Analysis of Ignition Time/Current Characteristics and Energy when Series Arc-Fault Occurs at Rated 220 V

Abstract

-Probability of ignition due to arc-fault and energy of the arc-fault for the case of applying serial arc-fault interruption time of 120 V defined in UL 1699 to the voltage of 220 V of domestic condition and also for the case of applying it to the HIV wire type are analyzed. It has been confirmed that when the arc-fault occurs under 5 A, 10 A, and 20 A. Probability of ignition for the three different current conditions is 0.74(74%), 0.48(48%), and 0.32(32%) respectively for respective interruption time within 1 sec, 0.4 sec, and 0.2 sec. We discover that when we apply the same arc interruption time for 120 V defined in UL 1699 to the domestic environment of 220 V. The probability of ignition increases from 1.5% for 120 V condition to as much as 74% for 220 V condition. Conclusively, if we apply the standard for the serial arc-fault interruption time defined in UL 1699 for 120 V to the domestic condition of 220 V, the fire prevention effect of electric fire due to arc-fault equal to that of UL standard of 120 V can not be achieved.

Ignition Characteristics of Residential Series Arc Faults in 220-V HIV Wires

“…The carbonized path arc clearing time test of the UL 1699 standard was used for measuring the time interval between ignition due to arc and occurrence of electrical fire [9]- [11]. The experimental device consists of two parts, as shown in Fig.…”

A Novel Arc Fault Detector for Early Detection of Electrical Fires

“…Moreover, the residential electrical standard for single-phase alternating current (AC) is 120 V (60 Hz) in the United States, whereas it is 220–240 V (50–60 Hz) in other countries including China, Germany, Switzerland and Korea. Higher voltages more readily produce electrical fires caused by arc faults [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ]. For example, the probability of fire ignition due to arc faults increases from 3.5% for 120 V to 83% for 240 V, and their nominal current levels are both 15 A [ 49 ].…”