Coordination of PPE and fuse links for personal protection against arc thermal hazards in LV systems

摘要

Cutting-off of 2-phase and 3-phase arcing faults in 400 V systems by means of LV fuse links has been analyzed in laboratory arc test series, with measuring the remaining arc energy and thermal incident energy converted in the fault arcs and limited by the fuse operation. The conditions were determined under which personal protection may be submitted by using of PPE class 1 and class 2 according to IEC 61482-1-2. LV fuses are efficient means to achieve personal safety. The results were also summarized in form of user guidelines supplementing risk assessment and allowing reasoned coordination of fuse and PPE application. These simplified but safe rules need only to know the bolted short-circuit current and the operational current of the fuse of the feeder of the working place equipment, and relieve selection of the proper PPE and/or fuse. The use of an ultrafast working-protection fuse as technical personal protection measure is put on a reliable base. Personal protection is achievable in a very large number of working places in LV systems.