Report on Enclosure Internal Arcing Tests

The improvement of electrical equipment is an ongoing process including investigative research. This is a report on research work concerning factors regarding high-energy arcing faults, the tests conducted on containment of these faults, and standards addressing arcing fault test requirements. This report is focused on low-voltage, 600 V class Motor Control Centers (MCCs), but the issues presented should not be limited to only this type of electrical equipment. Also, the scope of this work is restricted to a high-energy arcing fault occurring in a latched or closed compartment during “normal” operating conditions and does not include arcing faults occurring in compartments when the compartment door is open.