An arc fault is the most catastrophic event that can happen in an electrical enclosure. If an arc fault occurs, thermal energy up to 20,000°C is released (nearly five times the temperature of the surface of the sun).
If an assembly is designed and verified in accordance with IEC 61439 series of standards and it is properly maintained and operated within the manufacturer’s guidelines, the probability of an ARC fault is minimal. However, with fault levels increasing and the increasing demands industry requires for greater safety, arc containment within switchgear is something to be considered.
The testing under arcing conditions is considered a voluntary/special test and is not a specific requirement under IEC 61439. Therefore, not all low voltage assemblies in the marketplace have undergone the tests. The test criteria are defined under IEC/TR 61641.
The purpose of these tests is to asses the low voltage assembly’s ability to limit the risk of injury and damage with result from an internal arcing fault.
Saftronics’ product range offerings include switchgear assemblies which have been subjected to the tests defined under IEC/TR 61641 and to get more detailed information we would welcome your call.