Title :
The use of low-voltage current-limiting fuses to reduce arc-flash energy
Author :
Doughty, Richard L. ; Neal, Thomas E. ; Macalady, Terry L. ; Saporita, Vincent ; Borgwald, Kenneth
Author_Institution :
DuPont Electron., Wilmington, DE, USA
Abstract :
Current-limiting fuses, in their current-limiting range, reduce the available short-circuit current and clear faults in one-half cycle or less. Available fuse test data, such as let-through I2t and peak let-through current, is based upon single-phase bolted-fault tests at full voltage. Currently, there is no data available that relates single-phase current-limiting fuse test data with energy released by downstream three-phase arcs. A three-phase 600 V test program was conducted using Class L and RK1 fuses to determine the let-through arc energy and the incident energy produced 18 in away from a three-phase arc in a 20 in cubic box. Incident energy produced by the downstream arc is correlated with the degree of current limitation and fuse bolted-fault test data. The benefit provided by current-limiting fuses in reducing arc-flash energy is quantified.
Keywords :
arcs (electric); current limiters; electric fuses; short-circuit currents; 18 in; 600 V; Class L fuses; RK1 fuses; arc burn prevention; arc thermal energy; arc-flash energy reduction; current-limiting range; downstream arc; downstream three-phase arcs; faults clearing; fuse test data; let-through I2t; low-voltage current-limiting fuses; peak let-through current; short-circuit current reduction; single-phase bolted-fault tests; single-phase current-limiting fuse test data; Chemical industry; Circuit faults; Circuit testing; Fuses; Industry Applications Society; Petroleum; Power distribution; Protection; System testing; Voltage;
Journal_Title :
Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on
