Arc-Resistant Equipment

Author

Bugaris, Rachel M. ; Rollay, David T.

Author_Institution

Rockwell Autom. in Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Volume

17

Issue

4

fYear

2011

Firstpage

62

Lastpage

70

Abstract

Because of the recent focus on arc flash hazards, arc-resistant equipment is becoming increasingly common in industrial facilities throughout North America. This article addresses arc-resistant equipment as it applies to low-voltage motor control centers (LVMCCs) [National Electric Manufacturing Association (NEMA) 600 V LVMCC/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 690 V LV control gear}. A brief overview and history of applicable internal arc fault testing guides (IEEE C37.20.7 and IEC/TR 61641) are included. Test procedures and their considerations as well as arc-resistant assessment criteria are reviewed. An examination of various methods to achieve an arc resistant rating (device-limited rating and duration rating) as well as considerations for implementing arc-resistant equipment are addressed.

Keywords

IEC standards; arcs (electric); control facilities; electric motors; fault diagnosis; hazards; history; machine control; machine testing; IEC; International Electrotechnical Commission; LVMCC; NEMA; National Electric Manufacturing Association; arc-resistant assessment criteria; arc-resistant equipment; industrial facility; internal arc fault testing guides history; low-voltage motor control center; voltage 600 V; voltage 690 V; Arc discharges; Circuit faults; Equipment; Hazardous materials; Resistance;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-2618

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MIAS.2010.939620

Filename

5768037