Arc-Flash Testing of Typical 480-V Utility Equipment

Eblen, Marcia L.; Short, T.A.

doi:10.1109/tia.2011.2180285

Cited by 12 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 6 publications

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“…In 2012, Marcia Eblen and Tom Short investigated arc flash in 480 V meter bases and transformers [17]. They included single-phase faults in their experiments but in the test articles used, these faults escalated quickly to full threephase arc events.…”

Section: Introduction and Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation of Arc Flash in Single-Phase Vertical Conductors in a Box

Wade

Brazis

Lambrecht

2021

IEEE Open J. Ind. Applicat.

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NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 are defining standards for arc flash hazard analysis. Both assume three-phase faults for calculations since three-phase power distribution is predominant in utility and industrial applications; however, arc flash in single-phase systems is excluded. Single-phase faults to neutral or ground or single phase-to-phase faults can occur in a variety of circumstances. Such events may have the potential to produce arc flash and blast that would pose a significant safety concern.This paper describes a recent doctoral research investigation of arc flash in one single-phase configuration. Experiments were sponsored by UL and performed at the Schneider Electric High-Power Laboratory in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This facility provided a test article; a full suite of voltage, current, and temperature instrumentation; and high-speed video recording.Experimental work revealed incident energy values less than 0.2 cal/cm 2 for 240-volt single-phase arc fault events though there was still significant flash and splatter of molten wire residue. 480 V single-phase events produced an order of magnitude greater heat energy, and at 22 kA sustained arcing until interrupted by the test cell controller.Results suggest that 240 V single-phase panels and equipment common in residential and light commercial applications may be at very low risk of yielding arc flash burn-related injuries. However, 480 V single-phase faults can produce levels of incident heat energy known to cause burns, flash, and blast pressure at available fault currents between 10 and 22 kA.

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Section: Introduction and Historymentioning

confidence: 99%