Fast Energy Capture

Tests on the arc-containment device have confirmed that fast energy capture by transferring an arcing current from an open-air arc to an enclosed, controlled chamber provides a high degree of protection to LV switchgear. Tests confirmed the ability of the device to perform within the requirements of applicable IEEE standards for LV and arc resistant switchgear, without relying on special enclosures or blast-pressure conduction methods. Tests also confirmed the ability to reduce incident energy levels to less than 1 cal/cm at an 18-in working distance with no barriers between the arc source and the measurement devices. Furthermore, testing at low and high-available fault current, with larger and small arcing-fault gaps, confirmed the ability of the device to reliably function within a range of LV power-distribution fault currents and equipment arrangements that may be found in many industrial facilities.