ARC 256x

ARC Flash Initiator

User Manual
ARC 256x User Manual

Manual Version: ENU 1159 05 02

© OMICRON electronics GmbH 2017. All rights reserved.
This manual is a publication of OMICRON electronics GmbH.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying,
microfilming, optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems,
requires the explicit consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this manual represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this manual is useful, accurate and entirely
reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present.
The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.
OMICRON translates this manual from the source language English into a number of other languages.
Any translation of this manual is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between the
English and a non-English version, the English version of this manual shall govern.

2 OMICRON
 Contents

Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 Safety instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1 Symbols used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Designated use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3 Compliance statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Information for disposal and recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5 Connecting ARC 256x to CMC test set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 Mounting ARC 256x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7 ARC 256x front panel indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8 Configuring ARC 256x in Test Universe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9 Configuring ARC 256x in CMControl P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
10 Field performance examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
10.1 High-speed output tripping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11 Ordering information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12.1 Mechanical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12.2 Emission intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12.3 Maximum pulse rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12.4 Continuous duty limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12.5 Pulse response time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12.6 Internal supply voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12.7 Current drain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12.8 Start-up time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

OMICRON 3
 ARC 256x User Manual

4 OMICRON
Preface
The purpose of this user manual is to familiarize you with ARC 256x and to show you how to use
ARC 256x safely, properly, and efficiently. Following the instructions in this user manual will help you
prevent danger, repair costs, and possible down time due to incorrect operation, and it will help you
maintain the reliability and life of ARC 256x.
This manual is to be supplemented by existing national safety standards for accident prevention and
environmental protection.
The user manual shall always be available at the site where ARC 256x is used. It shall be read and
observed by all personnel operating ARC 256x. Reading the user manual of ARC 256x alone does not
release you from the duty of complying with all safety regulations relevant and applicable to working on
systems in any power distribution network.
In addition to the user manual and the applicable safety regulations in the country and at the site of
operation, the usual technical procedures for safe and competent work shall be heeded. Keep this
manual during the entire service life of the product and always have it available for reference.

OMICRON 5
ARC 256x User Manual

6 OMICRON
 Safety instructions

1 Safety instructions
Before operating ARC 256x, carefully read the following safety instructions. Only operate ARC 256x
after you have read this user manual and fully understood the instructions herein.
• Use ARC 256x exclusively in conjunction with the OMICRON test sets listed and the application field
specified under “Designated Use” below. The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from
unintended usage.
• Do not stare at the lens during operation as the high intensity light source may cause damage to
your eyes.
• Use ARC 256x only in a technically sound condition.
• Do not open ARC 256x or remove any of its components.
• Keep this manual available on site where ARC 256x is used.

1.1 Symbols used

In this manual, the following symbol and signal word are used to alert you to hazards that you may
encounter or to property damage or data loss that may occur:
WARNING
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation that, if not avoided, can result in death or
serious injury.

2 Designated use
The ARC 256x Arc Flash Initiator is an accessory for OMICRON CMC test sets. To test an arc flash
protection system, ARC 256x simulates an arc by emitting a high-intensity light pulse from its Xenon gas
discharge tube. The protection system’s arc flash sensor (fiber or point-shaped) detects this light pulse
and signals the event to the arc flash protection relay.
The CMC test set provides both the supply voltage (max. 15 V) as well as the trigger signal for
ARC 256x. The actual test is carried out using either the State Sequencer test module of the
Test Universe software or CMControl P.
Any other use of ARC 256x is considered improper and may result in damage to property or persons.

OMICRON 7
ARC 256x User Manual

3 Compliance statements
ARC 256x is designated in the following statements as ‘product’, ‘equipment’, or ‘apparatus’.
Declaration of conformity (EU)
The equipment adheres to the guidelines of the council of the European Community for meeting the
requirements of the member states regarding the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) directive, the low
voltage directive (LVD) and the RoHS directive.
FCC compliance (USA)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
Declaration of compliance (Canada)
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

4 Information for disposal and recycling

ARC 256x is not intended for household use. At the end of its service life, do not dispose of it with
household waste!
For customers in EU countries (incl. European Economic Area)
OMICRON test set accessories are subject to the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE directive). As part of our legal obligations under this
legislation, OMICRON offers to take back ARC 256x and ensure that it is disposed of by
authorized recycling agents.
For customers outside the European Economic Area
Please contact the authorities in charge for the relevant environmental regulations in your
country and dispose of ARC 256x only in accordance with your local legal requirements.

8 OMICRON
 Connecting ARC 256x to CMC test set

5 Connecting ARC 256x to CMC test set

“ext. Interface”

CMC test set rear

Connection cable,
6 m (19.7 ft) ARC 256x

WARNING
Check device before operating. Avoid serious injury or death caused by damaged
ARC 256x housing.
►Inside ARC 256x voltages up to 300 V appear. Always make sure that the device is not
damaged before operating ARC 256x.

6 Mounting ARC 256x

WARNING
As ARC 256x contains a high intensity Xenon flash tube, ensure that the lens is always
pointed towards an arc flash sensor, and not towards any person. Do not stare at the lens
during operation as the high intensity light source may cause damage to your eyes.

ARC 256x is connected directly to a CMC test set ext. Interface connector by means of the attached
cable.
After connection of the ARC 256x device, the green LED will light solidly once the device is ready for
use. The Xenon flash simulated arc is produced each time the CMC test set commands it to do so (see
below).
ARC 256x should be positioned in a suitable location using the supplied plastic tack. Ensure that the tack
does not obscure the lens.
Align ARC 256x to make sure that the lens on the back of the device is centered over the length of the
arc flash detector fiber or lens. This will vary slightly depending whether the detector is a point or linear
sensor. Ensure that the lens is at least 2 cm away from the sensor or fiber. When positioning ARC 256x
over a fiber, align ARC 256x at an approximately 30 degree angle. This will ensure best coupling of the
light into the fiber. Ensure that ARC 256x is correctly aligned, and reposition if required.

OMICRON 9
ARC 256x User Manual

7 ARC 256x front panel indicator

Power LED
LED is on when the
CMC test set
provides power to
ARC 256x.

The Power/Ready LED (green) will light when the CMC test set power is turned on. The LED indicates
that the ARC 256x internal power supply is operating correctly.
A flashing LED indicates that the internal circuitry is preparing for the next Xenon flash. Simply wait until
the LED is on solidly before beginning first use. A short duration or brief blink during use indicates that
the circuitry is refreshing the internal circuitry continuously. This will not affect the use. After a flash
event, the LED will again blink until the unit is ready for use.

8 Configuring ARC 256x in Test Universe

The ARC 256x output pulse is triggered by one or both of the CMC test set’s transistor outputs 12 or 14.
The command must be removed for 5 seconds to allow the next flash event. Specify the outputs in the
Test Universe Hardware Configuration.
1. Launch the Test Universe module State Sequencer.
2. Start the Hardware Configuration.
On the Binary Outputs window select the binary trigger output of your choice.

10 OMICRON
 Configuring ARC 256x in CMControl P

9 Configuring ARC 256x in CMControl P

In order to test an arc flash protection relay with CMControl P, configure the Operating mode in Binary
Outputs to “Custom”. The ARC 256x output pulse is triggered by one or both of the CMC test set's
transistor outputs 12 or 14. Set the position of Binary Output 2 and/or Binary Output 4 to “Open” for
the Prefault and “Closed” for the Fault.
Use the tools Direct or Time to carry out testing. ARC 256x will then be triggered at the beginning of the
fault state.

10 Field performance examples

10.1 High-speed output tripping
State Sequencer showing the response of a Schweitzer SEL751 relay with high-speed outputs:

OMICRON 11
ARC 256x User Manual

The SEL751 relay used was equipped with high-speed outputs. By pointing ARC 256x directly at the arc
flash sensor, an overall trip time of 4.7 ms was achieved.
Zone 1 is the output of the SEL751 relay.
With ARC 256x not pointing directly towards the arc flash sensor, but still within a reflective chamber, an
overall trip time of 5.8 ms was achieved.
The usage of the electromechanical/conventional relay outputs of the SEL751 relay achieved an overall
trip time of 9.6 ms.

11 Ordering information
ARC 256x Article number VEHZ0092

12 Technical data
12.1 Mechanical data
Dimensions (w x h x d): 40 x 80 x 20 mm (1.57 x 3.15 x 0.79 inches)
Weight: 215 g (0.473 lbs)
Cable length: 6 m (19.7 ft)

12.2 Emission intensity

The following plot indicates the relative emission intensity vs. wavelength of a Xenon flash tube operated
at a current density between 4000-10000 A/cm2. The spectral content is very similar to sunlight
(7000 K). These lamps provide the highest visual radiation efficiency (up to 40 lm/W).
Relative

6000 A/cm²

Black body
Wavelength

12 OMICRON
 Technical data

12.3 Maximum pulse rate

ARC 256x can provide a pulse repeated every 5 seconds.

12.4 Continuous duty limitation

ARC 256x has a maximum pulse repetition rate of once every 2 seconds. This will be at a reduced peak
light intensity.

12.5 Pulse response time

A circular test utilizing ARC 256x to emit a light pulse with detection using an optical scanning head
OSH256 indicates that the light pulse reaches detectable levels within 100 µs.

12.6 Internal supply voltage

ARC 256x generates internal +5 V and +300 VDC supplies for the electronic sub circuits. The +300 V
supply is discharged automatically within 3 seconds after unplugging the unit.

12.7 Current drain

• The start-up current drain from the CMC 256 test set’s internal +15 V supply is limited to an absolute
maximum of 110 mA.
• The continuous current drain from the CMC 256 test set’s internal +15 V supply is typically <90 mA.

12.8 Start-up time

ARC 256x is ready for use 5 seconds after applying power. It is also ready to be re-used after a flash
event 5 seconds after removing the flash command.

OMICRON 13
ARC 256x User Manual

14 OMICRON
 Support

Support
When you are working with our products we want to provide you with the greatest
possible benefits. If you need any support, we are here to assist you!

24/7 Technical support – get support

www.omicronenergy.com/support
At our technical support hotline, you can reach well-educated technicians for all
of your questions. Around the clock – competent and free of charge.
Make use of our 24/7 technical support hotlines:
Americas: +1 713 830-4660 or +1 800-OMICRON
Asia-Pacific: +852 3767 5500
Europe / Middle East / Africa: +43 59495 4444
Additionally, you can find our Service Center or Sales Partner closest to you at
www.omicronenergy.com.

Customer Portal – stay informed

www.omicronenergy.com/customer
The Customer Portal on our website is an international knowledge exchange
platform. Download the latest software updates for all products and share your
own experiences in our user forum.
Browse through the knowledge library and find application notes, conference
papers, articles about daily working experiences, user manuals and much more.

OMICRON Academy – learn more

www.omicronenergy.com/academy
Learn more about your product in one of the training courses offered by the
OMICRON Academy.

OMICRON electronics GmbH, Oberes Ried 1, 6833 Klaus, Austria, +43 59495

OMICRON 15
Support

16 OMICRON
ENU 1159 05 02