Protecting People and the EnvironmentUNITED STATES NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
UNITED STATES
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
OFFICE OF NUCLEAR REACTOR REGULATION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20555
July 5, 1991
Information Notice No. 91-45: POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION OF WESTINGHOUSE ARD,
BFD, AND NBFD RELAYS, AND A200 DC AND DPC
250 MAGNETIC CONTACTORS
Addressees:
All holders of operating licenses or construction permits for nuclear power
reactors.
Purpose:
This information notice is intended to alert addressees and vendors of
equipment used by the addressees to the possibility that Westinghouse ARD,
BFD, and NBFD relays and A200 DC and DPC 250 magnetic contactors could
malfunction. These devices have been widely used in the design of systems
for nuclear power plants which have Nuclear Steam Supply Systems supplied
not only by Westinghouse but also by other vendors. It is expected that
recipients will review the information for applicability to their facilities
and consider actions, as appropriate, to avoid similar problems. However,
suggestions contained in this information notice do not constitute NRC
requirements; therefore, no specific action or written response is required.
Description of Circumstances:
On June 24, 1991, Westinghouse issued a 10 CFR Part 21 report (Attachment 1)
concerning the potential for certain Westinghouse supplied products to
malfunction due to an epoxy compound becoming semi-fluid when the coil is
energized for extended periods. The components covered by the Westinghouse
report are used in safety-related applications within equipment manufactured
by Westinghouse and other vendors. The type of malfunction mentioned may
degrade safety by disabling or delaying a function. The NRC will be
discussing the adequacy of the recommendations in Attachment 1 with
Westinghouse and, as appropriate, with licensees.
9107030356
.
IN 91-45
July 5, 1991
Page 2 of 2
This information notice requires no specific action or written response. If
you have any questions about the information in this notice, please contact
one of the technical contacts listed below or the appropriate NRR project
manager.
Charles E. Rossi, Director
Division of Operational Events Assessment
Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Technical Contacts: Nancy E. Campbell, NRR
(301) 492-0836
Paul Loeser, NRR
(301) 492-0825
Attachments:
1. Westinghouse Part 21 Report
2. List of Recently Issued NRC Information Notices
.
