Information Notice 1990-43, Mechanical Interference with Thermal Trip Function in GE Molded-Case Circuit Breakers: Difference between revisions

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| issue date = 06/29/1990
| issue date = 06/29/1990
| title = Mechanical Interference with Thermal Trip Function in GE Molded-Case Circuit Breakers
| title = Mechanical Interference with Thermal Trip Function in GE Molded-Case Circuit Breakers
| author name = Rossi C E
| author name = Rossi C
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR
| author affiliation = NRC/NRR
| addressee name =  
| addressee name =  
Line 14: Line 14:
| page count = 7
| page count = 7
}}
}}
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONOFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20555June 29, 1990NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 90-43: MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THERMAL TRIPFUNCTION IN GE MOLDED-CASE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES
 
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
 
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 June 29, 1990
NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 90-43:   MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THERMAL TRIP
 
FUNCTION IN GE MOLDED-CASE CIRCUIT BREAKERS


==Addressees==
==Addressees==
:All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear powerreactors.
:
All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power
 
reactors.


==Purpose==
==Purpose==
:This information notice is Intended to-alert addressees of a manufacturingdeviation in certain General Electric (GE) molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs)which may result in mechanical interference with the thermal overcurrent tripfunction when internal accessory undervoltage release (UVR) devices are in-stalled. In addition, the information contained herein is intended to empha-size the importance of conducting thorough pre-installation testing to verifythat plant components meet the functional performance requirements of theirsafety-related applications. It is expected that recipients will review theinformation for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, asappropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions contained in thisinformation notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specificaction or written response is required.
:
This information notice is Intended to-alert addressees of a manufacturing
 
deviation in certain General Electric (GE) molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs)
which may result in mechanical interference with the thermal overcurrent trip
 
function when internal accessory undervoltage release (UVR) devices are in- stalled. In addition, the information contained herein is intended to empha- size the importance of conducting thorough pre-installation testing to verify
 
that plant components meet the functional performance requirements of their
 
safety-related applications. It is expected that recipients will review the
 
information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as
 
appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions contained in this
 
information notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specific
 
action or written response is required.


==Description of Circumstances==
==Description of Circumstances==
:In 1989, General Public Utilities-Nuclear (GPUN), the licensee for the OysterCreek Nuclear Power Plant (Oyster Creek), purchased 170 TED-type and THED-typeMCCBs from GE Nuclear Energy in San Jose, California. The MCCBs were purchasedas safety-related items and were supplied with GE Nuclear Energy productquality certificates (PQCs). GE Nuclear Energy purchased the MCCBs as commer-cial grade items (CGIs) from the GE Electrical Distribution and Control Depart-ment in Plainville, Connecticut (GE-ED&C), who manufactured the MCCBs at theirHumacao, Puerto Rico, factory and installed UVRs at their accessory installa-tion facility in Mascot (Knoxville), Tennessee." The MCCBs were dedicated by GENuclear Energy for use in safety-related applications at Oyster Creek, inpart, on the basis of testing performed at the Puerto Rico factory.In November 1989, one 15-ampere TED-type MCCB from this order was bench-testedat Oyster Creek prior to installation. This MCCB had a UVR installed in thestandard location by phase IC" (right-hand side). The MCCB failed to trip when300-percent of rated current was applied to phase C of the MCCB (a time-overcurrent test of the thermal trip function), whereas on phases A and B,9006250069 Z IN 90-43June 29, 1990 the thermal trips operated'satisfactorily. The licensee returned the MCCB toGE Nuclear Energy for failure and root cause analysis. The results of the.analysis have not yet been reported. .;In May 1990, according to GPUN reports, Oyster Creek technicians bench-testedseven more UYR-equipped MCCBs from the same'order. Five of the seven, failed topass the overcurrent trip test (also at 300 percent of rated current) onphase C only. In addition, GPUN reported opening one of the failed MCCBs,.removing'the UYR, and retesting the MCCB with satisfactory results for thethermal overcurrent trip test on phase C. These experimental results suggestedthat the UVR had been interfering with the operation of the phase-C thermalovercurrent trip element because of its close proximity to the phase-C element.However, it should be noted that the UVR is not intended to act on the thermalelement, but rather on the common tripper bar that trips all three phases orpoles.Discussion:On May 24, 1990, an NRC representative observed the GE ED&C testing of the fiveGE TED-type MCCBs with UYRs installed (GE catalog number TED136100UY4RS) whichhad failed pre-installation testing at Oyster Creek.- Inspection and testingrevealed that the cause of the failure of the overcurrent trip function wasimproper installation of the calibration screw spring clips by the Puerto Rico-factory 4nstead-of-iniproper installation of the UVRs by the Knoxville faci-lity, as previously believed by GE Nuclear -YEnGy.-GE-ED&C-stated-that--the-misoriented calibration screw spring clips have no effect on the operability ofthe MCCBs unless internal UYRs are installed. The Oyster Creek-MCCBs passedthe thermal overcurrent trip tests at the GE Puerto Rico factory because theUYRs had not yet been installed. After the UYRs were installed at the GE ED&CKnoxville facility, the presence of the misoriented calibration screw springclips caused mechanical interference between the UVR and the thermal over-current trip function. This was not detected at the GE ED&C Knoxville faci-lity, because testing of all MCCBs normal functions was not performed.Deficiencies in manufacturing quality control and in the program for dedicationof CGIs for safety-related applications were exhibited by the undetectedmisorientation of the calibration screw spring clips and the lack of adequateretesting following installation of the UVRs. GE ED&C has indicated thataction will be taken, including design changes if necessary, to prevent inter-ference between the calibration screw spring clips and the UYRs. In addition,GE ED&C has now instituted overcurrent trip testing of MCCBs following theinstallation of UYRs at their Knoxville facility.Although GE ED&C's failure analysis was demonstrated by testing, it has notbeen firmly established that this condition is isolated to the MCCB shipment inquestion. However, GE ED&C has stated that the problem is limited only to thethermal overcurrent trip functions on phase C of their 3-pole, E-frame MCCBs(types TED13XXXX and THED13XXXX), and only those equipped with UVRs. This is aresult of this model's unique, integral overcurrent trip mechanisms and theproximity of the phase C thermal trip mechanism to the tripping arm of aninstalled UVR..9 IIN 90-43June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre-vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured assafety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with thevendor'-s 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, thistesting was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur.-ance receipt inspection.This information notice requiresyou have any questions about 'theof the technical contacts listedno specific action or written response. Ifinformation in this notice, please contact onebelow or the appropriate NRR project manager.Char Rossi DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:K. R.(301)Naidu, NRR492-0980S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) 492-0995%ase-Cut " t.. .,. Em : lsr; -r. M
:
In 1989, General Public Utilities-Nuclear (GPUN), the licensee for the Oyster
 
Creek Nuclear Power Plant (Oyster Creek), purchased 170 TED-type and THED-type
 
MCCBs from GE Nuclear Energy in San Jose, California. The MCCBs were purchased
 
as safety-related items and were supplied with GE Nuclear Energy product
 
quality certificates (PQCs). GE Nuclear Energy purchased the MCCBs as commer- cial grade items (CGIs) from the GE Electrical Distribution and Control Depart- ment in Plainville, Connecticut (GE-ED&C), who manufactured the MCCBs at their
 
Humacao, Puerto Rico, factory and installed UVRs at their accessory installa- tion facility in Mascot (Knoxville), Tennessee." The MCCBs were dedicated by GE
 
Nuclear Energy for use in safety-related applications at Oyster Creek, in
 
part, on the basis of testing performed at the Puerto Rico factory.
 
In November 1989, one 15-ampere TED-type MCCB from this order was bench-tested
 
at Oyster Creek prior to installation. This MCCB had a UVR installed in the
 
standard location by phase IC" (right-hand side). The MCCB failed to trip when
 
300-percent of rated current was applied to phase C of the MCCB (a time- overcurrent test of the thermal trip function), whereas on phases A and B,
9006250069   Z
 
IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 the thermal trips operated'satisfactorily. The licensee returned the MCCB to
 
GE Nuclear Energy for failure and root cause analysis. The results of the.
 
analysis have not yet been reported.                           . ;
In May 1990, according to GPUN reports, Oyster Creek technicians bench-tested
 
seven more UYR-equipped MCCBs from the same'order. Five of the seven, failed to
 
pass the overcurrent trip test (also at 300 percent of rated current) on
 
phase C only. In addition, GPUN reported opening one of the failed MCCBs,.
 
removing'the UYR, and retesting the MCCB with satisfactory results for the
 
thermal overcurrent trip test on phase C. These experimental results suggested
 
that the UVR had been interfering with the operation of the phase-C thermal
 
overcurrent trip element because of its close proximity to the phase-C element.
 
However, it should be noted that the UVR is not intended to act on the thermal
 
element, but rather on the common tripper bar that trips all three phases or
 
poles.
 
Discussion:
On May 24, 1990, an NRC representative observed the GE ED&C testing of the five
 
GE TED-type MCCBs with UYRs installed (GE catalog number TED136100UY4RS) which
 
had failed pre-installation testing at Oyster Creek.- Inspection and testing
 
revealed that the cause of the failure of the overcurrent trip function was
 
improper installation of the calibration screw spring clips by the Puerto Rico
 
-factory 4nstead-of-iniproper installation of the UVRs by the Knoxville faci- lity, as previously believed by GE Nuclear- YEnGy.-GE-ED&C-stated-that--the- misoriented calibration screw spring clips have no effect on the operability of
 
the MCCBs unless internal UYRs are installed. The Oyster Creek-MCCBs passed
 
the thermal overcurrent trip tests at the GE Puerto Rico factory because the
 
UYRs had not yet been installed. After the UYRs were installed at the GE ED&C
 
Knoxville facility, the presence of the misoriented calibration screw spring
 
clips caused mechanical interference between the UVR and the thermal over- current trip function. This was not detected at the GE ED&C Knoxville faci- lity, because testing of all MCCBs normal functions was not performed.
 
Deficiencies in manufacturing quality control and in the program for dedication
 
of CGIs for safety-related applications were exhibited by the undetected
 
misorientation of the calibration screw spring clips and the lack of adequate
 
retesting following installation of the UVRs. GE ED&C has indicated that
 
action will be taken, including design changes if necessary, to prevent inter- ference between the calibration screw spring clips and the UYRs. In addition, GE ED&C has now instituted overcurrent trip testing of MCCBs following the
 
installation of UYRs at their Knoxville facility.
 
Although GE ED&C's failure analysis was demonstrated by testing, it has not
 
been firmly established that this condition is isolated to the MCCB shipment in
 
question. However, GE ED&C has stated that the problem is limited only to the
 
thermal overcurrent trip functions on phase C of their 3-pole, E-frame MCCBs
 
(types TED13XXXX and THED13XXXX), and only those equipped with UVRs. This is a
 
result of this model's unique, integral overcurrent trip mechanisms and the
 
proximity of the phase C thermal trip mechanism to the tripping arm of an
 
installed UVR.
 
.9
 
I
 
IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre- vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured as
 
safety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with the
 
vendor'-s 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, this
 
testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur.-
ance receipt inspection.
 
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
 
you have any questions about 'the information inthis notice, please contact one
 
of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.
 
Char      Rossi Director
 
Division of Operational Events Assessment
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical Contacts:          K. R. Naidu, NRR
 
(301) 492-0980
                            S. D. Alexander, NRR
 
(301)    492-0995
              "
          %ase-Cut  t.. . ,. Em : lsr;  -r. M
 
Attachment:    List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
 
Attachut
 
June 29. 19 Pap I of 1 LisT OF RECOMT issU£1 IRC IRFUOTION INOTICES
 
mrformuoe                                Sit, er
 
CUoti  o    Subject                      Isunc  Issued to
 
30-.        Surface Crack and Subsurfete  6/19se  All wders of Ke
 
Suav. 1      Indicatious Is the laid of            or ChPfor nuclear
 
a Reactor vessel Head                powr reactors.
 
90.4        Failure of Electrical Pur    6/19/30 All holden of au
 
Eqi.pnt Due to Solar                  or Chafor Wueagr
 
Slgnotlc Distorbancee                powe r      .
 
90-41        Potential Fallen oft General  /12/90 All holders of OLa
 
Electric Nagne-Blast                  or CPa for nuclear.
 
Circuit 5peakers and At              powr reactors.,
                                      Circuit Breakers
 
:3J40        Results of IRC-Sponsorad      6/1/90  All holders of D14 Testing of 1etor-Operatad            or Cha for ncler
 
Talves                                pr    nreactors.
 
ct RroelasmIH1it
 
c-39                Service UV1/90  All holders of OLs
 
water Systauc                        or CPa for nuolear
 
poaur reactors.
 
95>-3        Reirments for Processing      5/29/90 All fuel facility
 
Financial Assurace Submittals        VA matarlala
 
for Decomissioeing                    licensus.
 
90.37        Sheared Pinaio Gear-to-Saft  1/24/90 All holders of a6e
 
em Is Liaitorque aotor              or CPa for nuclear
 
Actuators                            pool reactors.
 
0-36        Apsresnt falsification of    1/24/90 All holders of Os
 
State Of Connecticut                  or Chs for nuclear
 
H1eigt Certificates                  powe reactors and
 
10 CFP73 11cauen.
 
90-31        Transportatios of Type A      /24/90 All U.S. N1Clc      a.
 
Quantities of Non-Fissile
 
Radioactive Matertals
 
(R
 
* Oerti, Liconse
 
CP* ConItDt10n Permit
 
UNITED STATES
 
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION                                                                          PIPT LASAIL1 WASHINGTON, D.C. 206                                                                          IPOSTAGE & FEES PAIDI
 
1 USNRC          1 OFFICIAL BUSINESS
 
PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300
 
IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre- vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured as
 
safety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with the
 
vendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, this
 
testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur- ance receipt inspection.
 
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
 
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one
 
of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.
 
Charles E. Rossi, Director
 
Division of Operational Events Assessment
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical Contacts:   K. R. Naidu, NRR
 
(301) 492-0980
                    S. D. Alexander, NRR
 
(301) 492-0995 Attachment:  List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
 
Document Name:  INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/2
*SEE PREVIOUS CONCU
 
*C/OGCB:DOEA:NRR*RPB:ADM      *D/DRIS:NRR
 
CHBerlinger      TechEd        BKGrimes
 
O6/>'90        06/19/90        06/05/90      06/07/90
*OGCB:DOEA:NRR*VIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRR      *VIB:DRIS:NRR *C/VIB:DRIS:NRR
 
NCampbell    SAlexander:sdal KNaidu          UPotapovs    EWBrach
 
06/22/90      6/06/90        6/06/90          6/06/90      6/06/90
 
IN 90-XX
 
June X, 1990 The failure of the Oyster Creek MCCBs in safety-related applications could have
 
jeopardized the safety of the plant. Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation
 
testing procedures detected and prevented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Al- though the MCCBs were procured as safety-related components through GENE and
 
were supplied with the vendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance
 
certifications, this testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the
 
normal quality assurance receipt inspection.
 
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
 
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one
 
of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.
 
Charles E. Rossi, Director
 
Division of Operational Events Assessment
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical Contacts:    K. R. Naidu, NRR
 
(301) 492-0980
                        S. D. Alexander, NRR
 
(301) 492-0995 Attachment:    List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
 
Document Nlame:  INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/@F
 
*SEE PREVIOUS CONCURRENCES            I
 
D/DOEA:NRR          B      RR  B:ADM      *D/DRIS:NRR
 
CERossi        CHB~~ ih        TechEd        BKGrimes
 
06/ /90        06/1j/90        06/05/90      06/07/90
          :NRR rVIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:IDRIS:NRR    *VIB:DRIS:NRR *C/VIB:DRIS:NRR
 
NCampbell        SAlexander:sda KNaidu          UPotapovs    EWBrach
 
06 /JVJ/90        6/06/90        6/06/90          6/06/90      6/06/90
 
IN 90-XX
 
June X, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine preinstallation testing procedures detected and
 
prevented the use of faulty MCCBs in safety-related applications which could
 
have jeopardized              s t         the plant. It should be noted that this testing
 
was conducted tow              w      c that these components were procured as safety- related and came with vendor 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance
 
certifications.
 
This information notice requires no specific action or written response.                                         If
 
you    have    any questions    about  the    information  in  this  notice,         please      contact      one
 
of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRC regional office.
 
Charles E. Rossi, Director
 
Division of Operational Events Assesment
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR (301) 492-0980
                                              S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment: List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
 
OFC    :VIB:DRIS:NRR              :VIB:DRIS:NRR    :VIB:DXIS:NRR      :C:VIB-DRIS:NRR:TECH ED                          :D:DR S:NRR
 
___________----_____
      ______------                                      :--q___    -------          A-          --  --------------            :dn        --
  NAME    :SAlexander:sda                              :UPo povs
 
:N+df                    CFc
 
fE)          --    :7tl                      :B^  yrimes


===Attachment:===
__  __  _      _  _._..:V:-
List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices AttachutJune 29. 19Pap I of 1LisT OF RECOMT issU£1IRC IRFUOTION INOTICESmrformuoe Sit, erCUoti o Subject Isunc30-. Surface Crack and Subsurfete 6/19seSuav. 1 Indicatious Is the laid ofa Reactor vessel Head90.4 Failure of Electrical Pur 6/19/30Eqi.pnt Due to SolarSlgnotlc Distorbancee90-41 Potential Fallen of General t /12/90Electric Nagne-BlastCircuit 5peakers and AtCircuit Breakers:3J40 Results of IRC-Sponsorad 6/1/90Testing of 1etor-OperatadTalvesc-39 ct RroelasmI H1i t Service UV1/90water Systauc95>-3 Reirments for Processing 5/29/90Financial Assurace Submittalsfor Decomissioeing90.37 Sheared Pinaio Gear-to-Saft 1/24/90em Is Liaitorque aotorActuators0-36 Apsresnt falsification of 1/24/90State Of ConnecticutH1eigt Certificates90-31 Transportatios of Type A /24/90Quantities of Non-FissileRadioactive MatertalsIssued toAll wders of Keor ChP for nuclearpowr reactors.All holden of auor Cha for Wueagrpowe r .All holders of OLaor CPa for nuclear.powr reactors.,All holders of D14or Cha for nclerpr nreactors.All holders of OLsor CPa for nuolearpoaur reactors.All fuel facilityVA matarlalalicensus.All holders of a6eor CPa for nuclearpool reactors.All holders of Osor Chs for nuclearpowe reactors and10 CFP 73 11cauen.All U.S. N1C lc a.(R
                                        :6/,                                  /90:6  -----.         --                __-    _    -----  
  DATE    :6/6 /90                    :6/ 9            :6/ /90            :6/ 6/90                :6/F/90                  .6        90 avO_
.   .


* Oerti, LiconseCP
OFC            B:DOEA:NRR          :GCB:DOEA:NRR          G


* ConItDt10n PermitUNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 206OFFICIAL BUSINESSPENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300PIPT LAS AIL1IPOSTAGE & FEES PAIDI1USNRC1 IN 90-43June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre-vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured assafety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with thevendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, thistesting was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur-ance receipt inspection.This information notice requiresyou have any questions about theof the technical contacts listedno specific action or written response. Ifinformation in this notice, please contact onebelow or the appropriate NRR project manager.Charles E. Rossi, DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:K. R.(301)Naidu, NRR492-0980S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) 492-0995
:C:GCB:DOEA:NRR:D:DOEA      NRR           :
  NAME    :JJRam                                                          :ERossi :
                                                                    :CBerlinger


===Attachment:===
DATE    :6        /90             :6/   /90         6/ /90           :6/   /90
List of Recently Issued NRC Information NoticesDocument Name:INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/2*SEE PREVIOUS CONCUO6/>'90*OGCB:DOEA:NRR*VIB:DRIS:NRRNCampbell SAlexander:sda06/22/90 6/06/90*C/OGCB:DOEA:NRR*RPB:ADMCHBerlinger TechEd06/19/90 06/05/90*VIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRRl KNaidu UPotapovs6/06/90 6/06/90*D/DRIS:NRRBKGrimes06/07/90*C/VIB:DRIS:NRREWBrach6/06/90 IN 90-XXJune X, 1990 The failure of the Oyster Creek MCCBs in safety-related applications could havejeopardized the safety of the plant. Oyster Creek's routine pre-installationtesting procedures detected and prevented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Al-though the MCCBs were procured as safety-related components through GENE andwere supplied with the vendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurancecertifications, this testing was performed by the licensee in addition to thenormal quality assurance receipt inspection.This information notice requiresyou have any questions about theof the technical contacts listedno specific action or written response. Ifinformation in this notice, please contact onebelow or the appropriate NRR project manager.Charles E. Rossi, DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts:K. R.(301)Naidu, NRR492-0980S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) 492-0995
                  OFFICIAL RECORD COPY


===Attachment:===
Document Name: GE MCCB UVR INFO NOTICE
List of Recently Issued NRC Information NoticesDocument N*SEE PREVIOUS:NRRNCampbell06 /JVJ/90Clame: INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/@FONCURRENCES ID/DOEA:NRR B RR B:ADMCERossi CHB~~ ih TechEd06/ /90 06/1j/90 06/05/90rVIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:IDRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRRSAlexander:sda KNaidu UPotapovs6/06/90 6/06/90 6/06/90*D/DRIS:NRRBKGrimes06/07/90*C/VIB:DRIS:NRREWBrach6/06/90 IN 90-XXJune X, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine preinstallation testing procedures detected andprevented the use of faulty MCCBs in safety-related applications which couldhave jeopardized s t the plant. It should be noted that this testingwas conducted tow w c that these components were procured as safety-related and came with vendor 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurancecertifications.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Ifyou have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact oneof the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRC regional office.Charles E. Rossi, DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssesmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR (301) 492-0980S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995


===Attachment:===
0004.0.0}}
List of Recently Issued NRC Information NoticesOFC :VIB:DRIS:NRR :VIB:DRIS:NRR :VIB:DXIS:NRR :C:VIB-DRIS:NRR:TECH ED :D:DR S:NRR______------ ___________----_____ :--q___ ------- A- -- --------------:dn --NAME :SAlexander:sda :N+df :UPo povs fE) C Fc -- :7tl :B^ yrimes__ __ _ _ _._..:V:- -----. -- __- _ ------:6/, /90:6DATE :6/6 /90 :6/ 9 :6/ /90 :6/ 6/90 :6/ F/90 .6 9 0 avO_..OFC G B:DOEA:NRR :GCB:DOEA:NRR :C:GCB:DOEA:NRR:D:DOEA NRR :NAME :JJRam :CBerlinger :ERossi :DATE :6 /90 :6/ /90 6/ /90 :6/ /90OFFICIAL RECORD COPYDocument Name: GE MCCB UVR INFO NOTICE0004.0.0}}


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Latest revision as of 04:02, 24 November 2019

Mechanical Interference with Thermal Trip Function in GE Molded-Case Circuit Breakers
ML031130291
Person / Time
Site: Beaver Valley, Millstone, Hatch, Monticello, Calvert Cliffs, Dresden, Davis Besse, Peach Bottom, Browns Ferry, Salem, Oconee, Mcguire, Nine Mile Point, Palisades, Palo Verde, Perry, Indian Point, Fermi, Kewaunee, Catawba, Harris, Wolf Creek, Saint Lucie, Point Beach, Oyster Creek, Watts Bar, Hope Creek, Grand Gulf, Cooper, Sequoyah, Byron, Pilgrim, Arkansas Nuclear, Three Mile Island, Braidwood, Susquehanna, Summer, Prairie Island, Columbia, Seabrook, Brunswick, Surry, Limerick, North Anna, Turkey Point, River Bend, Vermont Yankee, Crystal River, Haddam Neck, Ginna, Diablo Canyon, Callaway, Vogtle, Waterford, Duane Arnold, Farley, Robinson, Clinton, South Texas, San Onofre, Cook, Comanche Peak, Yankee Rowe, Maine Yankee, Quad Cities, Humboldt Bay, La Crosse, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Zion, Midland, Bellefonte, Fort Calhoun, FitzPatrick, McGuire, LaSalle, Fort Saint Vrain, Shoreham, Satsop, Trojan, Atlantic Nuclear Power Plant  Entergy icon.png
Issue date: 06/29/1990
From: Rossi C
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
IN-90-043, NUDOCS 9006250069
Download: ML031130291 (7)
v • d • e


UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 June 29, 1990

NRC INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 90-43: MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE WITH THERMAL TRIP

FUNCTION IN GE MOLDED-CASE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Addressees

All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power

reactors.

Purpose

This information notice is Intended to-alert addressees of a manufacturing

deviation in certain General Electric (GE) molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs)

which may result in mechanical interference with the thermal overcurrent trip

function when internal accessory undervoltage release (UVR) devices are in- stalled. In addition, the information contained herein is intended to empha- size the importance of conducting thorough pre-installation testing to verify

that plant components meet the functional performance requirements of their

safety-related applications. It is expected that recipients will review the

information for applicability to their facilities and consider actions, as

appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However, suggestions contained in this

information notice do not constitute NRC requirements; therefore, no specific

action or written response is required.

Description of Circumstances

In 1989, General Public Utilities-Nuclear (GPUN), the licensee for the Oyster

Creek Nuclear Power Plant (Oyster Creek), purchased 170 TED-type and THED-type

MCCBs from GE Nuclear Energy in San Jose, California. The MCCBs were purchased

as safety-related items and were supplied with GE Nuclear Energy product

quality certificates (PQCs). GE Nuclear Energy purchased the MCCBs as commer- cial grade items (CGIs) from the GE Electrical Distribution and Control Depart- ment in Plainville, Connecticut (GE-ED&C), who manufactured the MCCBs at their

Humacao, Puerto Rico, factory and installed UVRs at their accessory installa- tion facility in Mascot (Knoxville), Tennessee." The MCCBs were dedicated by GE

Nuclear Energy for use in safety-related applications at Oyster Creek, in

part, on the basis of testing performed at the Puerto Rico factory.

In November 1989, one 15-ampere TED-type MCCB from this order was bench-tested

at Oyster Creek prior to installation. This MCCB had a UVR installed in the

standard location by phase IC" (right-hand side). The MCCB failed to trip when

300-percent of rated current was applied to phase C of the MCCB (a time- overcurrent test of the thermal trip function), whereas on phases A and B,

9006250069 Z

IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 the thermal trips operated'satisfactorily. The licensee returned the MCCB to

GE Nuclear Energy for failure and root cause analysis. The results of the.

analysis have not yet been reported. . ;

In May 1990, according to GPUN reports, Oyster Creek technicians bench-tested

seven more UYR-equipped MCCBs from the same'order. Five of the seven, failed to

pass the overcurrent trip test (also at 300 percent of rated current) on

phase C only. In addition, GPUN reported opening one of the failed MCCBs,.

removing'the UYR, and retesting the MCCB with satisfactory results for the

thermal overcurrent trip test on phase C. These experimental results suggested

that the UVR had been interfering with the operation of the phase-C thermal

overcurrent trip element because of its close proximity to the phase-C element.

However, it should be noted that the UVR is not intended to act on the thermal

element, but rather on the common tripper bar that trips all three phases or

poles.

Discussion:

On May 24, 1990, an NRC representative observed the GE ED&C testing of the five

GE TED-type MCCBs with UYRs installed (GE catalog number TED136100UY4RS) which

had failed pre-installation testing at Oyster Creek.- Inspection and testing

revealed that the cause of the failure of the overcurrent trip function was

improper installation of the calibration screw spring clips by the Puerto Rico

-factory 4nstead-of-iniproper installation of the UVRs by the Knoxville faci- lity, as previously believed by GE Nuclear- YEnGy.-GE-ED&C-stated-that--the- misoriented calibration screw spring clips have no effect on the operability of

the MCCBs unless internal UYRs are installed. The Oyster Creek-MCCBs passed

the thermal overcurrent trip tests at the GE Puerto Rico factory because the

UYRs had not yet been installed. After the UYRs were installed at the GE ED&C

Knoxville facility, the presence of the misoriented calibration screw spring

clips caused mechanical interference between the UVR and the thermal over- current trip function. This was not detected at the GE ED&C Knoxville faci- lity, because testing of all MCCBs normal functions was not performed.

Deficiencies in manufacturing quality control and in the program for dedication

of CGIs for safety-related applications were exhibited by the undetected

misorientation of the calibration screw spring clips and the lack of adequate

retesting following installation of the UVRs. GE ED&C has indicated that

action will be taken, including design changes if necessary, to prevent inter- ference between the calibration screw spring clips and the UYRs. In addition, GE ED&C has now instituted overcurrent trip testing of MCCBs following the

installation of UYRs at their Knoxville facility.

Although GE ED&C's failure analysis was demonstrated by testing, it has not

been firmly established that this condition is isolated to the MCCB shipment in

question. However, GE ED&C has stated that the problem is limited only to the

thermal overcurrent trip functions on phase C of their 3-pole, E-frame MCCBs

(types TED13XXXX and THED13XXXX), and only those equipped with UVRs. This is a

result of this model's unique, integral overcurrent trip mechanisms and the

proximity of the phase C thermal trip mechanism to the tripping arm of an

installed UVR.

.9

I

IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre- vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured as

safety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with the

vendor'-s 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, this

testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur.-

ance receipt inspection.

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If

you have any questions about 'the information inthis notice, please contact one

of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.

Char Rossi Director

Division of Operational Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR

(301) 492-0980

S. D. Alexander, NRR

(301) 492-0995

"

%ase-Cut t.. . ,. Em : lsr; -r. M

Attachment: List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices

Attachut

June 29. 19 Pap I of 1 LisT OF RECOMT issU£1 IRC IRFUOTION INOTICES

mrformuoe Sit, er

CUoti o Subject Isunc Issued to

30-. Surface Crack and Subsurfete 6/19se All wders of Ke

Suav. 1 Indicatious Is the laid of or ChPfor nuclear

a Reactor vessel Head powr reactors.

90.4 Failure of Electrical Pur 6/19/30 All holden of au

Eqi.pnt Due to Solar or Chafor Wueagr

Slgnotlc Distorbancee powe r .

90-41 Potential Fallen oft General /12/90 All holders of OLa

Electric Nagne-Blast or CPa for nuclear.

Circuit 5peakers and At powr reactors.,

Circuit Breakers

3J40 Results of IRC-Sponsorad 6/1/90 All holders of D14 Testing of 1etor-Operatad or Cha for ncler

Talves pr nreactors.

ct RroelasmIH1it

c-39 Service UV1/90 All holders of OLs

water Systauc or CPa for nuolear

poaur reactors.

95>-3 Reirments for Processing 5/29/90 All fuel facility

Financial Assurace Submittals VA matarlala

for Decomissioeing licensus.

90.37 Sheared Pinaio Gear-to-Saft 1/24/90 All holders of a6e

em Is Liaitorque aotor or CPa for nuclear

Actuators pool reactors.

0-36 Apsresnt falsification of 1/24/90 All holders of Os

State Of Connecticut or Chs for nuclear

H1eigt Certificates powe reactors and

10 CFP73 11cauen.

90-31 Transportatios of Type A /24/90 All U.S. N1Clc a.

Quantities of Non-Fissile

Radioactive Matertals

(R

  • Oerti, Liconse

CP* ConItDt10n Permit

UNITED STATES

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION PIPT LASAIL1 WASHINGTON, D.C. 206 IPOSTAGE & FEES PAIDI

1 USNRC 1 OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PENALTY FOR PRIVATE USE. $300

IN 90-43 June 29, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation testing procedures detected and pre- vented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Although the MCCBs were procured as

safety-related components through GE Nuclear Energy and were supplied with the

vendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance certifications, this

testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the normal quality assur- ance receipt inspection.

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If

you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one

of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.

Charles E. Rossi, Director

Division of Operational Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR

(301) 492-0980

S. D. Alexander, NRR

(301) 492-0995 Attachment: List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices

Document Name: INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/2

  • SEE PREVIOUS CONCU
  • C/OGCB:DOEA:NRR*RPB:ADM *D/DRIS:NRR

CHBerlinger TechEd BKGrimes

O6/>'90 06/19/90 06/05/90 06/07/90

  • OGCB:DOEA:NRR*VIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRR *C/VIB:DRIS:NRR

NCampbell SAlexander:sdal KNaidu UPotapovs EWBrach

06/22/90 6/06/90 6/06/90 6/06/90 6/06/90

IN 90-XX

June X, 1990 The failure of the Oyster Creek MCCBs in safety-related applications could have

jeopardized the safety of the plant. Oyster Creek's routine pre-installation

testing procedures detected and prevented the use of the faulty MCCBs. Al- though the MCCBs were procured as safety-related components through GENE and

were supplied with the vendor's 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance

certifications, this testing was performed by the licensee in addition to the

normal quality assurance receipt inspection.

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If

you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one

of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project manager.

Charles E. Rossi, Director

Division of Operational Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR

(301) 492-0980

S. D. Alexander, NRR

(301) 492-0995 Attachment: List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices

Document Nlame: INFO NOTICE ALEXANDER/@F

  • SEE PREVIOUS CONCURRENCES I

D/DOEA:NRR B RR B:ADM *D/DRIS:NRR

CERossi CHB~~ ih TechEd BKGrimes

06/ /90 06/1j/90 06/05/90 06/07/90

NRR rVIB:DRIS:NRR *VIB:IDRIS:NRR *VIB:DRIS:NRR *C/VIB:DRIS:NRR

NCampbell SAlexander:sda KNaidu UPotapovs EWBrach

06 /JVJ/90 6/06/90 6/06/90 6/06/90 6/06/90

IN 90-XX

June X, 1990 Oyster Creek's routine preinstallation testing procedures detected and

prevented the use of faulty MCCBs in safety-related applications which could

have jeopardized s t the plant. It should be noted that this testing

was conducted tow w c that these components were procured as safety- related and came with vendor 10 CFR Part 50 Appendix B quality assurance

certifications.

This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If

you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact one

of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRC regional office.

Charles E. Rossi, Director

Division of Operational Events Assesment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical Contacts: K. R. Naidu, NRR (301) 492-0980

S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment: List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices

OFC :VIB:DRIS:NRR :VIB:DRIS:NRR :VIB:DXIS:NRR :C:VIB-DRIS:NRR:TECH ED :D:DR S:NRR

___________----_____

______------  :--q___ ------- A- -- -------------- :dn --

NAME :SAlexander:sda :UPo povs

N+df CFc

fE) -- :7tl :B^ yrimes

__ __ _ _ _._..:V:-

6/, /90:6 -----. -- __- _ -----

DATE :6/6 /90 :6/ 9 :6/ /90 :6/ 6/90 :6/F/90 .6 90 avO_

. .

OFC B:DOEA:NRR :GCB:DOEA:NRR G

C:GCB:DOEA:NRR:D:DOEA NRR  :

NAME :JJRam :ERossi :

CBerlinger

DATE :6 /90 :6/ /90 6/ /90 :6/ /90

OFFICIAL RECORD COPY

Document Name: GE MCCB UVR INFO NOTICE

0004.0.0


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