Device Description - Siemens SICAM Manual

Overview
2.1 Device Description
2.1 Device Description
The SICAM Earth Fault Indicator (EFI) is a device that is used for detection and signaling of ground fault on
medium-voltage underground distribution cable networks. In this manual, SICAM EFI is also referred to as the
Device.
SICAM EFI uses an external current sensor to detect ground faults. The device together with the current sensor
detects the unbalance current in the underground cables and indicates it as a ground fault. These indications
are based on the ground-fault current threshold set in SICAM EFI. The current sensor continuously provides
the corresponding secondary voltage signal to the SICAM EFI module via an electrical cable. This signal is
continuously validated at SICAM EFI. If the current value exceeds the set threshold level and persists until the
expiry of the response time, SICAM EFI considers it as a valid fault and starts flashing the fault LED (red).
Depending on the SICAM EFI variant, the ground-fault current threshold can be set from 25 A to 100 A or 25 A
to 240 A.
SICAM EFI helps in detecting and localizing the faults, thereby decreasing the outage times and maintaining
the medium-voltage feeder availability. This device is used in the distribution automation systems having
voltage ratings up to 36 kV (+10 %).
Figure 2-1 represents the 6MD2311-1DC10-0AB6 variant of SICAM EFI and the block diagram varies for other
variants.
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Figure 2-1
12
SICAM EFI Block Diagram
SICAM, Earth Fault Indicator, Manual
E50417-H8940-C600-A3, Edition 12.2022