Passive arc protection for main breaker line side power conductors

摘要

In a switchgear cabinet, the line side power conductors upstream of the main breaker are surrounded with arc attenuating/extinguishing channels and protective conduit in a location prior to the conductor's attachment to the main breaker. Thus, passive arc attenuation can be had prior to the breakers, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) levels can be predicted and controlled, and the need for action by circuit breakers during an arcing event is substantially lessened.

主权项

1. An electrical apparatus for passive management of arc faults, the apparatus comprising:
a. a switchgear cabinet, the switchgear cabinet having therein: b. a main breaker for interrupting all downstream power through the cabinet, c. at least one branch breaker downstream of the main breaker for interrupting power to a branch circuit, d. a multiple phase power distribution bus for delivering grid power into the switchgear cabinet and attaching to the line side connections of the main circuit breaker, and e. an arc block structure located upstream of the line side connections of the main breaker, the arc block structure having phase barriers forming arc channels around a plurality of phases of the power distribution bus, the arc channels being of sufficient length and volume to attenuate an arc occurring therein.