A study on breaking arc temperature distribution of low-voltage circuit breaker

An arc radiant spectrum collecting system is constructed. The breaking arc radiant spectral intensities of low-voltage circuit breaker are measured by this system. Furthermore the temperature distribution of arc column can be calculated. The result shows: the temperature reached maximum in the prophase of arc burning. With the movement of contact the arc was stretched gradually and its high temperature areas gathered toward both ends. The temperature of its middle part dropped dramatically first, then the arc column was broken and it was quenched along with its temperature drop-off.