Professional Documents
Culture Documents
WORKING GROUP
B3.37
APRIL 2017
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF
ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
WG B3.37
Contributing members
Copyright © 2017
“All rights to this Technical Brochure are retained by CIGRE. It is strictly prohibited to reproduce or provide this publication in
any form or by any means to any third party. Only CIGRE Collective Members companies are allowed to store their copy on
their internal intranet or other company network provided access is restricted to their own employees. No part of this
publication may be reproduced or utilized without permission from CIGRE”.
Disclaimer notice
“CIGRE gives no warranty or assurance about the contents of this publication, nor does it accept any responsibility, as to the
accuracy or exhaustiveness of the information. All implied warranties and conditions are excluded to the maximum extent
permitted by law”.
WG XX.XXpany network provided access is restricted to their own employees. No part of this
publication may be reproduced or utilized without permission from CIGRE”.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SCOPE
This Technical Brochure addresses functions and pieces of equipment which are specifically added in
order to mitigate the effects of internal arc fault events in medium voltage a.c. enclosed switchgear
(> 1 kV, ≤ 52 kV) . It includes functions and equipment beyond what is already covered by the
Internal Arc Classification (IAC) introduced in IEC 62271-200 "High voltage switchgear; a.c. metal-
enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV"
[1]1 or by the internal arc performance criteria in IEEE C37.20.7 " IEEE Guide for Testing Metal-
Enclosed Switchgear Rated Up to 38 kV for Internal Arcing Faults" [2].
Pieces of equipment which are part of the protection plan (over-current relays, fuses, fault-current
limiters, etc.) are not considered, even if some of them also contribute to limiting arc effects.
A review of existing commercially available solutions is provided in Chapter 2.
Users of this document are responsible for determining the appropriate safety, security,
environmental, and health practices or regulatory requirements and should rely upon their
professional judgment in the exercise of reasonable care in all circumstances, or seek the advice of a
competent and experienced professional.
BACKGROUND
Several systems in the market place incorporate internal arc fault limiting functions. These functions
generally operate by short-circuiting and hence diverting the arc fault using very fast detection system
and a fast fault-making device, most often to earth.
The international medium voltage switchgear assemblies standard IEC 62271-200 [1] (valid for air-
insulated and gas-insulated switchgear assemblies) and the IEEE guide for testing medium voltage
metal-enclosed switchgear for internal arcing faults C 37.20.7 [2] acknowledge such devices as
supplementary protective measures, but with little information. The standard IEC 62271-200 [1] also
states that, in general, arc limiting devices are out of its scope. They are not described nor specified
and no guidance is given for the related nameplate rating of the switchgear.
The IEC Subcommittee SC17C requested CIGRE to carry out a technical review to give
recommendations to support an extension of the current IEC standard to cover such a function or
piece of equipment and to provide assessment of the same.
Medium voltage switchgear incorporates many features designed to prevent arc faults and relative to
the number of units in service, failures are very rare. Limited sources for medium voltage metal-
enclosed arc fault data include:
A 1976 IEC world-wide study [no reference available] estimated a switchgear failure rate of 0,001 per
cell x year;
The survey launched by the working group for this Brochure reported an average event rate of
0,00013 per installation x year (the questionnaire was on experience over the last five years).
The two studies report significant difference in the magnitude of the rate of arcing fault events, but
are not actually comparable due to the fact that the survey bases are not the same (cells versus
installations) and the survey period was not similar (absolute versus last five years). Results of the last
survey are presented in Annex A.
IEEE Standard 493 "IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial
Power Systems" [3] contains failure rates for switchgear sub-assemblies. However, the reference
period is already rather old (for a publication in 1997) and it seems some progress has been achieved
which should call for a revision.
Arcing faults are not only a concern for metal-enclosed switchgear, and the standard
IEC 62271-200 [1] in its Table 102 "Locations, causes and examples of measures to decrease the
probability of internal arc faults" provides a list of possible causes for faults within switchgear, as well
3
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
as some guidance for reducing the probability of their occurrence. This Brochure focuses on the
consequences of faults, and on the advantages/drawbacks which come with the various arc mitigation
systems commercially available. It also considers how such systems could be described, specified and
tested.
Such systems shall be understood as acting in parallel with and in addition to a standard protection
system, basically based on over-current protection function(s), which is always supposed to trip an
upstream breaker clearing the arcing fault after a given duration, or to be able to do so.
This assumption is implicitly made when assigning a rated arc duration, for instance 1 s; otherwise,
the arc fault supplied by a network would not extinguish at all. The internal arc validation as per IEC
or IEEE assumes the timely reaction of a fault clearing system.
4
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................... 3
SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................... 5
DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 9
5
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................ 57
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................................. 59
A.1. GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................................ 61
A.2. COMMENTS FROM THE WG......................................................................................................................................... 61
6
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Tables
Table 2.1: Applicability of single phase tests according to IEC 62271-200 24
Table 5.1: Criteria for possible extension of validity of test results 50
Table 5.2: Synthesis of possible validation approaches 51
Table 6.1: Expected benefits with an non arc-resistant switchgear 54
Table 6.2: Expected benefits with an arc-resistant switchgear, 55
Table 6.3: Drawbacks and limitations of various categories of systems 56
Table A.1 Location of each respondent’s MV switchgear in each country 62
Table A.2 Percentage of each respondent’s installed arc-resistant MV switchgear in each country 63
Table A.3 Arc-resistance rating in each country 66
Table A.5 Summary of Internal Arc (IA) events 70
7
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Table A.6 Time for getting the affected installation back into service after IA event(s) 71
Table A.7 Shift the protection relay settings faster and reduce the PPE level 72
Table A.8 Safety practice change 73
Table A.9 Recognition and practical use of AAEMS 74
Table A.10 Sensor for AAEMS 74
Table A.11 Safety practice change 75
8
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
DEFINITIONS
Medium voltage (m.v.)
any voltage above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV
Arc fault
fault in an electrical system with an arc between conductive parts normally insulated one from
the other
Stored energy
amount of energy stored and sufficient to complete a function under predetermined conditions
(provides independence from any external power supply, at the time of operation)
Auxiliary equipment
any equipment built into an auxiliary circuit (refer to IEC 62271-1 [18], subclause 3.5.4)
9
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
10
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
1. POSSIBLE EFFECTS
1.1 GENERAL
High-current arc faults mostly develop from low-current arc faults. Basic arc fault causes are
maloperation, exploding fuses, foreign material, negligent cable assembly, voltage transformer
insulation faults, contamination and switching device failures in medium voltage applications.
Operating the switchgear beyond its designed ratings could also initiate an internal fault, e.g. transient
overvoltages beyond the rated insulation level, sustained overload or exceeding the rated temperature
range.
The occurrence of an internal arc fault in an electrical installation is very unlikely, but when it occurs it
may seriously damage the electrical equipment, the switchgear buildings and endanger personnel.
Answers to the survey made by the working group reported an average occurrence rate of 1,3 per
10 000 switchgear assembly x years. The physical results of an internal arc fault are significant,
showing the following major physical impacts:
– the energy released from an electrical arc heats the gas or the air within the switchgear enclosure,
resulting in a pressure rise;
– overpressure generated during the internal arc fault causes mechanical stress on the switchgear
enclosures and on switchgear room walls;
– the arc can burn on a surface of the metallic enclosure, melting and puncturing it (burn-through).
Hot gases may then stream out of the affected compartment;
– the resultant force of expelled gases following rupture may cause debris to be catapulted at high
speed away from the arc fault affected compartment;
– sound levels may exceed the human pain threshold resulting in permanent hearing damage;
– very bright light emissions might occasionally blind operators.
Such effects are also described in the CIGRE Brochure 602, published December 2014, chapter 1.1
[4].
The effects listed above may be mitigated by the design of the switchgear itself and/or the switching
room. More details are provided in subclauses below.
1.2 EFFECTS CONSIDERED
1.2.1 Main phenomenon: the gas flow
An arc burns in air with a temperature in the order of 10 000 K - 15 000 K, (15 000 K to 20 000 K in
SF6), and this temperature is reached in less than 1 ms. This means that within the arc volume and
around it, the gas rapidly heats and expands in the enclosed space. Furthermore at such a high
temperature, the conductors in contact with the arc roots are vaporized (ablation phenomenon: direct
transformation from solid state to vapour state). The arc balances its temperature, mainly losing its
power by radiation; thus the radiation power density is very high in the vicinity of the arc, and other
materials (such as epoxy, insulated material, steel) receiving this radiation, are also vaporized. As
radiation is transported at light speed, this process follows closely the arc power curve without time
delay.
Within an enclosed compartment, these two phenomena, the gas expansion and the gas production
by solid material ablation, result in the following consequences:
– immediately at the start of the event, a pressure rise in the faulty compartment. In arc-resistant
switchgear, an opening is designed in each compartment, so to relieve this pressure in
predetermined, designated areas;
– a flow of extremely hot, and possibly toxic, gases from the faulty compartment towards an
opening. For arc resistant switchgear this opening, as well as the downstream gas evacuation
system to the outside of the switchgear or outside the switching room, is included in the
switchgear design. It should be noted that such an arrangement is effective only if all doors are
closed and breakers racked-in; otherwise gases would be evacuated through these openings;
11
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
– the hot gas flow starts in the faulty compartment, and may involve several other compartments,
ducts and exhaust systems, as well as the switching room.
The pressure wave expands at the speed of sound, whereas the gas speed depends on flow
conditions (pressure, temperature, composition, geometry of the exhaust system). As soon as the
exhaust flow is established by design or by rupture, the pressure drops quickly to zero. In standard Air
Insulated Switchgear, the pressure stage lasts typically 1-2 cycles (20-40 ms). In large Gas Insulated
Switchgear vessels, it can last up to 10 cycles.
The gas composition at the beginning of the event is mainly the one which was in the compartment
before the arc ignition, i.e. SF6 or air. When the arc lasts, most of this original gas is expelled out of
the compartment, and is replaced by the gases resulting from the vaporization of the solid materials.
These are essentially flammable gases, and it is observed, typically after 100-200 ms, that these
gases ignite and create flames of a yellow colour, that can be observed by the human eye, whereas
hot air is transparent. This combustion process is responsible for the dark dust that is found within a
switchgear after an internal arc event.
As long as the arc lasts, it continues to vaporize solid material, and feeds this flame production
process. It is noticeable that usually, when the combustion (flame) process starts, the pressure is
already back to zero within the switchgear, meaning that the flow has reached its maximum velocity
and temperature everywhere. Therefore the combustion process does not influence the pressure field.
The combustion process depends on the stochastic proportion of oxygen, and would be changed if the
compartment remained closed.
Figure 1.1 illustrates the exhaust of a gas duct during a 1 s internal arc event, at various times after
arc ignition, respectively: 40 ms, 135 ms, 260 ms, 560 ms, 880 ms, 1,1 s. Note that the last picture is
taken after the arc extinction.
12
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
40 ms 135 ms
260 ms 560 ms
880 ms 1,1 s
13
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
14
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
4 1
Figure 1.2 – Arc power curve and pressure development during an internal arc
Figure 1.3 shows an AIS assembly, after a 20 kA - 1 s internal arc test (left, rear faces), and the
plastic deformation caused by the pressure on the enclosure.
15
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
1.2.2.4 Burnthrough
The arc, pushed by electromagnetic forces, may touch the enclosure steel wall which melts, creating a
burnthrough. Such burnthroughs would subject operators to direct arc radiation, in addition to the hot
gas flow it creates.
Figure 1.4 shows a typical burnthrough in an enclosure caused by an arc.
Figure 1.5 – Cable compartment before and after an arc fault test
16
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Figure 1.6 shows the pollution after a 20 kA - 1 s fault within an AIS switchgear. The arc burned in
the right end cubicle, whose doors can be seen in the picture, highly polluted. The adjacent cubicles
are also polluted.
Source:
TÜV Rheinland /
Berlin-Brandenburg
Schutzseminar 2002
17
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
surfaces, may lead to a deformation of the electrical field. This also influences the dielectric
properties. In addition oxidation ageing mechanisms for contacts should be monitored as described in
the IEC/TR 60943, subclause 3.3. [5]
Auxiliary or control equipment located in the room may be damaged by such oxidation, with effects
appearing only months later.
1.2.3.3 Toxicity Effects
The possible presence of toxic components require a period of ventilation after a fault before the
switchgear room may be entered, in a similar way to any fire event. When SF6 has been involved,
some by-products due to recombination with surrounding materials may be present ; toxicity of such
by-products is documented in CIGRE Brochure 234 [23] and in IEC 622271-4 [24].
1.2.3.4 Thermal effects
Gases expelled out of the switchgear are of high temperature and may ignite a fire within the room.
The hot air which is expelled first is at high temperature (several kK) but of very low density, and with
a low Cp (thermal capacity) so it transports little energy.
However, the flames resulting from gas combustion radiate about 1 000 times more than hot air
(measured by infra-red camera). Therefore the combustion phenomenon is the main cause of ignition
of material outside the switchgear. As it typically starts after 100 ms, shortening the arc duration
below this value would probably mitigate this risk.
1.2.4 People safety: the internal arc classification approach
Internal arc classification as defined in the IEC or IEEE standard, is mainly intended to prove that in
defined conditions of service, at the instant of occurrence of an internal arc:
– the enclosure remains tight and there is no significant hot gas leakage in any direction where an
operator can be present, and that there is no burnthrough of the enclosure;
– there are no moving or projected parts that could be a serious risk for an operator in the vicinity of
the switchgear.
The tightness of the enclosure results from its structural withstand to the pressure rise, and to
dedicated design strategies ensuring gas tightness of sheet metal assemblies. However, a bolted
assembly cannot be 100 % gas tight, and therefore one objective of the type test is to prove that the
level of tightness achieved is high enough for the severity of the fault targeted.
The intention is to check that an operator near the switchgear would not be hit by a hot gas jet from
the switchgear enclosure, nor an ejected solid part. The internal arc classification focuses on these
possible effects, the others being disregarded, especially those within the switching room.
1.2.5 For the distribution system
The consequences of a fault are also on the application, on the network upstream and downstream of
the switchgear, and may be considered by:
– the number of feeders impacted (generally several when an arcing fault occurs within a
switchboard);
– the electrical power system’s sensibility to service outage, caused by an internal arc and the
maximum outage time designated or allowed.
There are applications – mostly in industrial process industry and public safety areas – where
service outage times are considered as being especially critical. But these applications may require
back-up systems to further limit any service or failure outage time;
– the service continuity as a whole.
18
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
In this Brochure, the reference situation is considered to be a basic switchgear with no feature clearly
dedicated to any form of arc control.
Most of the mitigation systems which can be classified as passive are already part of the IAC
classification of the assembly (flaps, ducts, absorbers, or combinations of them), but some could be
added to an already classified design for further mitigation of the arc effects.
Installation instructions, including room arrangements, shall be considered. Special precautions are to
be taken when using exhaust plenums for the final exhaust of these ducts (which area, which
access...). Local regulations could help as they sometimes deal with rules about exhausting smoke or
hot gases.
Depending upon the implemented solution, maintenance of the mitigation system could be required
and users should refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Some basic features of the switchboard
such as door gaskets, latches, etc. will contribute to the behaviour of the switchgear in the case of
internal arc. These should be subjected to proper periodic inspection or maintenance, as required.
Figure 2.1 – Deformation of structure after an internal arc test in the SF6-filled switch
19
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
There are calculation methods, such as finite element method, which help improve the design, thus
reducing the number of internal arc tests, and even allowing the verification of design modifications
by simulation.
Such designs are type-tested to meet relevant acceptance criteria, as expressed in standards. For the
overpressure concern, these criteria are:
– Correctly secured doors and covers do not open. Deformations are accepted, provided that no part
comes as far as the position of the cotton indicators or the walls (whichever is the closest) on
every side
– No fragmentation of the enclosure occurs.
– No ejection of fragments or of other parts of the switchgear of an individual mass of 60 g or more
occur
20
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
– Cotton indicators do not ignite due to the effect of hot gases or burning liquids.
Fig 2.5 illustrates the rapid reduction of overpressure during a three-phase fault in air-insulated arc-
resistant switchgear
Figure 2.5 – Oscillograms of vented Internal Arc Test (overpressure and currents)
21
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Simulation methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can be used for the calculation of
the pressure distribution and variation of hot gases discharged from MV switchgear experiencing an
internal arc. CFD is typically used in:
– assessing the actual geometry of the switchgear and installation room (simulating actual electrical
installations when they differ from the manufacturer’s requirements or from the test conditions).
– analyzing the influence of the location of pressure relief openings in rooms.
– analyzing the influence of specific flap designs, or the influence of grids and absorbers.
22
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Figure 2.9 – Cooling system for escaping gases using a metal labyrinth
Such features are usually not documented, being part of the design know-how of the manufacturers.
They affect the performance of the switchgear under arc fault conditions and are useful to achieve
internal arc classification for instance.
23
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
The phase-to-earth fault current depends on the neutral impedance value of the network. Some
distribution networks are grounded via impedance modules such as high/low impedance resistors or
reactors. In such a case, arc energy of a single earth fault is smaller than that of a direct grounding
system or a phase-to-phase short circuit fault.
According to IEC 62271-200 [1], single phase tests are applicable to single phase compartments and
solid insulation technologies – refer to table below. The standard defines a rating for single phase-to-
earth arc fault current: IAe. This rating may be lower than the three phase arc fault current: IA.
Rationale for this difference is related to the actual network earthing system and is detailed §8.104.6
in the same standard.
In most MV systems in which the neutral is connected to earth through an impedance, IAe is typically
lower than 2 kA, so an order of magnitude is saved compared to IA.
One can note that the probability for single phase designs that a second fault to earth occurs in the
network following the first one in the switchgear is not zero, leading to a double earth fault, probably
at two different locations. If such a probability has to be covered, typically when operating the
network under sustained fault conditions (isolated or tuned systems), then the IAe shall be at least
0,87 IA as shown in the table.
Single phase
IAe One phase and earth. Repeat as 3 phase test
compartments:
One result of such a single phase test shall be not to ignite any other remaining phases. The type test
thus proves that arc fault current is limited to IAe by design.
CIGRE Brochure 602 [4] proposes information, methodology and simulation tools for possible
calculation and simulations of the pressure inside a room in case of a switchgear internal arc, as well
as relevant design rules.
Building design is influenced by the choices made about arc withstand of the switchgear, and possible
arc effects mitigation systems implemented.
24
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Acceleration of the protection system will result in reducing the arc duration (and potentially the arc
current magnitude) and thus its incident energy. When chosen to activate an arc quenching device
(e.g. an earthing switch) the reduction in the incident energy can be more significant if the device acts
much faster than the circuit breaker can extinguish the current.
As can be seen from Figure 1.2, this is too slow to ensure arc fault clearing before the pressure peak
is reached and, if forces are sufficient to blow covers or doors off (in the case of non arc-resistant
switchgear), this will happen within this time frame. Hot gases will be emitted into the switchgear
room, possibly towards an operator, if present.
Other technologies to reduce arc detection and response time are described below.
The optical sensors' signals are collected by an evaluation unit which processes a trigger signal, if the
sensor input exceeds a defined threshold level. The signal generation by the optical or electrical
method is based on simple operation of an operational amplifier. The detection signal is compared
against a threshold signal.
In order to avoid unintentional tripping caused by light sources other than an electrical arc, optical
sensors are typically combined with additional current information. The evaluation unit can send a trip
signal to the arc quenching device.
25
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Figure 2.10 – Typical oscillogram of an arc quenching operation, triggered by optical method, showing the very
short detection duration
The green curve in Figure 2.11 represents the fault current over time. The blue curve shows the
pressure as seen by the sensor. The steep rise in pressure, when the blast reaches the sensor, is used
to trigger the pressure sensor at 555 hPa relative pressure. The pressure sensor gives a continuous
signal (red line) whenever the pressure is higher than the threshold.
The pressure sensor may be integrated in the wall of the gas tank of gas-insulated switchgear or in
the metal encapsulated wall of the air-insulated switchgear and detects a pressure increase caused by
an arc fault within the entire switchgear. In the case of an arc fault the pre-loaded short-circuiting
26
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
devices, installed in the incoming feeder cubicles and interconnected to the sensors, are switched on.
By activating such a device, the arc fault is transformed into a galvanic short circuit and the arc fault
is quenched.
For gas-insulated switchgear, the pressure increase may remain below the opening pressure of the
bursting discs and the gas tank will remain sealed. Thus, there are no pressure effects onto walls or
floors surrounding the switchgear.
For air-insulated compartments the pressure sensor may be installed in the roof or in the rear wall of
each cubicle, and work onto a common tripping shaft/linkage to operate an arc-quenching device for
the switchgear.
Figure 2.12 – Air-insulated and gas-insulated switchgear with arc mitigation systems using pressure methods
As described in Figure 2.13 below, the logic will detect the light signal above the threshold value, and
then waits for the pressurized sound signal which should be received within a design specific wait-
time (usually around one millisecond) if an arc is taking place in the switchgear. If the sound signal is
received with higher than the threshold value as well as within the design specific wait-time, a trip
signal is issued. When optimized, this system can detect the arc event in as quickly as one
millisecond.
27
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
For a higher level of reliability and redundancy multiple sensors must be located within the switchgear
(up to five depending on the switchgear design). A maximum coverage distance of 1 metre from the
possible arc incident location is recommended. Figure 2.14 provides illustration of possible locations.
To effectively detect the arc, fast and reliable light and sound sensors are required; the example
illustrated in Figure 2.15 is using sensors made of LEDs, bare fibre and a membrane.
28
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
The light fibre picks up the flash of an arc event from the bare fibre and transmits the light signal to
the logic. On a second fibre a LED emits light. This light is transported through the fibre and is
reflected back by the diaphragm, and collected by the same fibre back to the main unit. During an arc
flash event, the diaphragm vibrates due to the pressurized sound wave creating a signature (sound
signal) which is recognized by the logic. The unique combination of the light and sound signals is used
to detect the arc and generate a trip.
The trip signal can be then used to either open the main breaker or trigger an arc quenching device
when available.
2.3.8 Processing
Generally processing can be described as getting information as input to the arc mitigation system
and finally operating an arc quenching device which then provides the arc mitigation effect. Signal
processing can be realized using digital or analogic electrical or mechanical technology based on
requirements.
This Chapter relates to different arc detection principles which deliver a sensing signal. These sensing
signals can exceed defined threshold levels in order to be recognized as indication for an internal arc
occurrence. Evaluation and processing of the sensing signals can be based on:
– r.m.s. values: this measurement should cover at least two half cycles of the signal (recognized
method to calculate an r.m.s. value). For a current signal this results in a total processing time
(from arc occurrence until arc extinguishing) greater than 20 ms at 50 Hz (16 ms at 60 Hz);
– instantaneous values: this delivers the advantage of an immediate detection if a threshold level is
exceeded, but it is sensitive to signal distortions. AND-gating with others signals (e.g. light) or
filtering could avoid false tripping in such cases. Using instantaneous values of sensing signals a
29
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
typical signal processing time (from arc occurrence until generation of the trigger signal) of below
2 ms can be reached;
– sensing signal’s rates of rise: examples for this are dI/dt, dU/dt, dIv/dt. Depending on the chosen
time interval (dt) this deduction method could deliver the same advantages and drawbacks as
monitoring an instantaneous value (valid for short time intervals) or as calculating an r.m.s. value
(valid for long time intervals).
For a complete arc mitigation system the following components are required:
– arc detection sensors incorporating signal evaluation and the trigger signal creation
and/or
– arc quenching devices using a defined, standardized input signal, incorporating the arc quenching
device signal treatment.
Market available complete arc mitigation systems that use light plus current sensing (these are the
most available state-of-the-art non-mechanical sensing solutions) are available as:
– a three components arrangement, combining evaluation (incl. trigger signal) and arc quenching
device signal creation in one device
or
– four components arrangements which split the evaluation (incl. trigger signal) unit and the arc
quenching device signal creation into two separate devices in order to adapt the arc quenching
device signal to the arc quenching device used.
– An overpressure caused by the internal arc results in a mechanical movement of dedicated parts
within the switchgear especially designed to react on pressure. This movement is directly and
mechanically linked to the latch of a mechanical pre-loaded arc quenching device and trips it (e.g.
tripping an earthing switch, also refer to figure 2.12). These kinds of mechanical systems typically
show total processing time (from arc occurrence until arc extinguishing) of 30 ms to 100 ms. This
total processing time relates to the mechanical movement until the threshold level is reached and
the switching time for the pre-loaded arc quenching device. Details of the signal processing time
until the trigger signal is supplied are not specified/known.
While the actuation – at least for one shot devices – cannot be tested, the signal processing can be
routinely tested by applying sensing signals directly (e.g. light) or applying otherwise produced signals
(e.g. secondary CT output) to the evaluation device. The properly produced arc quenching device
signal can now be measured.
30
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
For the routine testing of a mechanical signal processing a mechanical movement might be applied
that leads to an unlatching of the pre-loaded arc quenching device. This routine test can only be
conducted if the later proper function of the mechanical functional chain is ensured.
The triggering signal received from the arc detection control unit energizes the coil and the
mechanical switch short circuits the three phases which may or may not be grounded. In some cases
where the operating time of arc short-circuiting device is not critical, an existing earthing switch inside
the switchgear can be used.
Typically the sensor then triggers the short-circuiting device associated with the incoming feeder
within milliseconds thereby transforming the arc fault into a bolted fault which is cleared by the
upstream circuit-breaker.
The association of a fast detection principle, as light detection, and a fast acting device could provide
efficient peak arc current limitation as illustrated below.
31
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
In Figure 2.18, the arc is initiated at T1. The arc elimination sequence is started and at T2 the short-
circuiting device closes and the arc is quenched at T3. The energy released is 40 kJ for phase one in
comparison to several MJ for usual fault duration (cleared by a circuit-breaker with a standard
protection plan).
The key advantage of this approach is the minimization of damage to the switchgear due to the rapid
extinguishing of the arc fault. A key disadvantage may be the risk of inadvertent operation of the high
speed switch.
Attention is drawn to the fact that the device must be connected to the faulty conductors. As an
example, an open incoming unit may have a fault on the cables which will not be cleared by a short-
32
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
circuiting device connected somewhere else in the switchboard. Various single line diagrams may
create situations in which several short-circuiting devices will be needed to cover all situations.
Other implementations are also available with a pre-charged earthing switch, usable as a normal
earthing switch, with making capacity, but are also fitted with a tripping system operating in case of
over-pressure in some compartment of the assembly.
Some other short-circuiting devices are only used for arc control function. They are usually provided
with a dedicated detection and tripping system and are designed to act much faster than earthing
switches. When the making operation is faster than 5 ms, the peak value of the arc current is
reduced, compared with a longer closing time. Various technological solutions do exist, some
resettable, and others using replaceable components. According to manufacturers, the short-circuiting
device may be available as a separate product or only provided with the full system (meaning with
detection and relay).
A short-circuit between phases, or between phases and earth, would divert the current from the
arcing channel to the newly established short-circuit which would extinguish the arc. The overall
process is basically transferring the arc from an unintended location (internal arc in the switchgear) to
a dedicated location for arc extinction (the arc chamber of the upstream circuit breaker). However to
be effective as a solution the process should be very fast (including the detection delay) in order to
avoid the pressure peak and to minimize the energy delivered by the arc
The calculation of the short current is necessary to determine the required capability of the short-
circuiting device and the impact of such a solution on the overall performance of the protection
system. Analysis can be derived from industry standards such as IEC (e.g. IEC 60909-0 "Short-circuit
currents in three-phase ac systems – Part 0: Calculations of currents" [7]) or IEEE (e.g. IEEE Std 551-
Recommended Practice for Calculating AC Short-Circuit Currents in Industrial and Commercial Power
Systems [8]) or any other relevant document. It is however important to highlight that in this matter
the peak short-circuit current (referred also to as peak withstand current or close and latch current)
will be of great importance as it will relate to the duty that the short-circuiting device will face when
closing against the arc fault current, especially when arc extinction is required within a cycle (< 20 ms
at 50 Hz) after its initiation.
According to IEC 60909-0 [7] the following equation can be used for estimating the peak short-circuit
current, knowing the X/R ratio viewed from the fault point. This expression provides a conservative
rather close approximation of the peak current values for the situation where the circuit X/R ratios
viewed from the fault location are greater than three which is largely representative for most
distribution circuits. 𝐼𝐴𝐶,𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 is the peak value of the symmetrical (transient) short circuit current. It is
important to consider all sources contributing to the subtransient and transient short-circuit current
including the generators and large, synchronous and, induction motors. Readers should refer to any of
the relevant IEC or IEEE standards for detailed calculations procedures.
33
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
3
−(𝑋⁄ )
𝐼𝑆𝐶−𝑑𝑢𝑡𝑦 = 𝐼𝐴𝐶,𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑘 (1.02 + 0.98𝑒 𝑅 )
It is expected that the upstream circuit breakers will have the required capacity to withstand and
extinguish the established short-circuit current. For the short-circuiting device as long as it involves
the three phases (balanced short-circuit), it can be expected to divert and extinguish the internal arc
with no influence on the grounding scheme. However for situation where a single phase arcing is
possible special attention must be given to the system grounding. Indeed, for an ungrounded or high
impedance grounded system, a single phase arcing fault can occur inside the switchgear without
driving a significant current until a second line becomes involved (double-line fault). The risk is limited
that such an arcing current causes an explosion. but it may damage important components or
compromise personnel safety. Therefore the sensitivity of the arc detector should be planned
accordingly.
– using a special set of protection parameters, with shorter or no time delays, for when people
access the switching room (to be implemented in the digital relays and switched "normal/special"
before access);
34
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Another case is the need for upgrading an existing switchgear installation regarding its internal arc
behaviour, for reduction of the arc effects.
It should be noted that IAC (internal arc classification) testing appeared in the first edition of IEC
standard 62271-200 [1], effective November 2003. Before the year 2003 switchgear’s requirements
with regard to the behaviour during internal arc events were under agreement between manufacturer
and user only. IAC classification actually does not cover any active system.
A workplace risk assessment, required by national standards, might consider an “active” system for a
workplace risk improvement. As an example, the U.S. standard NFPA 70E "Standard for Electrical
Safety in the Workplace" [9] addresses employee workplace electrical safety requirements and
considers that, in case of an arcing fault, the protection plan (breakers, relays, etc.) works normally.
Such an arc effect mitigation system will be chosen if the circumstances favour its use. The factors
taken into account in determining its use are:
– limiting or avoiding the release of gases and particles into the switchgear room, caused by the
internal arc in order to:
– minimize the emission of toxic gases to persons near the switchgear under fault;
35
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
– reduce contamination of the switchgear room or other equipment with gases, metallic vapours
and particles, caused by the internal arc. This contamination may lead to significant reduction
of the remaining lifetime of installed equipment.;
– reduce the required ventilation time before entering the switchgear room after fault;
– reduce the structural strength requirements for the switchgear room, especially for pressure
withstand, and reduce the size of exhaust openings and the switchgear room size itself.
This may allow the customer to use an existing room for the switchgear installation or a room
where it is not possible to obtain the required exhaust openings for gases or routing gases and
particles outside. Reducing room’s size is especially beneficial where available space is limited.
In all cases an appropriate pressure calculation is necessary.
In certain cases, the reduction of gases generated by the internal arc in a functional unit under
fault, may no longer require a “first level” large pressure relief volume (buffer volume) – mostly
located below the switchgear – before further releasing the gases;
– reducing the thermal energy generated by the arc, which limits the risk of reaching high
temperatures leading to a fire on components inside or outside the switchgear;
– enabling arc effect mitigation under maintenance condition which requires opening of switchgear
covers and/or doors when other parts of the switchgear assembly are still energized;
– reducing the internal arc duration below the rated value, in cases where the implemented
overcurrent protection scheme does not provide the fault clearing time to remain within the IAC
rated duration of the switchgear;
– limiting the damage within the switchgear due to the arc energy reduction.
The arc fault damage can be confined to the functional unit or compartment under fault.
The other functional units of the switchgear that were not exposed to the internal arc could be re-
energized after isolation of the faulty functional unit or compartment.
Depending on the limitation, the faulty functional unit or compartment might be re-used after repair
in accordance with manufacturer instructions, cleaning and inspection;
– possibly reducing the thermal and mechanical stress for incoming feeder cables and connections
caused by the fault current in the case of an internal arc. The internal arc detection signal can be
used to by-pass the selected protection scheme and thus accelerate the tripping of the upstream
breaker, even if a short-circuiting device ensures the arc extinction.
3.2.2 Limitations and drawbacks
Some active arc mitigation devices are transforming an arc fault into a three-phase, ungrounded
bolted short-circuit. Under these conditions the involved circuit-breaker, which is expected to clear the
fault, has to handle a transient recovery voltage which might exceed its type tested capabilities
because breaker type testing uses a grounded test circuit (IEC 62271-100 "High-voltage switchgear
and controlgear – Part 100: Alternating-current circuit-breakers" [10], figure 13).
If short-circuiting devices are installed close to generators the current flowing through the short-
circuiting device can lead to a longer period of “delayed current zero crossing” condition compared to
the case with arc faults. In such a case special attention should be paid to the application of generator
circuit-breakers (see details in IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 37-013: Alternating-current generator circuit-breakers" [11]).
The components of an active arc mitigation system have to be considered in the calculations of MTBF,
functional safety and expected service lifetime of the installation. The lifetime can be reduced by the
adjunction of auxiliary equipment and an auxiliary power supply (if required by the system) in non
optimal conditions (e.g. electrical field and high temperature, inside MV compartments).
Three phase short-circuiting devices (with and without grounding) if initiated will establish a three-
phase short-circuit current,(even though the arc fault occurred as a single-phase to ground failure
with lower current). This increases the thermal and mechanical stress of the upstream equipment,
although normally still within the specified performances. In switchgear designs which would keep the
fault single-phase to earth, the three phase short-circuit would normally be avoided if no short-
circuiting mitigation system operates.
36
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
– low setting values of the initiation criteria have the advantage of being sensitive to low current arc
faults. However such a sensitive system gives the risk of unwanted activation;
– high setting values of the initiation criteria help to focus the system on severe faults, but create
limitations in sensitivity.
This sensitivity trade-off might result in a deviation from the expected result. Combining more than
one threshold signal overcomes this sensitivity challenge, and is commonly implemented for light
detection with a cross-check with another parameter (e.g. current).
– limit or avoid the release of gases and particles caused by the internal arc into the switchgear
room:
– minimizing the emission of toxic gases to persons near the switchgear under fault;
– reducing contamination of the switchgear room or other equipment with gases, metallic
vapours and particles caused by the internal arc. This contamination may lead to significant
reduction of the remaining lifetime of installed equipment;
– reducing the required ventilation time before entering the switchgear room after fault. This is
mainly applicable when using an exhaust duct.
– reduce the structural strength requirements for the switchgear room, especially for pressure
withstand, the size of exhaust openings and the size of the switchgear room size itself.
In all case an appropriate pressure calculation is necessary.
This is applicable using an exhaust duct, an absorber system or a combination of it, for rooms
equipped with an opening;
– use an existing room for the switchgear installation or a room where it is not possible to obtain the
required exhaust openings for gases or routing gases and particles outside. This is applicable using
an absorber system;
– reduce the thermal energy – released from the switchgear assembly – by absorbers or routing the
thermal energy outside the switchgear room by an exhaust duct; both limit the risk of reaching
high temperatures inside the switchgear room leading to a fire of components.
37
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
– upgrading an existing internal arc classified switchgear, for reducing the arc effects by passive
systems, may lead to invalidity of switchgear’s type tests (if originally tested without these
systems), thus requiring new testing for validation of the classification;
– before adding a passive system – in any initial switchgear installation or later upgrading – the
available space in the switchgear room versus required additional space has to be considered as
well as limitations caused by the building structure;
– some passive systems (e.g. exhaust ducts) cannot be factory assembled and require on-site
installation expertise and additional work. On the other hand on-site upgrading of already installed
switchgear by a passive system may not be possible if it is not foreseen by design (e.g. flaps);
– passive systems are usually only beneficial under normal service conditions, meaning with all
covers and doors closed, as for the internal arc classification.
38
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Short circuit current duration could be reduced for part of an assembly by the installation of these
limiting devices, however external short-circuits are usually not going to trigger a device dedicated
to arc effect mitigation and the possible application of a reduced rating for some circuits within the
assembly shall be closely investigated.
– 5 Design and construction: "For main circuits with current-limiting fuses, the manufacturer of
the switchgear and controlgear may assign the maximum peak and Joule integral of the let-
through current of the fuses to the main circuit downstream of the fuse."
This could be a precedent, and a hint to rate more sophisticated devices.
– 6.106.1 Internal Arc test; General: "Not intended to cover the presence of gases with potential
toxic characteristics, or the hazard of fire propagation to combustible materials or equipment
placed in the proximity of the metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear;"
From a standard perspective, the secondary effects of arcs (fire, toxic gasses, equipment damage,
etc…) are pretty much universally ignored, due to the impossibility to define proper measurements
and acceptance criteria.
39
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
However, the Standard provides limited information about how to qualify (for Internal Arc
Classification) a switchgear fitted with an internal arc effects mitigation system, but that does not
address the demonstration of performance of the system itself.
– 6.106.2 Internal Arc test; test conditions: "Any device (for example, protection relay) that may
automatically trip the circuit before the end of the prospective duration of the test shall be made
inoperative during the test. If compartments or functional units are equipped with devices intended
to limit the duration of the arc itself by other means (for example, by transferring the current to a
metallic short circuit), they shall be made inoperative during the test. If these devices are integral
part of the design of the compartment or assembly which prevents to make them inoperative
without modification of the construction, the relevant compartment of the switchgear and
controlgear may be tested with the device operative; but this compartment shall be qualified
according to the actual duration of the arc. The test current shall be maintained for the rated
short-circuit duration of the main circuit.
NOTE2 Because in general arc limiting devices are out of the scope of this standard and if the
switchgear and controlgear has previously been tested with the limiting device made inoperative,
an additional test may be performed to demonstrate the behaviour of this arc limiting device."
This states that such devices cannot be used to demonstrate the ratings for internal arc classification.
But the ratings may be defined considering that such a system will be implemented. For instance, a
switchgear assembly may be classified with a very short fault duration, such a duration being realistic
only with a dedicated arc extinction system.
Also the Standard does not address any maintenance situation (classification is demonstrated with all
doors and panels closed and locked). That further means that "arc flash" concerns are not covered.
(as a reminder, "arc flash" means direct exposure to arc thermal radiation, either by working on bare
live conductors, or following a fault within a non-internal-arc-rated piece of switchgear).
Some guidelines are provided in Clause 8 of the standard "Guide to the selection of switchgear and
controlgear" and especially in subclause 8.104 about internal arc risk and classification.
The IEC 62271-202 "High-voltage/low-voltage prefabricated substations" [13] extends the concept of
Internal Arc Classification from switchgear assemblies to prefabricated substations, with a similar level
of specification, basically the same assessment criteria, and no more detailed information about arc
effects mitigation.
The IEC/TR 61641 "Enclosed low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Guide for testing
under conditions of arcing due to internal fault" [14] proposes classification criteria based on either
constructive provisions – solid insulation – or test results. Test procedures are not fully defined, and
some points remain open for discussion according to the assembly considered. Many different tests
could be performed on the basis of this document.
Some differences related to MV equipment appear, beyond the fact that no type test is defined:
– the Report does not consider that solid insulation may fail; the proposed "arc ignition protected
zones" are expected to be fault free because of solid insulation;
– the Report also addresses service continuity, through proposed assessment criterion 7;
after clearing of the fault or after isolation or disassembly of the affected functional units in the
defined area, emergency operation of the remaining assembly is possible. This is verified by a
dielectric test according to IEC 61439-2 "Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2:
Power switchgear and controlgear assemblies" [15], subclause 10.9.2, but with a test voltage of
1,5 times the rated operational voltage for 1 min. Bending or bowing of doors and covers of the unit
under test and adjacent units is acceptable providing it can be readily restored to a minimum level
of protection in accordance with IPXXB of IEC 60529 "Degrees of protection provided by enclosures
(IP Code)" [16]. With the exception of the tested zone as declared by the manufacturer, all other
units should remain fully operable both mechanically and electrically and are essentially in the same
condition as before the test.";
– the Report considers that any arc mitigation system may be implemented and operational for the
tests.
40
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
The IEC 60909 series " Short-circuit currents in three-phase ac systems" provides rules for short-
circuit current calculations according to network conditions. It may be useful when considering the
actual risk level on a given installation. The parts are:
– Part 0:2001, Calculation of currents
– Part 1:2002, Factors for the calculation of short-circuit currents according to IEC 60909-0
– Part 3:2006, Currents during two separate simultaneous line-to-earth short circuits and partial
short-circuit currents flowing through earth
– Part 4:2000, Examples for the calculation of short-circuit currents
The IEC 60255 series "Measuring relays and protection equipment"; could be used to specify and
demonstrate some performance aspects of some detection systems.
The principle in the IEC standards, and especially in the IEC 62271-200 [1], is that the rated
performances shall be demonstrated (principle of verifiability stated by the ISO/IEC Directives, Part2,
5.5 [21]), and that these performances define the boundary for interactions with the larger system.
Typically, a short-circuit withstand duration shall be linked with the protection plan and its possible
back-up stages and the rated duration is the limit for the protection scheme to clear the fault
(actually, the possible reclosing operations have to be considered also on that performance). With a
similar idea, it is possible (see Clause 5 of IEC 62271-200 [1]) to define the maximum peak current
and maximum Joule integral as a boundary, if upstream devices or systems, e.g. current-limiting
fuses, are considered reliable enough to ensure such limits will not be exceeded. And it is once more
the same idea which opens the possibility to declare any duration, even rather short, for IAC
classification (see subclause 5.101 of IEC 62271-200 [1]); such short values are expected to cover the
need when dedicated arc protection system is implemented and the overall behaviour relies on the
proper function of the system as a whole, but each contributing part needs to be characterised in such
a way that it can be validated.
When coming to test procedures, this arc protection system is not considered as a whole (same
situation as any protection scheme) and the test parameters are chosen for demonstration of the
boundary values characterising the switchgear itself, thus the provision expressed at the end of
subclause 6.106.2 of the IEC 62271-200 [1]: "Because in general arc limiting devices are out of the
scope of this standard and if the switchgear and controlgear has previously been tested with the
limiting device made inoperative, an additional test may be performed to demonstrate the behaviour
of this arc limiting device.".
4.3 OTHER STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
4.3.1 Standards
Several other publications issued by standardisation bodies address some way the concern of arcing
fault, not always limited to medium voltage switchgear. Some are listed below, and some others have
been cited by respondents to the survey (see A.4.7).
41
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
IEEE C37.20.7 - 2007 Guide for Testing Metal- "C" for indicators in LV instrument
Enclosed Switchgear Rated Up compartments
to 38 kV for Internal Arcing
Faults
Introduces Suffix C
IEEE 1584 - 2002 Guide for performing arc flash Provides guidance for calculation of
hazards calculation arc exposure; in such calculations, the
fault duration is a parameter, and any
device which shortens the duration
could be beneficial..
4.3.2 Regulations
There is no identified regulation addressing directly internal arc events. However, several regulatory
texts dealing with safety issues could be applied with the help of mitigation techniques; some are
listed below.
NFPA 70 E Standard for Electrical Safety in NFPA 70E arc flash specifications (to be
the Workplace addressed for situations when operator
U.S. regulation (partial)
can face an open arc) in North America
has the status of regulation in almost all
states.
European Union " Operation of electrical Personnel shall wear clothing suitable
EN 50110 installations" for the locations and conditions where
they are working. This could include the
use of close-fitting clothing or additional
PPE (personal protective equipment).
CSA Z462-15 Workplace electrical safety This regulation calls the IEEE 1584 for
arc exposure calculation
42
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
43
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Overpressure limitation: over-pressure limitation in the room (DE, BE, SE...), possibly with
expression of max overpressure e.g. 25 hPa
Release of SF6: for gas-insulated switchgear: An arc effect mitigation system shall avoid discharge
(uncontrolled release) of SF6
Indication
Indication: detection system shall indicate the failure’s location within the switchboard.
Indication: if any active short-circuiting system, information is required about its state (operated?)
Indication: both status (ready to operate and operated) of a short-circuiting device should be
indicated locally (on the mimic of the switchgear, even without power supply) and remotely for the
substations equipment with communication. If the same device is used for an active mitigation system
and the earthing switch, two separate indicators are required: one assessing the position of the
earthing switch, the second one assessing the operation of the arc killer.
Indication: the secured position (armed and locked, or disarmed) of a short-circuiting device has to
be visible.
44
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Interlocks:
After tripping initiated by a real arc, an interlock must prevent the reset of the device. The same
condition will prevent any operation of any switching device of the functional unit reenergizing the
compartment but should allow earthing and access.
Passive system
Resistance of enclosure: The covers shall have multiple latch points.
Exhaust channel: a metal plenum duct with risers or flanges to collect and exhaust arc products
outside the switchgear building shall be fitted to the top or to the rear of the switchgear assembly.
This channel has to withstand all the possible pressure and temperature, without any gas leaks. The
manufacturer has to define the maximum length, number of outlets and number of curves or elbows
of the channel in order to keep an admissible pressure in the channel.
Cooling system: preferably, the cooling system is integrated in the functional unit. If not, the
cooling system has to be designed and produced by the manufacturer of the functional unit. The
switchgear manufacturer is in any case responsible of the correct operation of the system.
Retrofitting: request for retrofitting, mainly on non arc-resistant switchgear
45
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
46
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
5. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
5.1 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS AND RELATED TESTS
For internal arc classified switchgear, where design changes influencing the IAC behaviour are
necessary to incorporate an active protection device, a repetition of IAC tests has to be considered.
For validation of the active protection system only tests in accordance with a) (below) should be
carried out. This is valid as long as the arc extinguishing time of the active protection system is
shorter or equal to the rated arc fault duration of the switchgear.
For switchgear not internal arc tested, integration of active arc fault mitigation system will improve the
behaviour under arcing fault conditions, but the extent of this improvement would need to be tested.
Validation of any active mitigation system could be considered in several ways, depending upon
whether the components are taken independently, or the overall system is tested as a whole.
Component testing is addressed in a) below, while tests on complete system are addressed in b),
further differentiated by the possibility to use an actual switchgear or a conventional test
arrangement.
a) Component testing of the arc quenching device and arc detection system (without triggering by an
internal arc).
Reference documents could be:
– IEC 62271-1: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications [18]
– IEC 62271-102: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 102: Disconnectors and
earthing switches [19]
– IEC 60255 series: Measuring relays and protection equipment
As a reminder, "switchgear and controlgear" is defined in International Electrotechnical
Vocabulary (441-11-01) [20] as:
"A general term covering switching devices and their combination with associated control, measuring,
protective and regulating equipment, also assemblies of such devices and equipment with associated
interconnections, accessories, enclosures and supporting structures."
These documents cover the needed performances:
– Dielectric withstand levels: IEC 62271-1 [18], subclause 4.2
– Short-time and peak withstand current: IEC 62271-1 [18], subclause 4.6
– Short-circuit making capacities: IEC 62271-102 [19], subclause 4.101
– EMC (immunity and emission): IEC 60255 series, IEC 62271-1 [18] subclauses 6.9.2 – 6.9.3.3
It should be noted that a similar approach is made for Low Voltage, as in 2016 the IEC SC121A
started the development of a standard dedicated to "low-voltage Arc Quenching Devices which are
intended to eliminate arcing faults in a low-voltage assembly, by creating a lower impedance current
path, to cause the arcing current to transfer to the new current path."
b) Tests on the complete arc effect mitigation system, as it could be installed in the switchgear,
triggered by an internal arc based on the IEC 62271-200 [1], in order to validate the added value
for mitigation.
Any type test of a system should use direct signals only and include the arc quenching device.
Such tests validate the functionality of the system. This can be performed either in a representative
switchgear or in a representative test container.
1) active systems tested independently of the switchgear assembly
Parameters to be specified/checked might be: arc extinction time, pressure in a defined test
volume, rate of rise or the pressure (hPa / ms)
A standardised test volume needs to be defined, as a test tool for laboratories, ensuring
standard test conditions and reproducible test results. Such a tool shall provide arcing
electrodes and arrangements for installing any sensor the system under test may include. An
example sketch is provided in Figure 5.1.
47
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
If the system is designed to trip a breaker (accelerated protection), the specified quantity
should be the fault duration until the tripping order is issued, rather than the total arc extinction
time (to allow for use with any breaker), and the system should be defined to be used with CBs
having clearing times lower than a declared value .
48
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
test current), in which the test will be performed and the resulting pressure measured. Gas
exhaust is proposed because it could seem unrealistic to test in a completely sealed volume
inside which the pressure would reach rather high values in cases of high fault currents. CIGRE
Brochure 602 [4] provides data about the relationship between exhaust area and internal
pressure during a given arc test. But specifying a gas exhaust for the test volume introduces
several further test parameters, as the location of the exhaust relatively to the test object would
have also some influence. On that point, a sealed test volume is easier to specify.
A rough estimation of the needed volume, to accommodate most test objects as specified by
IEC, is around 80-100 cubic meters. However, some assemblies covered by the IEC would need
a larger volume (e.g. air insulated switchboard for 36 kV rated voltage).
For such tests, the additional parameters to be checked would be:
– gas generation or not (a GIS may be prevented from any venting by an efficient system)
– pressure not to be exceeded in the test volume (some "rated pressure class" to be defined
in the switchgear assembly standard)
– no fire is ignited which could reach outside the switchgear assembly and possibly
propagate to the surroundings (detailed assessment criteria to be defined like additional
indicators, duration for observation, etc.)
– power frequency withstand test as condition check on non-affected parts of the test object
(switchgear assembly)
Rationale for such parameters is that the concern (or expected added value) is now on the
building and service continuity, and no more only on the short term personnel safety as in the
current IEC 62271-200 [1].
It is known that some laboratories already perform internal arc tests in container systems to
assess (in some way) the stresses on a switching room. This means it is technically possible to
perform such tests (see Figure 5.2). However, drafting a complete test procedure, including test
arrangement and measurement set-up will be a large undertaking.
Internal dimensions:
width: 5,5 m
depth: 3,5 m
height: 4,0 m
Volume: 77 m³
Door:
width: 2.3 m
height: 3.4 m max.
Max. over pressure: 300 hPa
Total mass: approx. 20 tons
Fitted with pressure sensors and high-
speed cameras
Considering the results of such a global test, the validity may be extended to some other piece
of switchgear fitted with the same AAEMS (Active Arc Effects Mitigation System) provided that
some criteria are met. Such analysis could be based on the following table. Additional
information is also available in CIGRE Brochure 602 [4].
49
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Validation
Test condition for the AAEMS Design parameter for the individual
Item note 1 Criterion switchgear with AAEMS
note 2
Rated pressure of insulating gas, if The effect for different rated pressures
5 same
applicable can be ignored (up to ±20%)
Metal evaporation
Raw material of conductors (Al or Cu
6 same This concerns the region where the arc
or their alloys)
is initiated.
Ablation of insulators
Insulating material exposed to the
7 same This concerns the region where the arc
arc
is initiated.
10 Arc current ≤
Note 3: arc duration is a characteristic of the AAEMS and is not expected to be different from one
implementation to another
50
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Global solution test (switchgear - could be considered under - additional parameters for
test) as part of a revised Internal the scope of IEC 62271-200 IAC to be defined
Arc Classification - would open for classification - acceptance criteria to be
of lighter designs defined
- covers mechanical solutions - seems a challenge to define
being part of the switchgear a clean type test
(reproducible, lab
independent)
51
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
52
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
53
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
speed — compared to arc quenching via circuit breaker tripping — translates directly to lower incident
energy and reduced equipment damage.
Experience has shown that proper location of arc detection sensors is critical for the proper operation
of the active system and for prevention of spurious operation of the short-circuiting device. The
effects of possible spurious operations should be considered before deciding to adopt this technique.
Some active systems may be used to act also for the benefit of a larger part of the installation than
only the switchgear, provided that proper tripping signal could be generated. One could imagine using
a light detection in a switching room if some cables or HV connections are present which may have a
risk of arcing fault for instance.
6.2 OVERVIEW OF CONCEPTS AND BENEFITS
The tables below are proposed as guidance, considering a reference situation of a three-phase design,
associated with a "conventional" protection plan, and express what could be expected as benefits or
drawbacks from various principles, as well as the existing limitations associated.
Most of the benefits listed here are further described in chapter 3.2 and chapter 3.3.
The expected benefits of active systems applied to non-arc-resistant switchgear are summarized in
Table 6.1.
It may be noted that the two first lines will differentiate by the effectiveness of the benefits, due to
the expected difference in the arc extinguishing times.
The principal benefits of modern arc-resistant switchgear is that in the event of an internal fault the
covers of the switchgear remain intact and arc products are expelled away from personnel (if
present). If the arc-resistant switchgear is not fitted with an exhaust duct or plenum the arc products
will be dispersed within the switchgear room. The effects of this dispersal will depend upon:
– the value of the fault current;
– arc duration;
– dimensions and construction of the room.
54
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Ultra-fast elimination of a developing arc fault might not leave identifiable arcing marks within the
switchgear assembly in order to evaluate its cause and exact location. This is a concern for analysis
and investigation of root cause.
Table 6.2 lists the expected benefits of arc resistant switchgear (not initially fitted with exhaust duct),
if active mitigation systems are applied or if the switchgear is fitted with an exhaust duct or plenum.
Benefit Reduce Limit the Reduce Reduce Improvement Lower risk under
the pressure the direct of service maintenance
arcing rise, gas required damage on continuity situations when
time release space for switchboard compartments are
and the and shorten accessed while
pollution switching the recovery board energised
in the room time of the
Technique switching failed circuit
room
Active Acceleration of
the protection
relay by
sensing sound, Y Y P P Y Y
light, pressure,
etc. and/or
current
Note 1: modifying an arc-resistant switchgear could impair the demonstrated performance, by increasing the
pressure inside the switchgear itself
Note 2: if the IAC is validated with a mandatory plenum, the benefits are already part of IAC
Obviously the use of a plenum will mitigate the effects on personnel and equipment in the switchgear
room and is recommended for installation with arc resistant switchgear.
Table 6.3 lists the drawbacks and limitations of arc fault mitigation systems
55
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
limitation
level applicable mitigation
circuits system
Technique
1: Arcing fault on incoming connexions may be out of the scope of action for such technique
2: would be NO, if the standard ways and criteria for the results of the demonstration are available.
56
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
7. CONCLUSION
Reduction of the hazards associated with a failure in MV electrical switchgear requires effort to reduce
the probability of a failure and also to reduce the effects of a failure. The probability of failure can
only be assessed with knowledge of the parameters and related fluctuations and transients, and of the
condition of the switchgear, using an appropriate condition assessment methodology.
Making sure all of these considerations are addressed should lead to the conclusion that the
occurrence of an internal arc fault in an electrical installation is very unlikely (but not zero). But when
an arc fault occurs its physical effects may seriously damage the electrical equipment, the switchgear
buildings and endanger personnel. These effects may be mitigated by the design of the switchgear
itself and/or the switching room.
Mitigation may be applied to the arc itself or the arc effects. Most solutions actually mitigate both, as
the goal is always to reduce the physical effects caused by an arc.
The physical effects of an arcing fault in the switchgear and within the switching room can be
mitigated by:
– reducing available fault current,
– reducing arc duration,
– reducing exposure of personnel to arc effects.
Passive systems generally act naturally or by design preventing the effects of either hot gases or
pressure waves without any mechanism or intelligent system intervening. Most of these are already
part of the switchgear assembly’s IAC classification.
Active systems mostly act on the arc itself by reducing its duration. Several systems in the market
place incorporate internal arc fault limiting devices. These devices generally operate by short-circuiting
and hence diverting the arc fault using very fast detection and a fast fault-current making switch.
It appears that speed of the overall system is a fundamental parameter if the goal is to avoid the
pressure peak. Using very fast detection principles and devices would become useless, if the
associated actuator slows down the overall operation time. That means tripping a circuit-breaker, no
matter how fast, will not provide the same performance as using a dedicated fast short-circuiting
device to earth or between phases as actuator.
Validation of any active mitigation system could be considered in several ways, depending upon
whether the components are taken independently, or the overall system is tested as a whole.
Considering pros and cons a global solution test (switchgear test), independent from Internal Arc
Classification, might be considered under the scope of IEC 62271-200 [1] providing suitable
assessment of resulting effects and covering mechanical solutions being part of the switchgear.
Additional ratings or performance classes as well as suitable test set-up and acceptance criteria must
then be defined in this standard As a new field for standardisation, with some kind of system
approach, it could also be considered as relevant for a dedicated publication, paving the way for
future maturation.
Use of switchgear, equipped with an internal arc effect mitigation system, is mainly a choice of the
customer. It will be chosen if the circumstances are in favour its use, considering its benefits,
limitations and drawbacks. Factors taken into account in determining its use are:
– the type of available switchgear room,
– the need for maintenance work,
– the electrical power system’s sensibility to service outage,
– the criticality of the whole installation and other exposed devices and its sensitivity to the impact of
an arc.
In certain cases, an internal arc effect mitigation system can be required due to internal building
pressure limits and/or the need to avoid pollution within the switching room caused by an arc fault.
57
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
58
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] IEC 62271-200:2011 "High voltage switchgear; a.c. metal-enclosed switchgear and
controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including 52 kV"
[2] IEEE C37.20.7-2008 - "IEEE Guide for Testing Metal-Enclosed Switchgear Rated Up to 38 kV
for Internal Arcing Faults"
[3] IEEE Std 493-1997 - "IEEE Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and
Commercial Power Systems"
[4] CIGRE Brochure 602 " Tools for the Simulation of the Effects of the Internal Arc in
Transmission and Distribution Switchgear", published December 2014
[5] IEC/TR 60943:2009 " Guidance concerning the permissible temperature rise for parts of
electrical equipment, in particular for terminals
[6] IEC 61936-1:2010 " Power installations exceeding 1 kV a.c. – Part 1: Common rules"
[7] IEC 60909-0:2001 "Short-circuit currents in three-phase ac systems – Part 0: Calculations of
currents"
[8] IEEE Std 551-2006 - Recommended Practice for Calculating AC Short-Circuit Currents in
Industrial and Commercial Power Systems
[9] NFPA 70E-2015 Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
[10] IEC 62271-100:2012 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –Part 100: Alternating-current
circuit-breakers"
[11] IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013:2015 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 37-013:
Alternating-current generator circuit-breakers"
[12] IEC 60298:1990 “A.C. Metal-Enclosed Switchgear and Controlgear for Rated Voltages
above 1 kV and up to and Including 52 kV”, withdrawn 2003
[13] IEC 62271-202:2014 " High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 202: High-voltage/low-
voltage prefabricated substation"
[14] IEC/TR 61641:2014 "Enclosed low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Guide for
testing under conditions of arcing due to internal fault"
[15] IEC 61439-2:2011 "Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies – Part 2: Power
switchgear and controlgear assemblies"
[16] IEC 60529:2013 "Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)"
[17] IEC 62271-201:2014 " High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 201: AC solid-insulation
enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1 kV and up to and including
52 kV"
[18] IEC 62271-1:2011 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 1: Common specifications"
[19] IEC 62271-102:2013 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 102: Disconnectors and
earthing switches"
[20] IEV International Electrotechnical Vocabulary is available at http://www.electropedia.org/
[21] ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, Ed 7, 2016-05, "Principles and rules for the structure and drafting
of ISO and IEC documents"
[22] IEEE std 1584-2002 "Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations"
[23] CIGRE Brochure 234 " SF6 Recyucling Guide: Re-use of SF6 gas in electrical power equipment
and final disposal"
[24] IEC 622271-4 "High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 4: Handling procedures for
sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and its mixtures"
59
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
60
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
APPENDIX A.
RESULTS OF SURVEY
A.1. GENERAL
The working group organised a survey in order to get feed-back from users about field arc events and
about knowledge and use of mitigation techniques. This survey was distributed through the CIGRE
National Committees during May 2015 and the answers gathered at the end of August 2015. This
Annex provides the raw results as well as comments from the working group.
A.2. COMMENTS FROM THE WG
Respondent’s country
61
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Respondents in the industry field are few. Major location of MV switchgear is distribution.
62
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Germany 75 69 (44735/64935)
5 68 (6023/8911) 23 (1464/6424)
(37247/49600)
11 USA 0 0 0 0
Most of respondent’s installed MV switchgear in Japan and USA are not arc-resistant.
Australia (3 "always" / 5
answers)
Austria (1/2)
Belgium (1/1)
Canada (8/8)
Germany (7/10)
Japan (0/5)
New-Zealand (1/1)
Norway (1/1)
Slovakia (1/1)
Spain (1/1)
USA (2/8)
63
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Australia (2 “Site
spec.”/ 5 answers)
Austria (1/2)
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (0/8)
Germany (3/10)
Japan (1/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (1/8)
Figure A.4: Respondent’s country answered “Site specific”
Eight (8) of forty three (43) answers (19.0 %) are “Site specific”.
“Never” require
Australia (0 “Never”/ 5
answers)
Austria (0/2)
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (0/8)
Germany (0/10)
Japan (3/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (5/8)
64
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Australia
(5 “IEC Type A or
IEEE”/ 5 answers)
Austria (1/2)
Belgium (1/1)
Canada (6/8)
Germany (7/10)
Japan (2/5)
New-Zealand (1/1)
Norway (1/1)
Slovakia (1/1)
Spain (1/1)
USA (1/8)
Australia
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (1/8)
Germany (3/10)
Japan (1/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (2/8)
65
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Australia (0”Other”/ 5
answers)
Austria (0/2)
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (1/8)
Germany (0/10)
Japan (1/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (0/8)
Summary of question 5
Table A.3 Arc-resistance rating in each country
1 Australia 5 5 0 0 5
2 Austria 2 1 2 0 3
3 Belgium 1 1 0 0 1
4 Canada 8 6 1 1 8
5 Germany 10 7 3 0 10
6 Japan 5 2 1 1 4
7 New-Zealand 1 1 0 0 1
8 Norway 1 1 0 0 1
9 Slovakia 1 1 0 0 1
10 Spain 1 1 0 0 1
11 USA 8 1 2 0 3
12 Total 43 27 9 2 38
66
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Australia
(2 “IEC F or IEEE1”/ 5
answers)
Austria (0/2)
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (0/8)
Germany (2/10)
Japan (2/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (1/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (0/8)
Figure A.9: Respondent’s country answered “IEC F or IEEE type 1
(front access only)”
Seven (7) of thirty six (36) answers (19.4 %) are “IEC F or IEEE type 1 (front access only)”.
Japan (2/5)
New-Zealand (1/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (1/1)
Spain (1/1)
USA (3/8)
Figure A.10: Respondent’s country answered “IEC F or IEEE type 1
(front access only)”
Twenty six (26) of thirty six (36) answers (72.2 %) are “IEC FLR or IEEE2 (all faces accessible)”.
67
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Other
Australia (1 “Other”/
5 answers)
Austria (0/2)
Belgium (0/1)
Canada (0/8)
Germany (2/10)
Japan (0/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (0/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (0/8)
Summary of question 6
1 Australia 5 2 2 1 5
2 Austria 2 0 2 0 2
3 Belgium 1 0 1 0 1
4 Canada 8 0 7 0 7
5 Germany 10 2 6 2 10
6 Japan 5 2 2 0 4
7 New-Zealand 1 0 1 0 1
8 Norway 1 1 0 0 1
9 Slovakia 1 0 1 0 1
10 Spain 1 0 1 0 1
11 USA 8 0 3 0 3
12 Total 43 7 26 3 36
68
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Question 7: Have any other standards for arc resistance than IEC/IEEE (ANSI)?
Australia (1 “Yes”/ 5
answers)
Austria (0/2)
Belgium (1/1)
Canada (3/8)
Germany (1/10)
Japan (3/5)
New-Zealand (0/1)
Norway (1/1)
Slovakia (0/1)
Spain (0/1)
USA (1/8)
Figure A.12: Respondent’s country answered “Yes”
Eleven (11) of forty one (41) answers (26.8 %) are “Other”.
These standards or regulations are listed below:
Australian Standards (similar to IEC)
Belgian regulation “Synergrid C2-112”
EEMAC-G14-1EEMAC ( Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association of Canada)
VDE0671-200/-201, VDE0101( VERBAND DEUTSCHER ELECTROTECHNISCHER) (Association of
German Electrical Engineers) / harmonized with EN / IEC
JEM1425 (Japan Electrical Manufacturer’s Association)
NEK (Norwegian Electrotechnical Committee) / however not relevant for MV.
69
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Total Number Have you IA fault experience? How many IA fault rate
Country of MV events in (%/year/
switchgear Yes No 5 Years? switchgear)
2 Austria 10,450 0 2 0 0
70
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Question 9: How long time did it take to get the affected installation back into service after IA
event(s)?
Table A.6 Time for getting the affected installation back into service after IA event(s)
Required time
Country
minimum maximum
Some minimum times seem to be the switching time to the redundant (or backup) power line. Some
utilities have spare panels in their warehouses, and do not need to order equipment for replacement.
71
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Question 10: Shift the upstream protective relays faster during personnel working on energized
switchgear?
Table A.7 Shift the protection relay settings faster and reduce the PPE level
1 Australia 1 0
2 Austria 1 0
3 Belgium 0 0
4 Canada 5 3
5 Germany 1 0
6 Japan 0 0
7 New-Zealand 0 0
8 Norway 0 0
9 Slovakia 0 0
10 Spain 0 0
11 USA 1 1
12 Total 9 4
72
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Question 11: If the safety practices change when working on arc-resistant switchgear versus non arc-
resistant switchgear?
Table A.8 Safety practice change
Number of
Country Example of change
“Yes”
2 Austria 0
3 Belgium 0
8 Norway 0
9 Slovakia 0
11 USA 0
12 Total 10 -
73
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Question 12: Familiar with Active Arc Effects Mitigation System (AAEMS)?
Table A.9 Recognition and practical use of AAEMS
1 Australia 4 1 1 0 0
2 Austria 2 1 1 0 0
3 Belgium 1 1 0 0 1
4 Canada 7 5 5 0 0
5 Germany 10 9 0 4 5
6 Japan 2 2 1 0 1
New- 1 0 0
7 1 1
Zealand
8 Norway 1 1 1 0 0
9 Slovakia 0 0 0 0 0
10 Spain 0 0 0 0 0
11 USA 6 0 0 0 0
12 Total 34 21 10 4 7
Thirty four (34) of forty three (43) answers (79.1 %) are “Familiar with AAEMS”.
Twenty one (21) of forty three (43) answers (48.9 %) are “AAEMS in service”
Type of sensor installed on the Are these systems used Are these systems used
active arc effects mitigation to accelerate the to earth or short-circuit
Total
systems tripping of a circuit the active conductors?
breaker?
Sound sensor 0 0 0
Others 1 1 2(4.3 %)
Total - - 47 (100 %)
Major sensors for AAEMS in service are “light”, “pressure”, “current” and their combinations.
74
MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF ARCS IN M.V. SWITCHGEAR
Numbe
Country r of Situation of Experience
“Yes”
2 Austria 0
4 Canada 0
Substations in basement.
Retrofit of old substations.
Substations in cellar/basement.
In all substations they are switched on and where staff must work.
8 Norway 0
9 Slovakia 0
10 Spain 0
11 USA 0
12 Total 9
Nine (9) of forty three (43) answers (20.9 %) are “AAEMS could be mandatory”.
75