What is switchgear arc protection?

Switchgear arc protection mainly involves the use of vents and duct system to carry away the super-hot gases and high pressures of an arc flash away from the switchgear enclosure and to a safe location. This can be in the area above the switchgear or outside the switchgear room.

What happens if a switchgear arc flashes?

A switchgear arc can cause an explosion that can damage equipment, injure or kill workers, and start fires. This makes it a serious hazard in the switchgear room. To mitigate the risks associated with arc flash events, many electricians choose to install arc resistant switchgear.

How does an arc flash switchgear work?

Generally, this type of switchgear will come with flaps that open under the intense pressure of arcing energy. The flaps allow the heated gases of an arc flash and the pressure to safely vent out of the enclosure and away from the operator. When venting arc flash gases outside of the switchgear room is necessary, extra duct work is used.

Can arc flash gases be vented outside a switchgear room?

The flaps allow the heated gases of an arc flash and the pressure to safely vent out of the enclosure and away from the operator. When venting arc flash gases outside of the switchgear room is necessary, extra duct work is used. Depending on the manufacturer guidelines, a specified height clearance from the floor to the room’s ceiling is required.

What is an arc flash?

An arc flash happens when current travels through ionized air. It’s usually an attempt by the current to move from one conductor to another. When this happens, an immense amount of energy is released. The energy of an arc quickly converts into visible light and extreme heat. The heat makes the air to expand almost instantaneously.

What is arc resistant switchgear?

Arc resistant switchgear is designed with different arc mitigation capabilities as defined by the ANSI standard C37.20.7. Based on the standard, arc resistant switchgear types include type 1 and type 2. These offer varying accessibility features. Type 1 arc resistant switchgear is accessible in the front only.