Monthly Progress Report

20-April-2020

Development Plan
SYED BILAL AHMED
 Content
1. Switchgear Design
2. Cathodic protection System Design
3. LV/MV/HV panel and its Types
4. Types of Breaker and its (Advantages and Disadvantages)
5. Arc Classification
 1. Switchgear
There are two definitions used in IEC “Gas Insulated Switchgear” and IEEE “Gas Insulated
Substations.”
A basic function of switchgear power systems is protection of short circuits and overload fault
currents. Switchgear is a general term used to refer to a range of switches, circuit breakers, fuses,
etc., which are used in an electric power system to control, regulate and switch the circuit on and
off. By controlling the circuit, switchgear protects and isolates electrical equipment from
the power supply, enabling testing, maintenance and fault clearing work to be undertaken.
Power-conducting components: These conducts or interrupt the power flow; such as switches,
circuit breakers, fuses, isolators, relays, lightning arrestors, and so on.

Control systems: These monitors, control and protect the power-conducting components; such
as control panels, current transformers, potential transformers, associated circuitry, and so on.

Although the circuit breaker is the main component, it is the combination of equipment within
the switchgear enclosure that allows high voltage currents to be interrupted.

Switchgear is directly linked to the supply system and, based on

the voltage level, can be classified as either:

Low voltage switchgear (LV) (LV< 1KV)

Medium voltage switchgear (MV) (1KV < MV <35KV)

High voltage switchgear (HV) (35KV < HV <230KV)

Extra high voltage (EHV) (230KV <EHV < 800KV)

Ultra-high voltage (UHV) (UHV > 800KV)

That means, all the equipment’s of the electrical switchgear are enclosed by gas tight metal
enclosure and SF6 gas is used as insulation between live parts of the equipment’s and earthed
metal enclosure. This type of switchgear, means, and gas insulated switchgear is available from
12 KV systems to 800 KV system. For establishing electrical substation in very limited place this
type of SF6 insulated electrical switchgear plays the major role.
SF6 gas pressure for insulating purpose is generally kept below 2.5 bar whereas SF 6 gas pressure
for interrupting purpose is ranged from 5 bar to 7 bars.

GIS COMPONENT
1. Circuit breaker
2. Operating Mechanism
3. Disconnect Switch
4. Earthing Switch (ES) and Fast Earthing Switch
5. Current transformer
6. Insulating spacer

Circuit breaker
The circuit breaker is the most critical part of a gas insulated substation system. The circuit
breaker in a gas insulated system is metal-clad and utilizes SF6 gas, both for insulation and
fault interruption.
The SF6 gas pressure in a circuit breaker is around 0.65 MPa. The circuit breaker is directly
connected to either current transformers or the isolators in gas. A barrier is maintained
between the circuit breaker and the other connected equipment, operating at lower gas
pressure, to maintain a pressure difference.
 Current transformer
The conventional substations use either live-tank or dead-tank type current transformers with oil/SF6
insulation. A porcelain insulator is used to insulate the low potential section of the current transformer
from the high voltage zone.

Ribbon or cut silicon steel cores are used for the magnetic circuit of the current transformer for
obtaining the desired ratio and accuracy. Hairpin shaped primary conductor is the standard geometry
for a dead-tank type current transformer . The current transformers in gas insulated systems
are essentially in-line current transformers .

Earth switch
Fast earth switch and maintenance earth switch are the two types of earth switches used for
gas insulated substation systems. The maintenance earth switch is a slow device used to
ground the high voltage conductors during maintenance schedules, in order to ensure the
safety of the maintenance staff.
Disconnectors
Disconnectors (or disconnect switches) are placed in series with the circuit breaker to provide
additional protection and physical isolation. In a circuit, two disconnectors are generally used,
one on the line side and the other on the feeder side. Disconnect switches are designed for
the interruption of small currents, induced or capacitively coupled.
GIS picture
PROTECTION SCHEME
In One and Half Breaker Scheme, three breakers are connected between the two buses. Each
Breaker is provided with two Isolators and two Earth Switches. These Isolators are provided to
physically isolate the Circuit Breaker for maintenance. ... One bay of three breakers is called
Diagonal in One and Half Breaker Scheme.

CB

CB

CB
Plant Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS)
GIS details
• GIS Type = ZF8-550 (indoor) | Manufacturer = XI’AN XD SWITCHGEAR
• Rated voltage = 550KV
• Rated Current = 4000A
• Number of phases = 3 | Frequency = 50Hz
• Rated short time withstand current = 63KA/3s
• Rated peak withstands current = 158KA
• Lightning impulse withstand voltage (peak value) = 1675KV
• Power frequency (one min.) withstand voltage (rms) = 740KV
• Busbar system: One and a half breaker scheme
• Grounding type = Solid Grounding
• All the switching components will be motorized
Material
• Enclosure = Al Alloy
• Busbars = Al Alloy
• current carrying parts e.g. CBs, Isolators etc. = Al Alloy
• Gas piping’s = Al Alloy
• Control cubicles = stainless steel
• Insulators inside enclosures = Epoxy resin
• Partition of gas compartments = Ni
SF-6 gas system
• Design pressure of enclosure = CB: 6.5 bar; busbar compartments: 5 bar
• Design temperature of enclosure = 80 deg C
• Operating temperature range = 25-50 deg C
• Max. humidity = 90%
Electron Capture Detector (ECD) Method for
SF6 Gas Switchgear
An electron capture detector is used to detect SF6 with high sensitivity below 1 ppmv. This
device makes use of the high electron attachment coefficient of SF6, i.e. the ability of capturing
electrons. The free electrons to be attached to the SF6 molecules are created by a radioactive
source. The ECD uses a radioactive emitter, typically, a metallic membrane coated with the
radionuclide nickel. The emitted electrons are accelerated in an electric field and ionize the
background gas, normally ambient air. Ions and electrons are collected at the electrodes
resulting in a steady state ionization current.
The presence of SF6 besides air reduces the number of free electrons, as they are now attached
to the SF6 molecules. The decrease in the ionization current is proportional to the SF6
concentration. However, other molecules also have a certain electron attachment coefficient.
the detector is also sensitive to those molecules.
In principle this device is a flow rate detector, since the sensor is pumping the gas at a constant
speed through the electric field. By calibration this flow rate is internally converted into SF6
concentrations and recorded as ppmv.
Photo show an ECD.
SF6 Portable Devices

1. Photo acoustic infrared detectors are based on the pressure waves emitted by the SF6
molecules when illuminated by monochromatic infrared light. Special microphones detect
the acoustic signal which is directly proportional to the energy absorbed. Sensitivities down
to 0,01 μl/l can be achieved which are far superior to other methods. the response time of
about 15 s prevents the device being used for leak localization.
2. Electron capture detector using a ß-particle source to ionize a pumped sample. The ion current
between electrodes is measured. An inert gas carrier is usually used.
this is expensive and considerably less portable than item3. Sensitivities down to 0,1 μl/l (0,1
ppmv) of SF6 in air can be achieved.
3. Corona discharge cell using a high voltage (1&2 kV) applied to a point-plane electrode
configuration. The discharge current is measured and used in a variety of highly portable,
battery-powered units of relatively low cost. Sensitivities of below 10 μl/l can be achieved,
but not with all available units
GIS RELATED Volumes
 1. Cathodic protection System Design
What is cathodic protection?

Cathodic Protection (CP) is an electrochemical process that applies DC current to a metal to

slow or stop corrosion currents. When applied properly, CP stops the corrosion reaction
from occurring.

How does cathodic protection work?

Cathodic protection works by placing an anode or anodes (external devices) in an

electrolyte to create a circuit. Current flows from the anode through the electrolyte to the
surface of the structure. Corrosion moves to the anode to stop further corrosion of the
structure.

Cathodic protection is a method for corrosion control. It works by eliminating some of the
elements of the corrosion cell.
Galvanic Anodes:
This involves the creation of a galvanic cell in which the metal to be protected acts as a cathode
(positive pole of the battery) while the anodic metal is sacrificed, which means it gets dissolved
in the medium. Due to its low price and high mechanical strength, steel is the metal most used.
Therefore, the metals that can be connected to it should have a more negative potential such
as zinc (ZN), aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg).
ADVANTAGES
• Easy installation
• Low maintenance
• Uniform current distribution
• No need for external power source

LIMITATIONS
• Low current supplied
• Inefficient in environments of high resistivity
Impressed current:
This involves connecting the metal to protect the negative pole of a DC power source and the
positive pole to an auxiliary electrode (anode). This system is known as cathodic protection
impressed current.
ADVANTAGES
• Wide range of voltage and current output
• Effective for bare or poorly coated structures
• Effective in high resistivity environments

LIMITATIONS
• Requires more maintenance
• Cost for continuous power supply
• It may cause interference by stray currents
• Damage Protection in the lining

NEW PIPELINE CATHODIC PROTECTION DESIGN | 12 THINGS TO

CONSIDER
1. Soil Resistivity is a factor in many of the design calculations and assumptions (e.g.
current requirement, anode resistance, attenuation, AC interference, etc.…) Actual soil
resistivity data should be collected along the proposed route.
2. Attenuation calculations should be performed in accordance with accepted industry
standard equations and practice
3. Design current requirement is selected based on the soil type(s) using some accepted
industry guidelines.
4. Distribution of CP System Stations should take into consideration the total current
required.
5. Foreign pipelines and other DC interference sources should be evaluated as part of the
CP system design
6. AC Interference assessment should be performed to determine if there are one or more
high risk categories for AC Interference.
7. CP Station design includes the type of anode configuration, anode selection, installation
methodology
8. Isolation of MLVs and Stations is a key design criterion that impacts the pipeline
cathodic protection system design
9. Power supply type, sizing and selection is another of the decisions that is determined by
the CP designer with consideration given to the pipeline owners specifications and
preferences.
10. Terminal piping is often associated with a new pipeline construction project and the
pipeline CP system designer.
11. Use of temporary CP systems is often recommended when permanent power may not
be available for some time.
12. Provisions for testing and monitoring are critical components to any successful pipeline
CP system design.

VOLUME S5733
LV/MV/HV panel and its Types
Low Voltage Panel
The Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Panels come in an entire range of low voltage
switchgear, distribution, Metering, Control, Protection & Automation panels. The Panels are
tested at CPRI for short circuit withstanding test and degree of protection.
Types of Low Voltage Switchgear and Control Panels:
● Low Voltage Switchgear Panels
● AC & DC Distribution Boards
● MCC & PCC
● LDB & PDB
● DG Protection, Synchronizing Panels, AMF Panel Metering Panel
● Custom built Distribution, Instrumentation & Protection Panels
Rating of these panels is 440V AC, 220V DC up to 1KV.

Incomer
The incomer feeds incoming electrical power to the incomer bus. The switchgear used in the
incomer should have a main switching device.

Low voltage air circuit breaker is preferable for this purpose because of the following features

1.Simplicity

2.Efficient performance

3.High normal current rating up to 600 A

4.High fault withstanding capacity up to 63 kA

Sub - Incomer
Next downstream part of the LV Distribution board is sub - incomer. These sub - incomers draw
power from main incomer bus and feed this power to feeder bus. The devices installed as parts
of a sub - incomer should have the following features

1.Ability to achieve economy without sacrificing protection and safety

2.Need for relatively less number of inter - locking since it cover limited are of network.
ACBs and switch fuse units are generally used as sub - incomers along with molted case circuit
breakers (MCCB)

• Motor Feeder
• Motor feeder should be protected against over load, short circuit, over current up to
locked rotor condition and single phasing.
• Industrial Machinery Load Feeder
• Feeder connected industrial machinery load like oven, electroplating bath etc. are
commonly protected by MCCB and switch fuse units
• Lighting Load Feeder

PLC based systems for DG control and synchronization, Conveyor systems such as Ash handling
system, Building automation including control of AHU, lighting, water treatment units, parking,
etc.
Panel fronts, control fronts, instrument panels and front panels are often heavier gauge, self-
supported and more-extensively fabricated. They are typically used for mounting dials,
switches, gauges and light emitting devices. Panels also provide decoration and protection for
electrical and electronic enclosures for your end products.

Medium Voltage Switchgear

From 3 KV to 36 KV switchgear system is categorized as medium voltage switchgear or
MV switchgear. These switchgears are of many types. They may metal enclosed indoor type,
metal enclosed outdoor type, outdoor type without metal enclosure, etc. The interruption
medium of this switchgear may be oil, SF and vacuum. The main requirement of MV power
network is to interrupt current during faulty condition irrespective of what type of CB is used in
the MV switchgear system. Although it may be capable of functioning in other conditions also.
A medium voltage switchgear, should be capable of,

1.Normal ON/OFF switching operation.

2.Short circuit current interruption.

3.Switching of capacitive currents.

4.Switching of inductive currents.

5.Some special application.

All the above mentioned function must be

carried out with high degree of safety and
reliability.
 High Voltage Switchgear
The power system deals with voltage above 36KV, is referred as high voltage. As the
voltage level is high the arcing produced during switching operation is also very high. So, special
care to be taken during designing of high voltage switchgear. High voltage circuit breaker is the
main component of HV switchgear, hence high voltage circuit breaker should have special
features for safe and reliable operation. Faulty tripping and switching operation of high voltage
circuit are very rear. Most of the time these circuit breakers remain, at ON condition, and may
be operated after a long period of time. So, CBs must be reliable enough to ensure safe
operation, as when required. High voltage circuit breaker technology has changed radically in
the last 15 years. Minimum oil circuit breaker, air blast circuit breaker and SF circuit breaker are
mostly used for high voltage switchgear.

Vacuum circuit breaker is rarely used for this purpose as till date vacuum technology is
not adequate for interrupting very high voltage short circuit current. There are two types of SF
circuit breaker, single pressure SF breaker and two pressures circuit breaker. The single
pressure system is the state of art for high voltage switchgear system, in present time. Now
days SF gas as arc quenching medium, has become most popular for high and extra high voltage
electrical power system. Although, SF gas has strong impact on the greenhouse effect

High voltage switchgears are categorized as,

1.Gas insulated indoor type,

2.Air insulated outdoor type.

Again, outdoor type air insulated circuit breakers are classified as,

1.Dead tank type circuit breaker

2.Live tank type circuit breaker

In dead tank type CB, the switching device is located, with suitable insulator supports inside a
metallic vessel(s) at ground potential filled with insulating medium.
In live tank circuit breaker, the interrupts are located in an insulated busing, at the system
potential. The live tank circuit breakers are cheaper and required less mounting space.
 Circuit Breaker
Different Types of Circuit Breakers

The different types of high voltage circuit breakers which include the following

• Air Circuit Breaker

• SF6 Circuit Breaker
• Vacuum Circuit Breaker
• Oil Circuit Breaker
• Air Circuit Breaker
Air Circuit Breaker
This circuit breaker will operate in the air; the quenching medium is an Arc at
atmospheric pressure. In many of the countries, the air circuit breaker is replaced by
an oil circuit breaker. About the oil circuit breaker, we will discuss later in the article.
Thus, the importance of ACB is still a preferable choice to use an Air circuit breaker up
to 15KV. This is because; oil circuit breaker may catch fire when used at 15V.

A plain air circuit breaker is also called a Cross-Blast

Circuit Breaker. In this, the circuit breaker is fitted
with a chamber that surrounds the contacts. This
chamber is known as arc chute.

Air circuit breaker Advantage

• Air circuit breakers are exclusively used for the systems up to 15 KV until the arrival of
the new vacuum and SF6 breaker technologies.
• The air circuit breaker use is restricted to low voltage applications or high-security
installations where the risk of an oil fire of oil contamination of the environment is too
high to be tolerated.
Air circuit breaker Disadvantage
• The disadvantage of arc-chute ACB is that if the electromagnetic fields are weak such as
at low current, the breaker becomes less efficient.
• At low current, the movement of the arc towards chute becomes slower and at high-
speed interruption is less assured.
Air Blast Circuit Breaker
Air blast circuit breakers are used for a system voltage of 245 kV, 420 KV and also even more. Air
blast circuit breakers are of two types:

• Axial blast breaker

• Axial blast with sliding moving contact.

Axial Blast Breaker

In the axial blaster breaker, the moving contact of the axial blast breaker will be in contact. The
nozzle orifice is fixed to the contact of a breaker at a normally closed condition. A fault occurs
when high pressure is introduced into the chamber. Voltage is sufficient to sustain high-pressure
air when flowed through the nozzle orifice.

Application and Uses of Air Circuit Breaker

• It is used for protection of plants, electrical machines, transformers, capacitors, and
generators
• An air circuit breaker is also used in the Electricity sharing system and GND about 15Kv
• Also used in Low as well as High Currents and voltage applications.
Advantages of Air-Blast Circuit Beaker
• It is used where frequent operation is required because of lesser arc energy.
• It is risk-free from fire.
• Small in size.
• It requires less maintenance.
• Arc quenching is much faster
• The speed of the circuit breaker is much higher.
• The time duration of the arc is the same for all values of current.
Disadvantages of Air-Blast Circuit Breaker
• It requires additional maintenance.
• The air has relatively lower arc extinguishing properties
• It contains a high capacity air compressor.
• From the air pipe junction, there may be a chance of air pressure leakage
• There is the chance of a high rate rise of re-striking current and voltage chopping.
SF6 Circuit Breaker
In the SF6 circuit breaker, the current-carrying contacts operate in sulfur hexafluoride gas is
known as an SF6 circuit breaker. It is an excellent insulating property and high electro-negativity.
It can be understood that, the high affinity of absorbing free electron. The negative ion is formed
when a free electron collides with the SF6 gas molecule; it is absorbed by that gas molecule.

Advantages:

• The time of Arcing is very less as the Sulfur hexafluoride gas quickly absorb the arc
electrons.
• As the dielectric strength of Sulfur hexafluoride gas is very high so this circuit breaker
can interrupt a large amount of current.
• There is no risk of fire.
• As the whole chamber closed tightly there is no moisture problem.
• Low maintenance cost.

Disadvantages:
• As the SF6 gas is very costly there so is an economic disadvantage.
• As the SF6 gas is very costly we need to reuse the gas after the operation, and we need
additional equipment to reconditioned the gas after operation for use again.

Application of Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) circuit breaker:

• SF6 Circuit breaker mainly used in high voltage transmission line.
• They also used for protection of high voltage transformers.
Vacuum circuit breaker

In Vacuum Circuit breakers the contacts are placed in a vacuum or the vacuum is used as arc
quenching medium. We in vacuum space there is no particles, so it provides high insulation. In
vacuum circuit breaker the ARC is produced by only the ionization of metal vapors of contacts.
So, the strength of the ARC is very low that is why it extinguish automatically.

Advantages:
• There is no chance of fire.
• Compact in size.
• As I told before in this circuit breaker the strength of produced ARC is very low.
• High insulation facility.
• Required little maintenance.
Disadvantages:
• The main disadvantage is the high cost for the vacuum arrangement.
Applications:
• As this type of circuit breaker required less maintenance so they are used in the rural
area transmission line.
Oil Circuit Breaker

Bulk Oil Circuit Breaker

We know that when the circuit breaker breaks the circuit by separating its contacts an ARC is produced.
We need to extinguish the ARC because it continues the flow of current even the contacts of the circuit
breaker getting separated. In which circuit breakers Oil is used for extinguishing the ARC they are called
Oil Circuit Breaker.
Mainly insulating oil or mineral oil (same as transformer oil) is used in the oil circuit breaker.
The rating range of oil circuit breaker lies from 25MVA at 2.5KV to 5000 MVA at 230KV.

Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker – In the minimum oil circuit breaker, the oil is used for arc
extinction by blast action. The main function of the oil in the minimum oil circuit breaker is to
interrupt the arc formation, and it is not used for insulating the live parts of the earth
Advantages:
• The oil extinguishes the ARC by creating the hydrogen gas and the hydrogen gas can
cool the ARC.
• The oil also helps for cooling in the circuit breaker.
• The produced hydrogen gas provides good insulation between the contacts.
Disadvantages:
• As oil is used there is a risk of fire.
• There is a requirement for periodic oil replacement.
Applications of Oil Circuit Breaker:
• Oil circuit breakers are used in small and medium substations for protection of
distribution lines.
• In Switchyard oil circuit breaker used.
MCB-Miniature Circuit Breaker
MCB is an electromechanical device which guards an electrical circuit from an over current, that
may effect from short circuit, overload or imperfect design. This is a better option to a Fuse since
it doesn’t require alternate once an overload is identified. An MCB can be simply rearranged and
thus gives a better operational protection and greater handiness without incurring huge
operating cost. The operating principle of MCB is simple.

An MCB function by interrupting the stability of electrical flow through the circuit once an error
is detected. In simple conditions this circuit breaker is a switch which routinely turns off when
the current flows through it and passes the maximum acceptable limit. Generally, these are
designed to guard against over current and overheating.
MCB is substituting the rewireable switch-fuse units for low power domestic and industrial
applications in a very quick manner. In wiring system, the MCB is a blend of all three functions
such as protection of short circuit, overload and switching. Protection of overload by using a
bimetallic strip & short circuit protection by used solenoid.
These are obtainable in different pole versions like single, double, triple pole & four poles with
neutral poles if necessary. The normal current rating is ranges from 0.5-63 A with a symmetrical
short circuit breaking capacity of 3-10 KA, at a voltage level of 230 or 440V.

Characteristics of MCB
The characteristics of an MCB mainly include the following

• Rated current is not more than 100 amperes

• Normally, trip characteristics are not adjustable
• Thermal/thermal magnetic operation
MCCB-Molded Case Circuit Breaker
The MCCB is used to control electric energy in distribution n/k and is having short circuit and
overload protection. This circuit Breaker is an electromechanical device which guards a circuit
from short circuit and over current. They offer short circuit and over current protection for
circuits ranges from 63 Amps-3000 Amps. The primary functions of MCCB is to give a means to
manually open a circuit, automatically open a circuit under short circuit or overload conditions. In
an electrical circuit, the over current may result faulty design.

The MCCB is an option to a fuse since it doesn’t need an alternate once an overload is noticed.
Unlike a fuse, this circuit breaker can be simply reset after a mistake and offers enhanced
operator safety and ease without acquiring operating cost. Generally, these circuits have thermal
current for over current and the magnetic element for short circuit release to work faster.

Characteristics of MCCB
The characteristics of an MCCB mainly include the following

• The range of rated current us up to 1000 amperes

• Trip current may be adjusted
• Thermal/thermal magnetic operation
ELCB -Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker
The ELCB is used to protect the circuit from the electrical leakage. When someone gets an electric
shock, then this circuit breaker cuts off the power at the time of 0.1 secs for protecting the
personal safety and avoiding the gear from the circuit against short circuit and overload.

ELCB is a security device used in electrical system with high Earth impedance to avoid shock. It
notices small stray voltages on the metal fields of electrical gear and interrupt the circuit if an
unsafe voltage is detected. The main principle of Earth leakage protectors is to stop injury to
humans and nature due to electric shock.

This circuit breaker is a specialized kind of latching relay that has structures incoming mains
power connected through its switching contacts so that this circuit breaker disconnects the
power supply in an unsafe condition.

The ELCB notices fault currents from live to the ground wire inside the installation it guards. If
enough voltage emerges across the sense coil in the circuit breaker, it will turn off the supply,
and stay off until reset by hand. A voltage-sensing earth leakage circuit breaker doesn’t detect
fault currents from exist to any other ground body.

Characteristics of ELCB
The characteristics of an ELCB mainly include the following

• This circuit breaker connects the phase, earth wire and neutral
• The working of this circuit breaker depends on current leakage

RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breaker)

A RCCB is an essential current sensing equipment used to guard a low voltage circuit from the
fault. It comprises of a switch device used to turn off the circuit when a fault occurs in the circuit.
RCCB is aimed at guarding a person from the electrical shocks. Fires and electrocution are caused
due to the wrong wiring or any earth faults. This type of circuit breaker is used in situations
where there is a sudden shock or fault happening in the circuit.
For instance, a person suddenly enters in contact with an open live wire in an electrical circuit. In
that situation, in the absence of this circuit breaker, a ground fault may occur and an individual
is at the hazardous situation of receiving a shock. But, if the similar circuit is defended with the
circuit breaker, it will tour the circuit in a second therefore, avoiding a person from the electric
shock. Therefore, this circuit breaker is good to install in an electrical circuit.
Characteristics of RCCB
The characteristics of an RCCB mainly include the following

• Both wires phase and neutral are connected through RCCB

• Whenever there is any ground fault occurs, then it trips the circuit
• The amount of current supplies through the line should go back through neutral
• These are a very effective type of shock protection
 Arc Classification
Internal arc fault
Arc faults are usually caused by external factors outside the manufacturer’s control and their
occurrence can never be totally prevented or predicted.

Once the arc is ignited, the surrounding air is ionized and the arc will continue to burn at a high
temperature until interrupted.

Internal arcs can be divided into four phases. During the emission and thermal phases, hot plasma
(gas, particles, molten metal and other materials damaged by the arc) will be released from the
switchgear to the surrounding atmosphere, endangering people in the vicinity. The danger comes
from two parts, hot plasma and a shock wave released from the faulted cubicle

Compression phase

The volume of the air where the arc develops is overheated due to the release of energy. The
remaining volume of air inside the cubicle heats up from convection and radiation. There are
initially different temperatures and pressures from one zone to another.

Expansion phase

The expansion phase starts when the maximum pressure has been reached and the pressure
relief flaps have opened. This phase lasts approximately 10 to 20 ms.

Emission phase

Due to continued contribution of energy by the arc, nearly all the superheated air is forced out
by an almost constant overpressure. This continues until the gas in the cubicle reaches the arc
temperature. This phase typically lasts up to 50 – 100 ms in small cubicles, but it can be
considerably longer in larger cubicles.

Thermal phase

After the expulsion of the air, the temperature inside the switchgear nears that of the electrical
arc. This final phase lasts until the arc is quenched, when all the metals and the insulating
materials coming into contact undergo erosion with production of gas, fumes and molten
material, referred to as plasma in this article. The greatest damage occurs typically during this
phase, when the thermal stress caused by the radiated heat is responsible for severe burns and
ignition of clothing.
Personal protective equipment

Personnel protective equipment (PPE) eliminates or reduces the effects of burning caused by
the arc plasma, in the event of an internal arc.

Electrical protective clothing and conductor guarding were first applied to prevent electric
shock injuries. In the 1970s, users and manufacturers began recognising and addressing the
electric arc hazard.

Arc detection systems

Arc detection systems are protection systems that use sensors to detect the presence of
internal arcs and then isolate the faulted section by opening the incoming or feeder circuit
breaker. Three types of systems generally exist:

• Light detection systems.

• Pressure rise detection systems.
• Micro switches situated on pressure relief devices.

Light arc detection systems can normally detect an arc very quickly, in under 5 – 10 ms, and
send the trip signal to the circuit breaker to clear the fault. The clearing time will vary from 50 –
100 ms, depending on the circuit breaker used.

The standard is a broad definition which covers all types of metal enclosed, AIS and GIS
switchgear. Internal arc classification (IAC) is given as:

AFLR I kA/s

where:

A = Accessibility type A, restricted to authorized personnel only. Distance of indicators: 300 mm

from enclosure.
B = Accessibility type B, unrestricted accessibility including that of general public. Distance of
indicator: 100 mm from enclosure.
C = Accessibility type C, restricted by installation out of reach. The distance from the indicator is
specified by manufacturer.
FLR = Access from the font (F = “front”), the sides (L= “lateral”) and the rear
(R = rear).
IkA = Test current in kA.
s = Test duration in seconds.