-22 show the influence of kind/design by voltage class on MaF
frequency.
Table 3-15 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,24 0,26 0,29 0,03 0,06 0,12 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,27 0,30 0,33 0,27 0,30 0,34 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,26 0,30 0,34 0,24 0,29 0,34 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,37 0,42 0,47 0,40 0,46 0,53 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,22 0,36 0,56 0,03 0,16 0,47 equal
U ≥ 700 0,92 2,84 6,63 0,92 2,84 6,63 equal
Total 0,29 0,30 0,32 0,29 0,32 0,34 equal
18
Table 3-16 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,19 0,24 0,30 0,01 0,04 0,11 not equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,20 0,22 0,25 0,24 0,28 0,32 not equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,29 0,34 0,40 0,25 0,31 0,38 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,26 0,32 0,39 0,27 0,35 0,44 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,20 0,39 0,69 0,00 0,00 14,98 equal
U ≥ 700 1,53 4,72 11,01 1,53 4,72 11,01 equal
Total 0,25 0,27 0,29 0,26 0,28 0,31 equal
Table 3-17 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,26 0,29 0,33 0,06 0,29 0,85 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,39 0,50 0,63 0,51 0,70 0,93 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,26 0,34 0,45 0,35 0,54 0,79 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,73 0,92 1,15 0,76 0,97 1,21 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,02 0,79 4,39 0,02 0,79 4,39 equal
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,33 0,36 0,39 0,63 0,75 0,87 not equal
Table 3-18 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type DS by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,00 0,68 0,00 0,00 0,79 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 1,20 1,47 1,79 0,38 0,63 0,97 not equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,02 0,19 0,68 0,02 0,19 0,68 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,06 0,29 0,85 0,06 0,29 0,85 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 - - - - - - -
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,92 1,13 1,37 0,29 0,44 0,65 not equal
19
Table 3-19 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,14 0,19 0,25 0,00 0,00 0,16 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,08 0,14 0,21 0,05 0,09 0,16 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,02 0,04 0,09 0,01 0,04 0,11 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,28 0,39 0,54 0,27 0,39 0,54 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,07 0,24 0,62 0,00 0,00 0,21 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 4,28 0,00 0,00 4,28 equal
Total 0,15 0,18 0,22 0,11 0,15 0,20 equal
Table 3-20 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,17 0,52 1,22 0,00 0,00 0,31 not equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,10 0,26 0,57 0,16 0,50 1,16 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,13 5,00 27,86 0,13 5,00 27,86 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,00 0,47 0,00 0,00 0,47 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,11 0,89 3,23 0,11 0,89 3,23 equal
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,19 0,34 0,57 0,12 0,28 0,55 equal
Table 3-21 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,02 0,17 0,61 0,02 0,17 0,61 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,26 0,36 0,48 0,25 0,35 0,48 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,27 0,38 0,51 0,16 0,30 0,51 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,24 0,34 0,46 0,24 0,36 0,52 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 1,29 0,00 0,00 7,49 equal
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,29 0,35 0,42 0,26 0,33 0,41 equal
20
Table 3-22 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,17 0,21 0,26 0,01 0,11 0,41 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,25 0,29 0,35 0,18 0,24 0,32 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,15 0,20 0,28 0,00 0,03 0,12 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,11 0,16 0,24 0,06 0,11 0,19 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,09 0,25 0,55 0,03 1,06 5,93 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 7,68 0,00 0,00 7,68 equal
Total 0,21 0,23 0,26 0,13 0,17 0,21 equal
All data
7
6
5 0,6
MaF frequency
0,5
4 0,4
0,3
3
0,2
2 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700

<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-15 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by voltage class
All data
12
10
0,5
MaF frequency
8 0,4
0,3
6
0,2
4 0,1
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
2
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<200 <300 <500 <700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-16 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by voltage class
21
All data
5,0
4,5 1,5 upper limit

1,2
4,0

0,9 point
MaF frequency 3,5 0,6 estimation
3,0 0,3
lower limit
0,0
2,5 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
2,0
1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-17 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by voltage class
All data
2,0
1,8 upper limit
1,6 point estimation

1,4 lower limit

MaF frequency
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-18 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type break DS by voltage class
All data
4,5
4,0
3,5
0,8
3,0 0,6
MaF frequency
2,5 0,4
0,2
2,0
0,0
1,5
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
1,0
0,5
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-19 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by voltage class
22
All data
30
upper limit
25

point estimation 6
5
MaF frequency 20 lower limit
4
3
2
15 1
0
60≤ U 100≤ 200≤ 300≤ 500≤ U
10
<100 U U U U ≥700
<200 <300 <500 <700
5
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-20 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by voltage class
All data
1,4
upper limit
1,2
point estimation
1,0
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-21 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by voltage class
All data
8
7
6 0,6
0,5
MaF frequency
5 0,4
0,3
4
0,2
3 0,1
0,0
2 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-22 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by voltage class
23
The MaF frequency of earthing switches is lower than that of disconnectors. This can be
caused by the different numbers of critical operations performed for the network during
the same period, e.g.; it’s expected a higher number of operations of DS compared to
ES in the same period of time. Also it can be imagined that an open ES which does not
operate on command is defined as MiF if this functionality is taken over by other
equipment. On the other hand, a similar failure of a DS is most likely considered as a
MaF.
The hypothesis test of total DS (Table 3-15) and total ES (Table 3-22) shows no
statistically significant difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all data
without two prevailing countries.
However, for some designs of DS the behavior of all data and all data without two
prevailing countries is different. In the cases of centre break DS (60 ≤ U < 100 kV), knee
type DS (100 ≤ U < 200 kV) and semi-pantograph DS (60 ≤ U < 100 kV) the population
without the two prevailing countries show a better performance than the complete
population. The opposite performance is found for centre break DS (100 ≤ U < 200 kV).
Please note that the tables above include all failures caused by design and by drive.
This means any comparison of DS designs is influenced by drive failures. In section
3.4.3.9 “Responsible Part for DE Failure” the MaF frequency is calculated separately by
responsible component for failure which allowed a comparison.
3.4.3.5 Type of Drive and Kind/Design

Table 3-23 to Table 3-30 show the influence of kind/design by type of drive on MaF
frequency. Because of the small service experience of drive type “spring” and “other”
(< 1% of complete service experience) these types are neglected in the analyses.
Table 3-23 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by drive
All data without 2
All data Result of
prevailing countries
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
Lower Upper Lower Upper
esti- esti-
mation mation
Electric motor 0,25 0,27 0,29 0,34 0,37 0,40 not equal
Pneumatic 0,44 0,47 0,51 0,30 0,40 0,52 equal
Manual 0,06 0,09 0,11 0,06 0,09 0,12 equal
Total 0,29 0,31 0,32 0,30 0,32 0,35 equal
Table 3-24 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,30 0,34 0,39 0,21 0,30 0,41 equal
Manual 0,07 0,11 0,17 0,07 0,11 0,17 equal
Total 0,25 0,27 0,29 0,26 0,29 0,32 equal
24
Table 3-25 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by drive
All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,43 0,49 0,56 0,00 0,00 0,78 equal
Manual 0,07 0,12 0,18 0,10 0,23 0,43 equal
Total 0,33 0,36 0,39 0,63 0,75 0,88 not equal
Table 3-26 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type DS by drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Electric motor 0,36 0,53 0,75 0,26 0,42 0,64 equal
Pneumatic 1,82 2,32 2,91 0,27 2,20 7,94 equal
Manual 0,00 0,00 21,40 0,00 0,00 49,93 equal
Total 0,95 1,16 1,40 0,29 0,45 0,67 not equal
Table 3-27 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,29 0,41 0,55 0,04 1,43 7,96 equal
Manual 0,00 0,02 0,06 0,01 0,03 0,07 equal
Total 0,15 0,18 0,21 0,11 0,15 0,19 equal
Table 3-28 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,32 0,70 1,33 1,95 7,14 18,29 equal
Manual 0,00 0,00 1,11 0,00 0,00 1,13 equal
Total 0,24 0,44 0,74 0,18 0,42 0,82 equal
25
Table 3-29 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by drive
All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,50 0,72 1,00 1,69 3,70 7,03 equal
Manual 0,00 0,00 0,13 0,00 0,00 0,13 equal
Total 0,29 0,35 0,42 0,27 0,34 0,42 equal
Table 3-30 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,35 0,42 0,51 0,24 0,53 1,00 equal
Manual 0,02 0,06 0,14 0,02 0,06 0,14 equal
Total 0,21 0,24 0,26 0,13 0,17 0,21 equal
All data
0,6
upper limit
0,5
point estimation
0,4 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
Electric motor Pneumatic Manual
Drive
Figure 3-23 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by drive
26
All data
0,45
0,40 upper limit

MaF frequency 0,30 lower limit
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
Drive
Figure 3-24 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by drive
All data
0,6
0,5 upper limit

point estimation
0,4
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-25 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by drive
All data
3,5
upper limit 21,4
3,0
point estimation
2,5
lower limit
MaF frequency
2,0
1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-26 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type break DS by drive
27
All data
0,6
0,5 upper limit

point estimation
MaF frequency 0,4
lower limit
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-27 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by drive
All data
1,4
upper limit
1,2
point estimation
1,0 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-28 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by drive
All data
1,2
upper limit
1,0
point estimation
0,8
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-29 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by drive
28
All data
0,6
upper limit
0,5

point estimation
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
Drive
Figure 3-30 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by drive

The MaF frequency of earthing switches is lower than that of disconnectors. This can be
caused by the different numbers of critical operations performed for the network during
the same period of time.
The hypothesis test of total DS (Table 3-23) and total ES (Table 3-30) shows no
without two prevailing countries, except for DS with electric motor drive, where the
performance of the complete population is better than the performance of the population
without the two prevailing countries.
Analyzing the design of DS it can be concluded that the behavior of all data and all data
without two prevailing countries is different in two cases (centre break DS with electric
motor drive, double break DS with electric motor drive). In these two cases, the complete
population shows a better performance than the population without the two prevailing
countries.
Please note that the tables above include all failures caused by design and by drive.
This means any comparison of DS designs or types of drive are influenced by design
respectively drive failures. In section 3.4.3.9 “Responsible Part for DE Failure” the MaF
frequency is calculated separately by responsible component for failure which allowed a
comparison.
3.4.3.6 Period of Manufacture

Table 3-31 shows the influence of period of manufacture on MaF frequency of all DE.
29
Table 3-31 AIS DE MaF frequency by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
Period of prevailing countries
hypothesis
manufacture Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,36 0,40 0,43 0,41 0,46 0,51 not equal
1974 – 1983 0,35 0,38 0,41 0,36 0,41 0,47 equal
1984 – 1993 0,23 0,26 0,28 0,13 0,16 0,20 not equal
1994 – 2003 0,11 0,13 0,15 0,11 0,14 0,18 equal
2004 – 2007 0,13 0,18 0,24 0,11 0,17 0,24 equal
Total 0,28 0,29 0,30 0,27 0,29 0,32 equal
All data
0,45
upper limit
0,40
point estimation
0,35
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-31 AIS DE MaF frequency by period of manufacture

From the Figure 3-31 it can be concluded that the MaF frequency increases with the age
of the equipment. Only during the first period of service the equipment shows a higher
MaF frequency than in the following period. These can be caused by incorrect
installation or undetected failures of manufacturing. A typical aging curve is visible.
Because of the similar service experiences in the different periods of manufacture the
width of the confidence intervals is, in every period, rather similar.
The hypothesis test of DE shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries except two
periods of manufacture (before 1974, 1984 – 1993). Concerning the equipment
manufactured before 1974, the performance of the complete population is better than
the behavior of all data without two prevailing countries. The opposite performance is
found for equipment manufactured between 1984 and 1993.
30
3.4.3.7 Period of Manufacture and Kind/Design
Table 3-32 to Table 3-39 show the influence of kind/design by period of manufacture on
MaF frequency.
Table 3-32 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,38 0,41 0,45 0,42 0,48 0,54 not equal
1974 – 1983 0,38 0,41 0,45 0,39 0,44 0,50 equal
1984 – 1993 0,23 0,26 0,28 0,14 0,18 0,22 not equal
1994 – 2003 0,11 0,13 0,15 0,12 0,16 0,20 equal
2004 – 2007 0,13 0,19 0,26 0,12 0,18 0,26 equal
Total 0,29 0,30 0,32 0,29 0,32 0,34 equal
Table 3-33 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,30 0,34 0,40 0,36 0,42 0,50 not equal
1974 – 1983 0,30 0,35 0,40 0,33 0,39 0,46 equal
1984 – 1993 0,18 0,21 0,26 0,10 0,15 0,20 not equal
1994 – 2003 0,11 0,14 0,18 0,09 0,13 0,18 equal
2004 – 2007 0,14 0,22 0,32 0,10 0,18 0,30 equal
Total 0,25 0,27 0,29 0,26 0,28 0,31 equal
Table 3-34 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,45 0,53 0,61 1,01 1,27 1,58 not equal
1974 – 1983 0,38 0,44 0,51 0,83 1,19 1,65 equal
1984 – 1993 0,23 0,27 0,33 0,04 0,13 0,30 equal
1994 – 2003 0,12 0,17 0,23 0,38 0,56 0,81 not equal
2004 – 2007 0,01 0,07 0,25 0,00 0,00 0,17 equal
Total 0,33 0,36 0,39 0,63 0,75 0,87 not equal
31
Table 3-35 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type DS by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,70 1,03 1,47 0,04 0,19 0,55 not equal
1974 – 1983 1,13 1,49 1,92 0,29 0,57 0,99 not equal
1984 – 1993 0,38 0,77 1,37 0,08 0,38 1,11 equal
1994 – 2003 0,00 0,10 0,54 0,00 0,10 0,54 equal
2004 – 2007 1,73 4,72 10,28 1,76 4,80 10,45 equal
Total 0,92 1,13 1,37 0,29 0,44 0,65 not equal
Table 3-36 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,08 0,13 0,21 0,05 0,09 0,17 equal
1974 – 1983 0,30 0,41 0,55 0,28 0,45 0,69 equal
1984 – 1993 0,15 0,21 0,28 0,08 0,15 0,25 equal
1994 – 2003 0,01 0,04 0,08 0,01 0,05 0,12 equal
2004 – 2007 0,01 0,10 0,37 0,02 0,14 0,49 equal
Total 0,15 0,18 0,22 0,11 0,15 0,20 equal
Table 3-37 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,12 0,45 1,16 0,15 0,55 1,40 equal
1974 – 1983 0,00 0,06 0,33 0,00 0,00 0,27 equal
1984 – 1993 0,29 0,66 1,31 0,09 0,43 1,25 equal
1994 – 2003 0,01 0,32 1,80 0,01 0,33 1,81 equal
2004 – 2007 - - - - - - -
Total 0,19 0,34 0,57 0,12 0,28 0,55 equal
32
Table 3-38 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,49 0,68 0,90 0,55 0,80 1,11 equal
1974 – 1983 0,24 0,34 0,49 0,22 0,37 0,58 equal
1984 – 1993 0,29 0,42 0,58 0,23 0,38 0,58 equal
1994 – 2003 0,04 0,10 0,20 0,03 0,09 0,19 equal
2004 – 2007 0,02 0,09 0,26 0,02 0,10 0,28 equal
Total 0,29 0,35 0,42 0,26 0,33 0,41 equal
Table 3-39 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,23 0,30 0,39 0,21 0,31 0,46 equal
1974 – 1983 0,23 0,28 0,34 0,14 0,23 0,36 equal
1984 – 1993 0,21 0,26 0,31 0,04 0,08 0,17 equal
1994 – 2003 0,08 0,12 0,17 0,03 0,08 0,16 equal
2004 – 2007 0,02 0,09 0,26 0,01 0,10 0,35 equal
Total 0,21 0,23 0,26 0,13 0,17 0,21 equal
All data
0,50
upper limit
0,45
point estimation
0,40
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,35
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-32 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by period of manufacture
33
All data
0,45
upper limit
0,40

point estimation
0,35
MaF frequency lower limit
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-33 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by period of manufacture
All data
0,7
0,6 upper limit

point estimation
0,5
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-34 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by period of manufacture
All data
12
10 upper limit
point estimation
MaF frequency
8
lower limit
0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-35 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type break DS by period of manufacture
34
All data
0,6
upper limit
0,5

point estimation
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-36 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by period of manufacture
All data
2,0
1,8 upper limit
1,6
point estimation
1,4 lower limit
MaF frequency
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-37 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by period of manufacture
All data
1,0
0,9 upper limit
0,7 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,6
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-38 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by period of manufacture
35
All data
0,40
0,35

0,30
MaF frequency
0,25
0,20
0,15 upper limit

point estimation
0,10
lower limit
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-39 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by period of manufacture

The MaF frequency of earthing switches is, in all periods of manufacture, lower or equal
than that of disconnectors.
The hypothesis test of DS shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries except two
periods of manufacture (before 1974, 1984 – 1993). Concerning the equipment
manufactured before 1974, the performance of the complete population is better than
the behavior of all data without two prevailing countries. The opposite is found for
equipment manufactured between 1984 and 1993. Regarding ES the hypothesis test
shows no statistically significant difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all
data without two prevailing countries.
However, for some designs of DS the behavior of all data and all data without two
prevailing countries is different. In the cases of centre break DS (manufactured 1984 –
1993) and knee type DS (manufactured before 1983) the population without the two
prevailing countries shows better performance than the complete population. The
opposite performance is detected for centre break DS (manufactured before 1974) and
double break DS (manufactured before 1974 and 1994 – 2003).
From Figure 3-32 and Figure 3-39 can be found a typical aging curve for DS and ES.
The centre break DS, double break DS and pantograph DS show the same typical aging
curve. However, knee type DS, vertical break DS and semi-pantograph DS show no
clear tendency due to aging.
3.4.3.8 Period of Manufacture and Type of Drive

Table 3-40 to Table 3-42 demonstrate the influence of type of drive by period of
manufacture on MaF frequency.
Because of the small service experience of drive type “spring” and “other” (< 1% of
complete service experience), these types are neglected in the analyses.
36
Table 3-40 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with electric motor drive by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,43 0,48 0,55 0,55 0,63 0,72 not equal
1974 – 1983 0,31 0,35 0,39 0,46 0,52 0,60 not equal
1984 – 1993 0,19 0,22 0,25 0,15 0,19 0,24 equal
1994 – 2003 0,11 0,13 0,15 0,12 0,15 0,19 equal
2004 – 2007 0,12 0,17 0,24 0,12 0,18 0,27 equal
Total 0,24 0,26 0,27 0,31 0,34 0,37 not equal
Table 3-41 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with pneumatic drive by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,38 0,44 0,50 0,42 0,57 0,76 equal
1974 – 1983 0,45 0,50 0,56 0,14 0,25 0,42 equal
1984 – 1993 0,38 0,44 0,51 0,00 0,09 0,51 equal
1994 – 2003 0,13 0,26 0,45 0,00 0,00 1,31 equal
2004 – 2007 0,72 2,22 5,19 0,03 1,05 5,86 equal
Total 0,43 0,46 0,50 0,32 0,42 0,53 equal
Table 3-42 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with manual drive by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,08 0,11 0,17 0,06 0,10 0,16 equal
1974 – 1983 0,06 0,10 0,16 0,06 0,12 0,20 equal
1984 – 1993 0,01 0,04 0,09 0,00 0,03 0,09 equal
1994 – 2003 0,01 0,04 0,11 0,00 0,04 0,15 equal
2004 – 2007 0,00 0,00 0,15 0,00 0,00 0,16 equal
Total 0,06 0,08 0,11 0,06 0,08 0,11 equal
37
All data
0,55
0,50 upper limit

0,40 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,35
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-40 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with electric motor drive by period of
manufacture
All data
6
5
0,6
0,5
MaF frequency
4
0,4
0,3
3
0,2
0,1
2 before 1974 - 1984 - 1994 - 2004 -
1974 1983 1993 2003 2007
1
0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-41 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with pneumatic drive by period of manufacture
All data
0,18
0,16 upper limit
point estimation
0,14
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,12
0,10
0,08
0,06
0,04
0,02
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-42 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE with manual drive by period of manufacture
38
All three types of drive show a typical aging curve.
The hypothesis test of drive shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries except for
electric motor drive manufactured before 1983. In this case, the performance of the
complete population is better than the behavior of all data without two prevailing
countries.
3.4.3.9 Responsible Part for DE Failure

In Table 3-43 and Table 3-44 the MaF frequency is separated into two parts; one part
where the failure is caused by design (= component at service voltage and kinematic
chain) and a second part where the failure is caused by drive (= operating mechanism
and electrical control and auxiliary circuits). In order to recalculate the MaF frequency of
a complete disconnector or earthing switch the two MaF frequencies have to be added.
complete service experience) these types are neglected in the analyses.
Table 3-43 AIS DE MaF frequency by kind/design (without MaF caused by drive)
All data without 2
All data Result of
Kind/design hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
DS 0,08 0,09 0,10 0,12 0,13 0,15 not equal
Centre break DS 0,09 0,10 0,11 0,13 0,15 0,17 not equal
Double break DS 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,11 0,16 0,22 not equal
Knee type DS 0,38 0,51 0,68 0,19 0,32 0,50 equal
Vertical break DS 0,05 0,07 0,09 0,06 0,09 0,12 equal
Semi-pantograph DS 0,04 0,12 0,28 0,04 0,14 0,36 equal
Pantograph DS 0,05 0,08 0,11 0,04 0,07 0,11 equal
ES 0,06 0,07 0,09 0,03 0,05 0,08 equal
Total 0,08 0,09 0,09 0,11 0,12 0,14 not equal
Table 3-44 AIS DE MaF frequency by drive (with MaF caused by drive only)
All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,32 0,35 0,38 0,19 0,26 0,36 equal
Manual 0,02 0,03 0,05 0,01 0,02 0,04 equal
Total 0,19 0,20 0,21 0,16 0,17 0,19 not equal
39
From the total values in tables above it can be calculated that 30% of MaF are caused
by design and 70% of MaF are caused by drive.
From the overall analyses of kind/design, it can be concluded that the MaF frequency of
ES is lower than that of DS. In a ranking for the designs of DS the double break DS,
vertical break DS and pantograph DS show the best performance. This group is followed
by centre break DS and semi-pantograph DS. However, the knee type design has a
much higher MaF frequency than the average.
The hypothesis test of kind/design shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries except for DS
in general, centre break DS and double break DS. In these cases, the performance of
the complete population is better than the behavior of all data without two prevailing
countries.
From the overall analyses of drives, it can be concluded that the MaF frequency of
manual drives is the lowest. In a ranking of remotely controlled drives, the electric motor
drive shows a better performance than the pneumatic drive. This different behavior is
significantly influenced by the data of the two prevailing countries. For pneumatic drives
the MaF frequency is much higher because of the known difficulties during periods of
low temperature. On the other hand, the MaF frequency of manual operated drives is
much lower because of the local availability of the operating person.
The hypothesis test of drives shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries except for
electric motor drive. In this case the performance of the complete population is better
than the behavior of all data without two prevailing countries.
3.4.4 AIS DE Failure Characteristics

This section deals with all MaF and MiF distributions regarding disconnectors and
earthing switches, considering all data. These distributions were organized by failure
mode, failed subassembly, failure origin, primary cause, failure repair, service conditions
and consequential measures. In the following two sections only failures caused by DE
without drive respectively caused by drive were analyzed.
3.4.4.1 Failure Mode

Table 3-45 and Table 3-46 as well as Figure 3-43 and Figure 3-44 show the MaF
respectively MiF by failure mode.
The dominating MaF mode is “Does not operate on command” (70% for disconnectors
and 79% for earthing switches). The second dominating MaF mode is “Loss of
mechanical integrity” (14% for disconnectors and 7% for earthing switches). It can be
concluded that the MaF are mostly associated with the drive and kinematic chain instead
of the active part of the DE.
The most frequently reported MiF mode is “Change in mechanical functional
characteristics” (31% on disconnectors and 38% on earthing switches). The second
dominating MiF mode is “Change in functional characteristics of control or auxiliary
systems” (22% on disconnectors and 36% on earthing switches).
40
Table 3-45 AIS DE MaF by failure mode
Failure mode DS ES DE (total)
Does not close on
Does not 489 178 667
command 1054 235 1289
operate on
command Does not open on (70,4%) (78,9%) (71,8%)
565 57 622
command
Operates Closes without command 3 1 4
7 3 10
without
command Opens without command 4 (0,5%) 2 (1,0%) 6 (0,6%)
19 4 23
Fails to carry current
(1,3%) (1,3%) (1,3%)
Breakdown to earth in
19 0 19
closed position
Breakdown to earth during
3 0 3
a closing operation
Breakdown to earth in
3 1 4
open position
Breakdown to earth during
2 0 2
an opening operation
Breakdown between poles
1 0 1
in closed position
3 0 3
during a closing operation
Electrical Breakdown between poles 37 1 38
1 0 1
breakdown in open position (2,5%) (0,3%) (2,1%)
during an opening 0 0 0
operation
Breakdown across pole
during a closing operation
3 0 3
(does not make the
current)
Breakdown across pole in
0 0 0
open position
Breakdown across pole
during an opening
2 0 2
operation (does not break
the current)
Locking in open or closed position (alarm 100 21 121
has been triggered by the control system) (6,7%) (7,0%) (6,7%)
Loss of mechanical integrity (mechanical
215 22 237
damages of different parts like insulators,
(14,4%) (7,4%) (13,2%)
etc.)
65 12 77
Other
(4,3%) (4,0%) (4,3%)
1497 298 1795
Total of reported failures with mode
(100%) (100%) (100%)
41
100%
Other
90%
80% Loss of mechanical

integrity
MaF mode distribution 70%
Locking in open or
60% closed position
50% Electrical
Breakdown
40%
30%
20% Operates without
command
10% Does not operate on
0% command
DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-43 AIS DE MaF distribution by failure mode

Table 3-46 AIS DE MiF by failure mode
Failure mode DS ES DE (total)
Air leakage in the operating mechanism 205 9 214
(8,5%) (2,6%) (7,7%)
Change in mechanical functional characteristics 750 131 881

(31,0%) (38,2%) (31,9%)
Change in electrical functional characteristics 507 32 539

(21,0%) (9,3%) (19,5%)
Change in functional characteristics of control or 535 123 658
auxiliary systems (22,1%) (35,9%) (23,8%)
Other 422 48 470

(17,4%) (14,0%) (17,0%)
Total of reported failures with mode 2419 343 2762

(100%) (100%) (100%)
100%
Other
90%
80%
Change in functional characteristics
MiF mode distribution
70% of control or auxiliary systems
60%
Change in electrical functional
50% characteristics
40%
Change in mechanical functional
30%
characteristics
20%
Air leakage in the operating
10%
mechanism
0%
DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-44 AIS DE MiF distribution by failure mode
42
3.4.4.2 Failed Subassembly
Table 3-47, Table 3-48 and Figure 3-45 show the component responsible for a MaF
respectively MiF.
Table 3-47 AIS DE MaF by failed subassembly
Component responsible for failure DS ES DE (total)
Current path (contacts,
rotating heads or joints 150 37 187
etc.)
DE excluding drive
Component Commutating contacts 8 1 9

345 49 394
at service Main insulation to earth (23,1%) (16,6%) (22,0%)
voltage (including support and
157 8 165
drive insulators, pull rods
etc.)
Other 30 3 33
Kinematic chain (mechanical transmission
108 44 152
elements between operating mechanism
(7,2%) (14,9%) (8,5%)
and making and breaking units)
Control circuits 111 22 133
Auxiliary switches and
145 30 175
associated drives
Contactors 67 26 93
Relays 63 18 81
Heaters 0 0 0
Electrical Thermostats 0 0 0
control and Fuses 22 524 4 112 26 636
auxiliary (35,1%) (37,8%) (35,6%)
Other switches etc. 25 3 28
circuits
Cables and terminal blocks 25 4 29
Monitoring devices
4 0 4
(including sensors)
Part of component in
primary part but 0 0 0
Drive
unidentified
Other 62 5 67
Compressors, motors,
pumps, piping fittings 92 20 112
(when part of DS / ES)
Energy storage
3 1 4
(accumulator, spring)
Control elements (non-
Operating 32 516 10 91 42 607
electrical)
mechanism (34,6%) (30,7%) (33,9%)
Actuator and damping
35 6 41
device
Mechanical transmission
(when part of operating 314 47 361
mechanism)
Other 40 7 47
Total of reported failures with failed 1493 296 1789
subassembly (100%) (100%) (100%)
43
Table 3-48 AIS DE MiF by failed subassembly
Component responsible for failure DS ES DE (total)
Current path (contacts,
rotating heads or joints 746 57 803
etc.)
DE excluding drive
Component Commutating contacts 15 2 17

1075 70 1145
at service Main insulation to earth (44,3%) (20,5%) (41,4%)
voltage (including support and
269 3 272
drive insulators, pull rods
etc.)
Other 45 8 53
Kinematic chain (mechanical transmission
92 33 125
elements between operating mechanism
(3,8%) (9,6%) (4,5%)
and making and breaking units)
Control circuits 191 18 209
239 73 312
associated drives
Contactors 74 27 101
Relays 34 7 41
Heaters 29 5 34
Electrical Thermostats 3 0 3
control and Fuses 3 679 1 159 4 838
auxiliary (28,0%) (46,5%) (30,3%)
Other switches etc. 24 4 28
circuits
Cables and terminal blocks 35 7 42
Monitoring devices
16 6 22
(including sensors)
primary part but 0 0 0
Drive
unidentified
Other 31 11 42
pumps, piping fittings 174 14 188
Energy storage
11 0 11
Operating 27 578 7 80 34 658
electrical)
mechanism (23,8%) (23,4%) (23,8%)
35 8 43
device
(when part of operating 185 37 222
mechanism)
Other 146 14 160
Total of reported failures with failed 2424 342 2766
subassembly (100%) (100%) (100%)

Concerning MaF, 70% of all MaF are caused by the drive, where in 34% the operating
mechanism (without kinematic chain) and in 36% the electrical control and auxiliary
circuits are responsible for the failure. Concerning the 30% of MaF in the DE excluding
44
the drive, the contribution of component at service voltage is 23% and the contribution of
the kinematic chain is 7%.
Regarding MiF, 54% of all MiF are caused by the drive, where in 24% the operating
mechanism (without kinematic chain) and in 30% the electrical control and auxiliary
circuits are responsible for the failure. Concerning the 46% of MiF in the DE excluding
the drive, the contribution of components at service voltage is 41% and the contribution
of the kinematic chain is 5%.
Overall, there is no significant difference between the distribution found in DS and ES,
except for MiF, where the contribution of the drive is significantly higher, about 70%.
100%
Operating
90% mechanism
Distribution of failed subassembly
Major failure Minor failure
Drive
80%
70% Electrical
control and
60% auxiliary
circuits
50%
Kinematic
DE excluding drive
40% chain
30%
20% Component
at service
10% voltage
0%
DS ES DE DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-45 AIS DE failure distribution by failed subassembly
3.4.4.3 Failure Origin

Table 3-49, Table 3-50 and Figure 3-46 show the origin of MaF respectively MiF.
Table 3-49 AIS DE MaF by failure origin
Origin of failure DS ES DE (total)
Mechanical in operating mechanism (earthed) 519 97 616
(34,8%) (32,6%) (34,4%)
Mechanical in other parts of switch 321 60 381

(21,5%) (20,1%) (21,3%)
Electrical (main circuit) 110 24 134

(7,4%) (8,1%) (7,5%)
Electrical (auxiliary and control circuits) 439 107 546

(29,4%) (35,9%) (30,5%)
Other 104 10 114

(7,0%) (3,4%) (6,4%)
Total of reported failures with origin 1493 298 1791

(100%) (100%) (100%)
45
Table 3-50 AIS DE MiF by failure origin
Origin of failure DS ES DE (total)
Mechanical in operating mechanism (earthed) 451 65 516
(18,6%) (19,0%) (18,6%)
Mechanical in other parts of switch 600 75 675

(24,8%) (21,9%) (24,4%)
Electrical (main circuit) 526 31 557

(21,7%) (9,0%) (20,1%)
Electrical (auxiliary and control circuits) 596 143 739

(24,6%) (41,7%) (26,7%)
Other 251 29 280

(10,4%) (8,5%) (10,1%)
Total of reported failures with origin 2424 343 2767

(100%) (100%) (100%)
100%
Other
90%
80%
Distribution of failure origin
Electrical (auxiliary
70% and control circuits)
60%
Electrical (main
50% circuit)
Major failure
40%
Minor failure Mechanical in other
30% parts of switch
20%
Mechanical in
10% operating mechanism
(earthed)
0%
DS ES DE DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-46 AIS DE failure distribution by failure origin

From Table 3-49, Table 3-50 and Figure 3-46 it can be concluded that, regarding MaF,
the distribution of failures between electrical and mechanical origin are similar between
DS and ES. Concerning MiF, there is a difference in the distribution of electrical origin
(auxiliary and control circuits vs. main circuit) between DS and ES.
3.4.4.4 Primary Cause

Table 3-51, Table 3-52 and Figure 3-47 show the number and distribution of the primary
cause of failure.
46
Table 3-51 AIS DE MaF by primary cause
Cause of failure DS ES DE (total)
Design fault (manufacturer
18 2 20
Cause introduced during a
responsibility)
period before putting into
Engineering responsibility (utility

3 2 5
responsibility)
service
Manufacturing fault (poor quality 143 25 168

31 4 35
control) (9,6%) (8,4%) (9,4%)
Incorrect transport or erection 16 6 22
Inadequate instructions for transport,
0 1 1
erection, operation
Other 75 10 85
Current in excess of rating 8 1 9
Voltage at power frequency in excess
0 0 0
of rating
Switching overvoltage in excess of
1 0 1
rating
Lightning overvoltage in excess of
4 2 6
rating
Mechanical stress in excess of rating 31 4 35
Cause introduced during service
Environmental stresses (other than

15 2 17
lightning) in excess of ratings
Corrosion 44 23 67
Wear / Aging 885 189 1074
1184 247 1431
Incorrect operation 15 (79,1%)
2 (83,2%)
17 (79,8%)
Incorrect monitoring 1 0 1
Electrical failure of adjacent
20 1 21
equipment
Mechanical failure of adjacent
15 2 17
equipment
Human error 12 1 13
Incorrect maintenance (including
inadequate instruction for 79 11 90
maintenance)
External damage caused by animals,
26 4 30
humans etc.
Other abnormal service conditions 28 5 33
170 25 195
Unknown other causes
(11,4%) (8,4%) (10,9%)
1497 297 1794
Total of reported failures with cause
(100%) (100%) (100%)
47
Table 3-52 AIS DE MiF by primary cause
Cause of failure DS ES DE (total)
12 0 12
responsibility)

7 1 8
responsibility)
service
Manufacturing fault (poor quality 92 20 112

22 6 28
control) (3,8%) (5,8%) (4,0%)
Incorrect transport or erection 16 6 22
0 1 1
erection, operation
Other 35 6 41
Current in excess of rating 5 2 7
Voltage at power frequency in
0 0 0
excess of rating
1 0 1
rating
5 0 5
rating
Mechanical stress in excess of rating 16 0 16

29 7 36
Corrosion 121 17 138
Wear / Aging 1650 238 1888
2049 289 2338
Incorrect operation 41 (84,6%)
2 (84,3%)
43 (84,5%)
Incorrect monitoring 2 1 3
53 1 54
equipment
33 2 35
equipment
Human error 7 2 9
inadequate instruction for 39 8 47
maintenance)
33 3 36
humans etc.
Other abnormal service conditions 14 6 20
282 34 316
Unknown other causes
(11,6%) (9,9%) (11,4%)
2423 343 2766
Total of reported failures with cause
(100%) (100%) (100%)
48
100%
Distribution of failure per primary cause 90%
80% Other
70%
60%
Cause introduced
50% during service
40%
30% Cause introduced

during a period
20% before putting into
service
10%
0%
DS ES DE DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-47 AIS DE failure distribution by primary cause

More than 80% of all MaF and MiF are caused during service period, where already over
60% caused by wear and aging. Further analysis for the influence of wear and aging is
addressed in the maintenance section.
3.4.4.5 Failure Repair

Table 3-53, Table 3-54 and Figure 3-48 show the number and distribution of the type of
repair after failure.
Table 3-53 AIS DE MaF by failure repair
Type of repair after failure DS ES DE (total)
1060 227 1287
Repair of failed component on site
(71,0%) (76,2%) (71,8%)
5 1 6
Repair in factory or shop
(0,3%) (0,3%) (0,3%)
Replacement of failed component on site 266 34 300
(without replacement of enclosure) (17,8%) (11,4%) (16,7%)
Replacement of failed component and its 28 9 37

enclosure (1,9%) (3,0%) (2,1%)
Replacement of failed equipment with another 51 6 57

design (3,4%) (2,0%) (3,2%)
3 2 5
Replacement of seals or refilling only
(0,2%) (0,7%) (0,3%)
81 19 100
Placed back into service without repair
(5,4%) (6,4%) (5,6%)
1494 298 1792
Total of reported failures with type of repair
(100%) (100%) (100%)
49
Table 3-54 AIS DE MiF by failure repair
Type of repair after failure DS ES DE (total)
1424 242 1666
Repair of failed component on site
(58,8%) (70,8%) (60,3%)
5 0 5
Repair in factory or shop
(0,2%) (0,0%) (0,2%)
Replacement of failed component on site 609 36 645

(without replacement of enclosure) (25,1%) (10,5%) (23,3%)
Replacement of failed component and its 23 4 27

enclosure (0,9%) (1,2%) (1,0%)
Replacement of failed equipment with another 29 3 32

design (1,2%) (0,9%) (1,2%)
19 1 20
Replacement of seals or refilling only
(0,8%) (0,3%) (0,7%)
313 56 369
Placed back into service without repair
(12,9%) (16,4%) (13,4%)
2422 342 2764
Total of reported failures with type of repair
(100%) (100%) (100%)
100%
Placed back into service
Distribution of failure per type of repair
90% without repair
80% Replacement of seals or

refilling only
70%
Replacement of failed
60% equipment with another design
50% Replacement of failed

Major failure Minor failure component and its enclosure
40%
Replacement of failed
30% component on site
20% Repair in factory or shop
10%
Repair of failed component on
0% site
DS ES DE DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-48 AIS DE failure distribution by failure repair

In approximately 85% of all MaF and MiF the failed component has been repaired or has
been replaced on site.
3.4.4.6 Service Condition

Table 3-55, Table 3-56 and Figure 3-49 show the number and distribution of failures by
service condition when the failure was discovered.
50
Table 3-55 AIS DE MaF by service condition when failure was discovered
Service condition when failure was discovered DS ES DE (total)
42 28 70
De-energized - available for service
(2,9%) (9,8%) (4,0%)
Normal service – no operation command (open 187 21 208
or closed position) (12,8%) (7,4%) (11,9%)
1104 217 1321

Normal service operation demanded
(75,4%) (76,1%) (75,5%)
17 1 18
Fault making operation
(1,2%) (0,4%) (1,0%)
4 0 4
Fault clearing operation
(0,3%) (0,0%) (0,2%)
2 0 2
Operation occurred without command
(0,1%) (0,0%) (0,1%)
During or directly after testing or maintenance

109 18 127
(e.g. during conditions diagnostic tests, relay
(7,4%) (6,3%) (7,3%)
and control system tests, …)
1465 285 1750
Total of reported failures with service condition
(100%) (100%) (100%)
Table 3-56 AIS DE MiF by service condition when failure was discovered
Service condition when failure was discovered DS ES DE (total)
49 10 59
De-energized - available for service
(2,1%) (3,1%) (2,2%)
Normal service – no operation command (open 954 56 1010
or closed position) (41,2%) (17,2%) (38,3%)
650 149 799

Normal service operation demanded
(28,1%) (45,8%) (30,3%)
7 0 7
Fault making operation
(0,3%) (0,0%) (0,3%)
3 0 3
(0,1%) (0,0%) (0,1%)
5 0 5
Operation occurred without command
(0,2%) (0,0%) (0,2%)
646 110 756
(e.g. during conditions diagnostic tests, relay
(27,9%) (33,8%) (28,6%)
2314 325 2639
Total of reported failures with service condition
(100%) (100%) (100%)
51
100%
During or directly after
testing/maintenance
condition when failure was discovered
Distribution of failure per service 90%
80% Operation occurred without

command
70%
60%
50% Fault making operation
40%
Normal service operation
30% demanded
20% Normal service - no operation

command
10%
De-energized - Available for
0% service
DS ES DE DS ES DE
Kind of equipment
Figure 3-49 AIS DE failure distribution by service condition when failure was discovered
The majority of MaF of disconnectors and earthing switches occurred in normal service
when operation was demanded.
The distribution of service conditions, when MiF occurred, is quite different from this
finding for MaF. It is also visible that there are significant differences between
disconnectors and earthing switches: for disconnectors most failures were discovered
during “the normal service – no operation command”, where 41% of the MiF were
discovered. For earthing switches 46% of the MiF were discovered when the normal
service operation is demanded.
This difference is associated with the function of the apparatus. The earthing switch is
considered to be in service when operated and only then failure can occur.
Many MiF were discovered during or directly after testing or maintenance (28% for
disconnectors and 34% for earthing switches). This can be explained by the fact that
components on these devices are not monitored, so their malfunction can only be
discovered within maintenance activities.
3.4.4.7 Consequential Measure

Table 3-57 and Table 3-58 show the number consequential measures after MaF
respectively MiF.
Approximately 95% of all MaF and MiF do not lead to any consequential measure. In all
other cases mostly one measure (average of 1,12 measures after MaF respectively 1,03
after MiF) were done.
52
Table 3-57 AIS DE MaF by consequential measure
Consequential measures after failure DS ES DE (total)
Remove similar equipment from service
for inspection or modification to prevent 36 3 39
recurrence
Implement changes in purchasing
specifications, design or factory test 12 2 14
With measure
requirements
Implement additional monitoring in future 109 7 116
29 0 29
DE (7,3%) (2,3%) (6,5%)
Implemented changes into original
operating instructions and/or safety 2 0 2
instructions
maintenance, diagnostics or monitoring 30 2 32
instructions
1400 291 1691
No measures
(93,5%) (97,7%) (94,2%)
1509 298 1807
Total of reported measures
(100,8%) (100,0%) (100,7%)
Total of reported failures with consequential
1497 298 1795
measures respectively no consequential
(100%) (100%) (100%)
measures
Ratio of number of measures per number of 109 / 97 7/7 116 / 104
failures if any consequential measure = 1,12 = 1,00 = 1,12
Table 3-58 AIS DE MiF by consequential measure

Consequential measures after failure DS ES DE (total)
Remove similar equipment from service
for inspection or modification to prevent 51 6 57
recurrence
Implement changes in purchasing
specifications, design or factory test 6 0 6
With measure
requirements
Implement additional monitoring in future 140 9 149
45 2 47
DE (5,8%) (2,6%) (5,4%)
operating instructions and/or safety 3 0 3
instructions
maintenance, diagnostics or monitoring 35 1 36
instructions
2289 334 2623
No measures
(94,4%) (97,4%) (94,8%)
2429 343 2772
Total of reported measures
(100,2%) (100,0%) (100,2%)
Total of reported failures with consequential
2424 343 2767
measures respectively no consequential
(100%) (100%) (100%)
measures
Ratio of number of measures per number of 140 / 135 9/9 149 / 144
failures if any consequential measure = 1,04 = 1,00 = 1,03
53
3.4.5 AIS DE Analyses of Failures of DE Excluding Drive
In this section only failures caused by DE excluding drive are analyzed. The component,
which is responsible for the failure, is either at service voltage or the kinematic chain.
This excludes all failures caused by components of the operating mechanism (drive).

respectively MiF by failure mode.
Table 3-59 AIS DE MaF of DE excluding drive by failure mode
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
break DS
break DS
Vertical
Double
Centre
DS
DS
ES
Failure mode
Does not operate on

62 57 13 16 2 9 159 62 221
command
Operates without
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
command
Fails to carry current 11 4 0 0 1 1 17 4 21
Electrical breakdown 13 7 5 3 0 5 33 1 34
Locking in open or
closed position (alarm
5 1 0 0 0 1 7 2 9
has been triggered by
the control system)
Loss of mechanical
integrity (mechanical
131 6 30 17 2 7 193 18 211
damages of different
parts like insulators, etc.)
Other 18 10 0 8 0 6 42 6 48
Total of reported failures
240 85 48 44 5 29 451 93 544
with mode
100% Other
90%
MaF mode distribution
80% Loss of mechanical

integrity
70%
60% Locking in open or
closed position
50%
Electrical
40%
Breakdown
30%
20%
10%
Operates without
0% command
Does not operate on
S
S
S
S
DS
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
command
(to
ak
h
k
ph
pe
k
ea
ap
ea
re
Ve e ty
ra
S
br
gr
br
lb
D
og
to
e
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
ou
i-p
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-50 AIS DE MaF distribution of DE excluding drive by failure mode
54
Table 3-60 AIS DE MiF of DE excluding drive by failure mode
Double break
Centre break
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
Vertical
DS
DS
DS
DS
ES
Failure mode
Change in mechanical
238 117 70 14 1 36 476 64 540
functional characteristics
Change in electrical
191 121 12 30 1 54 409 20 429
Other 170 58 5 4 0 21 259 19 278
599 296 87 48 1 111 1144 103 1247
with mode
100% Other
90%
80%
70%
60% Change in
electrical
50% functional
40% characteristics
30%
Change in
20% mechanical
10% functional
0% characteristics
S
S
S
S
DS
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
ak
ph
k
pe
ph
k
ea
ea
re
a
ty
ra
S
br
gr
br
lb
D
og
ee
to
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
ou
i-p
Ve
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-51 AIS DE MiF distribution of DE excluding drive by failure mode

The biggest contributions concern two MaF modes: “Does not operate on command”
and “Loss of mechanical integrity“. The dominating MaF mode for double break
disconnectors and earthing switches is “Does not operate on command”. The “Loss of
mechanical integrity (damages of different parts, like insulators, etc.)” is dominating MaF
mode for knee type disconnectors.
In general the “Change in mechanical functional characteristics” is the dominant MiF
mode. The other/unknown failure mode represents as well a significant share that can
be explained by the fact that these MiF are not investigated in detail by utilities when
compared to MaF.

respectively MiF by failed subassembly.
55
Table 3-61 AIS DE MaF of DE excluding drive by failed subassembly
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
break DS
break DS
Vertical
Double
Centre
DS
DS
ES
Failure mode
Current path 58 44 18 19 2 9 150 37 187

service voltage
Component at
Commutating
4 1 0 0 2 1 8 1 9
contacts
Main insulation to
108 5 26 9 0 7 155 8 163
earth
Other 15 12 1 1 0 1 30 3 33
Kinematic chain
55 23 3 15 1 11 108 44 152
(excluding drive)
240 85 48 44 5 29 451 93 544
with failed subassembly
100%
Kinematic chain
90% (excluding drive)

80%
Component at service voltage

70% Other
60%
50% Main insulation
40% to earth
30%
Commutating
20% contacts
10%
0% Current path
ES
E
S
l)
S
S
S
S
S
ta
D
D
D
D
D
D
( to
ph
k
pe
h
ak
k
ea
ap
ea
ty
a
e
S
br
gr
gr
br
br
D
e
to
to
e
e
al
tre
Kn
bl
n
an
tic
Pa
en
ou
i- p
r
Ve
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-52 AIS DE MaF distribution of DE excluding drive by failed subassembly

Table 3-62 AIS DE MiF of DE excluding drive by failed subassembly
Double break
Centre break
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
Vertical
DS
DS
DS
DS
ES
Failure mode
Current path 362 247 6 37 3 83 738 57 795

service voltage
Component at
Commutating
8 3 2 2 0 0 15 2 17
contacts
Main insulation to
153 24 79 0 0 11 267 3 270
earth
Other 24 10 0 4 0 6 44 8 52
Kinematic chain (excluding
59 16 0 6 0 11 92 33 125
drive)
606 300 87 49 3 111 1156 103 1259
with failed subassembly
56
100%

Kinematic chain
90% (excluding drive)
80%
Component at service voltage

70% Other
60%
50% Main insulation
40% to earth
30%
20% Commutating
contacts
10%
0% Current path
S
S
S
DS
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
ak
h
k
ph
e
k
ea
ap
ea
re
ty
ra
S
br
gr
br
lb
D
og
ee
to
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
ou
i-p
Ve
C
Kind and design

Se
Figure 3-53 AIS DE MiF distribution of DE excluding drive by failed subassembly

The working group did not find an explanation for the different distribution of failed
subassembly between the DS designs. Comparing DS and ES it can be concluded that
the contribution of components at service voltage for DS is much higher than for ES.
This can be explained by the larger number of components at service voltage for DS
compare to ES.

Table 3-63 to Table 3-64 and Figure 3-54 to Figure 3-55 show the origin of MaF
respectively MiF.
The MaF origin is for every kind/design with over 50% associated with mechanical parts
of DE.
For the MiF origin it can be concluded that there is a larger contribution from the
electrical parts (main circuit) than observed in MaF origin.
Table 3-63 AIS DE MaF of DE excluding drive by failure origin
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
break DS
break DS
Vertical
Double
Centre
DS
DS
ES
Failure origin
Mechanical in operating
28 26 2 2 1 4 63 17 80
mechanism (earthed)
Mechanical in other parts
159 29 24 36 2 15 265 51 316
of switch
Electrical (main circuit) 31 16 17 3 1 5 73 20 93
Other 20 12 3 3 0 5 43 5 48
238 83 46 44 4 29 444 93 537
with origin
57
100%
Other

90%
80%
70% Electrical (main
60% circuit)
50%
Mechanical in other
40%
parts of switch
30%
20% Mechanical in
0% (earthed)
S
S
S
DS
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
ak
ph
k
ph
k
ea
ou re a
re
a
Ve e ty
ra
S
br
gr
lb
D
b
og
to
e
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
i-p
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-54 AIS DE MaF distribution of DE excluding drive by failure origin
Table 3-64 AIS DE MiF of DE excluding drive by failure origin

Double break
Centre break
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
graph DS
DS (total)
DE (total)
break DS
Vertical
DS
DS
DS
DS
ES
Failure origin
48 25 39 5 0 2 119 15 134
mechanism (earthed)
Mechanical in other parts of
256 78 34 19 2 48 437 49 486
switch
Electrical (main circuit) 250 178 8 24 1 40 501 30 531
Other 47 18 5 0 0 20 90 9 99
601 299 86 48 3 110 1147 103 1250
with origin
100%
Other
90%
80%
70% Electrical (main
60% circuit)
50%
40% Mechanical in other
parts of switch
30%
20% Mechanical in
0% (earthed)
S
S
S
S
DS
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
ak
h
k
ph
k
ea
Pa rap
ea
re
ra
Ve e ty
S
br
br
lb
D
g
og
to
e
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
en
ou
i-p
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-55 AIS DE MiF distribution of DE excluding drive by failure origin
58
Table 3-65 and Table 3-66 as well as Figure 3-56 and Figure 3-57 show the number and
distribution of the failure cause.
Table 3-65 AIS DE MaF of DE excluding drive by primary cause
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
DS (total)
DE (total)
graph DS
break DS
break DS
break DS
Vertical
Double
Centre
DS
DS
ES
Cause of failure
Design fault (manu-

4 2 4 0 0 2 12 0 12
Cause introduced during a period
facturer responsibility)
before putting into service
Engineering responsibility
1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 3
(utility responsibility)
Manufacturing fault (poor
15 1 1 1 0 0 18 2 20
quality control)
Incorrect transport or
2 2 0 0 1 0 5 3 8
erection
Inadequate instructions
for transport, erection, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
operation
Other 2 2 1 0 0 1 6 0 6
Current in excess of
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
rating
Voltage at power frequen-
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
cy in excess of rating
Switching overvoltage in
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
excess of rating
Lightning overvoltage in
1 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
excess of rating
Mechanical stress in
12 7 0 1 0 3 23 4 27
excess of rating
Environmental stresses
(other than lightning) in 6 0 0 1 0 4 11 0 11
excess of ratings
Corrosion 12 5 1 4 0 1 23 14 37
Wear / Aging 142 45 35 23 0 10 255 45 300
Incorrect operation 4 2 0 0 1 1 8 0 8
Incorrect monitoring 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Electrical failure of
2 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
adjacent equipment
Mechanical failure of
6 0 0 4 0 0 10 1 11
adjacent equipment
Human error 3 0 1 1 0 0 5 0 5
Incorrect maintenance 4 4 2 4 1 1 16 5 21
External damage caused
3 6 3 0 0 2 14 3 17
by animals, humans etc.
Other abnormal service
9 4 0 0 0 1 14 2 16
conditions
Unknown other causes 12 2 0 4 2 3 23 12 35
Total of reported failures with
240 85 48 44 5 29 451 93 544
cause
59
Table 3-66 AIS DE MiF of DE excluding drive by primary cause
Semi-panto-
Pantograph
Knee type
DS (total)
DE (total)
graph DS
break DS
break DS
break DS
Vertical
Double
Centre
DS
DS
ES
Cause of failure
Design fault (manu-

2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
Cause introduced during a period
facturer responsibility)
before putting into service
Engineering responsibility
2 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 3
(utility responsibility)
Manufacturing fault (poor
8 2 0 0 0 0 10 0 10
quality control)
Incorrect transport or
2 1 2 0 0 1 6 2 8
erection
Inadequate instructions
for transport, erection, 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
operation
Other 9 6 1 0 0 1 17 1 18
Current in excess of
3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
rating
Voltage at power frequen-
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
cy in excess of rating
Switching overvoltage in
1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
excess of rating
Lightning overvoltage in
1 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
excess of rating
Mechanical stress in
5 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 6
excess of rating
Environmental stresses
(other than lightning) in 11 4 0 1 0 3 19 1 20
excess of ratings
Corrosion 33 22 0 3 0 13 71 0 71
Wear / Aging 406 245 80 20 1 58 810 77 887
Incorrect operation 8 3 0 0 0 1 12 0 12
Incorrect monitoring 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Electrical failure of
3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
adjacent equipment
Mechanical failure of
19 0 1 0 0 0 20 1 21
adjacent equipment
Human error 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Incorrect maintenance 14 1 0 1 0 0 16 2 18
External damage caused
13 8 1 0 0 0 22 1 23
by animals, humans etc.
Other abnormal service
4 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 5
conditions
Unknown other causes 60 6 2 22 2 33 125 18 143
606 300 87 49 3 111 1156 103 1259
cause
60
Distribution of failure per primary cause
100%
Other
90%
80%
70%
during service
50%
40%
20% during a period
before putting into
10%
service
0%
S
S
DS
S
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
k
h
k
ph
e
k
ea
ea
p
ea
ra
ty
S
r
br
gr
br
lb
D
og
ee
to
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
ou
i-p
Ve
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-56 AIS DE MaF distribution of DE excluding drive by primary cause

100%
Other
90%
80%
70%
50% during service
40%
30%
Cause introduced
20% during a period
service
0%
S
S
S
DS
S
DS
l)
E
ES
D
ta
D
D
D
D
(to
k
h
k
ph
e
k
ea
ea
p
ea
ra
ty
S
r
br
gr
br
lb
D
og
ee
to
e
t re
ca
nt
Kn
bl
an
rt i
Pa
en
ou
i-p
Ve
C
m
Se
Kind and design
Figure 3-57 AIS DE MiF distribution of DE excluding drive by primary cause

As shown in figures above, the majority of the MaF and MiF primary causes are
introduced during service by wear and aging, except for the semi-pantograph
disconnector design. Due to the very small numbers of failures for different designs, the
percentage distribution is strongly affected.
3.4.6 AIS DE Analyses of Drive Failures

In this section only failures caused by the drive are analyzed. The component
responsible for the failure is either the electrical control and auxiliary circuits or the
operating mechanism. This excludes all failures caused by components at service
voltage or by the kinematic chain.
61
complete service experience) these types are neglected in the analyses.

Table 3-67 and Figure 3-58 show the correlation between the type of drive and the MaF
mode. Table 3-68 and Figure 3-59 present the same correlations concerning MiF
modes.
Table 3-67 AIS DE MaF mode of drive only by type of drive
Type of drive
MaF mode Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
Does not operate on
537 82,9 513 94,0 16 84,2
command
Operates without
11 1,7 0 0,0 0 0,0
command
Locking in open or
closed position (alarm
74 11,4 30 5,5 3 15,8
has been triggered by
the control system)
Other 26 4,0 3 0,5 0 0,0
648 100,0 546 100,0 19 100,0
with mode
Table 3-68 AIS DE MiF mode of drive only by type of drive
Type of drive
MiF mode Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
Air leakage in the
8 1,0 204 37,7 0 0,0
operating mechanism
233 29,4 80 14,8 14 43,8
Change in functional
characteristics of control 453 57,1 175 32,3 11 34,4
or auxiliary systems
Other 99 12,5 82 15,2 7 21,9
793 100,0 541 100,0 32 100,0
with mode
62
100%
90%
80% Other
MaF mode distribution
70%
60%
Locking in open or
50% closed position
40%
Operates without
30%
command
20%
10% Does not operate on

command
0%
Electric motor Pneumaic Manual
Drive
Figure 3-58 AIS DE MaF mode of drive only by type of drive
100%
Other
90%
80%
70% Change in
functional
60%
characteristics of
50% control or auxiliary
systems
40% Change in
mechanical
30% functional
characteristics
20%
Air leakage in the
10% operating
0% mechanism
Electric motor Pneumaic Manual
Drive
Figure 3-59 AIS DE MiF mode of drive only by type of drive

The failure modes related to “Does not operate on command” contribute to more than
80% in electric motor and pneumatic drives. Manual drives show a similar performance.
This can be explained by a damaged mechanical component of the drive or an electrical
interlock for manual operation having a malfunction and does not allow starting or
completing the operation.
As expected, air leakage is a MiF mode which contributes to pneumatic drives. In this
case, it represents more than one third of MiF. The functional characteristics of control
and auxiliary systems in manual drives consist of the auxiliary switches responsible for
the electric indication of the position and/or movement of the disconnector to the control
system.
63
Table 3-69 shows the correlation between MaF of drive and component responsible
(electrical and mechanical). For better presentation of the results, electrical and
mechanical, are shown separately in Figure 3-60 and Figure 3-61. The same approach
is used for MiF distribution (Table 3-70, Figure 3-62 and Figure 3-63).
Table 3-69 AIS DE MaF of drive only by failed subassembly
Type of drive
Component responsible for
Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
MaF
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
Control circuits 63 9,4 64 11,6 5 25,0
92 13,8 82 14,8 1 5,0
associated drives
Contactors 78 11,7 13 2,4 1 5,0
Electrical control and auxiliary circuits
Relays 64 9,6 17 3,1 0 0,0

Heaters 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
Thermostats 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
Fuses 20 3,0 6 1,1 0 0,0
Other switches etc. 17 2,5 11 2,0 0 0,0
Cables and terminal
29 4,3 0 0,0 0 0,0
blocks
Monitoring devices
4 0,6 0 0,0 0 0,0
(including sensors)
primary part but 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
unidentified
Other 60 9,0 6 1,1 2 10,0
Sub-total 427 63,8 199 36,0 9 45,0
pumps, piping fittings 69 10,3 43 7,8 0 0,0
Energy storage
Operating mechanism
3 0,4 1 0,2 0 0,0

15 2,2 27 4,9 0 0,0
electrical)
19 2,8 22 4,0 0 0,0
device
(when part of operating 108 16,1 245 44,3 8 40,0
mechanism)
Other 28 4,2 16 2,9 3 15,0
Sub-total 242 36,2 354 64,0 11 55,0
669 100,0 553 100,0 20 100,0
responsible component
64
Table 3-70 AIS DE MiF of drive only by failed subassembly
Type of drive
Component responsible for MiF Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
Control circuits 157 17,8 43 7,7 4 12,5
193 21,8 111 19,9 5 15,6
associated drives
Electrical control and auxiliary circuits
Contactors 86 9,7 13 2,3 2 6,3

Relays 34 3,8 7 1,3 0 0,0
Heaters 30 3,4 3 0,5 0 0,0
Thermostats 3 0,3 0 0,0 0 0,0
Fuses 4 0,5 0 0,0 0 0,0
Other switches etc. 20 2,3 8 1,4 0 0,0
Cables and terminal
27 3,1 12 2,2 1 3,1
blocks
Monitoring devices
15 1,7 6 1,1 0 0,0
(including sensors)
primary part but 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
unidentified
Other 27 3,1 15 2,7 0 0,0
Sub-total 596 67,4 218 39,1 12 37,5
pumps, piping fittings 62 7,0 119 21,3 1 3,1
Energy storage
Operating mechanism
1 0,1 10 1,8 0 0,0

17 1,9 11 2,0 6 18,8
electrical)
24 2,7 19 3,4 0 0,0
device
(when part of operating 133 15,0 78 14,0 9 28,1
mechanism)
Other 51 5,8 103 18,5 4 12,5
Sub-total 288 32,6 340 60,9 20 62,5
884 100,0 558 100,0 32 100,0
responsible component
65
Failed electrical component Other
100% Part of component in primary
part but unidentified

90%
Monitoring devices (including
80% sensors)
Cables and terminal blocks
70%
60% Other switches etc.
50% Fuses
40% Thermostats
30% Heaters
20%
Relays
10%
Contactors
0%
Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual Auxiliary switches and
associated drives
Drive Control circuits
Figure 3-60 AIS DE MaF of drive only by failed electrical subassembly
Failed mechanical component Other

100%
90%
80% (when part of operating
mechanism)
70%
Actuator and damping device
60%
50%
40%
electrical)
30%
20% Energy storage
10%
0% Compressors, motors,
Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual pumps, piping fittings (when
Drive part of DS / ES)
Figure 3-61 AIS DE MaF of drive only by failed mechanical subassembly
Failed electrical component Other

100% Part of component in primary
part but unidentified
90%
Monitoring devices (including
80% sensors)
Cables and terminal blocks
70%
60% Other switches etc.
50% Fuses
40% Thermostats
30% Heaters
20%
Relays
10%
Contactors
0%
Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual Auxiliary switches and
associated drives
Drive Control circuits
Figure 3-62 AIS DE MiF of drive only by failed electrical subassembly
66
Failed mechanical component Other
100%

90%
80% (when part of operating
mechanism)
70%
Actuator and damping device
60%
50%
40%
electrical)
30%
20% Energy storage
10%
0% Compressors, motors,
Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual pumps, piping fittings (when
Drive part of DS / ES)
Figure 3-63 AIS DE MiF of drive only by failed mechanical subassembly

Concerning mechanical MaF of pneumatic drives and the small contribution of failures
by compressors, motors, pumps, etc., the working group wants to point out that these
components usually are not part of the drives. The assumed high failure frequency of
pneumatic systems is not covered by this survey because the failures of other parts of
the pneumatic system in the substation (e.g. pipes, compressors) are not analyzed.
The mechanical transmission inside the operating mechanism provides the largest
contribution to MiF. On the other hand the significant contribution of the unknown (other)
components responsible for MiF can be explained by the lack of investigation within this
category of failures. Considering electrical MiF in the drive, Figure 3-62 shows that
control circuits, auxiliary switches and associated drives represent the majority of the
component responsible for these failures in electric motor, pneumatic and manual drives.

Concerning the origin of failure, approximately 90% of the failures have an origin in the
component themselves. The majority of failures in electrical drives originate in electrical
parts of drive. On the other hand, the majority of failures in pneumatic and manual drives
have their origin in mechanical parts of drives.

The tables and figures below show the correlation between failures of drive and primary
cause.
67
Table 3-71 AIS DE MaF of drive only by primary cause
Type of drive
Primary Cause for MaF Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
5 0,7 3 0,5 0 0,0

responsibility)
2 0,3 0 0,0 0 0,0
responsibility)
service
Manufacturing fault (poor quality

14 2,1 1 0,2 0 0,0
control)
Incorrect transport or erection 11 1,6 3 0,5 0 0,0
0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
erection, operation
Other 61 9,1 16 2,9 1 5,0
Current in excess of rating 8 1,2 1 0,2 0 0,0
Voltage at power frequency in excess
0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
of rating
1 0,1 0 0,0 0 0,0
rating
3 0,4 0 0,0 0 0,0
rating
Mechanical stress in excess of rating 8 1,2 0 0,0 0 0,0

2 0,3 2 0,4 0 0,0
Corrosion 19 2,8 10 1,8 1 5,0
Wear / Aging 315 47,1 442 79,9 13 65,0
Incorrect operation 7 1,0 1 0,2 1 5,0
Incorrect monitoring 1 0,1 0 0,0 0 0,0
17 2,5 1 0,2 0 0,0
equipment
4 0,6 2 0,4 0 0,0
equipment
Human error 5 0,7 3 0,5 0 0,0
inadequate instruction for 22 3,3 47 8,5 0 0,0
maintenance)
6 0,9 7 1,3 0 0,0
humans etc.
Other abnormal service conditions 15 2,2 2 0,4 0 0,0
Unknown other causes 143 21,4 12 2,2 4 20,0
Total of reported failures with cause 669 100 553 100 20 100
68
Table 3-72 AIS DE MiF of drive only by primary cause
Type of drive
Primary Cause for MiF Electric Motor Pneumatic Manual
No. [%] No. [%] No. [%]
Design fault (manufacturer 8 0,9 2 0,4 0 0,0
responsibility)
Engineering responsibility (utility 5 0,6 0 0,0 0 0,0
responsibility)
service
Manufacturing fault (poor quality 17 1,9 0 0,0 0 0,0

control)
Incorrect transport or erection 8 0,9 4 0,7 0 0,0
Inadequate instructions for transport, 1 0,1 0 0,0 0 0,0
erection, operation
Other 8 0,9 15 2,7 0 0,0
Current in excess of rating 4 0,5 0 0,0 0 0,0
Voltage at power frequency in excess 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
of rating
Switching overvoltage in excess of 0 0,0 0 0,0 0 0,0
rating
Lightning overvoltage in excess of 2 0,2 0 0,0 0 0,0
rating
Mechanical stress in excess of rating 9 1,0 1 0,2 0 0,0
Environmental stresses (other than 4 0,5 11 2,0 1 4,5

Corrosion 45 5,1 21 3,8 0 0,0
Wear / Aging 541 61,3 414 74,2 13 59,1
Incorrect operation 15 1,7 15 2,7 0 0,0
Incorrect monitoring 2 0,2 0 0,0 0 0,0
Electrical failure of adjacent 39 4,4 12 2,2 0 0,0
equipment
Mechanical failure of adjacent 4 0,5 9 1,6 0 0,0
equipment
Human error 4 0,5 4 0,7 0 0,0
inadequate instruction for 12 1,4 17 3,0 0 0,0
maintenance)
External damage caused by animals, 8 0,9 5 0,9 0 0,0
humans etc.
Other abnormal service conditions 8 0,9 5 0,9 0 0,0
Unknown other causes 139 15,7 23 4,1 8 36,4
Total of reported failures with cause 883 100 558 100 22 100
69
MaF MiF

100%
Other
90%
80%
70%
Cause introduced
60% during service
50%
40%
Cause introduced
30%
during a period
10% service
0%
or
or
l
ic
ic
ua
ua
at
at
ot
ot
an
an
m
m
M
M
M
eu
eu
c
c
tri
tri
Pn
Pn
ec
ec
El
El
Drive
Figure 3-64 AIS DE failure of drive only by primary cause

As shown in the Figure 3-64, the largest contribution for MaF is from the causes
introduced during service, mostly due to the wear and aging.
The MiF causes introduced during service represent 79% in electric motor drives and
92% in pneumatic drives. As already observed in MaF, wear and aging provide the
biggest contribution. Due to the very small numbers of MiF for manual drives the
percentage distribution is strongly affected.
3.4.7 AIS DE Analyses of Maintenance

This section deals with the analyses of the maintenance philosophy related to service
experience and failures.
Table 3-73 and Figure 3-65 present the distribution of maintenance philosophies for the
service experience of each country and also the philosophy associated with the
equipment which had a MaF. Figure 3-66 shows the influence of two prevailing countries
maintenance philosophies towards total service experience.
From Figure 3-65 it can be concluded that time-based maintenance is the main used
philosophy (57,5%). In second place, a combination of different methods (e.g. RCM) are
also widely used (30,7%). Some countries use time-based exclusively and others use
combination of methods exclusively. However, the majority of the countries combine two
maintenance philosophies.
From Figure 3-66 it’s interesting to note that, concerning the analysis without the two
countries, one prevailing country assumes ‘run to failure’ philosophy, and due to the
existence of a high population in this country under this philosophy, it represents about
6% of total service experience under analysis. Detailed analysis shows that the service
experience associated to this maintenance philosophy consists in recently installed
equipment. Therefore, the working group assumes that in this country the utilities
declare the maintenance philosophy before the first maintenance is ‘run to failure’.
70
Concerning MaF and considering the failures in proportion with the respective reported
service experience, it can be concluded that the higher failure rate occurs on time based
philosophy and the lowest occurs on run to failure philosophy.
However, analyzing this result in detail, it can be concluded that there is a probability of
underreporting or misreporting since almost all data provided from service experience
associated to ‘run to failure’ philosophy came from one single utility with no failures
reported for DE. Therefore, conclusions taken from this maintenance philosophy must be
under valuated.
Table 3-73 AIS DE maintenance philosophy by country
Service experience [DE years]
Maintenance philosophy
Country
Condition Combination Total
Time based Run to failure
based of methods
1 138493 0 38585 88766 265844
2 91159 0 0 6559 97718
3 18236 8720 8 1096 28060
4 17769 10148 0 0 27917
5 15670 0 0 7860 23530
6 19324 0 0 0 19324
7 0 0 0 16218 16218
8 11306 0 0 2786 14092
9 0 1614 0 12408 14022
10 7902 0 0 5226 13128
11 6354 0 0 6750 13104
12 11 10672 0 1530 12213
All DE
13 0 0 0 11359 11359
14 0 0 0 11104 11104
15 7371 0 0 3130 10501
16 10350 0 0 0 10350
17 3768 4746 0 0 8514
18 7881 0 0 0 7881
19 7504 0 0 0 7504
20 0 0 0 6900 6900
21 0 0 0 6778 6778
22 0 0 0 4882 4882
23 0 0 0 707 707
24 50 59 0 256 365
363148 35959 38593 194315 632015
Total
(57,5%) (5,7%) (6,1%) (30,7%) (100%)
1259 223 3 312 1797
MaF
with
DE
Total
(70,1%) (12,4%) (0,2%) (17,4%) (100%)
71
Time based Condition based Run to failure Combination of methods
100%
Distribution of maintenance philosophy

90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Country
Figure 3-65 AIS DE distribution of maintenance philosophy by country
All data All data without 2 prevailing countries
31% Time based

37%
Condition based
50%
Run to failure
57%
6% Combination of
0% methods
6%
13%
Figure 3-66 AIS DE distribution of maintenance philosophy
3.5 GIS Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

This section handles information and data for gas insulated disconnectors and earthing
switches only.
All data and analyses for service experience and failures are for 3-phase equipment.
3.5.1 GIS DE Service Experience

Service experience is the summation of GIS disconnectors and earthing switches
reported in every year of the survey. Service experience is expressed in DE years.
3.5.1.1 Country
Table 3-74 gives the service experience of the disconnectors and earthing switches
separately by country and by voltage class
72
Table 3-74 GIS DE service experience by country and voltage class
GIS DE service experience
Voltage class
All data without
All data without

1 prevailing
2 prevailing
countries
country
< 100 kV
< 200 kV
< 300 kV
< 500 kV
< 700 kV
≥ 700 kV
100 ≤ U
200 ≤ U
300 ≤ U
500 ≤ U
60 ≤ U
Country All data
[DE years] [%]

1 154715 6657 28353 18674 10849 0 219248 72,3 - -
2 104 47746 0 9282 0 456 57588 19,0 68,6 -
3 0 3337 0 838 0 0 4175 1,4 5,0 15,8
4 0 1777 328 1650 0 0 3755 1,2 4,5 14,2
5 0 2456 348 760 0 0 3564 1,2 4,2 13,5
6 0 2276 480 0 0 0 2756 0,9 3,3 10,5
7 0 2527 0 166 0 0 2693 0,9 3,2 10,2
8 4 0 703 831 0 0 1538 0,5 1,8 5,8
9 184 815 184 192 0 0 1375 0,5 1,6 5,2
10 0 704 257 119 0 0 1080 0,4 1,3 4,1
11 64 468 172 23 324 0 1051 0,3 1,3 4,0
12 6 279 100 549 0 0 934 0,3 1,1 3,5
13 0 0 0 604 0 0 604 0,2 0,7 2,3
14 0 128 397 48 0 0 573 0,2 0,7 2,2
15 0 544 0 0 0 0 544 0,2 0,6 2,1
16 0 257 240 0 0 0 497 0,2 0,6 1,9
17 0 462 0 0 0 0 462 0,2 0,6 1,8
18 0 0 80 0 180 0 260 0,1 0,3 1,0
19 0 203 0 0 0 0 203 0,1 0,2 0,8
20 0 0 0 120 0 0 120 0,0 0,1 0,5
21 0 89 0 26 0 0 115 0,0 0,1 0,4
22 0 26 0 0 0 0 26 0,0 0,0 0,1
23 0 18 0 0 0 0 18 0,0 0,0 0,1
24 0 10 0 0 0 0 10 0,0 0,0 0,0
155077 70779 31642 33882 11353 456
Total 303189 100 - -
(51,1%) (23,3%) (10,4%) (11,2%) (3,7%) (0,2%)
Total without
362 64122 3289 15208 504 456
1 prevailing 83941 - 100 -
(0,4%) (76,4%) (3,9%) (18,1%) (0,6%) (0,5%)
country
Total without
258 16376 3289 5926 504 0
2 prevailing 26353 - - 100
(1,0%) (62,1%) (12,5%) (22,5%) (1,9%) (0,0%)
countries

The service experience is very much dominated by two countries that are responsible for
more than 91% of the total. More than 50% of the total service experience comes from
the voltage class 60-100 kV from one country only. The service experience for
equipment from the voltage class 700 kV and above is also from one country. For that
reason some of the analyses will be carried out with and without these two dominating
countries.
73
3.5.1.2 Voltage Class and Kind/Design
Table 3-75 and Figure 3-67 gives the service experience by voltage class and
kind/design.
Table 3-75 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and kind/design
GIS DE service experience [DE years]
Kind / design
Voltage class
Data ES
[kV] Total
DS low high CDE other
Total
speed speed
60 ≤ U < 100 98506 50514 5322 55836 732 3 155077
100 ≤ U < 200 55262 7381 1285 8666 4879 1972 70779
200 ≤ U < 300 19112 10051 2066 12117 413 0 31642
All data
300 ≤ U < 500 21644 8118 1794 9912 1488 838 33882
500 ≤ U < 700 6768 3589 940 4529 56 0 11353
≥ 700 345 44 9 53 58 0 456
Total 201637 79697 11416 91113 7626 2813 303189
60 ≤ U < 100 238 20 0 20 0 0 258
All data without 2
100 ≤ U < 200 10382 1928 1206 3134 892 1968 16376
200 ≤ U < 300 2049 587 272 859 381 0 3289
300 ≤ U < 500 3076 1060 510 1570 442 838 5926
500 ≤ U < 700 276 0 172 172 56 0 504
≥ 700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 16021 3595 2160 5755 1771 2806 26353
DS ES CDE Other
All data All data without 2 prevailing

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-67 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and kind/design

The relation between disconnectors and earthing switches is approximately 2:1. From all
earthing switches are 87% low speed design and 17% high speed design. Combined
74
disconnectors and earthing switches (CDE) are only 2,5% of the total service
experience.
3.5.1.3 Voltage Class and Type of Drive

Table 3-76 and Figure 3-68 give the service experience by voltage class and type of
drive.
Table 3-76 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and type of drive (all data)
Voltage class Type of drive
Data
[kV] electric pneu- Total
spring manual other
motor matic
60 ≤ U < 100 53409 14902 47564 38068 1134 155077
100 ≤ U < 200 29480 27428 6754 6742 375 70779
200 ≤ U < 300 10675 3806 10727 6364 70 31642
All data
300 ≤ U < 500 14044 6618 8449 4759 12 33882

500 ≤ U < 700 2890 2472 3779 2044 168 11353
≥ 700 0 0 349 79 28 456
Total 110498 55226 77622 58056 1787 303189
60 ≤ U < 100 254 0 0 4 0 258
All data without 2
100 ≤ U < 200 14142 528 719 837 150 16376

200 ≤ U < 300 2993 40 216 40 0 3289
300 ≤ U < 500 5465 0 417 36 8 5926
500 ≤ U < 700 152 20 172 160 0 504
≥ 700 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 23006 588 1524 1077 158 26353
Electric motor Pneumatic Spring Manual Other

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-68 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and type of drive
For the total service experience, electric motors are the most common type of drive
(36%) but pneumatic, spring and manual operated drives are frequently used. For the
75
service experience without the two prevailing countries, 87% of all drives are electric
motor operated.
3.5.1.4 Kind/design and Type of Drive

Table 3-77 and Figure 3-69 represent the service experience by kind/design and type of
drive.
Table 3-77 GIS DE service experience by kind/design and type of drive (all data)
Kind / design
Data Type of drive ES
Total
DS low high CDE other
Total
speed speed
electric motor 79005 24109 2235 26344 2574 2575 110498
pneumatic 49412 4661 257 4918 896 0 55226
All data
spring 60008 7711 8883 16594 1020 0 77622

manual 11883 42936 29 42965 3120 88 58056
other 1329 280 12 292 16 150 1787
Total 201637 79697 11416 91113 7626 2813 303189
electric motor 14497 3507 719 4226 1715 2568 23006
All data without
pneumatic 543 0 45 45 0 0 588

2 prevailing
countries
spring 64 72 1388 1460 0 0 1524

manual 917 16 0 16 56 88 1077
other 0 0 8 8 0 150 158
Total 16021 3595 2160 5755 1771 2806 26353
Electric motor Pneumatic Spring Manual Other

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
DS ES CDE Other DS ES CDE Other
Kind
Figure 3-69 GIS DE service experience by kind and type of drive

It should be noted that for all manual drives, more than 73% are used for operation of
low speed earthing switches. The service experience without the two prevailing countries
for manual drives is nearly negligible.
76
Please note that in further analyses the low speed ES and the high speed ES are
combined and analyzed as the same kind of ES. Also the kind “other” will be neglect.
3.5.1.5 Voltage Class and Type of Enclosure

Table 3-78, Figure 3-70 and Figure 3-71 give the service experience by voltage class
and type of enclosure.
Table 3-78 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and type of enclosure (all data)
Enclosure / kind
Voltage class
Data
[kV] GIS 1-phase GIS 3-phase Total
DS ES CDE other DS ES CDE other
60 ≤ U < 100 27219 4955 8 0 71287 50881 727 0 155077
100 ≤ U < 200 32146 5691 2082 972 23248 3839 2797 4 70779
200 ≤ U < 300 5433 2982 258 0 13679 9135 155 0 31642
All data
300 ≤ U < 500 16577 7125 1285 354 5067 3271 203 0 33882
500 ≤ U < 700 6768 4529 56 0 0 0 0 0 11353
≥ 700 345 53 58 0 0 0 0 0 456
Total 88488 25335 3747 1326 113281 67126 3882 4 303189
60 ≤ U < 100 4 0 0 0 234 20 0 0 258
All data without 2
100 ≤ U < 200 6435 2485 240 972 4079 1513 652 0 16376
200 ≤ U < 300 1909 819 226 0 140 40 155 0 3289
300 ≤ U < 500 3032 2022 411 354 44 32 31 0 5926
500 ≤ U < 700 276 172 56 0 0 0 0 0 504
≥ 700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 11656 5498 933 1326 4497 1605 838 0 26353
DS ES CDE Other
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-70 GIS DE service experience by voltage class (1-phase enclosure)
77
DS ES CDE Other

100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-71 GIS DE service experience by voltage class (3-phase enclosure)

From the total service experience it can be shown that 39% has 1-phase enclosure and
61% has 3-phase enclosure. From the service experience without two prevailing
countries 73% has 1-phase enclosure and 27% has 3-phase enclosure.
There is no service experience in this survey for GIS 3-phase enclosure for voltage class
500 kV and above.

Table 3-79 and Figure 3-72 give the service experience by voltage class and location.
For the total service experience, the majority of the equipment is installed outdoor. Only
in voltage class 100-200 kV the majority is installed indoor.
For the service experience without two prevailing countries, the majority of the
equipment is installed indoor, however from the voltage class below 100 kV and above
500 kV the majority of the equipment is installed outdoor.
78
Table 3-79 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and location (all data)
Data Voltage class [kV] Location
Total
Indoor Outdoor
60 ≤ U < 100 55384 99693 155077
100 ≤ U < 200 48826 21953 70779
200 ≤ U < 300 7901 23741 31642
All data
300 ≤ U < 500 10726 23156 33882

500 ≤ U < 700 240 11113 11353
≥ 700 4 452 456
Total 123081 180108 303189
60 ≤ U < 100 86 172 258
2 prevailing countries
100 ≤ U < 200 14710 1666 16376

All data without
200 ≤ U < 300 2471 818 3289

300 ≤ U < 500 4214 1712 5926
500 ≤ U < 700 108 396 504
≥ 700 0 0 0
Total 21589 4764 26353
Indoor Outdoor
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-72 GIS DE service experience by voltage class and location
3.5.1.7 Voltage Class and Period of Manufacture

Table 3-80, Table 3-81 and Figure 3-73 give the service experience by period of
manufacture/kind and voltage class.
79
Table 3-80 GIS DE service experience by period of manufacture, voltage class and kind (all
data)
All data
Period of
Kind Voltage class [kV]
manufacture
60 ≤ U 100 ≤ U 200 ≤ U 300 ≤ U 500 ≤ U Total
≥ 700
< 100 < 200 < 300 < 500 < 700
DS 2094 538 468 185 24 0 3309
ES 782 197 184 20 16 0 1199
Before 1974 CDE 8 56 65 8 0 0 137
other 0 16 0 0 0 0 16
Total 2884 807 717 213 40 0 4661
DS 16005 3677 3374 4389 1500 0 28945
ES 6311 906 2647 1804 1040 0 12708
1974 - 1983 CDE 0 66 153 321 28 0 568
other 0 242 0 0 0 0 242
Total 22316 4891 6174 6514 2568 0 42463
DS 47586 10950 8341 6183 2372 0 75432
ES 27123 2714 4453 4392 1716 0 40398
1984 - 1993 CDE 165 636 1 156 28 0 986
other 0 390 0 244 0 0 634
Total 74874 14690 12795 10975 4116 0 117450
DS 31827 34151 6249 9315 2772 330 84644
ES 20606 5078 4395 3679 1688 48 35494
1994 - 2003 CDE 554 2620 39 500 0 48 3761
other 0 244 0 110 0 0 354
Total 52987 42093 10683 13604 4460 426 124253
DS 994 6078 680 1572 100 15 9439
ES 1014 635 438 501 69 5 2662
2004 - 2007 CDE 8 1501 155 503 0 10 2177
other 0 84 0 0 0 0 84
Total 2016 8298 1273 2576 169 30 14362
98506 55394 19112 21644 6768 345 201769
DS
(48,8%) (27,5%) (9,5%) (10,7%) (3,4%) (0,2%) (100%)
55836 9530 12117 10396 4529 53 92461
ES
(60,4%) (10,3%) (13,1%) (11,2%) (4,9%) (0,1%) (100%)
735 4879 413 1488 56 58 7629
Total CDE
(9,6%) (64,0%) (5,4%) (19,5%) (0,7%) (0,8%) (100%)
0 976 0 354 0 0 1330
other
(0,0%) (73,4%) (0,0%) (26,6%) (0,0%) (0,0%) (100%)
155077 70779 31642 33882 11353 456 303189
Total
(51,1%) (23,3%) (10,4%) (11,2%) (3,7%) (0,2%) (100%)
80
Table 3-81 GIS DE service experience by period of manufacture, voltage class and kind (all
data without two prevailing countries)
All data without 2 prevailing countries
Period of
Kind Voltage class [kV]
manufacture
60 ≤ U 100 ≤ U 200 ≤ U 300 ≤ U 500 ≤ U Total
≥ 700
< 100 < 200 < 300 < 500 < 700
DS 28 510 88 25 0 0 651
ES 0 173 0 0 0 0 173
Before 1974 CDE 0 56 65 8 0 0 129
other 0 16 0 0 0 0 16
Total 28 755 153 33 0 0 969
DS 0 2823 423 1137 212 0 4595
ES 0 598 428 556 172 0 1754
1974 - 1983 CDE 0 66 153 321 28 0 568
other 0 242 0 0 0 0 242
Total 0 3729 1004 2014 412 0 7159
DS 158 2672 493 1025 64 0 4412
ES 0 1718 184 1076 0 0 2978
1984 - 1993 CDE 0 133 1 82 28 0 244
other 0 390 0 244 0 0 634
Total 158 4913 678 2427 92 0 8268
DS 40 4100 598 596 0 0 5334
ES 20 1145 8 216 0 0 1389
1994 - 2003 CDE 0 268 7 0 0 0 275
other 0 244 0 110 0 0 354
Total 60 5757 613 922 0 0 7352
DS 12 409 447 293 0 0 1161
ES 0 364 239 206 0 0 809
2004 - 2007 CDE 0 369 155 31 0 0 555
other 0 80 0 0 0 0 80
Total 12 1222 841 530 0 0 2605
238 10514 2049 3076 276 0 16153
DS
(1,5%) (65,1%) (12,7%) (19,0%) (1,7%) (0,0%) (100%)
20 3998 859 2054 172 0 7103
ES
(0,3%) (56,3%) (12,1%) (28,9%) (2,4%) (0,0%) (100%)
0 892 381 442 56 0 1771
Total CDE
(0,0%) (50,4%) (21,5%) (25,0%) (3,2%) (0,0%) (100%)
0 972 0 354 0 0 1326
other
(0,0%) (73,3%) (0,0%) (26,7%) (0,0%) (0,0%) (100%)
258 16376 3289 5926 504 0 26353
Total
(1,0%) (62,1%) (12,5%) (22,5%) (1,9%) (0,0%) (100%)
81
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
60 ≤ U < 100
100 ≤ U < 200
200 ≤ U < 300
300 ≤ U < 500
500 ≤ U < 700
U ≥ 700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-73 GIS DE service experience by period of manufacture and voltage class
From the total service experience, 15% of all equipment is more than 33 years old
whereas more than 45% is less than 13 years old.
For the service experience excluding two prevailing countries, 30% of all equipment is
more than 33 years old whereas more than 37% is less than 13 years old.
3.5.2 GIS DE Failures

This section deals with the sum of failures of GIS disconnectors and earthing switches in
every year of the survey.
Table 3-82 and Figure 3-74 give the number and distribution of all MaF and MiF by
country. For confidentiality reasons no information will be mentioned about the two
prevailing countries.
Table 3-82 GIS DE failures by country
Country No. of MaF No. of MiF Country No. of MaF No. of MiF
1 1 0 10 5 21
2 4 0 11 2 20
3 18 1 12 1 23
4 4 1 13 0 1
5 2 2 14 0 1
6 121 137 15 0 4
7 1 3 16-23 0 0
8 2 7
All data 164 233
9 3 12
82
100%
90% MaF
80% MiF
Distribution of MaF-MiF-ratio
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Country
Figure 3-74 GIS DE failure distribution by country

The findings in Table 3-82 and Figure 3-74 show the possibility of a considerable
difference in grouping of the various failures or underreporting of some failures since
some countries have only MaF whereas others have only MiF. Eight countries have not
reported any failure, but this could be a result of the relative small service experience
with GIS equipment in these countries.
3.5.3 GIS DE Major Failure Frequencies

The calculation of MaF frequencies is based on matched data of service experience and
MaF only. In section 3.5.1 „GIS DE Service Experience“ and in section 3.5.2 „GIS DE
Failures“ all available (matched and mismatched) data are used. Therefore it is not
possible to calculate or recalculate any MaF frequency from the published total service
experience and total failure data.
The working group wants to note that there could be an over reporting of MaF as a result
of different grouping of failure modes by some participants of this survey.
Because of the assumed underreporting of MiF, there is no calculation of MiF
frequencies in this survey.
Because of the two prevailing countries, it was necessary to carry out two separate
analyses: one analysis with all data and another analysis with all data without two
prevailing countries. In order to compare the results of these analyses hypothesis tests
were done. The tests show if the subpopulation (all data without two prevailing countries)
compared the total population (all data) behaves equal or not equal. A not equal
behavior means that the two populations (total or sub) show statistically significant
difference of MaF frequencies. That means one population behaves better than the
other. The base for the hypothesis test is in every case the total population.
Please note that the unit of the MaF frequency [failures / 100 DE years] is independent
of the used subpopulation (e. g. only DS or ES).
3.5.3.1 Country
Table 3-83 and Figure 3-75 show the MaF frequencies by country for GIS equipment (all
data).
83
Please note that the numbering of countries in the table below differ from the numbering
of countries in the service experience section as well in the failure section. There is no
connection between the country numbers of these three sections.
Table 3-83 GIS DE MaF frequency by country
MaF frequency MaF frequency
Country Country
[failures / 100 DE years] [failures / 100 DE years]
1 0,66 10 0,06
2 0,43 11-12 0,03
3 0,40 13-23 0,00
4 0,29
All data 0,05
5 0,26
6 0,17 All data without 2
0,10
7 0,16 prevailing countries
8 0,11 Result of
equal
9 0,07 hypothesis test
0,7
0,6
[failures per 100-DE years]
0,5
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
All data
0,0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Country
Figure 3-75 GIS DE MaF frequency by country

The total MaF frequency of all disconnectors and earthing switches of this survey is 0,05
MaF per 100 DE years.
Three countries with low service experience (each < 0,4% of total service experience)
show high MaF frequencies, more than seven times higher than total.
Nine countries with a service experience less than 2000 DE years have reported no
MaF. With the total MaF frequency of 0,05 MaF per 100 DE years and a service
experience less than 2000 DE years the prediction of the MaF number is 0 respectively
Therefore the reported number of 0 MaF is within the statistical prediction level for a
service experience less than 2000 DE years.
84
3.5.3.2 Voltage Class
Table 3-84 and Figure 3-76 show the MaF frequency including calculated confidence
interval by voltage class using a confidence level of 95%.
Table 3-84 GIS DE MaF frequency of DE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,00 0,00 1,16 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,03 0,04 0,06 0,01 0,03 0,07 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,02 0,04 0,07 0,01 0,06 0,22 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,05 0,07 0,11 0,14 0,25 0,42 not equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,03 0,07 0,14 0,15 0,72 2,12 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 0,66 - - - -
Total 0,05 0,05 0,06 0,06 0,10 0,14 equal
All data
0,7
upper limit
0,6
point estimation
0,5
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-76 GIS DE MaF frequency of DE by voltage class

It is shown in connection with the service experience section that the confidence interval
becomes larger by decreasing the service experience.
Regarding the analysis considering all data, it can be concluded that the failure
frequencies by voltage class, as shown in the figure above, are stable between 60 kV
and below 700 kV and zero for the equipment of 700 kV and above, since no MaF was
reported.
On the other hand, concerning the analysis without the two prevailing countries, this
stability is verified from 60 kV up to 300 kV, but for the equipment of 300 kV and above
the MaF frequency is much higher.
85
The working group assumes a high influence of the age of the equipment and of the
small service experience, since the service experience without the two prevailing
countries represents 14% of the considered for all data, and from this service
experience, about 40% has more than 24 years in service.
between all data and all data without two prevailing countries, except for voltage class
(300 ≤ U < 500 kV) where the performance is worse when excluding the two prevailing
countries. For voltage class (U ≥ 700 kV) the comparison is not possible because this
service experience was reported by one single country.
3.5.3.3 Voltage Class and Kind

From Table 3-85 up to Table 3-87, the influence of kind by voltage class on MaF
frequency is presented. Figure 3-77 to Figure 3-79 present the graphs according to all
data considered within the referred tables.
Table 3-85 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,05 0,07 0,09 0,00 0,00 1,26 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,03 0,04 0,06 0,01 0,03 0,09 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,04 0,08 0,00 0,00 0,15 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,03 0,05 0,09 0,04 0,13 0,33 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,03 0,09 0,19 0,29 1,40 4,10 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 0,87 - - - -
Total 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,03 0,06 0,12 equal
Table 3-86 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,00 0,00 14,98 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,02 0,08 0,00 0,03 0,15 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,04 0,10 0,00 0,12 0,65 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,06 0,12 0,20 0,23 0,49 0,90 not equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,01 0,04 0,16 0,00 0,00 1,74 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 5,65 - - - -
Total 0,03 0,05 0,06 0,09 0,18 0,31 equal
86
Table 3-87 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,14 0,76 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,01 0,06 0,18 0,00 0,11 0,62 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,24 1,35 0,01 0,26 1,46 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,02 0,13 0,49 0,01 0,23 1,26 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 10,70 0,00 0,00 10,70 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 5,17 - - - -
Total 0,04 0,09 0,19 0,04 0,17 0,50 equal
All data
0,9
0,8 upper limit

0,6 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-77 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by voltage class
All data
6
5
0,25
4
MaF frequency
0,20
0,15
3
0,10
0,05
2
0,00
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
1 <100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-78 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by voltage class
87
All data
12
10

1,4
1,2
MaF frequency 8 1,0
0,8
0,6
6
0,4
0,2
0,0
4
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
2
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-79 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by voltage class

Overall and considering all data, the MaF frequencies of disconnectors, earthing
switches and combined DE are quite similar and generally low. The slightly overall
higher MaF frequency in combined DE can be associated to the fact that its service
experience represents about 7% from total. When analyzing each voltage class, there is
a higher MaF frequency in combined DE from 60 kV voltage classes up to 500 kV, being
more than double for voltage class (60 ≤ U < 100 kV) and more than six times for voltage
class (200 ≤ U < 300 kV).
This can be explained by the fact that the MaF of its disconnector or earthing switch
function are added together as a whole and impact a small service experience.
The hypothesis test of total DS (Table 3-85) and total CDE (Table 3-87) shows no
without two prevailing countries.
However, for voltage class (300 ≤ U < 500 kV) in ES the performance without two
prevailing countries is worse than when considering all data.
3.5.3.4 Design of ES
The Table 3-88 shows the influence of the design of the GIS earthing switch on MaF
frequency.
Table 3-88 GIS DE MaF frequency by design of ES
All data without 2
All data Result of
Design of ES hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Low speed 0,03 0,04 0,06 0,03 0,12 0,31 equal
High speed 0,01 0,05 0,11 0,06 0,22 0,56 equal
Total 0,03 0,05 0,06 0,09 0,18 0,31 equal
Result of
equal equal
hypothesis test
88
From the table above, it can be concluded that the hypothesis test of total ES, low speed
ES and high speed ES shows no statistically significant difference of MaF frequencies.
This equal behavior is extended to the comparison of performance between all data and
all data without two prevailing countries.
Based on these conclusions, all designs of ES will be analyzed together since it is not
expected to find different performances associated specifically to low or high speed ES.
3.5.3.5 Voltage Class and Type of Drive

From Table 3-89 up to Table 3-92 the influence of the type of drive by voltage class on
MaF frequency is presented. From Figure 3-80 to Figure 3-83 the same results are
presented considering all data under the present survey.
Table 3-89 GIS DE MaF frequency of electric motor drive by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,08 0,10 0,14 0,00 0,00 1,18 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,04 0,06 0,10 0,01 0,03 0,07 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,04 0,09 0,17 0,01 0,07 0,24 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,09 0,15 0,23 0,13 0,24 0,41 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,08 0,21 0,45 0,41 1,97 5,77 equal
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,08 0,10 0,12 0,06 0,10 0,15 equal
Table 3-90 GIS DE MaF frequency of pneumatic drive by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,11 0,17 0,25 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,01 0,03 0,05 0,00 0,00 0,57 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,05 0,19 0,00 0,00 14,98 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,03 0,11 - - - -
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 0,12 0,00 0,00 29,96 equal
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,05 0,07 0,09 0,00 0,00 0,54 equal
89
Table 3-91 GIS DE MaF frequency of spring drive by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,01 0,02 0,04 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,00 0,05 0,00 0,00 0,75 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,00 0,01 0,05 0,00 0,00 1,39 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,02 0,09 0,06 0,48 1,75 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,01 0,05 0,19 0,00 0,00 1,74 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 0,86 - - - -
Total 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,02 0,17 0,60 equal
Table 3-92 GIS DE MaF frequency of manual drive by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,00 0,00 74,89 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,01 0,08 0,00 0,13 0,73 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,00 0,00 0,05 0,00 0,00 14,98 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,00 0,06 0,00 0,00 8,32 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 0,15 0,00 0,00 3,74 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 3,79 - - - -
Total 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,00 0,11 0,61 equal
All data
0,50
0,45 upper limit

0,35 lower limit
MaF frequency
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
60≤ U <100 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<200 <300 <500 <700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-80 GIS DE MaF frequency of electric motor drive by voltage class
90
All data
0,30
upper limit
0,25

point estimation
MaF frequency 0,20
lower limit
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-81 GIS DE MaF frequency of pneumatic drive by voltage class
All data
0,9
0,8 upper limit point estimation lower limit

0,7 0,25
0,20
0,6
MaF frequency
0,15
0,5 0,10
0,05
0,4 0,00
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
0,3 <100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-82 GIS DE MaF frequency of spring drive by voltage class
All data
4,0
3,5
0,20
3,0
0,15
MaF frequency
2,5
0,10
2,0
0,05
1,5
0,00
1,0 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
<100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0,5
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-83 GIS DE MaF frequency of manual drive by voltage class
91
As a first general conclusion, the hypothesis test shows no statistically significant
difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing
countries, independently from the type of drive or voltage class.
Concerning the service experience for GIS DE type of drive, it can be concluded that the
two prevailing countries are responsible for the total service experience on pneumatic
drives for voltage classes (60 ≤ U < 100 kV) and (300 ≤ U < 500 kV), spring drive drives
for voltage classes (60 ≤ U < 100 kV) and (U ≥ 700 kV) and manual drives for voltage
class (U ≥ 700 kV). In fact, for voltage class (60 ≤ U < 100 kV) in general, the two
prevailing countries contribute 99% of total service experience, which result in a difficulty
on reaching conclusions without considering those countries. For voltage class
(U ≥ 700 kV) this dominating effect is complete since there is no reported service
experience in any other of the participating countries.
In these voltage classes, care must be taken in conclusions since the MaF frequency
might reflect the performance of a local manufacturer and not the technology itself.
Regarding total MaF frequencies, it can be verified that electric motor present the
highest value and manual drives present the lowest level. This conclusion must consider
that there is a probability that manual drives MaF may be underreported since they often
are solved immediately by the operator and therefore not registered as a MaF. This can
justify the general absence of reported MaF as shown in Table 3-92. The highest MaF
frequency values appear at the higher voltage classes for electric motor drives
(300 ≤ U < 500 kV) and (500 ≤ U < 700 kV). In pneumatic drives, the MaF frequency is
significantly higher within voltage class (60 ≤ U < 100 kV).
3.5.3.6 Kind and Type of Drive

Table 3-93 to Table 3-95 show the influence of the kind of drive on MaF frequency.
Figure 3-84 to Figure 3-86 present the graphs according to all data considered within the
referred tables.
Table 3-93 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by type of drive
All data without 2
All data Result of
Type of drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,05 0,07 0,10 0,00 0,00 0,58 equal
Spring 0,01 0,01 0,03 0,00 0,00 4,68 equal
Manual 0,00 0,01 0,05 0,00 0,00 0,39 equal
Total 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,03 0,06 0,12 equal
92
Table 3-94 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by type of drive
All data without 2
All data Result of
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,00 0,02 0,11 0,00 0,00 6,66 equal
Spring 0,01 0,04 0,08 0,02 0,18 0,64 equal
Manual 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,16 6,25 34,82 equal
Total 0,03 0,05 0,06 0,11 0,22 0,39 equal
Table 3-95 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by type of drive

All data without 2
All data Result of
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,00 0,11 0,62 - - - -
Spring 0,00 0,00 0,29 - - - -
Manual 0,00 0,00 0,10 0,00 0,00 10,70 equal
Total 0,04 0,09 0,19 0,04 0,17 0,50 equal
All data
0,12
0,10 upper limit

point estimation
0,08
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,06
0,04
0,02
0,00
Electric motor Pneumatic Spring Manual
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-84 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by type of drive
93
All data
0,18
0,16 upper limit

0,10
0,08
0,06
0,04
0,02
0,00
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-85 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by type of drive
All data
0,7
upper limit
0,6
point estimation
0,5
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-86 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by type of drive

The MaF frequencies of DS and ES for all drives are similar and lower than the MaF
frequency of CDE for all drives. A common conclusion from the previous tables is that
the higher value of MaF frequency is associated to electric motor type of drive.
The hypothesis test applied to all kinds by type of drive shows no statistically significant
difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing
countries.
As previously mentioned, the higher MaF frequency found in CDE can be justified by the
fact that both MaF of disconnector function adds to any MaF of earthing switch function.
Again, MaF in manual drives might be underreported by the fact that often the operator
solves the malfunction before declaring or registering as a MaF.
94
3.5.3.7 Voltage Class, Kind and Type of Enclosure
Table 3-96 to Table 3-101 show the influence of kind and type of enclosure (1-phase or
3-phase) by voltage class on MaF frequency. Figure 3-87 to Figure 3-92 present the
graphs according to all data considered within the referred tables.
Table 3-96 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure DS by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,02 0,04 0,07 0,00 0,00 74,89 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,01 0,02 0,04 0,00 0,03 0,11 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,00 0,04 0,13 0,00 0,00 0,16 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,02 0,04 0,09 0,04 0,14 0,36 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,04 0,10 0,21 0,29 1,40 4,10 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 0,87 - - - -
Total 0,02 0,04 0,05 0,04 0,08 0,15 equal
Table 3-97 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure ES by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,04 0,15 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,04 0,13 0,00 0,04 0,22 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,07 0,24 0,00 0,12 0,68 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,07 0,14 0,26 0,20 0,45 0,85 not equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,01 0,05 0,18 0,00 0,00 1,74 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 5,65 - - - -
Total 0,04 0,07 0,11 0,10 0,20 0,36 equal
95
Table 3-98 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure CDE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,00 37,45 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,05 0,27 0,01 0,42 2,32 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,39 2,16 0,01 0,44 2,47 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,02 0,16 0,56 0,01 0,24 1,36 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 10,70 0,00 0,00 10,70 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 5,17 - - - -
Total 0,03 0,11 0,28 0,07 0,33 0,97 equal
Table 3-99 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure DS by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,06 0,08 0,11 0,00 0,00 1,28 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,04 0,07 0,11 0,00 0,03 0,15 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,04 0,09 0,00 0,00 2,14 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,02 0,08 0,20 0,00 0,00 1,56 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 0,48 - - - -
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,06 0,07 0,09 0,00 0,02 0,13 equal
Table 3-100 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure ES by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,00 0,00 14,98 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,00 0,00 0,09 0,00 0,00 0,25 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,01 0,03 0,10 0,00 0,00 7,49 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,01 0,06 0,22 0,08 3,13 17,41 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 0,69 - - - -
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,02 0,04 0,05 0,00 0,08 0,43 equal
96
Table 3-101 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure CDE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,00 0,14 0,77 - - - -
100 ≤ U < 200 0,01 0,07 0,26 0,00 0,00 0,46 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,00 0,00 1,93 0,00 0,00 1,93 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,00 0,00 1,48 0,00 0,00 9,66 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 - - - - - - -
U ≥ 700 - - - - - - -
Total 0,02 0,08 0,23 0,00 0,00 0,36 equal
All data
0,9
0,8 upper limit

0,6 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-87 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure DS by voltage class
All data
6
5
0,30
4 0,25
MaF frequency
0,20
3 0,15
0,10
0,05
2
0,00
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
1 <100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-88 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure ES by voltage class
97
All data
40
35 upper limit point estimation lower limit

30 0,8
0,6
MaF frequency
25 0,4
0,2
20
0,0
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
15 <100 <200 <300 <500 <700
10
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-89 GIS DE MaF frequency of 1-phase enclosure CDE by voltage class
All data
0,50
0,45 upper limit
0,35 lower limit

MaF frequency
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-90 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure DS by voltage class
All data
0,8
0,7 upper limit

point estimation
0,6
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-91 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure ES by voltage class
98
All data
2,0
1,8 upper limit
1,6

point estimation
1,4 lower limit
MaF frequency
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-92 GIS DE MaF frequency of 3-phase enclosure CDE by voltage class
From the tables and graphs it can be conclude that overall the MaF frequencies found
are similar whether it is a 1-phase enclosure or a 3-phase enclosure. For both types of
enclosure, the CDE kind is where the values are higher, probably due to already
presented reasons (addition of DS and ES failures within a smaller service experience).
Concerning 1-phase enclosure, voltage class (500 ≤ U < 700 kV) present the higher
value for DS MaF frequency, while voltage class (300 ≤ U < 500 kV) present the higher
value for ES MaF frequency. Regarding CDE for 1-phase enclosure, it can be verified a
significantly high value of MaF frequency mainly in voltage class (200 ≤ U < 300 kV) but
also within voltage class (300 ≤ U < 500 kV). The fact that CDE service experience
reflects 2% of the total service experience considering all data can contribute to the
magnitude of the achieved results.
Concerning 3-phase enclosure, again the relevant high value to point out consists in
MaF frequency for CDE in voltage class (60 ≤ U < 100 kV). This value reflects the
performance obtained in the two prevailing countries since no service experience was
reported outside these countries.
The hypothesis test applied to all kinds and types of enclosure by voltage class shows
no statistically significant difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all data
without two prevailing countries, except for 1-phase enclosure ES, where the
performance without considering the two prevailing countries was considered worse than
the performance considering all data. It is important to refer that while 1-phase enclosure
DE is used worldwide up to 500 kV, the reported service experience above this level is
exclusively from the two prevailing countries. Regarding 3-phase enclosure DE, the
same distribution is observed. However, no service experience was reported for voltage
class (U ≥ 700 kV).

Table 3-102 and Table 3-103 show the influence of location by voltage class on MaF
frequency. Figure 3-93 and Figure 3-94 present the graphs according to all data
considered within the referred tables.
99
Table 3-102 GIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,01 0,01 0,03 0,00 0,00 3,48 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,02 0,04 0,06 0,01 0,03 0,07 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,00 0,01 0,07 0,00 0,04 0,23 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,06 0,11 0,20 0,11 0,24 0,44 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,00 0,00 1,61 0,00 0,00 5,55 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 74,89 - - - -
Total 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,04 0,07 0,12 equal
Table 3-103 GIS DE MaF frequency of outdoor DE by voltage class

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
60 ≤ U < 100 0,07 0,08 0,10 0,00 0,00 1,74 equal
100 ≤ U < 200 0,02 0,05 0,08 0,00 0,06 0,34 equal
200 ≤ U < 300 0,03 0,05 0,09 0,00 0,12 0,68 equal
300 ≤ U < 500 0,03 0,06 0,10 0,09 0,29 0,68 equal
500 ≤ U < 700 0,03 0,07 0,14 0,17 0,83 2,44 equal
U ≥ 700 0,00 0,00 0,66 - - - -
Total 0,06 0,07 0,08 0,10 0,21 0,39 equal
All data
80

60 0,25
MaF frequency
50 0,20
0,15
40
0,10
30
0,05
20 0,00
60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700
10 <100 <200 <300 <500 <700
0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-93 GIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class
100
All data
0,7
0,6

0,5
MaF frequency
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
60≤ U <100 100≤ U <200 200≤ U <300 300≤ U <500 500≤ U <700 U ≥700
Voltage class [kV]
Figure 3-94 GIS DE MaF frequency of outdoor DE by voltage class

From the analysis of the tables and figures it is possible to conclude that the MaF
frequency for indoor DE is lower than the outdoor installed DE. Within the voltage
classes, the higher MaF frequency values are found in voltage class (300 ≤ U < 500 kV)
either for indoor and outdoor, especially when the two prevailing countries are excluded
from the data under analysis. The highest value found is in voltage class
(500 ≤ U < 700 kV) for outdoor location and all data without two prevailing countries,
where the service experience represents 9% of the total.
The hypothesis test applied to all locations by voltage class shows no statistically
significant difference of MaF frequencies between all data and all data without two
3.5.3.9 Period of Manufacture

Table 3-104 and Figure 3-95 show the influence on all DE that the period of manufacture
has on MaF frequency.
Table 3-104 GIS DE MaF frequency by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,02 0,09 0,22 0,00 0,10 0,58 equal
1974 - 1983 0,07 0,10 0,14 0,11 0,21 0,34 equal
1984 - 1993 0,05 0,07 0,08 0,03 0,08 0,18 equal
1994 - 2003 0,02 0,03 0,04 0,02 0,06 0,15 equal
2004 - 2007 0,03 0,06 0,12 0,00 0,00 0,12 equal
Total 0,05 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,10 0,15 equal
101
All data
0,25
upper limit
0,20
point estimation
lower limit
MaF frequency
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-95 GIS DE MaF frequency by period of manufacture

From Figure 3-95 it can be concluded that the MaF frequency increase with the aging of
the equipment. Only during the first period in service the equipment shows a higher MaF
frequency than in the following period. These can be caused by incorrect putting in
service or undetected failures of manufacturing. A typical aging curve is visible.
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries. The MaF
frequency for DE manufactured before 1974 show a lower value when compared to DE
manufactured within the period 1974-1983. This can be justified by service experience
reported, since the period before 1974 represents 1,5% of the service experience while
the period 1974-1983 represents 14% of total service experience. The consequence of
these facts can be verified by the width of confidence interval in both situations.
3.5.3.10 Period of Manufacture and Voltage Class

Table 3-105 to Table 3-110 show the influence of the period of manufacture by voltage
class on MaF frequency. Figure 3-96 to Figure 3-101 present the graphs according to all
data considered within the referred tables.
Table 3-105 GIS DE MaF frequency of (60 … < 100 kV) DE by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,02 0,10 0,30 0,00 0,00 10,70 equal
1974 - 1983 0,05 0,08 0,13 - - - -
1984 - 1993 0,06 0,08 0,10 0,00 0,00 1,90 equal
1994 - 2003 0,01 0,02 0,04 0,00 0,00 4,99 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,15 0,00 0,00 24,96 equal
Total 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,00 0,00 1,16 equal
102
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,13 0,70 0,00 0,14 0,75 equal
1974 - 1983 0,07 0,17 0,34 0,01 0,06 0,21 equal
1984 - 1993 0,00 0,02 0,06 0,00 0,02 0,13 equal
1994 - 2003 0,01 0,01 0,03 0,00 0,02 0,11 equal
2004 - 2007 0,05 0,11 0,21 0,00 0,00 0,27 equal
Total 0,03 0,04 0,06 0,01 0,03 0,08 equal
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 0,42 0,00 0,00 1,96 equal
1974 - 1983 0,00 0,02 0,09 0,00 0,00 0,31 equal
1984 - 1993 0,02 0,05 0,10 0,00 0,00 0,45 equal
1994 - 2003 0,02 0,06 0,12 0,04 0,33 1,18 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,24 0,00 0,00 0,36 equal
Total 0,02 0,04 0,07 0,01 0,06 0,22 equal
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 1,41 0,00 0,00 9,08 equal
1974 - 1983 0,11 0,20 0,34 0,20 0,45 0,85 equal
1984 - 1993 0,04 0,08 0,16 0,07 0,23 0,53 equal
1994 - 2003 0,00 0,02 0,07 0,00 0,13 0,70 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,12 0,00 0,00 0,57 equal
Total 0,05 0,07 0,11 0,15 0,27 0,44 not equal
103
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 7,49 - - - -
1974 - 1983 0,02 0,12 0,35 0,17 0,82 2,38 equal
1984 - 1993 0,01 0,05 0,18 0,00 0,00 6,51 equal
1994 - 2003 0,01 0,07 0,20 - - - -
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 1,77 - - - -
Total 0,03 0,07 0,14 0,15 0,72 2,12 equal
Table 3-110 GIS DE MaF frequency of (≥ 700 kV) DE by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 - - - - - - -
1974 - 1983 - - - - - - -
1984 - 1993 - - - - - - -
1994 - 2003 0,00 0,00 0,70 - - - -
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 9,99 - - - -
Total 0,00 0,00 0,66 - - - -
All data
0,35
upper limit
0,30
point estimation
0,25
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-96 GIS DE MaF frequency of (60 … < 100 kV) DE by period of manufacture
104
All data
0,8
0,7 upper limit

MaF frequency
0,5 lower limit
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
All data
0,45
0,40 upper limit

MaF frequency
0,30 lower limit

0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
All data
1,6
1,4 upper limit


MaF frequency
lower limit
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
105
All data
8

0,40
6
MaF frequency 0,30
5
0,20
4 0,10
3 0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
All data
10
9
upper limit
8
point estimation
7
MaF frequency
lower limit
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-101 GIS DE MaF frequency of (≥ 700 kV) DE by period of manufacture

From Figure 3-96 to Figure 3-100 it is possible to verify a typical aging curve, as
expected from the overall case described in the previous section. This means that the
MaF frequency increases with the aging of the equipment.
Regarding voltage class (60 ≤ U < 100 kV), no failures were reported outside the two
prevailing countries. This can be justified by the fact that the service experience under
analysis for this voltage class represents only 0,1% of service experience for this voltage
class when all data is considered.
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries, except for
total MaF frequency in voltage class (300 ≤ U < 500 kV), where the performance is
better for all data than the one achieved without the two prevailing countries.
As already shown in section 3.5.1 „GIS DE Service Experience“, no service experience
were reported outside the two prevailing countries for the periods before 1974 and after
1993 in voltage class (500 ≤ U < 700 kV) which reflects the low adoption of this voltage
class worldwide, being restricted to the periods between 1974 and 1993. Concerning the
106
voltage class (U ≥ 700 kV), no hypothesis test was performed since the service
experience is confined to the two prevailing countries which reported service experience
related to the periods of manufacture after 1993 and no failures were reported.
3.5.3.11 Period of Manufacture and Kind

Table 3-111 to Table 3-113 show the influence of period of manufacture by kind on MaF
frequency. Figure 3-102 to Figure 3-104 present the graphs according to all data
considered within the referred tables.
Table 3-111 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,03 0,12 0,31 0,00 0,15 0,86 equal
1974 - 1983 0,07 0,10 0,15 0,05 0,13 0,29 equal
1984 - 1993 0,06 0,07 0,10 0,01 0,05 0,17 equal
1994 - 2003 0,01 0,02 0,04 0,00 0,02 0,11 equal
2004 - 2007 0,03 0,07 0,15 0,00 0,00 0,26 equal
Total 0,05 0,06 0,07 0,03 0,06 0,12 equal
Table 3-112 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 0,25 0,00 0,00 1,73 equal
1974 - 1983 0,05 0,09 0,17 0,16 0,40 0,83 equal
1984 - 1993 0,03 0,05 0,08 0,04 0,14 0,37 equal
1994 - 2003 0,01 0,03 0,05 0,00 0,08 0,44 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,11 0,00 0,00 0,37 equal
Total 0,03 0,05 0,06 0,09 0,18 0,31 equal
107
Table 3-113 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 2,19 0,00 0,00 2,32 equal
1974 - 1983 0,00 0,18 1,01 0,00 0,18 1,01 equal
1984 - 1993 0,00 0,10 0,57 0,00 0,00 1,30 equal
1994 - 2003 0,02 0,08 0,23 0,09 0,73 2,63 equal
2004 - 2007 0,01 0,09 0,33 0,00 0,00 0,54 equal
Total 0,04 0,09 0,19 0,04 0,17 0,50 equal
All data
0,35
upper limit
0,30
point estimation
0,25
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-102 GIS DE MaF frequency of DS by period of manufacture
All data
0,30
upper limit
0,25
point estimation
0,20
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-103 GIS DE MaF frequency of ES by period of manufacture
108
All data
2,5
upper limit

1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-104 GIS DE MaF frequency of CDE by period of manufacture

The MaF frequency of CDE is higher than the MaF frequencies for DS or ES for every
period of manufacture, except for the period before 1974 where the MaF frequency for
DS is higher and no failures were reported within ES or CDE.
As previously mentioned, the higher MaF frequency found in CDE can be justified by the
fact that both MaF of disconnector function adds to any MaF of earthing switch function.
By adding the total MaF frequencies of DS and ES (0,06 + 0,05 = 0,11 failures / 100 DE
years) it can be seen that the MaF frequency of CDE (0,09 failures / 100 DE years) is
lower.
The hypothesis test of DS, ES and CDE shows no statistically significant difference of
MaF frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries regarding
every period of manufacture.
Regarding all data without two prevailing countries, MaF frequency for ES is significantly
higher for the period ‘1974 to 1983’ and MaF frequency for CDE is also significantly
higher for the period ‘1994 to 2003’.
3.5.3.12 Period of Manufacture and Type of Drive

Table 3-114 to Table 3-117 show the influence of the period of manufacture by type of
drive on MaF frequency. Figure 3-105 to Figure 3-108 present the graphs according to
all data considered within the referred tables.
109
Table 3-114 GIS DE MaF frequency of electric motor drive by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,02 0,20 0,71 0,00 0,16 0,90 equal
1974 - 1983 0,10 0,17 0,27 0,11 0,21 0,37 equal
1984 - 1993 0,09 0,12 0,15 0,02 0,07 0,16 equal
1994 - 2003 0,03 0,05 0,08 0,02 0,06 0,15 equal
2004 - 2007 0,05 0,12 0,24 0,00 0,00 0,12 equal
Total 0,08 0,10 0,12 0,06 0,10 0,15 equal
Table 3-115 GIS DE MaF frequency of pneumatic drive by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,02 0,18 0,65 0,00 0,00 1,09 equal
1974 - 1983 0,09 0,15 0,22 0,00 0,00 1,13 equal
1984 - 1993 0,02 0,05 0,10 0,00 0,00 149,79 equal
1994 - 2003 0,00 0,01 0,04 - - - -
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,04 0,20 0,00 0,00 21,40 equal
Total 0,05 0,07 0,09 0,00 0,00 0,54 equal
Table 3-116 GIS DE MaF frequency of spring drive by period of manufacture

All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 0,16 - - - -
1974 - 1983 0,00 0,02 0,07 0,00 0,19 1,08 equal
1984 - 1993 0,01 0,03 0,05 0,01 0,25 1,39 equal
1994 - 2003 0,00 0,01 0,03 0,00 0,00 1,50 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,11 0,00 0,00 3,57 equal
Total 0,01 0,02 0,03 0,02 0,17 0,60 equal
110
Table 3-117 GIS DE MaF frequency of manual drive by period of manufacture
All data without 2
All data Result of
hypothesis
[kV] Point Point
esti- esti-
mation mation
Before 1974 0,00 0,00 0,48 0,00 0,00 5,35 equal
1974 - 1983 0,00 0,01 0,08 0,00 0,16 0,90 equal
1984 - 1993 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,00 0,00 1,66 equal
1994 - 2003 0,00 0,00 0,02 0,00 0,00 6,81 equal
2004 - 2007 0,00 0,00 0,13 0,00 0,00 33,29 equal
Total 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,00 0,11 0,61 equal
All data
0,8
0,7 upper limit

point estimation
0,6
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,5
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-105 GIS DE MaF frequency of electric motor drive by period of manufacture
All data
0,7
0,6 upper limit

point estimation
0,5
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,4
0,3
0,2
0,1
0,0
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-106 GIS DE MaF frequency of pneumatic drive by period of manufacture
111
All data
0,16
0,14 upper limit

point estimation
0,12
0,10
0,08
0,06
0,04
0,02
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-107 GIS DE MaF frequency of spring drive by period of manufacture
All data
0,50
0,45 upper limit
0,40
point estimation
0,35
MaF frequency
lower limit
0,30
0,25
0,20
0,15
0,10
0,05
0,00
before 1974 1974 - 1983 1984 - 1993 1994 -2003 2004 - 2007
Figure 3-108 GIS DE MaF frequency of manual drive by period of manufacture

All four types of drive show a typical aging curve.
The hypothesis test of drive shows no statistically significant difference of MaF
frequencies between all data and all data without two prevailing countries.
The MaF frequency for electric motor type of drive shows the highest value between
types of drive considering all data. Concerning all data without two prevailing countries:
electric motor drives show a significantly higher MaF frequency for the period ‘1974 to
1983’; pneumatic drives do not present any reported failure and there is no reported
service experience for the period ‘1994 to 2003’; spring drives have no reported service
experience reported before 1974 and present a significantly high value of MaF frequency
for the older periods (from 1974 to 1993).
Manual drives show almost no failures reported due to the already presented reasons
(probability of underreporting since operator solves the failure immediately).
112
3.5.3.13 Responsible Part for DE Failure
In Table 3-118 and Table 3-119 the MaF frequency is split in a part where the failure is
caused by design (= component at service voltage and kinematic chain) respectively by
drive (= operating mechanism and electrical control and auxiliary circuits). In order to
calculate the MaF frequency of a complete disconnector or earthing switch the two MaF
frequencies have to be added.
Because of the small service experience of drive type “other” (< 1% of complete service
experience) these types are neglected in the analyses.
Table 3-118 GIS DE MaF frequency by kind (without MaF caused by drive)
All data without 2 prevailing Result of
All data
Kind countries hypothesis
Lower Point Upper Lower Point Upper test
limit estimation limit limit estimation limit
DS 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,00 0,00 0,02 equal
ES 0,00 0,01 0,01 0,00 0,03 0,11 equal
CDE 0,01 0,05 0,13 0,00 0,06 0,32 equal
Total 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,00 0,01 0,04 equal
Table 3-119 GIS DE MaF frequency by drive (with MaF caused by drive only)
All data without 2
All data Result of
Drive hypothesis
Point Point test
esti- esti-
mation mation
Pneumatic 0,03 0,05 0,07 0,00 0,00 0,54 equal
Spring 0,01 0,01 0,03 0,00 0,08 0,46 equal
Manual 0,00 0,00 0,01 0,00 0,00 0,33 equal
Total 0,03 0,04 0,05 0,05 0,08 0,13 equal

From the tables presented above it can be concluded that MaF frequency caused by
drive only contributes with approximately 80% of the total MaF frequency in all DE while
MaF frequency associated to kind (= component at service voltage and kinematic chain)
contributes with approximately 20%.
3.5.4 GIS DE Failure Characteristics

This section deals with all MaF and MiF distributions for GIS disconnectors, earthing
switches and combined DE considering all data and all data without two prevailing
countries. These distributions were organized by failure mode, failed subassembly,
failure origin, primary cause and service conditions.

Table 3-120 to Table 3-121 and Figure 3-109 to Figure 3-110 show the MaF respectively
MiF by failure mode.
113
Table 3-120 GIS DE MaF by failure mode and period of manufacture
Number of MaF
Data MaF mode
before 1974 - 1984 - 1994 - 2004 - Total
1973 1983 1993 2003 2007
Does not operate on
3 36 73 18 0 130
command
Electrical breakdown 0 2 2 8 9 21
All data
Locking in open or closed

1 3 0 2 0 6
position
Loss of mechanical integrity 0 1 0 0 0 1
Other 0 1 2 3 0 6
Total 4 43 77 31 9 164
Does not operate on
0 11 4 1 0 16
command
All data without 2
Electrical breakdown 0 0 0 1 0 1
Locking in open or closed
1 1 0 2 0 4
position
Loss of mechanical integrity 0 1 0 0 0 1
Other 0 1 2 0 0 3
Total 1 14 6 4 0 25
Table 3-121 GIS DE MiF by failure mode

All data without 2
All data
MiF mode prevailing countries
No. [%] No. [%]
Air leakage in the operating mechanism 16 6,9 0 0,0
Small SF6 leakage 72 30,9 59 62,1
Change in mechanical functional
34 14,6 13 13,7
characteristics
Change in electrical functional
16 6,9 11 11,6
characteristics
Change in functional characteristics of
43 18,5 8 8,4
control or auxiliary systems
Other 52 22,3 4 4,2
Total 233 100,0 95 100,0
114
Does not operate on command Electrical breakdown
Locking in open or closed position Loss of mechanical integrity
Other
100%
90%
Distribution of failure
80%
characteristics
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
74
74
7
3
3
l
l
ta
ta
00
00
98
99
00
98
99
00
19
19
To
To
-1
-1
-2
-1
-1
-2
-2
-2
re
re
94
94
74
84
04
74
84
04
fo
fo
19
19
be
19
19
20
be
19
19
20
Figure 3-109 GIS DE MaF distribution by failure mode and period of manufacture
100% Other
Distribution of failure characteristics
90%
80%
Change in functional
70% characteristics of control or
60% auxiliary systems
50% Change in electrical functional
40% characteristics
30%
20% functional characteristics
10%
0% Small SF6 leakage
All data All data without
2 prevailing
countries Air leakage in the operating
mechanism
Figure 3-110 GIS DE MiF distribution by failure mode
The dominating MaF mode is “Does not operate on command” (79% considering all data
and 64% considering all data without two prevailing countries). A significant share (56%)
occurred in DE manufactured during the period ‘1984 to 1993’ and installed in the two
Considering all data, the second dominating MaF mode is “Electrical breakdown”
representing 12,8% of total MaF. It’s important to refer that 81% of the failures within this
mode occurred on recently manufactured DE (less than 13 years old) and were
restricted to the two prevailing countries.
Considering all data without two prevailing countries, the second dominating MaF mode
is “Locking in open or closed position”, representing about 16%.
It can be concluded that the MaF are mostly associated to the drive and kinematic chain
instead of the active part of the DE, with the described exception regarding recent years
in the prevailing countries.
The most reported MiF mode is “small SF6 leakage” (30,9% considering all data and
62,1% considering all data without two prevailing countries). Considering all data, the
115
next dominating MiF modes are “Other” which can mean that the mode is unknown
(22,3%) and “Change in functional characteristics of control and auxiliary systems” which
associates these failures to the drive. When analyzing data without the two prevailing
countries, the rate of unknown causes is significantly reduced. This reflects the influence
of the approach to the reporting procedures within the most influent utilities for the
current survey.

Table 3-122 and Figure 3-111 show the component responsible for MaF as well as
Table 3-123 and Figure 3-112 represent the component responsible for MiF.
Table 3-122 GIS DE MaF by failed subassembly and period of manufacture
Number of MaF
Component responsible Period of manufacture
Data
for failure before 1974 - 1984 - 1994 - 2004 - Total
1973 1983 1993 2003 2007
Component at service 0 4 3 9 9 25
voltage
Electrical control and 1 24 38 15 0 78
All data
auxiliary circuits
Operating mechanism 3 14 34 6 0 57
Kinematic chain 0 1 1 1 0 3
Total 4 43 76 31 9 163
Component at service
0 1 0 1 0 2
voltage
All data without 2
Electrical control and

0 10 2 3 0 15
auxiliary circuits
Operating mechanism 1 2 3 0 0 6
Kinematic chain 0 1 0 0 0 1
Total 1 14 5 4 0 24
Table 3-123 GIS DE MiF by failed subassembly

All data without 2
Component responsible All data
for failure
No. [%] No. [%]
Component at service voltage 67 28,9 59 62,8
Electrical control and auxiliary circuits 86 37,1 18 19,1
Operating mechanism 72 31,0 15 16,0
Kinematic chain 7 3,0 2 2,1
Total 232 100,0 94 100,0
116
Component at service voltage Electrical control and auxiliary circuits
Operating mechanism Kinematic chain
100%
90%
80%
characteristics
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
74
74
7
3
3
l
l
ta
ta
00
00
98
99
00
98
99
00
19
19
To
To
-1
-1
-2
-1
-1
-2
-2
-2
re
re
94
94
74
84
04
74
84
04
fo
fo
19
19
be
19
19
20
be
19
19
20
Figure 3-111 GIS DE MaF by failed subassembly and period of manufacture
100%
90% Kinematic chain

80%
70%
Operating mechanism
60%
50%
40% Electrical control and
30% auxiliary circuits
20%
10% Component at service
voltage
0%
2 prevailing
countries
Figure 3-112 GIS DE MiF by failed subassembly

Concerning MaF and all data, 83% of all MaF are caused by drive (48% from electrical
control and auxiliary circuits and 35% from operating mechanism. Considering all data
without two prevailing countries, 62,5% are caused also by the drives (electrical control
and auxiliary circuits). The majority of these failures related to electrical control and
auxiliary circuits occurred in DE with more than 24 years in service, which can provide
an idea about the lifetime of these components.
Concerning MiF, the dominating mode changes when considering or excluding the two
prevailing countries: “component at service voltage” represents 62,8% when excluding
these two countries, and drive related modes (electrical and mechanical), which
represent 68,1% when considering all data. This difference can be related to different
reporting procedures performed by the prevailing countries. If the mode “Component at
service voltage” is associated for example to hotspots in the active part, same scale of
occurrences would be expected in the reported failures from all utilities from these two
117
Table 3-124 to Table 3-125 and Figure 3-113 to Figure 3-114 show the MaF respectively
MiF by failure origin and period of manufacture.
Table 3-124 GIS DE MaF by failure origin and period of manufacture
Number of MaF
Data Failure origin
before 1974 - 1984 - 1994 - 2004 - Total
1973 1983 1993 2003 2007
2 14 15 5 0 36
mechanism
0 1 6 1 0 8
switch
All data
Electrical (main circuit) 0 3 2 8 8 21

Electrical (auxiliary and
2 22 35 14 1 74
control circuit)
Other 0 3 19 3 0 25
Total 4 43 77 31 9 164
0 3 2 0 0 5
mechanism
All data without 2

0 1 4 0 0 5
switch
Electrical (main circuit) 0 1 0 1 0 2
Electrical (auxiliary and
1 8 0 3 0 12
control circuit)
Other 0 1 0 0 0 1
Total 1 14 6 4 0 25
Table 3-125 GIS DE MiF by failure origin

All data without 2
All data
Failure origin prevailing countries
No. [%] No. [%]
Mechanical in operating mechanism 32 13,7 10 10,5
Mechanical in other parts of switch 44 18,9 28 29,5
Electrical (main circuit) 12 5,2 8 8,4
Electrical (auxiliary and control circuit) 52 22,3 6 6,3
Other 93 39,9 43 45,3
Total 233 100,0 95 100,0
118
Mechanical in operating mechanism Mechanical in other parts of switch
Electrical (main circuit) Electrical (auxiliary and control circuit)
Other
100%
90%
80%
characteristics
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
74
74
7
3
3
l
l
ta
ta
00
00
98
99
00
98
99
00
19
19
To
To
-1
-1
-2
-1
-1
-2
-2
-2
re
re
94
94
74
84
04
74
84
04
fo
fo
19
19
be
19
19
20
be
19
19
20
Figure 3-113 GIS DE MaF distribution by failure origin and period of manufacture
100%
Other
90%
80%
70% Electrical (auxiliary and
control circuit)
60%
50% Electrical (main circuit)
40%
30% Mechanical in other
20% parts of switch
10% Mechanical in operating
0% mechanism
2 prevailing
countries
Figure 3-114 GIS DE MiF distribution by failure origin

Considering all data, the dominating origin for MaF relies on drive electrical circuits
(45%) which occurred in the older DE. The same dominating origin is found when
excluding the two prevailing countries (48%). The second dominating origin is again the
drive, but associated to mechanical origin in operating mechanism.
It can be concluded that the drive of the older DE causes the majority of MaF.
Concerning MiF, the absence of investigation efforts results on unknown origins as the
dominating origin to support MiF (39,9% and 45,3% respectively considering all data and
excluding two prevailing countries).

Table 3-126 and Figure 3-115 show the primary cause by period of manufacture for MaF
as well as Table 3-127 and Figure 3-116 represent the primary cause by period of
manufacture for MiF.
119
Table 3-126 GIS DE MaF by primary cause and period of manufacture
Number of MaF
Data Primary cause
before 1974 - 1984 - 1994 - 2004 - Total
1973 1983 1993 2003 2007
Cause introduced during
a period before putting 0 4 5 10 7 26
into service
All data

3 33 52 18 2 108
service
Other 1 6 20 3 0 30
Total 4 43 77 31 9 164
All data without 2
a period before putting 0 2 3 3 0 8

into service
prevailing
countries

0 7 1 1 0 9
service
Other 1 5 2 0 0 8
Total 1 14 6 4 0 25
Table 3-127 GIS DE MiF by primary cause
All data without 2
All data
Primary cause prevailing countries
No. [%] No. [%]
Cause introduced during a period before
49 21,0 23 24,2
putting into service
Cause introduced during service 147 63,1 40 42,1
Other 37 15,9 32 33,7
Total 233 100,0 95 100,0
Other
Cause introduced during a period before putting into service
100%
90%
80%
70%
characteristics
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
l
l
3
3
7
3
74
3
74
ta
ta
00
00
00
98
99
98
99
00
To
To
19
19
-2
-2
-2
-1
-1
-1
-2
-1
re
re
94
94
04
84
74
84
04
74
fo
fo
19
19
19
20
19
20
be
19
19
be
Figure 3-115 GIS DE MaF distribution by primary cause and period of manufacture
120
100%

90%
80% Other
70%
60%
40% during service
30%
10% during a period before
putting into service
0%
All data All data without 2
prevailing
countries
Figure 3-116 GIS DE MiF distribution by primary cause

Concerning MaF, 66% of the failures are caused during service period, mainly in the
older DE, considering all data. However, when analyzing the data without the two
prevailing countries, in spite of the 85% reduction in total number of MaF, there is a
similar distribution between the cause introduced before putting in service, during the
service period and other.
Further analysis for the influence of wear and aging is done in the maintenance section.
Regarding MiF, the dominating primary cause is also associated to the period during
service.
3.5.4.5 Service Condition

Table 3-128 and Figure 3-117 present in which service conditions the DE was when the
MaF respectively MiF was discovered.
Table 3-128 GIS DE failures by service conditions
All data without
All data 2 prevailing
Service condition when failure was discovered countries
MaF MiF MaF MiF
De-energized - available for service 5 9 2 2
Normal service – no operation command (open
47 129 0 53
or closed position)
Normal service operation demanded 96 43 16 13
Fault making operation 1 0 1 0
Fault clearing operation 0 0 0 0
Operation occurred without command 0 0 0 0
(e.g. during conditions diagnostic tests, relay 11 34 2 9
Total of reported failures with service condition 160 215 21 77
121
MaF MiF
Distribution of failure per service condition when

100%
During or directly after
90% testing/maintenance
80% Operation occurred without
command
70%
failure was discovered
60%
50% Fault making operation
40%
Normal service operation
30% demanded
20% Normal service - no operation
command
10% De-energized - Available for
0% service
All data All data All data All data
without 2 without 2
prevailing prevailing
countries countries
Figure 3-117 GIS DE failure distribution by service condition

The dominating service conditions when failure was discovered are consistent
considering all data including or excluding the two prevailing countries. Regarding MaF
the most common service condition is “Normal service operation demanded” and for MiF
the service condition is “Normal service – no operation command”. These conclusions
are in line with the most associated failure mode and with the fact that the majority of
MaF had origin in the drive.
3.5.5 GIS DE Analyses of Maintenance

Please refer for the analyses of the maintenance of GIS equipment to the maintenance
sections in [4] and [5].
3.6 Recommendations for Utilities and Manufactures

• Failure statistics are a fundamental input to assess system reliability and an
important input for the improvement of assets management police of utilities.
Therefore, equipment failure data are precious information that should be
strategically managed. As the basis for a reliable statistics is the failure data bank, it
is suggested to the utilities to adopt and keep well defined information management
procedures allowing having reliable and complete databanks. The kind of information
required in the inquiry carried out by the present CIGRE work can be used as a
guide on the kind of information and the degree of detail needed to build up an
equipment failure databank.
• Utilities should contribute to improvements in equipment reliability by making details
of failures known to the manufacturers.
• The dominant cause of failure is “wear and aging”. In order to further improve
reliability, additional focus should therefore be put on these issues. Improvement of
type tests simulating aging processes could be considered.
• The impact of prevailing countries must be considered during the interpretation of the
drawn conclusions. When this impact is significant, the results may reflect either a
performance from a specific utility due to procedures or a performance of a specific
122
design manufactured during a specific period and installed in large scale projects in
these prevailing countries.
• The remote controllable drive is the subassembly of disconnectors or earthing
switches which is most often responsible for the failure. Manufactures and utilities
should improve the reliability of the drive e. g. by using more reliable components in
the drive and by improving the condition check of the drives.
• The large number of failures where no consequential measures were taken indicates
that most failures were handled on a case-by-case basis. There seems to be large
room for improvement in further analysis of the individual failures, drawing more
general conclusions that may eventually help to prevent future similar failures.
3.7 Recommendations for Future Surveys

After the experience obtained along the present survey the following possible
improvements regarding the elaboration of the questionnaire has been identified as
recommendations for future surveys:
• Enlarge and increase details of multiple choice options (e. g. rated voltage by
different standards).
• Implement mechanisms in order to avoid not allowed answers (e. g. no minor
failure causes when a MaF is reported).
• Implement automatic decision by the questionnaire regarding kind of failure
(major vs. minor) by asking questions to the reaction of the utility after failure
occurrence.
• Ask for number of phases (3, 2 or 1) of the equipment and also for the number of
drives (3, 2, 1) for this device.
• Allow AIS-disconnectors with build-on earthing switch(es) to interpret as
combined disconnector and earthing switch. This is not correct by definition but
an often used interpretation by utilities. This input failure can be corrected by the
questionnaire automatically.
• Introduce more detail in maintenance questions in order to obtain more specific
and valuable information.
Example 1: Define as maintenance with combination of methods if a time based
check of the equipment and a condition based maintenance is done.
Example 2: State clear that maintenance philosophy ‘run to failure’ means that
there is no maintenance planned.
As a general recommendation, the working group considers critical for the success of
such a survey:
• Careful preparation of a preliminary approach to utilities in order to assure their
participation throughout the years.
• Promotion and organization of a contact network based on definition of country
representatives fully aware of the rules and deadlines involved.
• Involvement of major utilities and/or countries within the working group as
members in order to assure the coverage of the highest service experience
possible.
123
3.8 Summary and Conclusions
Service Experience
The present survey was run on a worldwide basis. 25 countries from 5 continents were
willing to deliver their disconnectors and earthing switches (DE) data summarized to
935 204 equipment years. The main contributions came from Asia and Europe and one
country has delivered 52% of all population data. Some countries participated in AIS or
GIS only, but the majority participated in both surveys.
From the participation, it can be concluded that there are two prevailing countries for AIS
disconnectors and earthing switches and also two prevailing countries for GIS
disconnectors and earthing switches. Please note that these countries are different for
AIS and GIS. Some analysis was made with and without the prevailing countries in order
to assess the impact on the drawn conclusions. No comparison could be made with
previous surveys because this is the first international enquiry on reliability of high
voltage disconnectors and earthing switches.
Concerning the application distribution, about 2/3 of service experience is for AIS-
equipment and 1/3 is for GIS-equipment. Concerning voltage class distributions,
equipment between 60 kV and below 500 kV mainly consists of AIS. Because of the
contribution of one prevailing country the equipment for 500 kV and above mainly
consist of GIS.
Failure Frequency
The overall MaF frequency for disconnectors and earthing switches is 0,21 per 100 DE
years. Failure frequencies differ significantly among the technologies (e. g. AIS, GIS).
3.8.1 AIS DE Summary and Conclusions

Service Experience
The experience of the working group is a relationship of an average of approximately 3
to 1 between disconnectors (DS) and earthing switches (ES). In this survey, only around
20% of equipment is ES (DS / ES = 4:1), which means that there could be
underreporting of the ES. One explanation for the underreporting of ES can be the fact
that DS with build-on ES have been reported as DS only. Also some countries did not
report any ES. It was verified that there is a relatively constant ratio between DS and ES
over all voltage classes.
In the voltage class below 100 kV the double break disconnector is the most popular
design. Between 100 kV and below 500 kV the centre break disconnector design is most
in use. Above 500 kV most disconnectors have centre break and vertical break design.
Regarding the drives, the majority is electric operated followed by pneumatic and
manual drives. The tendency of the percentage of electric drive increases along with the
voltage class.
AIS disconnectors are mainly located outdoor. There is a similar DS-ES-ratio of 4:1 over
all periods of manufacture. 21% of all equipment is 33 years or older and 24% is 13
years old or younger. For 500 kV and above 70% of equipment was manufactured
between 1974 and 1983 and for 700 kV and above the service experience is based on
the information of one country only.
Failure Frequency
The total major failure frequency of all disconnectors and earthing switches of this
survey is 0,29 MaF per 100 DE years. As expected, the confidence interval becomes
larger by decreasing service experience. The failure frequencies by voltage class are
stable between 60 kV and below 700 kV.
124
The MaF frequencies of indoor located equipment are considerably lower compared to
outdoor located equipment. This could be a result of the different environmental
influence.
The MaF frequency of earthing switches is lower than for disconnectors. This can be
caused by the different numbers of critical operations for the network during the same
period of time, e.g. it’s expected a higher number of operations of DS compared to ES in
the same period of time. Also it can be imagined that an open ES which does not
operate on command is defined as MiF if this functionality is taken over by another
equipment. On the other hand a similar failure of a DS is considered every time as a
MaF.
It also can be concluded that the MaF frequency increase with the aging of the
equipment. Only during the first period in service the equipment shows a higher MaF
frequency than in the following period. These can be caused by incorrect putting in
service or undetected failures of manufacturing and configures a typical aging curve.
The MaF frequency of earthing switches is in all periods of manufacture is lower or equal
to that of disconnectors.
Regarding designs, the centre break DS, double break DS and pantograph DS show the
same typical aging curve. However, knee type DS, vertical break DS and semi-
pantograph DS show no clear tendency of failure due to aging.
Concerning the period of manufacture and the type of drive, all three types of drive
(electric, pneumatic and manual) show a typical aging curve.
As a general conclusion, it was verified that 30% of MaF are caused by design and 70%
of MaF are caused by drive. In a ranking for the designs of DS, the double break DS,
vertical break DS and pantograph DS show the best performance. This group is followed
by centre break DS and semi-pantograph DS. However, the knee type design has a
much higher MaF frequency than the average. For DS in general, centre break DS and
double break DS perform better than the complete population without two prevailing
countries.
From the overall analyses of drives, it can be concluded that the MaF frequency of
manual drives is the lowest. In a ranking of remote controlled drives the electric motor
drive shows better performance than the pneumatic drive. This different behavior is
significantly influenced by the data of the two prevailing countries. On the other side the
MaF frequency of manual operated drives is much lower because of the local availability
of the operating person.
Failure Characteristics
The dominating major failure mode is “Does not operate on command” (70% for
disconnectors and 79% for earthing switches). It is concluded that the major failures are
mostly associated to the drive and kinematic chain instead of the active part of the DE.
Concerning major failures relation with the failed subassembly, 70% of all major failures
are caused by the drive. Concerning the 30% of major failures in the DE excluding the
drive, the contribution of component at service voltage is 23% and the contribution of the
kinematic chain is 7%. Overall, there is no significant difference between the distribution
found in DS and ES.
More than 80% of all major and minor failures are caused during service period, where
over 60% are caused by wear and aging.
The majority of major failures of disconnectors and earthing switches occurred in normal
service when operation is demanded. In approximately 85% of all major and minor
failures, the failed component has been repaired or has been replaced on site.
125
Approximately 95% of all major and minor failures do not lead to any consequential
measure.
Kind and Design
In this section only, failures caused by DE excluding drive are analyzed. The component,
which is responsible for the failure, is either at service voltage or the kinematic chain.
The biggest contributions concern two MaF modes: “Does not operate on command”
and “Loss of mechanical integrity“. The dominating major failure mode for double break
disconnectors and earthing switches is “Does not operate on command”. The “Loss of
mechanical integrity (damages of different parts, like insulators, etc.)” is dominating
major failure mode for knee type disconnectors.
The working group did not find an explanation for the different distribution of failed
subassembly between the DS designs. Comparing DS and ES it can be concluded that
the contribution of components at service voltage for DS much higher than for ES, which
can be explained by the larger number of components at service voltage at DS
compared to ES.
The MaF origin is for every kind/design over 50% associated with mechanical parts of
DE. For the MiF origin it can be concluded that there is a larger contribution from the
electrical parts (main circuit) than observed in major failure origin, eventually hotspots
detected by thermography inspection.
In general, it is concluded that the majority of the major and minor failures primary
causes are discovered during service.
Type of Operating Mechanism
In this section only failures caused by drive of DE are analyzed, excluding all
components at service voltage and the kinematic chain.
The failure modes related to “Does not operate on command” contribute with more than
80% in electric motor and pneumatic drives. Also manual drives show a similar
performance. As expected, air leakage is a minor mode which contributes to pneumatic
drives. In this case, it represents more than one third of minor failures.
Concerning origin of failure, approximately 90% of the failures have origin in the
component themselves.
The largest contribution for MaF is from the causes introduced during service, mostly
due to the wear and ageing. The MiF causes introduced during service represent 79% in
electric motor drives and 92% in pneumatic drives. As already observed in major
failures, wear and aging provide the biggest contribution.
Maintenance
It can be concluded that time-based maintenance is the mainly used philosophy (57,5%).
On second place, a combination of different methods (e.g. RCM) is also widely used
(30,7%). Some countries use time-based exclusively and others use combination of
methods exclusively. However, the majority of the countries combine two maintenance
philosophies.
3.8.2 GIS DE Summary and Conclusions

Service Experience
The service experience is very much dominated by two countries that are responsible for
more than 91% of the total. More than 50% of the total service experience comes from
the voltage class 60 – 100 kV from one country only. The service experience for
equipment from the voltage class 700 kV and above is also from one country. For that
126
reason some of the analyses were carried out with and without these two prevailing
countries. The relation between disconnectors and earthing switches is approximately
2:1. 87% of the earthing switches are low speed design and 17% high speed design.
Combined disconnectors earthing switches are only 2,5% of the total service experience.
Electric motor is the most common type of drive (36%) but also pneumatic, spring and
manual operated drives are frequently used. For the service experience without the two
prevailing countries, 87% of all drives are electric motor operated.
For analysis purposes, low speed ES and high speed ES were combined an considered
the same kind of ES. From the total service experience, it can be verified that 39% is 1-
phase enclosure and 61% is 3-phase enclosure. From the service experience without
two prevailing countries 73% is 1-phase enclosure and 27% is 3-phase enclosure. There
was no reported service experience in this survey for GIS 3-phase enclosure for voltage
class 500 kV and above. The majority of the equipment is installed outdoor. Only in
voltage class 100 - 200 kV was the majority installed indoor. When excluding the two
prevailing countries, the majority of the equipment is installed indoors, however in
voltage class below 100 kV and above 500 kV the majority of the equipment is installed
outdoors. Regarding the period of manufacture, 15% of all equipment is more than 33
years old whereas more than 45% is less than 13 years old. For the service experience
excluding two prevailing countries 30% of all equipment is more than 33 years old
whereas more than 37% is less than 13 years old.
Failure Frequency
The total major failure frequency of all disconnectors and earthing switches of this
survey is 0,05 MaF per 100 DE years.
Regarding the analysis considering all data, it can be concluded that the failure
frequencies by voltage class are stable between 60 kV and below 700 kV and zero for
the equipment of 700 kV and above, since no MaF was reported.
On the other hand, concerning the analysis without the two prevailing countries, this
stability is verified from 60 kV up to 300 kV, but for the equipment of 300 kV and above
the MaF frequency is much higher.
The working group assumes a high influence of the age of the equipment and of the
small service experience, since the service experience without the two prevailing
countries represents 14% of the considered for all data, and from this service
experience, about 40% has more than 24 years in service.
Considering all data, the MaF frequencies of disconnectors, earthing switches and
combined DE are quite similar and generally low. The slightly overall higher MaF
frequency in combined disconnector and earthing switch (CDE) can be associated to the
fact that its service experience represents about 7% from total. Please note that in the
case of CDE, the MaF of its disconnector or earthing switch function are added together
as a whole and should be compared to the added MaF from DS and ES.
Concerning the service experience for GIS DE type of drive, it can be concluded that the
two prevailing countries are responsible for the total service experience on some voltage
classes for each type of drive, which results in a difficulty on reaching conclusions
without considering those countries. In these voltage classes, care must be taken in
conclusions since the MaF frequency might reflect the performance of a local
manufacturer and not the technology itself.
Regarding total MaF frequencies, it can be verified that electric motor present the
highest value and manual drives present the lowest level. This conclusion must consider
that there is a probability that manual drives MaF may be underreported since they often
are solved immediately by the operator and therefore not registered as a MaF.
127
The MaF frequencies found are similar whether it is a 1-phase enclosure or a 3-phase
enclosure. For both types of enclosure, the CDE kind is where the values are higher,
probably due to already presented reasons.
The MaF frequency for indoor DE is lower than the outdoor installed DE.
Concerning period of manufacture, it can be concluded that the MaF frequency
increases with the aging of the equipment, showing a typical aging curve.
Concerning the drives, it is concluded that all four types of drive show a typical aging
curve. The MaF frequency for electric motor type of drive shows the highest value
between types of drive considering all data.
Overall, MaF frequency caused by drive contributes with approximately 80% of the total
MaF frequency in all DE while MaF frequency associated to kind (= component at
service voltage and kinematic chain) contributes with approximately 20%.
Failure Characteristics
The dominant major failure mode is “Does not operate on command” (79% considering
all data). A significant share (56%) occurred in DE manufactured during the period ‘1984
to1993’ and installed in the two prevailing countries. Considering all data, the second
dominating MaF mode is “Electrical breakdown” representing 12,8% of total MaF. It is
important to refer that 81% of the failures within this mode occurred on recently
manufactured DE (less than 13 years old) and were restricted to the two prevailing
countries. It can be concluded that the major failures are mostly associated to the drive
and kinematic chain instead of the active part of the DE, with the described exception
regarding recent years in the prevailing countries.
Concerning major failures and all data, 83% of all major failures are caused by the drive.
The majority of these failures related to electrical control and auxiliary circuits occurred
in DE with more than 24 years in service, which can provide an idea about the lifetime of
these components.
The dominant origin for major failures relies on drive electrical circuits (45%) which
occurred in the older DE. The same dominating origin is found when excluding the two
prevailing countries (48%). It can be concluded that the drive of the older DE causes the
majority of MaF.
Concerning major failures primary cause, 66% of the failures are caused during service
period, mainly in the older DE, considering all data.
The dominating service condition when MaF was discovered is “Normal service
operation demanded” and for MiF the service condition is “Normal service – no operation
command”. These conclusions are in line with the most associated failure mode and with
the fact that the majority of MaF had origin in the drive.
Acknowledgment
The working group thanks all utilities participating on this survey, all supporters and the
DE task force team (C. Protze, J. G. Krone, J. F. Martins, A. Hyrczak, K.-Y. Park) within
the working group for their good job.
128
References and Bibliography
[1] CIGRÉ WG A3.06: Final Report of the 2004 - 2007 International Enquiry on
Reliability of High Voltage Equipment, Part 1 - Summary and General Matters,
CIGRÉ Technical Brochure no. TB 509, 2012.
Reliability of High Voltage Equipment, Part 2 - SF6 Circuit Breakers, CIGRÉ
Technical Brochure no. TB 510, 2012.
Reliability of High Voltage Equipment, Part 4 - Instrument Transformers, CIGRÉ
Reliability of High Voltage Equipment, Part 5 - Gas Insulated Switchgear CIGRÉ
Reliability of High Voltage Equipment, Part 6 - GIS practices, CIGRÉ Technical
Brochure no. TB 514, 2012.
[6] IEC 62271-1: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear, Part 1 – Common
specifications, 2007.
[7] IEC 60050: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary.
129
Appendix 1 - Definitions
The following meanings are applicable to the acronyms and abbreviations used
throughout the Technical Brochure, and their full names are as detailed in the table
below.
Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS)
Switchgear found in the bays that are fully made from AIS technology
components.
Note 1: AIS technology components are characterized by external air insulation,
internal air, SF6, liquid or solid insulation, and by live porcelain or composite
insulators or no enclosure.
Note 2: In hybrid switchgear (switchgear the bays of which are made from a mix
of GIS and AIS technology components), please refer to AIS or GIS in
dependence of specific design of the referred component.
Breakdown across pole during operation (Does not make / break the
current)
This kind of failure refers to an electrical phenomena in the contact system of the
disconnector / earthing switch during closing and opening operations.
Breakdown across pole in open position
This kind of failure refers to an electrical breakdown between the contacts or the
terminals of the disconnector / earthing switch within one pole.
This kind of failure refers to a electrical breakdown between parts at service
voltage of different poles of the disconnector / earthing switch.
Breakdown to earth
This kind of failure refers to an electrical breakdown between parts of the
disconnector / earthing switch at service voltage and earthed parts in the
substation.
Close / Open without command
This kind of failure refers to the electrical control and/or operating mechanism of
the disconnector / earthing switch (not due to failure of the substation protection
or control system functions).
Combined disconnector and earthing switch (CDE)
Combined disconnector and earthing switch is multifunctional equipment in which
the function depends on a position of one common main contact
Note: In GIS, if there are disconnector and earthing switch with separated drives
and contacts placed in one gas compartment, they are considered as standalone
devices.
Appendix 1-130
Diagnostic
IEC 62271-1 [6]
Investigative tests of the characteristic parameters of switchgear and control gear
to verify that it performs its functions, by measuring one or more of these
parameters.
Note: The result from diagnostic tests can lead to the decision to carry out
overhaul.
Note: The measurement is performed on purpose (periodically or condition
based) and can be performed ON/LINE or OFF/LINE.
Disconnector (DS)
IEC 60050 [7], IEV 441-14-05
A mechanical switching device which provides, in the open position, an isolating
distance in accordance with specified requirements.
DS - centre break
DS - double break
DS - knee type
DS - pantograph
Appendix 1-131
DS - semi-pantograph
DS - vertical break
Disconnector and earthing switch (DE)

DE = DS + ES
Does not open / close on command
This kind of failure refers to the electrical control and/or mechanical operation of
the disconnector / earthing switch.
Earthing Switch (ES)
IEC 60050 [7], IEV 441-14-11
A mechanical switching device for earthing parts of a circuit, capable of
withstanding for a specified time currents under abnormal conditions such as
those of a short-circuit, but not required to carry current under normal conditions
of the circuit.
This kind of failure refers to an electrical phenomena in the contact system of the
disconnector / earthing switch at the closed position.
Failure
Lack of performance by an item of its required function or functions.
Note: The occurrence of a failure does not necessarily imply the presence of a
defect if the stress or the stresses are beyond those specified.
Failure mode
Failure mode describes a basic function of the equipment which the equipment is
not able to meet (at major failure mode) or is able to meet with certain restrictions
(minor failure mode).
Note: Basic functions of HV equipment are usually the following:
- to perform desired switching operations (at switching equipment),
including not operating when not required/controlled,
Appendix 1-132
- to provide HV and low voltage insulation,
- to provide and accept signals to and from connected systems (protection
systems, control systems, metering systems, auxiliary and supply
systems),
- to provide self-checking (monitoring functions if they are implemented).
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS)
A substation the bays of which are fully made from GIS technology components.
Only external HV connections to overhead or cable lines, or transformers, shunt
reactors and capacitors can have external insulation.
Note 1: GIS technology components are characterized by SF6 or SF6 mixtures
insulation, and by metal enclosure effectively earthed.
Note 2: In hybrid switchgear (switchgear the bays of which are made from a mix
of GIS and AIS technology components), please refer to AIS or GIS in
dependence of specific design of the referred component.
GIS part extent
Identification of the extent of the GIS part within the substation (switchgear and
control gear at one voltage level), i.e. use:
- Full GIS installation - substation the bays of which are fully made from
GIS technology components. Only external HV connections to overhead
or cable lines, or transformers, shunt reactors and capacitors can have
external insulation.
- Hybrid GIS installation - substation the bays of which are made from a
mix of GIS and AIS technology components, i.e. in which the CB-bays
contains combination of enclosed gas insulated and air insulated parts.
There are two exceptions from this rule:
- If the only one component in AIS technology is HV connection (bushing,
box) to overhead line, cable or transformer the substation is considered
as fully GIS substation (1).
- If the only one component in GIS technology is a dead tank breaker
substation is considered as AIS.
Any other combinations are considered as hybrid substations (e.g. where only
busbars are SF6 insulated, or where an enclosed gas insulated CB contains
additional equipment as instrument transformers, or earthing switches).
Note: In a substation, which consists of two separated but interconnected parts at
the same voltage level where one part is full GIS installation and the other part is
full air insulated installation, please, refer only about the full GIS part and identify
this part as 1 (fully GIS installation).
GIS service condition / location
Identification of the service conditions according to IEC 60517 and furthermore:
(valid for 'fully GIS' and 'hybrid GIS' installation)
- GIS Indoor Normal - for normal indoor conditions
- GIS Indoor Special - for special indoor conditions (e.g. for containerized
installations, installations under simple buildings-shelters without heating,
altitudes > 1000 m, etc.)
Appendix 1-133
- GIS Outdoor Normal - for normal outdoor conditions
- GIS Outdoor Special - for special outdoor conditions (e.g. for lower
ambient temperatures than -40°C, altitudes > 1000 m, pollution areas III
or IV, ice coating > 20 mm, direct coastal areas, etc.)
Note: GIS whose only outdoor parts are bushings (SF6/air, SF6/transformer)
and/or necessary lengths of connecting busducts are considered as indoor
installations.
Inspection
IEC 62271-1 [6]
Periodic visual investigation of the principal features of the switchgear and
control gear in service without dismantling.
This investigation is generally directed toward pressures and/or levels of fluids,
tightness, position of relays, pollution of insulating parts, but actions such as
lubricating, cleaning, washing, etc. which can be carried out with the switchgear
and control gear in service are also included.
Note: Observations resulting from inspection can lead to the decision to carry out
other types of maintenance (up to an overhaul).
Locking in open / closed position (alarm has been triggered by the control
system)
This kind of failure refers to an electrical blocking set by the control system of the
disconnector / earthing switch. This failure characteristic is not meant for
situations where the locking is discovered while giving a command to open or to
close. In that case the failure mode “Does not close or open on command” is
applicable.
Maintenance
IEC 62271-1 [6]
IEC 60050 [7], IEV 191-07-01
The combination of all technical and administrative actions, including supervision
actions, intended to retain an item in, or restore it to, a state in which it can
perform a required function.
Scheduled maintenance
IEC 62271-1 [6]
IEC 60050 [7], IEV 191-07-10
The preventive maintenance carried out in accordance with an established time
schedule or with established condition based rules.
- Time Based: Scheduled maintenance including overhaul that is
performed on defined period of time or number of operations has elapsed.
- Condition Based: Maintenance that measures/assesses service
conditions from monitoring or diagnostic data. When the condition has
changed or exceeded a limit, a condition directed task is then
implemented and the item is returned to an acceptable operating
condition.
- Run-to-Failure: Item is allowed to fail and at the time of failure,
appropriate corrective actions are taken to return the item to an
acceptable operating condition.
Appendix 1-134
- Combination (RCM): A combination of the above tasks that take into to
account the affects of failure and the effectiveness of prevention.
- Other: Maintenance philosophy not described by any of the above.
Overhaul (Major maintenance)
IEC 62271-1 [6]
Work done with the objective of repairing or replacing parts which are found to be
out of tolerance by inspection, test, examination, or as required by the
manufacturer's maintenance manual, in order to restore the component and/or
the switchgear to an acceptable condition.
Note : For the purpose of this questionnaire the major maintenance = Overhaul.
Major failure (MaF)
IEC 62271-1 [6]
Failure of a switchgear and control gear which causes the cessation of one or
more of its fundamental functions.
A major failure will result in an immediate change in the system operating
conditions, e.g. the backup protective equipment will be required to remove the
fault, or will result in mandatory removal from service within 30 minutes for
unscheduled maintenance.
Note: or will result in unavailability for required service.
Minor failure (MiF)
IEC 62271-1 [6]
Failure of equipment other than a major failure or any failure, even complete, of a
constructional element or a sub-assembly which does not cause a major failure
of the equipment.
Note: Do not mix with "defect" (IEC 62271-1 [6]):
Imperfection in the state of an item (or inherent weakness) which can result in
one or more failures of the item itself or of another item under the specific service
or environmental or maintenance conditions for a stated period of time.
Monitoring
Continuous service procedure on HV equipment in service which uses a
permanently installed device intended to observe automatically the state of an
item, i.e. intended to measure and evaluate of one or more characteristic
parameter of switchgear and control gear to verify that it performs its functions.
Note: Do not mix with "diagnostic measurements".
Operating mechanisms
Electric motor (may include springs)
Operating mechanism where the force for opening or closing operation, or
both, is generated by electric motor. Springs may be used for opening
operations in case of electric motor closing operations, or for closing
operations in case of electric motor opening operations.
Pneumatic (may include springs)
Operating mechanism where the force for opening or closing operation, or
both, is generated by pneumatic pressure. Springs may be used for
Appendix 1-135
opening operations in case of pneumatic closing operations, or for closing
operations in case of pneumatic opening operations.
Spring
Operating mechanism where the force for opening and closing operations
is generated solely by springs.
Manual (may include springs)
is generated manual.
Other (hydraulic, etc.)
is generated by other means than electric motor, pneumatic pressure,
springs or manual. Examples are hydraulic drives.
Rated voltage classes
Rated voltage of the equipment. (The rated voltage indicates the upper limit of
the highest voltage of systems for which the switchgear and control gear is
intended / the nameplate value)
Class 1: 60 ≤ Un < 100 kV
Class 2: 100 ≤ Un < 200 kV
Class 3: 200 ≤ Un < 300 kV
Class 4: 300 ≤ Un < 500 kV
Class 5: 500 ≤ Un < 700 kV
Class 6: Un ≥ 700 kV
Note for utilities in Japan: The voltage class 2 includes the JEC rated voltage
level of 204 kV.
Type of enclosure
Identification of HV conductors number placed in one component enclosure. The
components can be either single phase or three phased enclosed.
Appendix 1-136
Appendix 2 - Questionnaire of DE part
The following figures contain DE questionnaire screens from the Excel survey tool.
Figure 3-118 Main surface
Appendix 2-137
Figure 3-119 DE population card – instruction surface
Figure 3-120 DE population card – main surface
Appendix 2-138
Figure 3-121 DE failure card – instruction surface
Figure 3-122 DE failure card - utility information
Figure 3-123 DE failure card – part 1 (1/2)
Appendix 2-139
Figure 3-124 DE failure card – part 1 (2/2)
Appendix 2-140
Figure 3-125 DE failure card – part 2
Appendix 2-141
Appendix 2-142
Appendix 2-143
Appendix 2-144

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511

Final Report of the 2004 - 2007

Part 3 - Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

Working Group A3.06

Final Report of the 2004 - 2007

Part 3 – Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

M. Runde (NO) Convener, C. E. Sölver (SE) Past Convener,

B. Bergman (US), S. Tsukao (JP)

ISBN: 978- 2- 85873- 203-6

Expression of voltage Expression of voltage class Expression of voltage

3.3.1 Application and Country

Findings and Commentaries

Distribution of service experience

Figure 3-1 DE service experience distribution by country

3.3.2 Application and Voltage Class

Figure 3-2 DE service experience distribution by application and voltage class

3.3.3 Major Failure Frequency

3.4 AIS Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

3.4.1 AIS DE Service Experience

AIS DE service experience [DE years]

Voltage class [kV]

Distribution of service experience

3.4.1.4 Voltage Class and Location

Distribution of service experience

3.4.1.5 Voltage Class and Period of Manufacture

Findings and Commentaries

3.4.1.6 Kind and Type of Drive by Period of Manufacture

Distribution of service experience

3.4.2 AIS DE Failures

Figure 3-10 AIS DE failure distribution by country

[failures per 100 DE years] 1,0

Figure 3-11 AIS DE MaF frequency by country

3.4.3.2 Voltage Class

Figure 3-12 AIS DE MaF frequency of DE by voltage class

3.4.3.3 Voltage Class and Location

Table 3-14 AIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class

Figure 3-13 AIS DE MaF frequency of outdoor DE by voltage class

Figure 3-14 AIS DE MaF frequency of indoor DE by voltage class

3.4.3.4 Voltage Class and Kind/Design

Table 3-17 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by voltage class

Table 3-18 AIS DE MaF frequency of knee type DS by voltage class

Table 3-20 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by voltage class

Table 3-21 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by voltage class

2 60≤ U 100≤ U 200≤ U 300≤ U 500≤ U U ≥700

Figure 3-15 AIS DE MaF frequency of DS by voltage class

Figure 3-16 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by voltage class

4,5 1,5 upper limit

[failures per 100 DE years]

Figure 3-17 AIS DE MaF frequency of double break DS by voltage class

1,8 upper limit

1,6 point estimation

1,4 lower limit

Figure 3-19 AIS DE MaF frequency of vertical break DS by voltage class

[failures per 100 DE years]

Figure 3-20 AIS DE MaF frequency of semi-pantograph DS by voltage class

Figure 3-21 AIS DE MaF frequency of pantograph DS by voltage class

Figure 3-22 AIS DE MaF frequency of ES by voltage class

3.4.3.5 Type of Drive and Kind/Design

Table 3-24 AIS DE MaF frequency of centre break DS by drive