01 Why is arc fault protection such an important issue for manufacturers and operators?
Graumann: In almost all areas of industrial companies where people are present, protecting them is a mandatory requirement. This necessity is set out in our occupational safety legislation, and the statutory risk assessment must always be carried out. Low-voltage switchgear
poses several potential risks, one of which centres on arc faults. Besides putting personnel at risk, arc flashes can also cause significant material damage, including a fire.
02 What justifies the additional costs of arc fault protection?
Graumann: If equipment needs to be repaired or replaced after an arc fault accident, this can take weeks, if not months. The supply bottlenecks currently affecting many components are exacerbating this situation. Active arc fault protection, which costs an extra 10 to 15%, depending on the switchgear, is always the best solution in my opinion.
03 What factors need to be considered when planning arc fault protection?
Graumann: First and foremost, it’s important for the switchgear and active arc fault protection to be tested together. Rittal had the IPH in Berlin perform testing of this kind on the VX25 Ri4Power system in combination with our DEHNshort solution, with successful results. What’s more, our switchgear teams are given the training required to install the system. The training we provide is very comprehensive. After all, the system only works if it is installed professionally and then tested. Thanks to all these measures, end customers can rest assured that their switchgear meets the requirements of DIN VDE 0660-600-2-1 (IEC TS 63107) and offers Class C protection in line with DIN EN 61439-2 Supplement 1.
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