FDIS of IEC 61850-3 “General requirements” published

IEC CO has just published the 67 page FDIS (57/1391/FDIS) for the IEC 61850-3 Edition 2:
Communication networks and systems for power utility automation –
Part 3: General requirements

Ballot closes 2013-11-08

What’s new?

1. Requirements are in line with those of other equipment used in the same environment (e.g. protection relays);
2. Product safety added based on IEC 60255-27;
3. EMC requirements completed and in line with IEC 60255 series and IEC 61000-6-5.

Main clauses are:

• Environmental conditions
• Ratings
• Design and construction
• Tests
• Marking, labeling and packaging
• Rules for transport, storage, installation, operation and maintenance
• Product documentation

How Does IEC 61850-3 Apply for IEDs Outside Substations?

I have been contacted several times on the question: “What are the requirements in IEC 61850-3 (General requirements, EMC, EMI, …) that have to be applied in DER, SA, … Wind turbines, Hydro Power stations?”

In IEC 61850-3 these applications are partly excluded (57/1246/CDV) says under

6.7.1 Electromagnetic environment

“… In addition to the mentioned electrical plants, Electricity Utilities can install apparatus in

control centers, radio repeaters, or low voltage distribution points in industrial, commercial or residential areas. These locations are covered by other generic standards or product standards. …”

An IED for a Hydro power plant, PV inverter, other DER or DA application to become compliant with IEC 61850-3 requires some definition in IEC 61850-3 for these domains. Pointing to “other standards” is to fuzzy.

I would highly appreciate to get your opinion which most crucial standards for other areas than HV/MV substations are applicable. We could then summarize the result and publish some guidelines … hints.

Please contact me in case you have some useful hints on the applicability of IEC 61850-3 outside substations.