Do ARC Mitigating Systems Really Work?

Electrical equipment, fitted with arc quenching technologies, have been employed and have been providing personnel and equipment protection in many global installations for over two decades. This technology continues to evolve, advance, and provides significant reduction of arc incident energy. However, a limiting factor has become the actual standards which define some of the fundamental aspects of its design and applications. This work outlines how the present generation of arc quenching technologies continue to reduce arc incident energy and improve the safety within switchgear, motor control centers or control panels. Very detailed testing results will provide conclusive evidence of a superior level of protection to not only the protected equipment and process, but also to personnel as well. The factory and site acceptance testing criteria for arc mitigation systems, to guarantee the correct operation of the system, will be discussed as well. Common myths and misconceptions surrounding arc quenching technologies, such as the system current impact expectations when using arc quenching technologies, are also covered.