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

design

The KTE Group has designed and type tested a range of fully welded switchgear to IEC TR 61641 to withstand the effects of internal arc faults. In the event of an internal arc the panel construction manages the arc venting the energy through carefully designed sections of the switchboard and out via arc flaps mounted in the roof of the switchboard, thus ensuring minimum downtime and maximum operators safety.

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

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. Measures also have to be taken to avoid any burn through in order to provide ultimate safety in the accessible parts. The design also does not to allow any part or piece of the equipment to fly away during such a fault and ensures safe walkways on front, rear and on sides for maximum operator protection. 

• LOVAG/ASTA Certified busbar systems up to 5000A 85kA in fully type tested arrangements
• Ingress protection of IP44