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OFFSHORE E-NEWS
October 2000
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TECHNICAL COMMENTARY: IEEE 45,
WHERE IT STANDS TODAY,
WHERE IT’S GOING
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ABS
on IEC 60092
The
ABS Steel Vessel rules are migrating towards the IEC
60092 series of standards. This is a reflection of the
fact that most ABS-classed vessels are built overseas
in areas that follow the IEC methodology. This is also
in recognition of the fact that IMO frequently makes
reference to the IEC standards in SOLAS and other codes
and resolutions.
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ABS
On IEEE 45
Although
ABS has been migrating towards IEC-based rules, we continue
to recognize American equipment and practices.
For
more information about
IEEE 45, contact:
Tom Feil,
ABS Senior Engineer and
IEEE 45 Committee Member,
at tfeil@eagle.org.
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he
IEEE 45 electrical practice is often applied to offshore
GOM support vessels and |
drillships,
especially those that are US-built. Outside the US and for non
US-flag vessels operating outside GOM, electrical equipment
vendors more frequently adhere to IEC standards, the European
equivalent of IEEE, and, today, the predominant electrical practice
in the industry. "Naturally, there is no right or wrong
practice, just two different approaches," said Tom Feil,
ABS Senior Engineer and IEEE 45 Committee Member. "For
the purposes of ABS class, the most important thing is, when
you build to IEEE 45, you need to stay consistent with that
set of standards. This is a subject that generates a lot of
questions."
Here,
we investigate the top most-asked questions we hear from offshore
clients, engineers and vendors about applying IEEE 45 and
the changes that the IEEE 45 committee is planning for the
code’s next revision, due out in 2001.
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What
is IEEE 45? |
IEEE 45 is
the recommended practice for electrical installation shipboard
based on American practices. The scope of this standard covers
oceangoing vessels and vessels for use on rivers, lakes, bays,
etc. It is considered an alternative standard to the IEC 60092
series of standards, which are part of ABS Rules.
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Can
IEEE 45 be used in place of IEC standards to meet ABS
Rule requirements? |
Both IEEE
45 and IEC standards can be used to meet ABS Rules. Equipment,
components and systems for which ABS has specific requirements
may comply with an alternative standard such as IEEE 45, in
lieu of the IEC-based requirements in the Rules. It is essential,
however, that IEEE 45 or any other alternative standard proposed
for use is determined by ABS to be no less effective than the
Rules. |
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Can
parts of IEEE 45 be coupled with parts of the IEC standards
for meeting ABS Rule requirements? |
When IEEE 45 is
proposed as an alternative, all equipment must fully comply with the
IEEE 45 standard. Coupling sections of several standards together
can result in less effective electrical requirements, and thus, cannot
be accepted as being in compliance with ABS Rules. An example of this
is circuit breakers dual rated as IEC 947-2 and NEMA. In one case,
the fault rating may be higher under the IEC system, but if the breaker
is installed inside NEMA-type switchgear, the fault rating given with
the NEMA rating must be followed.
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Which
of the IEEE 45 codes – revisions 1983 or 1998 or both –
are acceptable to ABS? |
For US-flagged
vessels where the USCG only recognizes the 1983 edition, ABS will
accept the 1983 edition. However, except for this unique case, the
current 1998 edition should be followed.
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What
is the future of IEEE 45? |
A current revision
is underway and due out in 2001. It is expected that the requirements
for Public Address and General Alarm will be altered to more accurately
reflect current practices and recent changes in SOLAS. Additionally,
the electric propulsion section is being rewritten to better reflect
current solid state variable frequency drive type systems in current
use.
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Is
IEEE 45 affected by ABS migration toward IEC standards? |
Although ABS has
been migrating towards IEC-based rules, we continue to recognize American
equipment and practices. ABS is involved in the ongoing revision process
of IEEE 45 to help ensure the standard is considered a recognized
standard of electrical practice acceptable under our Rules.
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