Sep 29, 2021 · Many articles have been written about arc-flash events, mostly with a single focus. This article brings forth a wider view with a time/distance analysis of different arc abatement
Other arc flash protection methods employed by arc resistant switchgear include, but are not limited to, the following. Workers who maintain and operate the switchgear must also wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which includes arc-rated clothing, gloves, face shields, and other gear.
Switchgear arc protection mainly involves the use of vents and duct system to carry away the super-hot gases and high pressures of an arc flash away from the switchgear enclosure and to a safe location. This can be in the area above the switchgear or outside the switchgear room.
Generally, this type of switchgear will come with flaps that open under the intense pressure of arcing energy. The flaps allow the heated gases of an arc flash and the pressure to safely vent out of the enclosure and away from the operator. When venting arc flash gases outside of the switchgear room is necessary, extra duct work is used.
Arc-flash and arc-flash studies are also clarified. This White Paper also highlights a safety concern when HV/MV switchgear fails catastrophically, particularly oil-filled switchgear assembly. Within IEC Standards, HV switchgear are used on systems above 1 kV up to 52 kV. In North America MV is any voltage between 600 V and 69 kV.
Arc resistant switchgear is designed with different arc mitigation capabilities as defined by the ANSI standard C37.20.7. Based on the standard, arc resistant switchgear types include type 1 and type 2. These offer varying accessibility features. Type 1 arc resistant switchgear is accessible in the front only.
The training is offered to ABB's customers, partners and own personnel. The occurrence of an arc fault is the most serious fault within a power system. The destructive impacts of an arc flash event can lead to severe injuries of the operating personnel, to costly equipment damages and long outages.
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