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Arc fault is the most catastrophic event that can occur in electrical enclosure. When arc fault occurs, thermal energy up to five times the surface temperature of the sun (20,000°C) is released.

Elecsis has designed and type tested a range of fully welded switchgear to IEC/TR 61641 to withstand the effects of internal arc faults defining minimum safety level for operators. In the event of an internal arc the panel construction takes control of the situation and keep arc effects zone contained thus provides minimum downtime and maximum operators safety

The Design
The switchgear has to manage the internal arc faults and keep the effects of arc confined in the place of occurrence in order to thus provide continuous operation of the remaining functions not associated with the fault.

To see the switchboard being tested click the picture below:- 

To fulfil the demand of different standards special measures have to be taken and the switchgear has to be conceived with separate segregated compartments for each function. Special attention has to be given to the design of the doors and the covers which will withstand severe stresses and cannot allow any damaging effects outside.

Care also has to be taken to design the pressure relief flaps for busbar and distribution compartments so that when the flap of compartment opens it will not contaminate adjacent compartments. Apart from this, measures have to be taken to avoid any burn through in order to provide ultimate safety in the accessible parts. Measures also have to be taken not to allow any part or piece of the equipment to fly away during such a fault. Such design has to be available with walkways on front, rear and on sides as required.