Information Notice 1992-03, Remote Trip Function Failures in General Electric F-Frame Molded-Case Circuit Breakers: Difference between revisions

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{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATESNUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSIONOFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATIONWASHINGTON, D.C. 20555January 6, 1992NRC INFORMATION NOTICE 92-03: REMOTE TRIP FUNCTION FAILURES IN GENERALELECTRIC F-FRAME MOLDED-CASE CIRCUITBREAKERS
{{#Wiki_filter:UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY
 
COMMISSION
 
===OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION===
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 January 6, 1992 NRC INFORMATION
 
NOTICE 92-03: REMOTE TRIP FUNCTION FAILURES IN GENERAL ELECTRIC F-FRAME MOLDED-CASE
 
CIRCUIT BREAKERS


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


==Purpose==
==Purpose==
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is issuing this information noticeto alert addressees to a potentially safety-significant problem resulting fromthe possible failure of the remote trip functions of General Electric (GE)F-frame (225-ampere frame size) molded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs). It isexpected that recipients will review the information for applicability to theirfacilities and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems.However, suggestions contained in this information notice are not NRC require-ments; therefore, no specific action or written response is required.
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
 
Commission (NRC) is issuing this information
 
notice to alert addressees
 
to a potentially
 
safety-significant
 
problem resulting
 
from the possible failure of the remote trip functions
 
of General Electric (GE)F-frame (225-ampere
 
frame size) molded-case
 
circuit breakers (MCCBs). 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 are not NRC require-ments; therefore, no specific action or written response is required.Description
 
of Circumstances
 
On November 5, 1991, GE Nuclear Energy (GE NE), San Jose, California, issued an interim notification
 
of its evaluation
 
of a deviation
 
in accordance
 
with the latest revision (effective
 
October 29, 1991) of Part 21, "Reporting
 
of Defects and Noncompliance," of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations
 
(10 CFR Part 21). The notification
 
described
 
the deviation
 
as a "tolerance
 
buildup" in certain GE F-frame MCCBs with undervoltage
 
releases (UVRs) and shunt trip devices (STs) that may inhibit these internal accessory
 
remote trip devices from functioning
 
properly under conditions
 
that produce sustained
 
high internal temperatures
 
in the MCCBs.The attachment
 
to the GE NE notification
 
was taken from a draft Service Advice Letter (SAL) on this subject being prepared by the MCCB manufacturer, GE Electrical
 
Distribution
 
and Control (ED&C), in Plainville, Connecticut.
 
GE NE plans to send the 10 CFR Part 21 interim notification
 
to all of its customers
 
who have purchased
 
F-frame MCCBs for safety-related
 
applications
 
and to all GE NE Material Services field representatives.
 
GE ED&C plans to send the SAL (issued November 25, 1991 as SAL 91-2F) to all of its customers
 
of record, many of whom are distributors.
 
However, both the F-frame MCCBs and their accessory
 
trip devices are available
 
on the open market as commercial
 
grade items through various distribution
 
paths. Therefore, the licensees
 
for some nuclear plants who use these MCCBs may not receive the GE notifications.-e 7* '-923/ _ // 7#cc.
 
IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 Discussion
 
Although still evaluating
 
the problem, the MCCB manufacturer
 
has determined
 
that assembly and operational
 
variations
 
caused the reported failures.
 
The variations
 
reportedly
 
resulted from (1) tolerances
 
in mounting the accessory trip devices in the MCCBs, (2) tolerances
 
on the adjustment
 
of the ambient compensating
 
bimetal (part of the thermal overload trip mechanism), and (3)sustained
 
high operating
 
temperatures
 
in the MCCBs. The high internal temper-ature in the MCCB required to produce a condition
 
conducive
 
to the malfunction
 
can result from continuous
 
high current load (greater than 50 percent of the overcurrent
 
trip unit rating for more than 2 hours) together with a high ambient temperature
 
in the enclosure.
 
A secondary
 
heat source could also produce the high temperatures
 
required for this malfunction.
 
GE NE stated in its interim notification
 
that UYR- and ST-equipped
 
MCCBs produced after April 1991 (date codes J116= and 1116=) incorporated
 
changes that would prevent this condition.
 
GE NE also stated that an MCCB may or may not exhibit this malfunction, depending
 
on the particular
 
circumstances
 
associated
 
with the assembly of the breaker and the accessory
 
remote trip devices, in conjunction
 
with the high temperature
 
service conditions
 
believed to be conducive
 
to failure. Nevertheless, GE NE maintained
 
that affected MCCBs will trip under overcurrent
 
conditions
 
and will trip remotely at the lower MCCB internal temperatures
 
usually present with lower load currents and enclosure ambient temperatures
 
or without secondary
 
heat sources.GE NE initially
 
reported that it had identified
 
a. specific safety-related
 
application
 
for the affected F-frame MCCBs equipped with internal accessory remote trip devices. The identified
 
application
 
is associated
 
with the multiple electrical
 
protection
 
assemblies (EPAs) used in boiling water reactor (BWR) plants to monitor power quality to the reactor protection
 
system (RPS).The EPAs trip the F-frame breakers for the RPS power supplies by means of the remote trip devices if the EPAs detect overvoltage, undervoltage, or underfre-quency conditions
 
in RPS power. In addition, GE NE informed the NRC in a subsequent
 
communication
 
that it may also have supplied some of the affected MCCBs as part of subassembly-level
 
applications
 
not separately
 
identified
 
in GE NE records. The affected MCCBs fitted with factory-installed
 
remote trip accessories
 
may also be used in numerous other applications
 
in all types of nuclear plants in which remote tripping of an F-frame MCCB by means of the UVR or ST may be a safety-related
 
function.The presence of UVRs or STs in F-frame MCCBs should be apparent when the units are installed
 
in the plant. However, even if accessory
 
designation
 
markings are not evident, affected MCCBs can be recognized
 
by the two UVR or ST lead wires protruding
 
through small openings in the sides of the MCCB case.Additionally, UVRs set up for monitoring
 
240, 480, or 600 volts-AC or 250 volts-DC should have an external dropping resistor connected
 
in series with one of their lead wires. Attachment
 
1 lists the breaker frame type designations
 
of
 
IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 the potentially
 
affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory
 
remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer
 
to be affected.In view of the potentially
 
wide scope of application
 
of the affected MCCBs, addressees
 
may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped
 
MCCBs both installed
 
and in the warehouse.
 
==Addressees==
who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer
 
on this subject to determine
 
the appropriate
 
corrective
 
action, including
 
testing for the existence
 
of the malfunction, analyzing
 
the potential
 
high temperature
 
producing
 
conditions, or replacing the affected components.
 
This information
 
notice requires no specific action or written response.
 
If you have any questions
 
about the information
 
in this notice, please contact the technical
 
contact listed below or the appropriate
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.I.1os i S Doirector Division of Operational
 
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical
 
contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Attachments:
1. Affected MCCBs and Accessories
 
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices
 
Attachment
 
1 IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 AFFECTED MCCBs and ACCESSORIES
 
The affected GE F-frame ("F-225 Line") MCCBs include the breaker types or frames listed below which can be fitted with any of the accessory
 
remote trip devices with the listed catalog numbers: BREAKER FRAMES SHUNT TRIPS UNDERVOLTAGE
 
RELEASES TFK, THFK TFKSTA12 TFKUVA1 TFJ TFKSTA13 TFKUVA2 THLC2 TFKSTA7 TFKUVA4 THLB2 TFKSTA8 TFKUVA6 THLC4 TFKSTA9 TFKUVA7 TLB4 TFKSTA11 TFKUYA8 TFKUVA9 TFKUVA10 TFKUVA11 According
 
to GE NE and GE ED&C, the tolerance
 
buildup affects F-frame MCCBs and UYRs and STs assembled
 
between August 1979 and April 1991 (accessory
 
date codes N927* through N116=). The potentially
 
affected MCCBs could have manufacturing
 
date codes J927* through J116= (1116= for current limiting frames), but ED&C reported no identifiable
 
volume of field returns for this condition
 
among MCCBs built before the fourth quarter of 1987 (breaker date codes J736+ and I736+).The accessory
 
date code is its manufacturing
 
date code and only appears on the accessory
 
itself. However, the date code from the accessory
 
installation
 
facility may appear on the MCCB case in addition to the manufacturing
 
date code of the MCCB.
 
Attachment
 
2 IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED NRC INFORMATION


==Description of Circumstances==
NOTICES Information
On November 5, 1991, GE Nuclear Energy (GE NE), San Jose, California, issued aninterim notification of its evaluation of a deviation in accordance with thelatest revision (effective October 29, 1991) of Part 21, "Reporting of Defectsand Noncompliance," of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations(10 CFR Part 21). The notification described the deviation as a "tolerancebuildup" in certain GE F-frame MCCBs with undervoltage releases (UVRs) andshunt trip devices (STs) that may inhibit these internal accessory remote tripdevices from functioning properly under conditions that produce sustained highinternal temperatures in the MCCBs.The attachment to the GE NE notification was taken from a draft Service AdviceLetter (SAL) on this subject being prepared by the MCCB manufacturer, GEElectrical Distribution and Control (ED&C), in Plainville, Connecticut.GE NE plans to send the 10 CFR Part 21 interim notification to all of itscustomers who have purchased F-frame MCCBs for safety-related applicationsand to all GE NE Material Services field representatives. GE ED&C plans tosend the SAL (issued November 25, 1991 as SAL 91-2F) to all of its customers ofrecord, many of whom are distributors. However, both the F-frame MCCBs andtheir accessory trip devices are available on the open market as commercialgrade items through various distribution paths. Therefore, the licensees forsome nuclear plants who use these MCCBs may not receive the GE notifications.-e 7* '-923/ _ // 7#cc.


IN 92-03January 6, 1992 DiscussionAlthough still evaluating the problem, the MCCB manufacturer has determinedthat assembly and operational variations caused the reported failures. Thevariations reportedly resulted from (1) tolerances in mounting the accessorytrip devices in the MCCBs, (2) tolerances on the adjustment of the ambientcompensating bimetal (part of the thermal overload trip mechanism), and (3)sustained high operating temperatures in the MCCBs. The high internal temper-ature in the MCCB required to produce a condition conducive to the malfunctioncan result from continuous high current load (greater than 50 percent of theovercurrent trip unit rating for more than 2 hours) together with a highambient temperature in the enclosure. A secondary heat source could alsoproduce the high temperatures required for this malfunction.GE NE stated in its interim notification that UYR- and ST-equipped MCCBsproduced after April 1991 (date codes J116= and 1116=) incorporated changesthat would prevent this condition. GE NE also stated that an MCCB may or maynot exhibit this malfunction, depending on the particular circumstancesassociated with the assembly of the breaker and the accessory remote tripdevices, in conjunction with the high temperature service conditions believed tobe conducive to failure. Nevertheless, GE NE maintained that affected MCCBswill trip under overcurrent conditions and will trip remotely at the lower MCCBinternal temperatures usually present with lower load currents and enclosureambient temperatures or without secondary heat sources.GE NE initially reported that it had identified a. specific safety-relatedapplication for the affected F-frame MCCBs equipped with internal accessoryremote trip devices. The identified application is associated with themultiple electrical protection assemblies (EPAs) used in boiling water reactor(BWR) plants to monitor power quality to the reactor protection system (RPS).The EPAs trip the F-frame breakers for the RPS power supplies by means of theremote trip devices if the EPAs detect overvoltage, undervoltage, or underfre-quency conditions in RPS power. In addition, GE NE informed the NRC in asubsequent communication that it may also have supplied some of the affectedMCCBs as part of subassembly-level applications not separately identified inGE NE records. The affected MCCBs fitted with factory-installed remote tripaccessories may also be used in numerous other applications in all types ofnuclear plants in which remote tripping of an F-frame MCCB by means of the UVRor ST may be a safety-related function.The presence of UVRs or STs in F-frame MCCBs should be apparent when the unitsare installed in the plant. However, even if accessory designation markingsare not evident, affected MCCBs can be recognized by the two UVR or ST leadwires protruding through small openings in the sides of the MCCB case.Additionally, UVRs set up for monitoring 240, 480, or 600 volts-AC or 250volts-DC should have an external dropping resistor connected in series with oneof their lead wires. Attachment 1 lists the breaker frame type designations of
Date of Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to 92-02 92-01 91-87 91-86 91-85 91-84 91-83 Relap5/Mod3 Computer Code Error Associated


IN 92-03January 6, 1992 the potentially affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affectedinternal accessory remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of theunits believed by the manufacturer to be affected.In view of the potentially wide scope of application of the affectedMCCBs, addressees may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped MCCBsboth installed and in the warehouse.
with the Conservation
 
of Energy Equation Cable Damage Caused by Inadequate
 
Cable Installa-tion Procedures
 
and Controls Hydrogen Embrittlement
 
of Raychem Cryofit Couplings New Reporting
 
===Requirements===
for Contamination
 
===Events at Medical Facilities===
(10 CFR 30.50)Potential
 
Failures of Thermostatic
 
Control Valves for Diesel Generator
 
===Jacket Cooling Water Problems with Criticality===
Alarm Components/Systems
 
Solenoid-Operated
 
Valve Failures Resulted in Turbine Overspeed High-Energy
 
Piping Failures Caused by Wall Thinning Problems with Diaphragms
 
in Safety-Related
 
Tanks 01/03/92 01/03/92 12/27/91 12/27/91 12/26/91 12/26/91 12/20/91 12/18/91 12/18/91 All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All licensees
 
authorized
 
to use byproduct
 
materials for human use.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All Nuclear Regulatory
 
Commission (NRC) fuel cycle licensees, interim spent fuel storage licens-ees, and critical mass licensees.
 
All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.91-18, Supp. 1 91-82 OL = Operating
 
License CP = Construction
 
Permit
 
IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 the potentially
 
affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory
 
remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer
 
to be affected.In view of the potentially
 
wider scope of the application
 
of the affected MCCBs, addressees
 
may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped
 
MCCBs both installed
 
and in the warehouse.


==Addressees==
==Addressees==
who find any affected MCCBsmay consult the manufacturer on this subject to determine the appropriatecorrective action, including testing for the existence of the malfunction,analyzing the potential high temperature producing conditions, or replacingthe affected components.This information notice requires no specific action or written response. Ifyou have any questions about the information in this notice, please contactthe technical contact listed below or the appropriate Office of NuclearReactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.I.1os i S DoirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor RegulationTechnical contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) 504-2995Attachments:1. Affected MCCBs and Accessories2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer
 
on this subject to determine
 
the appropriate
 
corrective
 
action, including
 
testing to confirm the existence
 
of the malfunc-tion, analyzing
 
the potential
 
high temperature
 
producing
 
conditions, or replacing
 
the affected components.
 
No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions
 
regarding
 
this notice, please call the technical
 
contact listed below, or the appropriate


Attachment 1IN 92-03January 6, 1992 AFFECTED MCCBs and ACCESSORIESThe affected GE F-frame ("F-225 Line") MCCBs include the breaker types orframes listed below which can be fitted with any of the accessory remote tripdevices with the listed catalog numbers:BREAKER FRAMES SHUNT TRIPS UNDERVOLTAGE RELEASESTFK, THFK TFKSTA12 TFKUVA1TFJ TFKSTA13 TFKUVA2THLC2 TFKSTA7 TFKUVA4THLB2 TFKSTA8 TFKUVA6THLC4 TFKSTA9 TFKUVA7TLB4 TFKSTA11 TFKUYA8TFKUVA9TFKUVA10TFKUVA11According to GE NE and GE ED&C, the tolerance buildup affects F-frame MCCBs andUYRs and STs assembled between August 1979 and April 1991 (accessory date codesN927* through N116=). The potentially affected MCCBs could have manufacturingdate codes J927* through J116= (1116= for current limiting frames), but ED&Creported no identifiable volume of field returns for this condition among MCCBsbuilt before the fourth quarter of 1987 (breaker date codes J736+ and I736+).The accessory date code is its manufacturing date code and only appears on theaccessory itself. However, the date code from the accessory installationfacility may appear on the MCCB case in addition to the manufacturing date codeof the MCCB.
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational


Attachment 2IN 92-03January 6, 1992 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUEDNRC INFORMATION NOTICESInformation Date ofNotice No. Subject Issuance Issued to92-0292-0191-8791-8691-8591-8491-83Relap5/Mod3 Computer CodeError Associated with theConservation of EnergyEquationCable Damage Caused byInadequate Cable Installa-tion Procedures and ControlsHydrogen Embrittlement ofRaychem Cryofit CouplingsNew Reporting Requirementsfor Contamination Events atMedical Facilities(10 CFR 30.50)Potential Failures ofThermostatic Control Valvesfor Diesel Generator JacketCooling WaterProblems with CriticalityAlarm Components/SystemsSolenoid-Operated ValveFailures Resulted inTurbine OverspeedHigh-Energy Piping FailuresCaused by Wall ThinningProblems with Diaphragmsin Safety-Related Tanks01/03/9201/03/9212/27/9112/27/9112/26/9112/26/9112/20/9112/18/9112/18/91All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All licensees authorizedto use byproduct materialsfor human use.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All Nuclear RegulatoryCommission (NRC) fuelcycle licensees, interimspent fuel storage licens-ees, and critical masslicensees.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPsfor nuclear power reactors.91-18,Supp. 191-82OL = Operating LicenseCP = Construction Permit
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation


IN 91-XXDecember XX,  Document Name: GE FFRAME MCCB INFO NOTICE
Technical


IN 92-03January 6, 1992  Document Name: IN 92-03 IN 91-XXDecember XX, 1991Pace 3 of 3the potentially affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internalaccessory remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the unitsbelieved by the manufacturer to be affected.In view of the potentially wider scope of the application of the affectedMCCBs, addressees may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped MCCBsboth installed and in the warehouse.
Conti Attachment
 
1: Attachment
 
2: Ict: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Affected MCCBs and Accessories
 
List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices DISTRIBUTION:
 
===Central Flles SAlexander===
CBerlinger
 
===PDR CVanDenburgh===
ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes* see previous concurrences
 
OFC :VIB/DRIS
 
:VIB/DRIS
 
:VIB/DRIS
 
:TECH ED :D:DRIS NAME :SAlexander:sda
 
:CVanDenburgh
 
:LNorrholm
 
:JMain :BKGrimes DATE :12/19/91*
:12/4/91*
:12/19/91*
:12/4/91*
:12/19/91*
OFC :B'9C: ~8L9A :DD:DOEA: NAM CBe :CERossi: DATE :12/tO/91
:12/ /91 : : OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: GE FFRAME MCCB INFO NOTICE
 
IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 the potentially
 
affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory
 
remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer
 
to be affected.In view of the potentially
 
wide scope of application
 
of the affected MCCBs, addressees
 
may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped
 
MCCBs both installed
 
and in the warehouse.


==Addressees==
==Addressees==
who find any affected MCCBsmay consult the manufacturer on this subject to determine the appropriatecorrective action, including testing to confirm the existence of the malfunc-tion, analyzing the potential high temperature producing conditions, orreplacing the affected components.No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If youhave any questions regarding this notice, please call the technical contactlisted below, or the appropriate Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)project manager.Charles E. Rossi, DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer
 
on this subject to determine
 
the appropriate
 
corrective
 
action, including
 
testing for the existence
 
of the malfunction, analyzing
 
the potential
 
high temperature
 
producing
 
conditions, or replacing the affected components.
 
This information
 
notice requires no specific action or written response.
 
If you have any questions
 
about the information
 
in this notice, please contact the technical
 
contact listed below or the appropriate
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.original Signed by Charles E. Rossi Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational
 
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical
 
contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Attachments:
1. Affected MCCBs and Accessories
 
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices* see previous concurrences
 
OFC :VIB/DRIS
 
:YIB/DRIS
 
:VIB/DRIS
 
:TECH ED :D:DRIS NAME :SAlexander:sda
 
:CVanDenburgh
 
:LNorrholm
 
:JMain :BKGrimes DATE :12/19/91*
:12/4/91*
:12/19/91*
:12/4/91*
:12/19/91*
OFC :BC:GCB:DOEA
 
:DD:D0EA NAME :CBerlinger
 
: oRJ O : : : DATE :12/20/91*
:12/tW91 : : : OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: IN 92-03 IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 Pace 3 of 3 the potentially
 
affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory
 
remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer
 
to be affected.In view of the potentially
 
wider scope of the application
 
of the affected MCCBs, addressees
 
may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped
 
MCCBs both installed
 
and in the warehouse.
 
==Addressees==
who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer
 
on this subject to determine
 
the appropriate
 
corrective
 
action, including
 
testing to confirm the existence
 
of the malfunc-tion, analyzing
 
the potential
 
high temperature
 
producing
 
conditions, or replacing
 
the affected components.
 
No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions
 
regarding
 
this notice, please call the technical
 
contact listed below, or the appropriate
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational
 
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical
 
Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) vq-0995 Attachment
 
1: Affected MCCBs and Accessories
 
Attachment
 
2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices DISTRIBUTION:
Central Files PDR DRIS R/F VIB R/F SAlexander
 
CVanDenburgh
 
LNorrholm
 
BGrimes CBerlinger
 
ERossi* see previous concurrences
 
OFC :VIB/DRIS
 
VIB/DRIS :VIB IS :TECH ED___-_--_---_-_-
l----- ---------.---
f-- ------- --------------
-- iv- ------- --------------
NAME :5Alexander:sda:
CVanDenburgh
 
:L L Wm :JMain s DATE :1 2 4J9 1 :12/4/91*
:12A9/91 :12/4/91*
:12/11 /91 CA" OFC :BC:.BDOEA
 
:DD:DOEA : ' : NAME C erlinger :CERossi : : DATE --- ------ :-------1/----_
___________:______________
--------------
-------------
DATE :12/,vO/91
:121 /9-1 :: OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: DRAFT GE INFO MCCB NOTICE
 
IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions
 
regarding
 
this notice, please call the technical
 
contact listed below, or the appropriate
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational
 
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical
 
Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment
 
1: Affected MCCBs and Accessories
 
Attachment
 
2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices DISTRIBUTION:
Central Files PDR SAlexander
 
===CVanDenburgh===
CBerlinger
 
ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes* see previous concurrences
 
OFFICE DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB DRIST B TECH ED 0 NAME SALEXANDER
 
CVANDENBURGH
 
JIAIN DATE *12/ 4/91 *12/ 4/91 12/../91 *12/ 4/91 12/;, /91[OFFICE DOEA:GCB DOEA:DD NAME CBERLINGER
 
EROSSI DATE 12/ /91 12/ /91 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: GER2.IN
 
IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions
 
regarding
 
this notice, please call the technical
 
contact listed below, or the appropriate
 
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational
 
===Events Assessment===
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
 
Technical
 
Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment
 
1: Frame Types and Date Codes of Affected MCCBs and Catalog Numbers and Date Codes of Affected Acces-sories Attachment
 
2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information
 
Notices DISTRIBUTION:


===Technical Contact:===
===Central Files SAlexander===
S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) vq-0995Attachment 1: Affected MCCBs and AccessoriesAttachment 2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information NoticesDISTRIBUTION:Central Files PDR DRIS R/F VIB R/FSAlexander CVanDenburgh LNorrholm BGrimesCBerlinger ERossi* see previous concurrencesOFC :VIB/DRIS VIB/DRIS :VIB IS :TECH ED___-_--_---_-_- l----- ---------.---f-- ------- -------------- -- iv- ------- --------------NAME :5Alexander:sda: CVanDenburgh :L L Wm :JMain sDATE :12 4J9 1 :12/4/91* :12A9/91 :12/4/91* :12/11 /91 CA"OFC :BC:.BDOEA :DD:DOEA : ' :NAME C erlinger :CERossi : :DATE --- ------ :-------1/----_ ___________:______________ -------------- -------------DATE :12/,vO/91 :121 /9-1 ::OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: DRAFT GE INFO MCCB NOTICE
CBerlinger


IN 91-XXDecember XX, 1991 Document Name: GER2.IN
===PDR CVanDenburgh===
ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes OFFICE DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB TECH ED DRIS:DD NAME ACVAN GH LNORRHOLM


IN 91-XXDecember XX, 1991 No specific action or written response is required by thisnotice. If you have any questions regarding this notice, pleasecall the technical contact listed below, or the appropriateOffice of Nuclear Reactor Regulation project manager.Charles E. Rossi, DirectorDivision of Operational Events AssessmentOffice of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
JMAIN 9T% BGRIMES DATE 1 2/ LJ/91 12/1 /91 12/ /91 12/ Y/91 12/ /91 OFFICE DOEA:GCB DOEA:DD NAME CBERLINGER


===Technical Contact:===
EROSSI DATE 12/ /91 12/ /91}}
S. D. Alexander, NRR(301) 492-0995Attachment 1:Frame Types and Date Codes of Affected MCCBs andCatalog Numbers and Date Codes of Affected Acces-soriesAttachment 2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information NoticesDISTRIBUTION:Central FilesSAlexanderCBerlingerPDRCVanDenburghERossiDRIS R/FLNorrholmVIB R/FBGrimesOFFICE DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB TECH ED DRIS:DDNAME ACVAN GH LNORRHOLM JMAIN 9T% BGRIMESDATE 12/ LJ/91 12/1 /91 12/ /91 12/ Y/91 12/ /91OFFICE DOEA:GCB DOEA:DDNAME CBERLINGER EROSSIDATE 12/ /91 12/ /91  
}}


{{Information notice-Nav}}
{{Information notice-Nav}}

Revision as of 13:06, 31 August 2018

Remote Trip Function Failures in General Electric F-Frame Molded-Case Circuit Breakers
ML031200762
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: 01/06/1992
From: Rossi C E
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
To:
References
IN-92-003, NUDOCS 9112300071
Download: ML031200762 (10)
v • d • e


UNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY

COMMISSION

OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555 January 6, 1992 NRC INFORMATION

NOTICE 92-03: REMOTE TRIP FUNCTION FAILURES IN GENERAL ELECTRIC F-FRAME MOLDED-CASE

CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Addressees

All holders of operating

licenses or construction

permits for nuclear power reactors.

Purpose

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) is issuing this information

notice to alert addressees

to a potentially

safety-significant

problem resulting

from the possible failure of the remote trip functions

of General Electric (GE)F-frame (225-ampere

frame size) molded-case

circuit breakers (MCCBs). 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 are not NRC require-ments; therefore, no specific action or written response is required.Description

of Circumstances

On November 5, 1991, GE Nuclear Energy (GE NE), San Jose, California, issued an interim notification

of its evaluation

of a deviation

in accordance

with the latest revision (effective

October 29, 1991) of Part 21, "Reporting

of Defects and Noncompliance," of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations

(10 CFR Part 21). The notification

described

the deviation

as a "tolerance

buildup" in certain GE F-frame MCCBs with undervoltage

releases (UVRs) and shunt trip devices (STs) that may inhibit these internal accessory

remote trip devices from functioning

properly under conditions

that produce sustained

high internal temperatures

in the MCCBs.The attachment

to the GE NE notification

was taken from a draft Service Advice Letter (SAL) on this subject being prepared by the MCCB manufacturer, GE Electrical

Distribution

and Control (ED&C), in Plainville, Connecticut.

GE NE plans to send the 10 CFR Part 21 interim notification

to all of its customers

who have purchased

F-frame MCCBs for safety-related

applications

and to all GE NE Material Services field representatives.

GE ED&C plans to send the SAL (issued November 25, 1991 as SAL 91-2F) to all of its customers

of record, many of whom are distributors.

However, both the F-frame MCCBs and their accessory

trip devices are available

on the open market as commercial

grade items through various distribution

paths. Therefore, the licensees

for some nuclear plants who use these MCCBs may not receive the GE notifications.-e 7* '-923/ _ // 7#cc.

IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 Discussion

Although still evaluating

the problem, the MCCB manufacturer

has determined

that assembly and operational

variations

caused the reported failures.

The variations

reportedly

resulted from (1) tolerances

in mounting the accessory trip devices in the MCCBs, (2) tolerances

on the adjustment

of the ambient compensating

bimetal (part of the thermal overload trip mechanism), and (3)sustained

high operating

temperatures

in the MCCBs. The high internal temper-ature in the MCCB required to produce a condition

conducive

to the malfunction

can result from continuous

high current load (greater than 50 percent of the overcurrent

trip unit rating for more than 2 hours2.314815e-5 days <br />5.555556e-4 hours <br />3.306878e-6 weeks <br />7.61e-7 months <br />) together with a high ambient temperature

in the enclosure.

A secondary

heat source could also produce the high temperatures

required for this malfunction.

GE NE stated in its interim notification

that UYR- and ST-equipped

MCCBs produced after April 1991 (date codes J116= and 1116=) incorporated

changes that would prevent this condition.

GE NE also stated that an MCCB may or may not exhibit this malfunction, depending

on the particular

circumstances

associated

with the assembly of the breaker and the accessory

remote trip devices, in conjunction

with the high temperature

service conditions

believed to be conducive

to failure. Nevertheless, GE NE maintained

that affected MCCBs will trip under overcurrent

conditions

and will trip remotely at the lower MCCB internal temperatures

usually present with lower load currents and enclosure ambient temperatures

or without secondary

heat sources.GE NE initially

reported that it had identified

a. specific safety-related

application

for the affected F-frame MCCBs equipped with internal accessory remote trip devices. The identified

application

is associated

with the multiple electrical

protection

assemblies (EPAs) used in boiling water reactor (BWR) plants to monitor power quality to the reactor protection

system (RPS).The EPAs trip the F-frame breakers for the RPS power supplies by means of the remote trip devices if the EPAs detect overvoltage, undervoltage, or underfre-quency conditions

in RPS power. In addition, GE NE informed the NRC in a subsequent

communication

that it may also have supplied some of the affected MCCBs as part of subassembly-level

applications

not separately

identified

in GE NE records. The affected MCCBs fitted with factory-installed

remote trip accessories

may also be used in numerous other applications

in all types of nuclear plants in which remote tripping of an F-frame MCCB by means of the UVR or ST may be a safety-related

function.The presence of UVRs or STs in F-frame MCCBs should be apparent when the units are installed

in the plant. However, even if accessory

designation

markings are not evident, affected MCCBs can be recognized

by the two UVR or ST lead wires protruding

through small openings in the sides of the MCCB case.Additionally, UVRs set up for monitoring

240, 480, or 600 volts-AC or 250 volts-DC should have an external dropping resistor connected

in series with one of their lead wires. Attachment

1 lists the breaker frame type designations

of

IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 the potentially

affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory

remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer

to be affected.In view of the potentially

wide scope of application

of the affected MCCBs, addressees

may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped

MCCBs both installed

and in the warehouse.

Addressees

who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer

on this subject to determine

the appropriate

corrective

action, including

testing for the existence

of the malfunction, analyzing

the potential

high temperature

producing

conditions, or replacing the affected components.

This information

notice requires no specific action or written response.

If you have any questions

about the information

in this notice, please contact the technical

contact listed below or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.I.1os i S Doirector Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Attachments:

1. Affected MCCBs and Accessories

2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices

Attachment

1 IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 AFFECTED MCCBs and ACCESSORIES

The affected GE F-frame ("F-225 Line") MCCBs include the breaker types or frames listed below which can be fitted with any of the accessory

remote trip devices with the listed catalog numbers: BREAKER FRAMES SHUNT TRIPS UNDERVOLTAGE

RELEASES TFK, THFK TFKSTA12 TFKUVA1 TFJ TFKSTA13 TFKUVA2 THLC2 TFKSTA7 TFKUVA4 THLB2 TFKSTA8 TFKUVA6 THLC4 TFKSTA9 TFKUVA7 TLB4 TFKSTA11 TFKUYA8 TFKUVA9 TFKUVA10 TFKUVA11 According

to GE NE and GE ED&C, the tolerance

buildup affects F-frame MCCBs and UYRs and STs assembled

between August 1979 and April 1991 (accessory

date codes N927* through N116=). The potentially

affected MCCBs could have manufacturing

date codes J927* through J116= (1116= for current limiting frames), but ED&C reported no identifiable

volume of field returns for this condition

among MCCBs built before the fourth quarter of 1987 (breaker date codes J736+ and I736+).The accessory

date code is its manufacturing

date code and only appears on the accessory

itself. However, the date code from the accessory

installation

facility may appear on the MCCB case in addition to the manufacturing

date code of the MCCB.

Attachment

2 IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 LIST OF RECENTLY ISSUED NRC INFORMATION

NOTICES Information

Date of Notice No. Subject Issuance Issued to 92-02 92-01 91-87 91-86 91-85 91-84 91-83 Relap5/Mod3 Computer Code Error Associated

with the Conservation

of Energy Equation Cable Damage Caused by Inadequate

Cable Installa-tion Procedures

and Controls Hydrogen Embrittlement

of Raychem Cryofit Couplings New Reporting

Requirements

for Contamination

Events at Medical Facilities

(10 CFR 30.50)Potential

Failures of Thermostatic

Control Valves for Diesel Generator

Jacket Cooling Water Problems with Criticality

Alarm Components/Systems

Solenoid-Operated

Valve Failures Resulted in Turbine Overspeed High-Energy

Piping Failures Caused by Wall Thinning Problems with Diaphragms

in Safety-Related

Tanks 01/03/92 01/03/92 12/27/91 12/27/91 12/26/91 12/26/91 12/20/91 12/18/91 12/18/91 All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All licensees

authorized

to use byproduct

materials for human use.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All Nuclear Regulatory

Commission (NRC) fuel cycle licensees, interim spent fuel storage licens-ees, and critical mass licensees.

All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.All holders of OLs or CPs for nuclear power reactors.91-18, Supp. 1 91-82 OL = Operating

License CP = Construction

Permit

IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 the potentially

affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory

remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer

to be affected.In view of the potentially

wider scope of the application

of the affected MCCBs, addressees

may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped

MCCBs both installed

and in the warehouse.

Addressees

who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer

on this subject to determine

the appropriate

corrective

action, including

testing to confirm the existence

of the malfunc-tion, analyzing

the potential

high temperature

producing

conditions, or replacing

the affected components.

No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions

regarding

this notice, please call the technical

contact listed below, or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

Conti Attachment

1: Attachment

2: Ict: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Affected MCCBs and Accessories

List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices DISTRIBUTION:

Central Flles SAlexander

CBerlinger

PDR CVanDenburgh

ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes* see previous concurrences

OFC :VIB/DRIS

VIB/DRIS
VIB/DRIS
TECH ED :D:DRIS NAME :SAlexander:sda
CVanDenburgh
LNorrholm
JMain :BKGrimes DATE :12/19/91*
12/4/91*
12/19/91*
12/4/91*
12/19/91*

OFC :B'9C: ~8L9A :DD:DOEA: NAM CBe :CERossi: DATE :12/tO/91

12/ /91 : : OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: GE FFRAME MCCB INFO NOTICE

IN 92-03 January 6, 1992 the potentially

affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory

remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer

to be affected.In view of the potentially

wide scope of application

of the affected MCCBs, addressees

may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped

MCCBs both installed

and in the warehouse.

Addressees

who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer

on this subject to determine

the appropriate

corrective

action, including

testing for the existence

of the malfunction, analyzing

the potential

high temperature

producing

conditions, or replacing the affected components.

This information

notice requires no specific action or written response.

If you have any questions

about the information

in this notice, please contact the technical

contact listed below or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.original Signed by Charles E. Rossi Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 504-2995 Attachments:

1. Affected MCCBs and Accessories

2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices* see previous concurrences

OFC :VIB/DRIS

YIB/DRIS
VIB/DRIS
TECH ED :D:DRIS NAME :SAlexander:sda
CVanDenburgh
LNorrholm
JMain :BKGrimes DATE :12/19/91*
12/4/91*
12/19/91*
12/4/91*
12/19/91*

OFC :BC:GCB:DOEA

DD:D0EA NAME :CBerlinger
oRJ O : : : DATE :12/20/91*
12/tW91 : : : OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: IN 92-03 IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 Pace 3 of 3 the potentially

affected MCCBs and the catalog numbers of the affected internal accessory

remote trip devices and also gives the date codes of the units believed by the manufacturer

to be affected.In view of the potentially

wider scope of the application

of the affected MCCBs, addressees

may find the affected types of UVR- and ST-equipped

MCCBs both installed

and in the warehouse.

Addressees

who find any affected MCCBs may consult the manufacturer

on this subject to determine

the appropriate

corrective

action, including

testing to confirm the existence

of the malfunc-tion, analyzing

the potential

high temperature

producing

conditions, or replacing

the affected components.

No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions

regarding

this notice, please call the technical

contact listed below, or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR)project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) vq-0995 Attachment

1: Affected MCCBs and Accessories

Attachment

2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices DISTRIBUTION:

Central Files PDR DRIS R/F VIB R/F SAlexander

CVanDenburgh

LNorrholm

BGrimes CBerlinger

ERossi* see previous concurrences

OFC :VIB/DRIS

VIB/DRIS :VIB IS :TECH ED___-_--_---_-_-

l----- ---------.---

f-- ------- --------------

-- iv- ------- --------------

NAME :5Alexander:sda:

CVanDenburgh

L L Wm :JMain s DATE :1 2 4J9 1 :12/4/91*
12A9/91 :12/4/91*
12/11 /91 CA" OFC :BC:.BDOEA
DD:DOEA : ' : NAME C erlinger :CERossi : : DATE --- ------ :-------1/----_

___________:______________

DATE :12/,vO/91

121 /9-1 :: OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: DRAFT GE INFO MCCB NOTICE

IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions

regarding

this notice, please call the technical

contact listed below, or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment

1: Affected MCCBs and Accessories

Attachment

2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices DISTRIBUTION:

Central Files PDR SAlexander

CVanDenburgh

CBerlinger

ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes* see previous concurrences

OFFICE DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB DRIST B TECH ED 0 NAME SALEXANDER

CVANDENBURGH

JIAIN DATE *12/ 4/91 *12/ 4/91 12/../91 *12/ 4/91 12/;, /91[OFFICE DOEA:GCB DOEA:DD NAME CBERLINGER

EROSSI DATE 12/ /91 12/ /91 OFFICIAL RECORD COPY Document Name: GER2.IN

IN 91-XX December XX, 1991 No specific action or written response is required by this notice. If you have any questions

regarding

this notice, please call the technical

contact listed below, or the appropriate

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

project manager.Charles E. Rossi, Director Division of Operational

Events Assessment

Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation

Technical

Contact: S. D. Alexander, NRR (301) 492-0995 Attachment

1: Frame Types and Date Codes of Affected MCCBs and Catalog Numbers and Date Codes of Affected Acces-sories Attachment

2: List of Recently Issued NRC Information

Notices DISTRIBUTION:

Central Files SAlexander

CBerlinger

PDR CVanDenburgh

ERossi DRIS R/F LNorrholm VIB R/F BGrimes OFFICE DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB DRIS:VIB TECH ED DRIS:DD NAME ACVAN GH LNORRHOLM

JMAIN 9T% BGRIMES DATE 1 2/ LJ/91 12/1 /91 12/ /91 12/ Y/91 12/ /91 OFFICE DOEA:GCB DOEA:DD NAME CBERLINGER

EROSSI DATE 12/ /91 12/ /91


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