Investigation of factors affecting the sustainability of arcs below 250V

摘要

Recent testing with various electrode configurations and insulating barriers suggests that 250V equipment omitted from arc flash hazard analyses has the potential for burn injury. Research into the sustainability of arcs at these voltages shows assumptions about the magnitude of these hazards need to be revised. This research enhanced the work of previous efforts by focusing on the sustainability of arcs with fault currents lower than 10kA. Gap lengths between electrodes, electrode shape, electrode material and voltage variations were studied for their effects on arc sustainability. A modified barrier design, representative of the space around panelboard bus bars was also studied.