BS EN IEC 61869-15:2019

What is BS EN IEC 61869‑15 - Voltage transformers for DC applications about? 

BS EN IEC 61869‑15 is a safety standard on voltage transformers for DC applications. 

BS EN IEC 61869‑15 provides all requirements specific to voltage transformers to be used in DC applications (DCCTs), whatever the technology used. The output signal can be analogue or digital.  

BS EN IEC 61869‑15 is applicable to newly manufactured voltage transformers used for measuring, protection, and/or control applications in DC power systems with a rated voltage above 1,5 kV. BS EN IEC 61869‑15 covers passive voltage dividers as well as active voltage transformers, used for measurement, control, and protection. 

Who is BS EN IEC 61869‑15 - Voltage transformers for DC applications for?  

BS EN IEC 61869‑15 on requirements for voltage transformers for DC applications is relevant to: 

• Electrical engineers 
• Electromagnetic engineers 
• Electricians and other officials of the electrical department 
• Testing authorities 
• Manufacturers of transducers and voltage transformers 

Why should you use BS EN IEC 61869‑15- Voltage transformers for DC applications? 

The voltage transformer is a device that may be termed a DC transformer. It is constructed using superconductors. 

BS EN IEC 61869‑15 applies to voltage transformers(VT) intended to be used in DC applications with the following functions: 

• Measure DC voltage (with significant harmonics) 
• Withstand DC voltage 

Two main technologies of DC converters exist today, which are, LCC and VSC 

• Line-commutated converters (LCC) are based on thyristor converters. They are characterized by a single direction of current flow, and a voltage polarity reversal possibility. Significant voltage and current harmonics exist up to frequencies of about 3 kHz to 4 kHz 
• Voltage source converters (VSC) are based on transistor converters. They are characterized by a bi-directional current flow and a single voltage polarity. Voltage and current harmonics exist up to frequencies of about 20 kHz 

The actual technology used for DCVT’s are resistive voltage dividers (with or without additional capacitance). BS EN IEC 61869‑15 includes some specific requirements applicable to resistive voltage dividers but can be applied to any technology. 

Overall, BS EN IEC 61869‑15 is useful as it provides guidance on the purpose of the test, which helps in measuring the accuracy on the DC component and on harmonic components when supplied simultaneously.