Applying Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers to Limit Arc-Flash Energy

The purpose of this paper is to examine the application of low-voltage circuit breakers to control the energy released during an arc-flash occurrence. It contrasts arc-flash incident-energy values obtained by calculation with values obtained by direct testing. It examines values at low fault current levels where long duration events may be expected. It also reviews the protection afforded by current-limiting circuit breakers. This paper concludes with an overall discussion of circuit breaker applications for arc-flash energy reduction.