1. Read this first
1.1.
About this instruction manual
This instruction manual is intended to help you install and operate, quickly and efficiently, your APC
automatic capacitor bank, with the guarantee of optimum operation.
1.2.
Safety
Before installation and operation of the APC automatic capacitor bank, read this instruction manual carefully.
Keep it at the disposal of the people in charge of the installation, operation and maintenance.
Do not introduce or store any extraneous body in the automatic capacitor bank.
Take care not to obstruct the ventilation grids.
Power capacitors operate continuously at full load. Please respect the points below:
Installation and maintenance must only be carried out by authorized and qualified personnel, in
accordance with current local regulations.
Isolate the equipment from the power supply before attempting to gain access.
Wait five minutes to allow the capacitor to discharge through the discharge resistors. As an additional
precaution before starting work, short-circuit the capacitor terminals with a piece of insulated cable (bare
at the ends) to confirm discharge.
Check that the secondary winding of the current transformer is short-circuited or connected to another
parallel load (with a sufficiently low impedance) while connecting or disconnecting measuring instruments
or relays. An open secondary winding of a loaded current transformer may cause dangerous
overvoltages.
The APC automatic capacitor bank must be installed according to EN 61921 and local specifications.
1.3.
APC types
The APC exists in four different types:
1 box: APCL2
3 types of cubicles: APCM1, APCM2 and APCR
Note that APCL2, APCM2 and APCR types exist in slave execution. Slave units are not equipped with PF
controller but with an interconnection cable (factory wired).
1.4.
Inspection on reception
Make sure that the packaging has not been damaged in transit.
Any loss or damage should be notified immediately to your closest local ABB agent.
The big boxes (APCL2) are delivered on their side and 2 units maximum can be stacked one on top of the
other for transit and storage.
The cubicles (APCM1 and APCM2) are also delivered on their side and 2 units maximum can be stacked
one on top of the other for transit and storage.
No stacking allowed for APCR.
1.5.
Guarantee
Prior to dispatch, all our equipment is tested in compliance with the requirements of EN 60831-1 & 2 (for AC
capacitors up to 1000V) and EN 61921 (Power capacitors - Low voltage power factor correction banks) and it
is guaranteed in accordance with our standard sales conditions.
APC - Chapter 1. Read this first
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