Arc fault protection is a technique employed for the fast clearance of arcing faults on busbars and within metal clad switchgear and associated cable boxes. The arc is detected using an optical sensor & the signal input to a protection device which also monitors the load current on the system. Conventional current based protection techniques are at times challenged by the nature of arcing faults, and can result in slow protection clearance times. Slow protection clearance times increase the risk to nearby personnel and increase the degree of damage to plant and equipment. By employing an optical detection technique, arc fault protection results in fast clearance of arcing faults.
Electric arcs are among the most dreaded fault scenarios in power supply engineering. They can be caused by a multitude of factors, such as aging of the insulation, environmental conditions as well as operating errors. Electric arcs can cause heavy damage to switchgear and present a serious hazard to operating personnel. The SIPROTEC 5 arc protection detects electric arcs through an optical sensor. Arcs are detected reliably and quickly as they develop, and the protective device can trip immediately and without delay times.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2022
