Form 6 Microprocessor-Based Recloser Controls

for Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Applications

Frequently Asked Questions
How To Use This Publication
This publication (Bulletin B280-00030) contains detailed
product and application information and provides answers
to commonly asked questions about the Form 6 recloser
control and ProView application software.
If you have additional questions concerning the design,
operating features, or application of the Form 6 pole
mount, rack mount, or yard mount recloser controls, contact your Cooper Power Systems Representative.

Contents
General / Reference Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Form 6 Pole Mount Recloser Control

Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Application Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Power Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Form 6 Rack Mount Recloser Control

Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Application Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Power Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Form 6 Yard Mount Recloser Control

Technical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Application Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Power Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Protocol Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
ProView Software Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
TCC Editor II Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Idea Workbench Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

GENERAL / REFERENCE
INFORMATION
1. What are the advantages of the Form 6 recloser
control?
The Form 6 recloser control is a powerful and flexible
system to provide custom solutions for distribution
engineers. It includes extensive protective functionality, standardized hardware design, simple interactive
graphical interfaces, automation integration, system
analysis tools, and comprehensive front panel customization.
The control can be configured, by the factory or by the
user, for a wide variety of applications. If user requirements change, the control functions can be modified via
the Idea Workbench to meet the new requirements.
The Form 6 rack, yard, and pole mount microprocessor-based recloser controls include comprehensive system protection functionality, including phase,
ground, and negative sequence overcurrent protection, over/underfrequency and voltage protection,
directionality, sensitive earth fault, and sync check.
Engineering features such as ProView interface software with the Idea Workbench, TCC Editor II, and
Oscillography Replay highlight innovative new tools to
standardize on one protection system for any distribution system.
2. The Form 6 pole, rack, and yard mount recloser
controls look similar. What is the difference
between them?
The Form 6 rack mount recloser control, designed for
substation house applications, is powered from DC station supply service and even mounts side-by-side in a
rack to economize valuable substation real estate.
The Form 6 yard mount recloser control includes a
weatherproof, steel cabinet for direct mounting on the
reclosers substation frame, while using substation
battery supply power. AC power is also required for
various accessories, such as low voltage closing.
The Form 6 pole mount recloser control includes a
weatherproof, steel cabinet for direct mounting on a
utility pole with an internal battery back-up power supply powered from AC.
The pole and yard mount cabinets include a doubleentry system that allows for simultaneous access to
the front and back of the control.

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

3. Explain the Form 6 control front panel. How
is the front panel customizable? What is customizable through the 4 x 20 HMI? Explain the
removable inserts feature.
The intuitively designed front operating panel is separated into two clearly identified, color-coded sections:

The top portion of the control is used for programming the control.

The lower portion of the control is used for operation.

The front panel LCD display is used to configure the
operating settings for the control. It is also used to display metering, counter information, control parameters,
reset alarms, and provide diagnostic information.
A sharp, backlit 4 line x 20-character display is included
in the programming section. The LCD panel contrast is
field-adjusted to allow for various mounting heights and
applications. The LCD provides extensive status information regarding the distribution system, recloser, and control using a minimum of eight navigational keypads in an
organized menu structure. The navigational keypads also
include accelerated plus and minus keypads for quick
setting changes; direct scroll up, down, left, and right
keypads; along with immediate enter and menu keypads
for direct operation. The LCD also uses four function keys
for setting and operation instructions. Customization of
the LCD is available through the Idea Workbench. Simply
select up to eight different analogs and eight different statuses, and four switches, all with user-configured names
and logic to customize the LCD for the utilitys operating
practices.
The control programming section also includes 20
LEDs (25 with the expanded LED accessory) for status
indication.
The user can remove one of the insert labels in the programming section to customize the LEDs as required.
The user can relabel the default indicators (Indicator 1,
Indicator 2, and Indicator 3) by using their own insert
with their own utility-specific nomenclature.
The lower portion of the control also includes an insert
label to change the name of the Option #1, Option #2,
and Option #3 one-touch function keys. The function
keys, with the appropriate label, are defined through the
Idea Workbench providing unmatched user-flexibility.

4. Is the Form 6 compatible and retrofittable to all

Kyle reclosers?
The Form 6 rack and yard mount recloser controls are
adaptable to the following Kyle reclosers: WE, WVE27,
WVE38X, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38X, VSA12, VSA16,
VSA20, VSA12B, VSA20A, VSO12, VSO16, and AuxiliaryPowered* NOVA15, NOVA27, and NOVA38. A new control cable is required to connect the Form 6 rack mount
recloser control to these reclosers. Existing control cables
are acceptable for the Form 6 yard mount recloser control
up to the length limits.
2

The Form 6 pole mount recloser control is adaptable

to the following Kyle reclosers: WE, WVE27, WVE38X,
VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38X, VSA12, VSA16, VSA20,
VSA12B, VSA20A, VS012, VS016, and AuxiliaryPowered* NOVA15, NOVA27, and NOVA38.
The NOVA triple-single recloser (15, 27, 38 kV) is
adaptable to use either Form 6 pole, yard, or rack
mount recloser control.
5. Is there a retrofit kit to change out old VS family
reclosers?
A retrofit kit is not required.
The current VSA family of reclosers may be suitable
for Form 6 recloser controls based upon control
cable lengths and the specific type of Form 6 control
required.
The Form 6 pole mount control, with the self-contained
battery and separate battery charger, is compatible to
present VSA reclosers up to 50 feet, based upon wire
gauge. However, there are reduced cable lengths for
the Form 6 rack and yard mount controls based upon
the power requirements of the VSA recloser.
The chart of cable lengths is included in the Pole, Yard,
and Rack Mount Control Ordering Information
sections of this document.
6. Is the Form 6 compatible with reclosers from
other manufacturers besides Kyle?
The Form 6 recloser control has not been certified
to operate correctly with any other manufacturers
reclosers as specified in ANSI standard C37.60.
7. What is the difference between the Form 5 and
Form 6 controls?
In general, the Form 5 control provides users with preconfigured algorithms for protection, metering, and
automation, while the Form 6 platform combines preconfigured algorithms with user-customized logic.
8. Will the control always include a control cable?
The control cable is an accessory offered for all versions of the Form 6 control.
Specifically, for the Form 6 rack mount control, there
is a plug only on one end of the control cable to
allow for connections to the terminal block on the
back of the rack mount control.

*Auxiliary-Powered NOVA recloser (Type B mechanism)

Frequently Asked Questions

9. Is it possible to lockout the control without locking out the recloser? For example, if the Form 6
is set for two shots to lockout and there are two
sequence coordination operations, will the control advance to lockout?
It is not possible to lockout the control on a sequence
coordination operation. The control will only sequence
to the operation one less than the programmed
operations-to-lockout independent of the sequence
coordination operations.
10. Can the Form 6 control work with the NOVA
control-powered** recloser?
Yes, the Form 6 pole mount control is NOVA controlpowered** compatible. The control includes the option
to select the 19-pin receptacle.
The Form 6 yard and rack mount controls are not
available with the NOVA control-powered** recloser
based upon the internal power supply design.
11. Is there a Trip Fail Detection feature?
Yes, should a trip signal and an overcurrent detection simultaneously occur or the trip signal is present
while the contacts remain closed, trip fail detection
will occur. This function is identified Local Breaker
Backup (LBB) and is located as part of the SETTINGS
dialog box. Also, signals such as Fail to Trip, Fail to
Close, and Interrupter Malfunction are in the Idea
Workbench.
12. What other literature is available?
Bulletins, technical specifications, reference documents, service instructions, etc. can be found on or
linked to from our website www.cooperpower.com

FORM 6 POLE MOUNT CONTROL

Form 6 Pole Mount Control
Technical Information
1. How much does the Form 6 pole mount control
weigh?
The weight of one Form 6 pole mount recloser control
is 34 kg (75 lbs.).
2. What are the Form 6 pole mount control
dimensions?
The Form 6 pole mount control cabinet dimensions
are as follows:

400 mm (15.75 in) wide

710 mm (28 in) high

340 mm (13.5 in) deep

Form 6 Pole Mount Control

Application Information
1. Where is the Form 6 pole mount control used?
The Form 6 pole mount recloser control is intended
for direct mounting on a utility pole or for substations
where a substation battery is not used.
2. Why use the Form 6 pole mount control instead
of the yard or rack mount controls?
The three versions of the control are intended to meet
various customer applications. Since, based upon
economics, many smaller substations do not require
a substation battery, the Form 6 pole mount control,
with a self-contained power supply and battery backup, is an excellent choice.
3. Is the Form 6 pole mount control backward
compatible?
Yes, the Form 6 pole mount recloser control is adaptable to the following Kyle reclosers: WE, WVE27,
WVE38X, VWE, VWVE27, VWVE38X, VSA12, VSA16,
VSA20, VSA12B, VSA20A, VS012, VS016, AuxiliaryPowered* NOVA15, NOVA27, and NOVA38, and NOVA
Triple-Single 15, 27, and 38 kV.
A new control cable is not required, unless the length
surpasses the recommended control cable guidelines
for the Form 6 control.

**Control-Powered NOVA recloser (Type A mechanism)

*Auxiliary-Powered NOVA recloser (Type B mechanism)

3

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

Form 6 Pole Mount Control

Power Information

5. Does the battery need to be present when there

is AC power?
No, the battery is a backup supply should AC not be
available. This is applicable for most reclosers. (Refer
to Question 9 in this section for the exception.) This
applies only to the Form 6 pole mount control, as the
Form 6 rack and yard mount controls are powered
from DC only.

1. Where does the Form 6 pole mount control get

its power?
For the Form 6 pole mount recloser control, incoming AC power is routed to the Power Supply/Battery
Charger Board from either 120 Vac or 240 Vac supplied
by an auxiliary transformer rated 1kVA. If the recloser
includes low voltage closing, a 5kVA transformer is
required. The battery charger includes a temperaturecompensated design to optimally charge the control
battery. The power supply/battery charger board also
includes an auxiliary power supply for connection to
communication equipment (radios, modems, etc.).
The auxiliary power supply is rated 28 Vdc, 65 Watts
peak. A separate 28 Vdc to 13.8 Vdc power supply
accessory is available for communication equipment
rated for 13.8 Vdc at 2.5 amps maximum.
2. What are the heater power requirements?
The control has a standard 15 Watt thermostatically
controlled heater (ON 70F, OFF 85F) for humidity
control and voltage input independent. The heater is
powered from the power supply board.
3. Explain the power and battery functions and
capabilities with loss of AC and battery.
The Form 6 pole mount control is equipped with either
an 8 Amp-Hour or 13 Amp-Hour 24 Vdc lead acid battery for operation upon loss of AC power. The control
maintains full operation from the battery for a period of
time dependent upon the battery size:

8 Amp-Hour 15 hour maximum (20C)

13 Amp-Hour 25 hour maximum (20C)

In the event that the AC power has not returned within
the times listed above, the control disconnects the
battery from the circuit.
The control continuously monitors the battery voltage.
To prevent battery damage, the control shuts down
automatically upon detection of low battery voltage
(below 22 Vdc) for 60 seconds.
Control programming settings and parameters
including event recorder are stored in non-volatile
memory and retained upon loss of control power.
The time/date clock continues to operate for approximately 30 days after loss of control power.

4. How often must the battery be replaced?

The battery has a life expectancy of four to six years.

A battery is required for the Form 6-TS control.

6. Is the battery the same battery that is used in
the Form 5, Form 4, etc. controls?
Yes.
7. Is Auxiliary Power Supply available with the
Form 6 pole mount control?
Yes, there are three auxiliary power supplies available
for the Form 6 pole mount control:

Standard: Power supplied from the AC-to-DC convertor between P3-1(+) and P3-2{-). This auxiliary
power is rated for 65 watts peak at 28Vdc.

Radio Power Supply (accessory): The radio power

supply is fused by a 1 amp in-line fuse at 28Vdc input
voltage. The output is 13.8 Vdc between P2-1(+)
and P2-2(-). The output is rated for 17.25W.

Whetting Voltage Power Supply: This power supply

is available for the purpose of having a whetting voltage to the controls I/O. This voltage is available at
TB9 on the back of the module at 28Vdc between
TB9-1(+) and TB9-(-). This voltage source is rated
for 1Amp load.

8. If AC power is lost on a Form 6 pole mount control, will radio power, etc. also be lost?
No, power is provided through the battery.
9. Will the Form 6 pole mount control trip and close
without the battery present when it is connected
to a control-powered NOVA recloser?
Yes, since the energy is available directly from the
AC source, the unit can operate correctly with AC
power present independent of the battery condition.
However, the reclose intervals must be set for one-half
(0.5) second or greater to allow for ample charging of
the trip/close capacitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

FORM 6 RACK MOUNT CONTROL

Form 6 Pole Mount Control

Ordering Information
1. What accessories are available with the Form 6
pole mount control?

120 Vac or 240 Vac Low Voltage Closing

Two-Pin or Three-Pin Input Power Receptacles

BCT Terminal Blocks

Auxiliary Terminal Block

Additional Eight Inputs / Eight Outputs Discrete

Interface Board Accessory

Cable Locking Sleeves

RS-232 Cable

Stainless Steel Cabinet

120 Vac GFI Duplex Outlet

Fiber Optic Interface Accessory

Radio Mounting Accessories

WE, WVE27,
WVE38X, VWE,
VWVE27,
VWVE38X,
Auxiliary-Powered
NOVA15, NOVA27,
and NOVA38

1. How much does the Form 6 rack mount control

weigh?
The weight of one Form 6 rack mount recloser control
with handles attached to both sides is 7 kg (15 lbs).
2. What are the Form 6 rack mount control dimensions?
The Form 6 rack mount control dimensions are as
follows:

2. What are the available control cable lengths for

the Form 6 pole mount control?

Recloser Type Gauge

Form 6 Rack Mount Control

Technical Information

Length
(Meters)

Length
(Feet)

Without Handles

220 mm (8.75 in) wide

222 mm (8.75 in) high

229 mm (9 in) deep

With Handles

262 mm (10.25 in) wide

222 mm (8.75 in) high

254 mm (10 in) deep

Form 6 Rack Mount Control

Application Information
18
16
14

24.4 (max.)
24.7 to 38
38.4 to 61

80 (max.)
81 to 125
126 to 200

NOVATS-15,
NOVATS-27,
NOVATS-38

18

28.95 (max.)

95 (max.)

VSA12, VSA12B,
VSA16, VSA20,
VSA20A, VSO12,
VSO16

18
16
14

3.4 to 6
6.4 to 10.7
11 to 15.25

11 to 20
21 to 35
36 to 50

Control-Powered
NOVA15, NOVA27,
and NOVA38

16

3.4 to 38

11 to 125

3. Is a Fiber Optic accessory available?

Yes, the Fiber Optic Interface accessory provides a
permanent link for two-way, real-time, serial communications with a remote terminal unit (RTU), telephone
modem, or personal computer. Fiber Optic communication allows an operator at a remote location to
monitor the status of the Form 6 recloser control and
display data:

Control programming settings

Event recorder information

Demand current metering

Recloser duty monitor

The operator can reconfigure the control parameters
and remotely open and close the recloser.

1. If one double rack mounted Form 6 requires

service, must both controls be de-energized?
Yes, both controls must be de-energized if one
requires service. The controls are attached to each
other and the front panel must be removed to separate them.
2. Is the Form 6 rack mount control acceptable for
motor-operated reclosers?
Yes, but there are control cable limitations.
3. Where is the Form 6 rack mount control used?
The Form 6 rack mount recloser control is designed
for substation applications with a substation battery and substation house. The design enables two
units to be mounted side-by-side in a standard 19
inch substation rack with the mounting height not to
exceed 5U.
4. Why use the Form 6 rack mount control instead
of the pole or yard mount controls?
The substation design will determine if it is best suited
for a Form 6 pole, rack, or yard mount control. The
substation designers can evaluate the requirements
of the entire substation without being restricted to a
specific Form 6 control model.

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

Form 6 Rack Mount Control

Power Information

The available Form 6 rack mount control cable lengths

for Kyle reclosers with KA85ME control cable accessory are as follows:

1. Where does the Form 6 rack mount control get

its power?

Recloser Type Gauge

The operating power consists of one of the following

options:

24 Vdc 20%

40 140 Vdc universal input power supply

2. Is there an auxiliary power supply?

Yes, there is a fused 28 Vdc auxiliary power supply
designed to provide up to 40 Watts (peak) for either
whetting voltage or communication equipment applications. It is rated for 1.0 amp maximum.

WE, WVE27,
WVE38X, VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38X,
Auxiliary-Powered
NOVA15, NOVA27,
and NOVA38
14

3 to 61

10 to 200

VSA12, VSA12B,
VSA16, VSA20,
VSA20A, VSO12,
VSO16

1.5 to 9

5 to 30

14

Yes, for serial communications requiring fiber optics, a

fiber optic accessory is available separate to the Form
6 rack mount recloser control. The kit includes a fiber
optic converter to be powered from 9-32 Volts DC, a
6-foot pigtailed power connector, and a 6-foot 9- to
25-pin RS-232 cable.

No, only the Form 6 pole mount control is available with the existing 19-pin control-powered NOVA
recloser.

1. What accessories are available with the Form 6

rack mount control?

FORM 6 YARD MOUNT CONTROL

Form 6 Yard Mount Control
Technical Information
1. How much does the Form 6 yard mount control
weigh?

KA85ME Control Cable Accessory

Recloser Interface Junction Box

Recloser Interface Junction Box Cable

Fiber Optic Accessory

Additional Eight Inputs / Eight Outputs Discrete

Interface Board Accessory

RS-232 Cable

Mounting Kits There are three mounting kits available:

400 mm (15.75 in) wide

710 mm (28 in) high

Single Rack Mount KME6-1802 Mounting Kit

includes two handles.

340 mm (13.5 in) deep

Double Rack Mount KME6-1803 Mounting Kit

includes two handles and one connecting plate.

Single Mount w/Filler Plate KME6-1804 Mounting

Kit includes two handles and one filler plate.

2. What are the available control cable lengths?

Cooper Power Systems provides a control cable
accessory (KA85ME) with a connector on one end to
connect to the receptacle on the recloser. The other
end is hard-wired directly to the Form 6 recloser control. Several control cables are available based upon
the recloser type and required distance between the
recloser and control.

Length
(Feet)

3. Is Fiber Optic available?

3. Is the Form 6 rack mount control available with

the existing 19-pin control-powered NOVA
recloser?

Form 6 Rack Mount Control

Ordering Information

Length
(Meters)

The weight of one Form 6 yard mount recloser control

is 34 kg (75 lbs.).
2. What are the Form 6 yard mount control
dimensions?
The Form 6 yard mount control cabinet dimensions
are as follows:

Form 6 Yard Mount Control

Application Information
1. Where is the Form 6 yard mount control used?
The Form 6 yard mount recloser control is intended
for direct mounting on the reclosers substation frame,
while using substation supply power.

Frequently Asked Questions

2. Why use the Form 6 yard mount control instead
of the rack or pole mount controls?

2. What cable lengths are available for the Form 6

yard mount control?

The Form 6 yard mount control is ideal for substations

with DC power supply service and long distances
between the substation house and the recloser. The
Form 6 yard mount control reduces the installation
cost of wiring between the control and the recloser.

Recloser Type Gauge

Form 6 Yard Mount Control

Power Information
1. What is the required operating power for the
Form 6 yard mount control?
The operating power consists of one of the following
options:
24 Vdc 20%
Burden 14 Watts

Yes, there is a fused 28 Vdc auxiliary power supply

designed to provide up to 40 Watts (peak) for either
whetting voltage or communication equipment applications. It is rated at 1.0 amp maximum.
4. Is the Form 6 yard mount control available with
the existing 19-pin control-powered NOVA
recloser?
No, only the Form 6 pole mount control is available with
the existing 19-pin control-powered NOVA recloser.

Form 6 Yard Mount Control

Ordering Information
1. What accessories are available with the Form 6
yard mount control?
Control Cable
Additional Eight Inputs / Eight Outputs Discrete
Interface Board Accessory
RS-232 Cable
120 Vac GFI Duplex Outlet
Cable Locking Sleeves
Incoming Power Receptacles
Fiber Optic Interface Accessory
Low Voltage Closing
BCT Terminal Blocks Accessory
Auxiliary Terminal Block Accessory

WE, WVE27,
WVE38X, VWE,
VWVE27, VWVE38X,
Auxiliary-Powered
NOVA15, NOVA27,
NOVA38
16

1.5 to 24

5 to 80

VSA12, VSA12B,
VSA16, VSA20,
VSA20A, VSO12,
VSO16

1.5 to 7.5

5 to 25

16

Yes, the Fiber Optic Interface accessory provides a

permanent link for two-way, real-time, serial communications with a remote terminal unit (RTU), telephone
modem, or central computer. Fiber Optic communication allows an operator at a remote location to monitor
the status of the Form 6 recloser control and display
data:

2. What are the heater power requirements?

3. Is there an auxiliary power supply?

Length
(Feet)

3. Is a Fiber Optic accessory available?

40 140 Vdc universal input power supply

Burden 14 Watts

The control has a standard 15 Watt thermostatically

controlled heater (ON 70F, OFF 85F) for humidity
control and voltage input independent. The heater is
powered from 120 Vac or 240 Vac.

Length
(Meters)

Control programming settings

Event recorder information

Demand current metering

Recloser duty monitor

The operator can reconfigure the control parameters
and remotely open and close the recloser.

PROTOCOL INFORMATION
1. What protocols are available?

Modbus

DNP 3.0

2179

IEC870-5-101

DNP TCP/IP

2. Are the protocols user-configurable?

The user can select either Modbus or DNP 3.0 protocol through the Communications Workbench for either
the rear panel RS-232 or RS-485 serial ports.
If RS-232 is selected for Modbus or DNP 3.0, the RS-485
serial port defaults to the same selected protocol.
If RS-485 is selected for Modbus or DNP 3.0, the
RS-232 serial port defaults to ProView. ProView software is not supported on the RS-485 serial port.
3. Is the 2179 Protocol available?
Yes.

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

4. Is it possible to run more than one protocol at a
time?
Yes, both Modbus and ProView or DNP 3.0 and
ProView can operate concurrently from the back
panel dependent upon the RS-232 and RS-485
connections.
5. Is Oscillography accessible via DNP 3.0?
Oscillography is only accessible through ProView software, not DNP 3.0 or Modbus.
6. In order to remotely access Oscillography and
have a permanent SCADA connection for DNP
3.0, can the RS-485 port be configured for
DNP 3.0 and the RS-232 port configured for
ProView?
Yes, this is an excellent method to accomplish
Oscillography.
7. It is possible to use the front RS-232 port for
SCADA?
No, the front RS-232 port is designated for ProView
protocol only.
8. Can both the front and back RS-232 ports be
utilized simultaneously (using the front for
ProView and the back for another protocol)?
Yes. This is acceptable and eliminates concern about
disconnecting the SCADA system prior to local interrogation of the control.
9. How should the user connect RS-485 on a
multi-drop configuration?
The recommended pinout assignments are described
within each installation manual.
10. Are the RS-232 and RS-485 ports on the back
panel interchangeable between ProView and
another protocol?
No, the RS-485 port cannot be configured for ProView
protocol.
11. It is possible to use a Fiber Optic accessory?
Yes, a fiber optic accessory is available.
12. What is the maximum baud rate?
The maximum baud rates vary based upon the application and protocol:

The front and rear panel RS-232 ports with ProView

application software have a maximum baud rate of
115200 baud.

The rear panel RS-232 / RS-485 ports with Modbus

protocol has a maximum baud rate of 57600 baud.

The rear panel RS-232 / RS-485 ports with DNP

protocol has a maximum baud rate of 38400 baud.

13. It is possible to change the BAUD rate when

ProView is connected to the front panel?
While connected to the front panel, the user can
change the BAUD rate of the other ports located on
the back panel.
14. What type of IRIG-B input does the Form 6
have?
The Form 6 control utilizes TTL IRIG-B because the
TTL signal provides a clearly defined transition, so the
exact time can be more precisely measured.
There are two types of IRIG-B in common use, TTL
and 1kHz modulated. Most substation TTL sources
provide both types of outputs or can be switched
between the two. The 1kHz modulated is primarily
used over telephone lines or for long distances, while
the TTL version is used for short distances or at a
single site.

FORM 6 PROVIEW
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
INFORMATION
1. What is ProView?
ProView is an advanced operating system that utilizes
the power of a personal computer to maximize the
usefulness of the Form 6 recloser control.
Just as the Form 6 recloser control is a modular,
updateable product, so is the ProView application software. ProView provides an integrated environment for
the configuration and operation of the Form 6 recloser
control, as well as a comprehensive programming system for developing power system applications.
2. What are the minimum ProView application
software PC requirements?
ProView application software must be installed on a
personal computer that meets these minimum system
requirements:
Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2, Windows 98 SE,
Windows Me, Windows NT SP6, Windows 2000,
Windows XP Professional, or Windows VistaTM
operating system
Intel Pentium II processor (or equivalent) with a
300 MHZ minimum speed
128 MB of RAM
130 MB of free hard-disk storage space
Monitor screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
3. How many computers is one ProView CD-ROM
authorized for?
The CD-ROM can be used for multiple personal computers (PCs) because the authorization is based upon
individual PCs, not the installation CD-ROM.

Frequently Asked Questions

4. Is there a Setup Wizard?
Yes, the Setup Program will launch automatically if
there is not a previously installed version of ProView
software on your PC. If the Setup Wizard does not
run, the Installation setup must be launched by opening the .exe file on the CD-ROM.
5. What are the Authorization Levels?
VIEW: The user can view any of the settings or metering quantities available from the application menu. No
changes are allowed at this access level.
OPERATE: The user has all the capabilities of the VIEW
level, with access to Trip and Close buttons within the
Application Diagram. No changes are allowed at this
access level.
MODIFY: The user has all the capabilities of the
OPERATE level and can modify the Idea Workbench
and SETTINGS dialog boxes. The user at this level
also sets up access for other users.
6. Who defines the passwords for each authorization level?
The user-defined passwords are defined by the user
with MODIFY access.
7. Does the user need to be connected to the control or recloser to set up ProView?
No, but ProView must be connected to the control to
download or upload any changes.
8. Is the ProView response-time faster if the user
works offline?
Yes, since the information is not being continuously
updated, the response time is improved. Also, the
user should review the performance of their PC based
upon the recommended PC requirements.
9. Does the installation CD-ROM include insert
label options for word processing software?
Yes, the installation CD-ROM does include an insert
label template for customized inserts.
10. Can ProView communicate with competitor
reclosers?
ProView operating software is only applicable to
Cooper Power Systems reclosers and relays. It is not
available as an OEM product to other recloser manufacturers.
11. Is it compatible with V-Pro?
V-Pro is no longer available for purchase, but Cooper
will continue to support current users.

12. Can the user see all settings at once?

Yes, the settings are available in ProView under the
Settings menu and are stored as a text file. The user
can view all the settings through any word processing
software.
13. Is there a way to print out the Settings file, similar to the Form 5 control?
Yes. In the ProView software, select File>Save As.
Save the Settings file as a .txt file and print.
14. What are the Oscillography capabilities?
Oscillography provides current and voltage waveforms,
along with protection functions and recloser response
status changes. There are twelve different blocks of
oscillography information, including symmetrical components, phasor input magnitudes, online views of
phasor inputs and sync scope, event viewing phasor
inputs, event viewing sync scope, directional, phasor
input wave forms, user programmable status, user
programmable oscillography and status, and contact
inputs/outputs. The oscillography data presents two
cycles of pre-trigger information and eight cycles of
post trigger information for each event. The last ten
events are stored in the control and can be saved to
disk for later viewing. The oscillography information is
stored in volatile memory.
15. Can Oscillography be monitored online?
Online view is available for either the phasor inputs or
the Sync Scope blocks in Oscillography.
16. What is Oscillography Replay?
The Oscillography Replay feature enables oscillography events to be played back through the control
scheme, even with altered settings. This feature allows
the user to determine how the Form 6 recloser control
would have behaved for the same fault under different settings. The user can view accurate graphical
events to compare actual control performance against
expected results.
17. What can the user print?
Through ProView, the user can print any of the 16 Idea
Workbench blocks, all the logic and schematics developed in the Idea Workbench, the Sequence of Events
recorder, and the Application Diagram. In addition,
the Settings files can be saved to a .txt file and printed
through any word processing software program.
18. Will the Form 6 control come from the factory
with a scheme already in place?
Yes, the same Form 6 scheme will be included as
standard for all versions of the Form 6 recloser control.
This includes the Form 6 pole, rack, and yard mount
controls.

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

19. Can the user modify a group while another
group is active? Explain the concept of Active
and Modify. If not connected, why does the user
have to know what the active setting group is?
Yes, the user can modify a group while another group
is active. The concept of Active and Modify enables
the user to know exactly which group is active while
making changes. This simplifies the configuration while
in the testing and pre-installation stage.
20. How does the user know the PC and control are
properly connected?
After connection is successfully established and all
settings are equal between the PC and the Form 6
control, the COMPARISON STATUS button on the
toolbar indicates the equal sign (=). Also, communications is represented by the red and green simulated
LEDs on the COMMUNICATIONS STATUS button in
ProView.
21. Are there any settings to match up similar to
the Form 5 control?
The Form 6 control terminology is very similar, if not
identical, to the Form 5 control terminology. Minimum
trip, TCC, recloser intervals, and reset time are a few of
the settings that are identical between controls.
22. How does the user enable a change from
ProView to the control?
When a change is made in ProView, but it is not in the
control yet, the user sees the not-equal sign () on the
COMPARISON STATUS button. Click this button to
Download Selected Settings to Device.
23. While downloading a new scheme, does the
control keep operating?
Yes, the control continues to operate while a new
scheme is downloading. After the new scheme is
downloaded, no protection is active for approximately
eight seconds while the protection files are updated.
24. Why does the Form 6 control blink after the user
downloads changed settings or changes setting
groups?
The control confirms the change was accepted in
the control by blinking the LEDs once. During this
confirmation process, the protection files are being
updated, and no protection is active for approximately
eight seconds.
25. Is there a validity check?
There is no validity check in the Form 6 recloser
scheme. The flexibility of the ProView Idea Workbench
User Workbench provides unlimited combinations,
which may be or not be evaluated as valid.

10

26. What happens if the user attempts to make a

setting outside of range?
ProView software includes a dialog box and a description of the minimum and maximum acceptable values.
Should a user attempt to enter a value outside the
range, the value will not be accepted, and a dialog
box indicating the value is outside of the range will
appear.
27. How is Cold Load Pickup accomplished?
The control includes a Cold Load Pickup feature to
prevent the control from tripping while energizing nonfault system loads. This feature has independently
programmable minimum trip value, time-current curve,
reclose interval, and number of independent operations to lockout for each protection profile. Cold Load
Pickup also includes TCC Multipliers, TCC Adders,
Minimum Response Time, Time Dial Reset, and High
Current Lockout. High Current Lockout is set by the
user in primary amps and is not affected by changes
to the minimum trip values.
28. Is Cold Load Pickup available in a reclose
sequence?
During the reclose sequence, the Form 6 control
maintains proper coordination using the programmed
time-current curves. The Cold Load Pickup function is
disabled during this interval to avoid improper coordination with other overcurrent devices.
29. Is Cold Load Pickup always on unless deselected by the user? Is it the default? Can Cold
Load Pickup be blocked at the factory (as the
default)?
The user is able to enable or disable the Cold Load
Pickup function through ProView software. Cold Load
Pickup is defaulted to the BLOCKED position.
30. Are Alternate Profile names changeable in
ProView?
Alternate Profiles maintain the same names in ProView
to provide consistent terminology for recloser control.
Specific insert labels can be created for the Form
6 control front panel interface to meet specific user
operating practices.
31. Can the user customize Setting Group names or
copy profiles from one to another?
The user Setting Group can be saved to a text file
using any file name the user chooses. Profiles are easily copied from one profile to another.
32. Is triple-single overcurrent protection available?
Yes, this is an ordering option.

Frequently Asked Questions

33. How does the user know Sensitive Ground/
Earth Fault (SEF) is enabled?
Sensitive Ground/Earth Fault Protection status is
readily available through ProView software and can
be configured to connect to the operator panel onetouch function keys (Option #1, Option #2, or Option
#3). SEF can then be enabled/disabled from the Form
6 control front panel.
34. What are the Event Recorder capabilities?
The Form 6 recloser control contains capabilities to
perform Sequence of Events time-stamping for up
to 25 event types. This event recorder includes the
date and time of the event and appropriate metering
analogs based upon event type. Eight of these event
types are user-defined through the Idea Workbench.
Factory-defined event types include:

Overcurrent Protection Trip

External Trip

Non-Reclose Trip

External Close

Lockout

Reset
The Event Recorder maintains a minimum of 90
events.
The Sequence of Events screen provides date and
time stamped event data along with the instantaneous
voltage and current magnitudes for each phase at the
time of the event. The user can also print or write the
data to file from the Sequence of Events screen.

35. Does the Form 6 recloser control display

Harmonics?
Yes, both Voltage and Current Harmonics are included
as standard features in the Form 6 control, including
THD, and 2nd15th harmonics.
36. Is auto restoration available for Underfrequency?
Yes, there is the ability to restore and close the unit
through restoration of frequency. The restoration frequency is selected along three timers to assure proper
system response for frequency restoration.
37. Is Fast Trip Blocked field-configurable?
Yes, Fast Trip Blocked is configurable as part of the
SETTINGS dialog box.
38. Will there be a way to download new versions of
ProView off the internet?

39. Will users receive updated versions of ProView

as each revision is released?
Yes, ProView updates will be provided to users based
upon the specific customer request. The user will not
be required to use the new revision. Instead, users will
determine the value of the firmware/ scheme, based
upon the changes involved.

TCC EDITOR II INFORMATION

1. How many Time Current Curves are available?
Kyle offers 50 standard Time Current Curves complete with TCC Modifiers. The TCCs are identified
with industry-accepted recloser nomenclature or IECdefined curves. In addition, there are five Time Current
Curves that can be completely user-defined with the
TCC Editor II.
2. How does the user edit Time Current Curves?
The TCC Editor II in ProView enables the user to edit
Time Current Curves with a graphical user interface
that, while extremely powerful, provides intuitive steps
to edit a TCC.
3. It is possible to change TCCs independent of
TCC Editor II? If so, how?
Yes, the dialog boxes under the ProView Settings
menu allow the user to select from fifty Time Current
Curves and apply various TCC modifiers.
4. Can the user write into TCC Editor II?
There is direct importing from the TCC Editor II to
ProView, as the design of the TCC curve is generated
in the TCC Editor II.
There is no direct exporting from ProView to the TCC
Editor II at this time.
5. Is the Hot Line Tag default TCC1?
The control will respond based upon the composite
curve of the configured TCC1 and the configured
definite time delay for Hot Line Tag.
6. How is the Form 6 control Hot Line Tag function
different from the Form 5 control?
The Form 6 control uses both the definite time delay
and the configured TCC1, while the Form 5 control
uses a separate inverse TCC for Hot Line Tag functionality. Refer to Question 5 in this section.

ProView software is not offered as an available download. If a CD is required, consult your Cooper Power
Systems representative. Future usage of the internet includes downloading firmware upgrades, Idea
Workbench files, and setting files.
11

Form 6 Pole, Rack, and Yard Mount Recloser Controls

7. Unlike the Form 5, which has TCC1, 2, 3, and 4,
there are only two TCCs on the Form 6. TCC1 is
fast and TCC2 is slow, similar to the Form 4C. It
seems confusing. Why arent they the same for
all Cooper Power Systems recloser controls?
Continued customer feedback drives the product
development feature set for our products. Some functionality, such as the two TCCs, was preferred over
setting four TCCs.
8. Is there one common TCC Editor for all Cooper
Power Systems controls?
Yes, the TCC Editor is common for all Cooper Power
Systems controls.

IDEA WORKBENCH
INFORMATION
1. What is the Idea Workbench?
ProView software includes the Idea Workbench to
customize hardware control and status points, serial
communication points, front panel function keys, LCD
display, and LED status indicators.
The Idea Workbench allows the user to implement any
type of custom logic or algorithm with a simple and intuitive drag and drop construction. The user can access
any internal signal, any contact input or output, values
of analog inputs, or communications inputs. Once the
logic or algorithm has been constructed, the result
can be used to operate output contacts or have other
effects on the Form 6 recloser control. This logic can be
analyzed during event playback or with the Virtual Test
Set (VTS) feature of ProView.

Quickly program operating settings with standardized dialog boxes, yet customize applications with
the Idea Workbench.
Default settings for the control and status points
include common functions such as Recloser
Lockout, Open, Close, Ground Trip Block, etc.
Simple user-customization for Supervisory Inputs/
Outputs, LEDs, and Operating functions.
Quick-connect graphic wiring.
Full SCADA input/output availability.
Operational I/O capability.

3. Does the Idea Workbench affect the scheme or

the settings?
The Workbench portion of the ProView software is a
powerful programming tool that will allow additions
and changes to the operational logic of the protection
and control scheme. Yes, it will affect the scheme.
4. Is it possible to configure illogical or unsafe
things on the Idea Workbench?
Yes, the flexibility needed for developing new applications does not limit the user from potentially developing logic that will produce unexpected results.
Since there are many variables and user-selected
operating characteristics associated with any particular installation, the user should take the necessary steps to assure that the design, configuration,
installation, and use of operating software (schemes)
are maintained in a secure and controlled manner by
properly trained personnel.

2. Must the Idea Workbench always be used?

No, but some uses are as follows:

Select and visualize a multiple logic gate connected

to multiple arrays of functions by clicking and dragging the application to a location.
Save Idea Workbench files to be used again, as
needed, independent of a scheme.

2008 Cooper US, Inc. All Rights Reserved

All Cooper logos, Cooper Power Systems, Communications
Workbench, Idea Workbench, Kyle, NOVA, ProView, TCC Editor, and
Virtual Test Set are valuable trademarks of Cooper US, Inc., in the
U.S. and other countries. You are not permitted to use Cooper trademarks without the prior written consent of Cooper US, Inc.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in
the U.S. and other countries.
Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, and Windows VistaTM are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States and/or other countries.

Bulletin B280-00030 October 2008 Supersedes 11/01

12

2300 Badger Drive

Waukesha, WI 53188
www.cooperpower.com