An arc flash explosion blasts out heat equal to the surface temperature of the sun, with equally devastating sound and pressure waves, blinding light, intense UV, and gaseous toxins -- all without warning, resulting in critical burns, collapsed lungs, blindness, loss of hearing, puncture wounds, and even death.
Arc-Resistant Medium Voltage Control
Ampgard Medium Voltage Control affords the highest levels of safety and flexibility in the industry. The SL-400 vacuum contactor has the highest interrupting rating (8500 amps), providing full coordination with the starter main fuses. The isolation switch is rated for 10,000 mechanical operations, offering reliability even when the switch is frequently operated. The unique features of Arc-Resistant Ampgard ensure that the highest energy levels are directed to the rear of the structure and away from the operator.
Arc-Resistant Switchgear
In addition to providing maximum safety through circuit separation and isolation preventing access to live parts, Eaton's Cutler-Hammer arc-resistant medium-voltage switchgear incorporates sealed joints, top mounted pressure relief vents, reinforced hinges or latches, and "through-the-door racking", minimizing exposure to harmful gases and significantly reducing the risk of injury to facility personnel in the event of an arc flash event.
Digitrip Trip Unit with Arc Flash Reduction Maintenance Switch
Eaton's Digitrip trip units for low and medium voltage applications feature a five position arc flash reduction setting, enabling the operator to pre-select the maximum arc flash reduction level possible to avoid nuisance tripping during maintenance operations. Testing has confirmed the maximum protection setting can significantly reduce incident energy, resulting in a lower hazard risk category and thus, reduced PPE requirements.
FlashGard™ Motor Control Center
Eaton's new FlashGard™ motor control centers are built on "arc free" designs intended to drastically lower the probability of the creation of an arc flash. Some of the features of this new motor control center include: Fast acting circuit breakers, 24 volt DC control power, finger safe components, and external voltage test points.
High Resistance Pulsing Grounding Systems
Eaton's High Resistance Pulsing Grounding System limits the magnitude of current during a ground fault, thus reducing arc flash energy to increase personnel and equipment protection. Operators are alerted to faulted conditions and can easily locate the ground source via built-in fault tracing. Application of high resistance grounding systems eliminates the possibility of a line-to-ground fault condition, significantly increasing personnel safety.
