5kV Class Equipment.

The in-plant medium-voltage class — covering nominal system voltages of 2.4 kV, 4.16 kV, and 4.8 kV used for industrial distribution and large motor feeders, with standard BIL of 60 kV per IEEE C57.12.00.

Equipment categories
8
Nominal voltages
2.4 / 4.16 / 4.8 kV
Standard BIL
60 kV

Standards.

  • IEEE C57.12.00

    Liquid-immersed transformer general requirements — defines 5kV class BIL at 60 kV.

  • IEEE C37.20.2

    Metal-clad switchgear standard; covers 4.76 kV maximum-voltage 5kV-class switchgear lineups.

  • IEEE 404

    Extruded and laminated dielectric shielded cable joints (splices) rated for 5kV systems.

  • IEEE C62.11

    Metal-oxide surge arresters sized to 5kV-class system MCOV and energy class.

FAQ.

What nominal system voltages does the 5kV class cover?

The 5kV class is applied to nominal system voltages of 2.4 kV, 4.16 kV, and 4.8 kV — the in-plant distribution voltages used for large industrial motor feeders and on-site medium-voltage distribution.

The class designation refers to the equipment insulation rating, not the actual operating voltage. A “5kV class” transformer is rated for a maximum system voltage in that range, with standard BIL of 60 kV per IEEE C57.12.00.

What is the standard BIL for 5kV class equipment?

Standard BIL for 5kV class equipment is 60 kV per IEEE C57.12.00. BIL — Basic Impulse Insulation Level — is the equipment's specified ability to withstand a standard impulse voltage wave without insulation breakdown.

It is coordinated with the surge arresters on the system. The corresponding maximum rated voltage for 5kV-class metal-clad switchgear is 4.76 kV per IEEE C37.20.2.

Where is the 5kV class used?

The 5kV class is the workhorse of in-plant medium-voltage distribution. Large industrial facilities take MV service and step down to 4.16 kV or 4.8 kV to feed large motors, pumps, compressors, and on-site distribution that would draw impractical current at low voltage.

Because the loads are motor-dominated, 5kV-class switchgear lineups are commonly built as motor-control and feeder configurations, and the transformers serve plant distribution rather than utility primary lines.

How does the 5kV class differ from the 15kV class?

The 5kV class covers 2.4-4.8 kV systems with 60 kV BIL; the 15kV class covers 12.47-13.8 kV systems with 95 kV BIL. The 5kV class is predominantly an industrial in-plant class, while 15kV is the dominant utility primary-distribution class.

Equipment selection follows the system voltage: 4.16 kV plant distribution uses 5kV-class apparatus, whereas utility primary at 13.8 kV uses 15kV-class apparatus. See the 15kV class for utility primary distribution.

What standards govern 5kV class equipment?

Liquid-immersed transformers are governed by IEEE C57.12.00 (general requirements); dry-type units use IEEE C57.12.01. Metal-clad switchgear is governed by IEEE C37.20.2 and metal-enclosed by IEEE C37.20.3.

Cable splices and terminations use IEEE 404 and IEEE 48. Surge arresters use IEEE C62.11. Hawk states standards for reference; exact product specifications are confirmed by the manufacturer at quote.

Sourcing 5kV equipment?

Send the category, nominal voltage, BIL, and quantities for a quote.

5kV class equipment for in-plant distribution.

The 5kV class is the medium-voltage class used inside industrial facilities. It covers nominal system voltages of 2.4 kV, 4.16 kV, and 4.8 kV — the voltages large plants use to feed medium-voltage motors, pumps, and compressors and to run on-site distribution that would draw impractical current at low voltage. Equipment in this class is built to IEEE C57.12.00 for liquid-immersed transformers, IEEE C37.20.2 for metal-clad switchgear, IEEE 404 for cable splices, and IEEE C62.11 for surge arresters, with standard BIL of 60 kV.

Hawk MV Supply sources 5kV-class equipment across 8 product categories — transformers, switchgear, cable splices and terminations, surge arresters, insulators and bushings, fault indicators, and metering equipment. Because 5kV-class loads are motor-dominated, switchgear is frequently specified as motor-feeder and control configurations. Contact us to develop part numbers and check stock and lead time across the linecard.