Information Notice No. 91-45: Possible Malfunction of Westinghouse ARD, BFD, and NBFD Relays, and A200 DC and DPC 250 Magnetic Contactors

                                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
.