FAQ - Arc Fault Protection

Answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic of arc fault protection
Q: What does the DEHNshort arc fault protection system cost? A: The components you require depend on your switchgear configuration. We calculate the price based on the following: Make of switchgear assembly Operating voltage U_e Max. short-circuit current I_cw Number of fields, busbar sections, feeders and couplings Choice of light sensors: point or linear We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding offer: [email protected]
Q: Why bother with integration tests? A: The integration test proves that the combination of the switchgear and the DEHNshort arc fault protection system works perfectly together. It also verifies that the temperature rise limits and short-circuit withstand capability are observed, and nuisance tripping prevented.
Q: How complicated is the integration? A: The integration of DEHNshort in the switchgear assembly is done in 5 steps: Agreement of the switchgear manufacturer to conduct the integration test Constructive integration of quenching devices, electronic components and sensors Conduct of integration test in an independent laboratory Training of project engineers, production employees and QA staff Joint processing of the first customer orders As a rule, integration takes 2 - 3 months.
Q: What support can I expect from DEHN? A: We will be at your side from the very beginning. DEHN product managers help you with the integration of components. They support the switchgear manufacturers with preparing and conducting the integration test. DEHN product specialists offer training for project engineers, production employees and QA staff. And, when you get your first customer orders, our technical support team will be at the ready with advice and assistance.
Q: How does DEHNshort work? A: 5 steps towards resuming operation after an arc fault: Detection: Protection current transformers detect the overcurrent and special light sensors detect the extremely bright light of the arc fault. Evaluation: The simultaneous detection of both signals triggers the quenching. Quenching: An almost resistance free bypass leads the voltage to collapse – the arc fault is immediately quenched. Unlocking: The section of the switchgear assembly affected by the arc fault is disconnected from the network. Re-commissioning: After the initial fault has been rectified, the quenching devices are replaced. The system can then resume operation.
Q: Is it worth the investment? A: Counter question: What is at stake for you if production is interrupted for weeks on end? Because that is exactly what can happen if no redundant power supply is available. By implementing an active arc fault protection system, production downtime due to arc faults can be reduced to a minimum. Unfortunately, serious arc fault incidents are frequently caused by operating errors. Here, effective protection is available through technical means. In practice, a professional risk assessment also often leads to the introduction of arc fault protection measures. Just ask yourself this question: Would you be willing to do without the airbags or maybe the ABS in your car?
Q: What element of risk remains? A: There is a risk, e.g. for people who are near the switchgear assembly during an arc fault. Even if the assembly is closed, they can suffer injury due to toxic gases. Remember that the protection against thermal effects and overpressure is ineffective when the switchgear assembly is open for maintenance and operation.

Answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic of arc fault protection

Q: What does the DEHNshort arc fault protection system cost?

A: The components you require depend on your switchgear configuration. We calculate the price based on the following:

Make of switchgear assembly
Operating voltage U_e
Max. short-circuit current I_cw
Number of fields, busbar sections, feeders and couplings
Choice of light sensors: point or linear

We will be happy to provide you with a non-binding offer: [email protected]

Q: Why bother with integration tests?

A: The integration test proves that the combination of the switchgear and the DEHNshort arc fault protection system works perfectly together. It also verifies that the temperature rise limits and short-circuit withstand capability are observed, and nuisance tripping prevented.

Q: How complicated is the integration?

A: The integration of DEHNshort in the switchgear assembly is done in 5 steps:

Agreement of the switchgear manufacturer to conduct the integration test
Constructive integration of quenching devices, electronic components and sensors
Conduct of integration test in an independent laboratory
Training of project engineers, production employees and QA staff
Joint processing of the first customer orders

As a rule, integration takes 2 - 3 months.

Q: What support can I expect from DEHN?

A: We will be at your side from the very beginning. DEHN product managers help you with the integration of components. They support the switchgear manufacturers with preparing and conducting the integration test. DEHN product specialists offer training for project engineers, production employees and QA staff. And, when you get your first customer orders, our technical support team will be at the ready with advice and assistance.

Q: How does DEHNshort work?

A: 5 steps towards resuming operation after an arc fault:

Detection: Protection current transformers detect the overcurrent and special light sensors detect the extremely bright light of the arc fault.
Evaluation: The simultaneous detection of both signals triggers the quenching.
Quenching: An almost resistance free bypass leads the voltage to collapse – the arc fault is immediately quenched.
Unlocking: The section of the switchgear assembly affected by the arc fault is disconnected from the network.
Re-commissioning: After the initial fault has been rectified, the quenching devices are replaced. The system can then resume operation.

Q: Is it worth the investment?

A: Counter question: What is at stake for you if production is interrupted for weeks on end? Because that is exactly what can happen if no redundant power supply is available. By implementing an active arc fault protection system, production downtime due to arc faults can be reduced to a minimum.

Unfortunately, serious arc fault incidents are frequently caused by operating errors. Here, effective protection is available through technical means. In practice, a professional risk assessment also often leads to the introduction of arc fault protection measures.

Just ask yourself this question: Would you be willing to do without the airbags or maybe the ABS in your car?

Q: What element of risk remains?

A: There is a risk, e.g. for people who are near the switchgear assembly during an arc fault. Even if the assembly is closed, they can suffer injury due to toxic gases.

Remember that the protection against thermal effects and overpressure is ineffective when the switchgear assembly is open for maintenance and operation.

Your question hasn’t been answered? Contact us - we are happy to help: [email protected]

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