06-3 Arc Protection

Low-voltage switchboard / English / January 2015
Protection against internal arcing

acc. to IEC/TR 61641
Implementation in SIVACON S8
Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Table of content
• General
• Terms and definitions
• Testing and classification
• Protection methods
• SIVACON level concept

Page 2 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Protection against internal arcing acc. IEC/TR 61641
IEC/TR 61439
Enclosure low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear assemblies - Guide for testing
under conditions of arcing due to internal
fault

Page 3 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Application field of IEC/TR 61641

The technical report applies to low-voltage switchboards in closed design in
accordance with IEC 61439-1/2
The technical report provides guidance on the method of testing of switchboards

under conditions of arcing in air due to an internal fault.
This test is a voluntary test, either at the discretion of the

manufacturer or subject to an agreement between the
manufacturer and the user.
The test is still considered a special test

outside the IEC 61439-1/2

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SIVACON S8
Scope
The test procedure given in this technical report applies only:
• To a situation when doors and covers are closed and correctly secured
The test procedure given in this technical report takes into consideration:
• The effects of the internal overpressure acting on covers, doors, etc.
• The thermal effects of the arc or its roots on the enclosures and of ejected
hot gases and glowing particles
The test procedure given in this technical report does not cover:
• Other effects witch can constitute a risk, such as toxic gases and loud noises
• Conditions during maintenance work, open doors or similar
• Access to the top and bottom of the switchboard

Page 5 2015-01
Table of content
• General

Page 6 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc
Free burning short-circuit through air
arising from a fault between live parts of
different potential and/or between live
parts and other conductive parts within a
switchboard

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SIVACON S8
Access to a switchboard
Ability of a person to be in close proximity to a switchboard with all its doors and
covers closed and secured as in normal service and to operate devices such as
switches and circuit breakers that have external operating handles, buttons etc.
Personnel protection under arcing conditions

Ability of a switchboard to limit the risk of personal injury caused by the
mechanical and thermal effects of an internal arcing fault
Assembly protection under arcing conditions

Ability of a switchboard to limit the effects of an internal arcing fault inside the
switchboard to an area as defined by the manufacturer

Page 8 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc free zone

Part of a circuit within the switchboard
where it is not possible to apply an ignition
wire without destroying the insulation
material on conductors
e.g. insulated busbars in SIVACON S8

Page 9 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc proof zone

Part of a circuit where an ignition wire
can be applied and fulfilling all relevant
criteria for the assessment of the test
e.g. main busbar compartment with arc

barriers in SIVACON S8

Page 10 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc proof assembly

Switchboard consisting of arc free zones
and/or arc proof zones
e.g.
SIVACON S8 with arcing-tested modules
such as pressure relief flaps,
hinge / locking system, …

Page 11 2015-01
SIVACON S8
New terms and definition
IEC/TR 61641 Ed.2 (2008-01) IEC/TR 61641 Ed.3 (2014-09)
• Arc free zone

• Arc ignition protected zone
• Arc proof zone
• Arc proof assembly
• Arc tested zone
Terms are not

existing in the new
edition any more

Page 12 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc ignition protected zone

Part of a circuit within a switchboard
where specific measures are provided to
ensure the initiation of an arcing fault is a
remote possibility
Arc ignition protected zones were previously

referred to as “arc free zones”
e.g. insulated busbars in SIVACON S8

Page 13 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc tested zone

Part of a circuit or compartment where the
ignition of an arc is made and all selected
criteria for the assessment of the test(s) are
fulfilled
e.g.
SIVACON S8 with arc tested measures
and SIVACON level concept with defined
zones of arcing effect limitation

Page 14 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Current-limiting devices
Device that, within a specified range of current, prevents the let-through current
reaching the prospective peak value and which limits the let-though energy (I2t)
e.g. Current-limiting MCCB to protect the load side of outgoing feeders
Arcing-fault mitigation devices

Device that operates only in case of an arc fault to reduce the duration of burning
e.g. Detection of arc and controlled fast tripping of the upstream circuit breaker

Page 15 2015-01
Table of content
• General

Page 16 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc ignition
The following ignition points along the main (4)
circuit should be considered, as applicable (5)
(Only main busbar is not sufficient)
(1)
(1) load side of the outgoing functional unit,

(2) supply side of the outgoing functional unit,
(6) (2)
(3) along the distribution busbar,
(4) along the main busbar,
(5) load side of the incoming functional unit,
(6) supply side of the incoming functional unit (3)
The arc should not be initiated at an arc ignition

protected zone

Page 17 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Classification with regard to persons who have access

The switchboard is classified acc. to the kind of persons who have access to an
area where the switchboard is installed
• Restricted access (default arrangement)

• Unrestricted access (special arrangement)
The first protective measure should be, whenever practical, to locate the
switchboard in an area where access is restricted

Page 18 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Test procedure
Indicators
• Distance 300 mm from the surface
• on front, back and sides
Indicator material
• Black cotton
• With mass of
150 g/m² à Restricted access

(represent workman’s clothes)
40 g/m² à Unrestricted access

(light summer wear of ordinary persons)

Page 19 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Criteria 40 ms
Personnel protection
1. Closed doors and covers do not open
2. No parts are ejected
3. Arcing does not cause holes to develop in
the enclosure
4. Indicators do not ignite 120 ms
5. The protective circuit is still effective
Personal and assembly protection

6. The arc must be confined to a defined area
where it was initiated 280 ms
7. Emergency operation is possible after
clearing of the fault or after isolation or
disassembly of the affected functional unit

Page 20 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Classification of switchboards
The manufacturer should classify the switchboard acc. to their characteristics
under arcing conditions
Arcing class A Switchboard providing personnel protection under arcing

conditions by arc tested zones confirming to criteria 1 to 5,
and by arc ignition protected zones, if any
Arcing class B Switchboard providing personnel and assembly protection
under arcing conditions by arc tested zones confirming to
criteria 1 to 6, and by arc ignition protected zones, if any
Arcing class C Switchboard providing personnel and assembly protection
under arcing conditions by arc tested zones confirming to
criteria 1 to 7, and by arc ignition protected zones, if any
Arcing class I Switchboard providing a reduced risk of arcing faults solely
be means of arc ignition protected zones

Page 21 2015-01
SIVACON S8
System characteristics (1)

The following characteristics should be declared by the manufacturer
in the test report
• Rated operating voltage Ue

• Classification of the switchboard (arcing class A, B or C)
• For arcing class B and C the defined areas (e.g. cubicle, compartment) to
which the effects of an internal arcing fault are limited

Page 22 2015-01
SIVACON S8
System characteristics (2)
a) If the arc duration is limited by a non current-limiting device

• Permissible short-circuit current under arcing conditions Ip arc 1)
• Permissible arcing duration tarc
b) If the arc duration and arc current are limited by a current-limiting device
• Permissible short-circuit current under arcing conditions Ip arc 2)
• Characteristics and settings of the current-limiting device
c) If the arc duration is limited because the design of the switchboard is such
that the arc is self-extinguishing without operation of any protective device
• Permissible short-circuit current under self-extinguishing conditions Ips arc
1) Can be lower than the rated short time withstand current Icw
2) Can be lower than the rated conditional short current I
cc

Page 23 2015-01
Table of content
• General

Page 24 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Causes of internal arcing faults

Switchboard faults
• Wrong rating / dimensioning
• Reduced dielectric strength (contamination, pollution)
• Defective contact points, loose joints
• Blowing of fuses, failure of devices
• Material faults
Operating faults
• Incorrect operations
• Lack of maintenance
• Operating outside normal conditions
(e.g. presence of moisture)
• Contacting of different potentials
(e.g. tools, foreign objects,
forbidden work on active parts)
Page 25 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Consequences of arcing accidents

• High pressure
• High temperature
• Toxic gases, loud noises
Damage to Persons
• Injuries
• Health damages
• Fatal injuries, death
Plant damages
• Damage of the switchboard
• Damage of the equipment, building
• Loss of production
• Long downtimes

Page 26 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Protection method Target Measure
Preventative protection Preventing the arc • Dimensioning, Equipment

by constructional and selection
organizational • Production quality
• Operational safety
measures
• Prevention of maloperation
• Internal separation
• Protection against accidental
contact
• Insulation
• …
Reactive protection Limitation of the v Passive measures

consequences and v Active measures
effects of arcs

Page 27 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Passive measures Active measures
• Material strength of Arc detection and fast controlled switching off/

enclosure disconnecting/deenergizing
• Arc-resistant closure/
locking system
• Protection at ventilation
openings by primary switchgear by secondary switchgear
• Pressure relief flaps in (arc quencher, short- (power circuit breaker)
roof plates circuiting device)
• Arc barriers
• Insulation < 5 ms1) < 50 ms .. 70 ms
• …
1) recommended limit value acc. to VdS 2349

Page 28 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Preventative protection
Uncomplicated and clear handling

• Uniform user interface
• Easy insertion without having to overcome contact forces
• Locking option in disconnected position
• Clear operating instructions and manuals
Prevention of maloperation
• Integrated operating error protection
(Main switch interlocking)
• Optional withdrawable unit coding

Page 29 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Operation with the door closed

• For ACB in withdrawable design
• For withdrawable unit design
Operation position Test position Disconnected position

Page 30 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Safe to touch
• Covers (e.g. plastic bellows)
• Optional shutters with double action operation
• Maintaining of the degree of protection in all
positions
High form of internal separation

• Up to form 4b with patented connection terminals
Equipment design
• Reliable switching devices
• Make connections carefully

Page 31 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Insulated live parts (root-free design 1))

• Optional insulated busbars
and cable/busbar connections
• Arc-resistant vertical busbar embedding
(phase separation)
• High grade (arc-resistant) insulation material
1) acc. IEC/TR 61641 Ed.2: “arc free zone”

Page 32 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Reactive protection
Switchboard design
• Material strength of enclosure
• Arc-resistant locking system
• Protection at ventilation openings
• Pressure relief flaps in the roof plates
• Insulation
• ...

Page 33 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Reactive protection
Quick disconnection by protective

devices due to high arcing currents
• Arc barriers with reduced electrode spacing
(erosion electrodes)
• Suitable arc root material
W arc = Parc · tarc

Page 34 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Reactive protection
Use of ACB breaker with ZSI-Module

td = Einstellung der Verzögerungszeit
(short-time grading control) des kurzzeitverzögerten Kurzschluss-
auslösers “i“ (z)
• Disconnection after approx. 70 - 100 ms tZSS = Zeitverkürzte Selektivitätssteuerung
mit nur 50 ms Verzögerung in der
• Limitation of arcing time gesamten Anlage
td = 200 ms
W arc = Parc · tarc 3WL
tZSS = 50 ms
1
3WL td = 100 ms 2
tZSS = 50 ms
3VL
M 3

Page 35 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Reactive protection
Use of Arc detection system
Restriction of arc energy and thus of the effects of arcing on the switchgear
through
• Detection of arc and
• Controlled tripping of the
incoming circuit breaker
after approx. 50 ms
W arc = Parc · tarc

Page 36 2015-01
Table of content
• General
• Testing and classifications

Page 37 2015-01
SIVACON S8
SIVACON S8
Classification with regard

to persons who have
access:
• Restricted access
Classification acc. to their

characteristics under
arcing conditions:
• Arcing class A
Personnel protection
• Arcing class B/C 1)
add. assembly protect.
1) can be stated for different parts of assembly and/or different protection levels
Page 38 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Systems with measures for upgrading the mechanical strength

ensures personnel and assembly protection acc. IEC/TR 61641 up to:
Ue = 415 V Ip arc = 100 kA tarc = 300 ms

Systems with Arc detection system

ensures personnel and assembly protection acc. IEC/TR 61641 up to:
not available in partnering version

Page 39 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Level concept in SIVACON S8

For situations which require a higher degree
of arc resistance, Siemens has developed a
system of levels for the SIVACON system.
Level 1 Level 2 It is based on a very high level of personnel
protecten without major restriction of the
effects of arcing within the power distribution
board (Level 1)
Subsequent levels are also based on

Level 3 Level 4 personnel protection, and these also include
additional measures for assembly protection.
• With Level 2, damage is restricted to one
cubicle of the system.
• With Levels 3 and Level 4, the effects are

restricted to the functional compartment or
the site where the arcing fault originates.
Page 40 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Level concept in SIVACON S8
Personnel protection Personnel and assembly protection

Level I Level II
Personnel protection without extensive Personnel protection with limitation of the arcing
limitation of the arcing effects within the effects to a cubicle
board
Level III
Personnel protection with limitation of the arcing
effects to a compartment
Level IV
Personnel protection with limitation of the arcing
effects to the arc’s place of origin

Page 41 2015-01
SIVACON S8
SIVACON level concept

Level I
Examples of Measures 1) :
• Insulation in the switchboard end panel
• Arc-resistant closure system
• Material strength of enclosure
• Pressure relief flaps in the top plates
• Guards on ventilation openings
1) dependent on design type and system characteristics

Page 42 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Pressure relief flaps in top plate
40 ms 120 ms
160 ms 280 ms

Page 43 2015-01
SIVACON S8

Level II
• Measures of level I
• Arc barriers with erosion electrodes and
plastic covers
• Arc limited to that cubicle where it occurred
• Effective prevention of arc "running"
• Neighbouring cubicles remain unaffected
(only slight smoke traces)

Page 44 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Arc barriers
Unaffected cubicle Cubicle where arc occurred

Page 45 2015-01
SIVACON S8

Level III
• Measures of level II
• Arc barriers (insulation) between device
compartment and busbar space
• Arc-resistant vertical busbar embedding
(phase separation)

Page 46 2015-01
SIVACON S8

Level IV
• Measures of level III

• Plastic covers, plug-on bus covers and
insulation in the main circuit of the
functional unit (only Ue > 415 V)

Page 47 2015-01
SIVACON S8
Optional busbar in
root-free design
• Protective strip of self-extinguishing
butyl rubber prevents the
development of arc roots caused by
tools or foreign objects in the bus bar
space
Optional cable/busbar connections

in root-free design

Page 48 2015-01

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Low-voltage switchboard / English / January 2015

Protection against internal arcing

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Application field of IEC/TR 61641

The technical report provides guidance on the method of testing of switchboards

This test is a voluntary test, either at the discretion of the

The test is still considered a special test

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Personnel protection under arcing conditions

Assembly protection under arcing conditions

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arc free zone

e.g. insulated busbars in SIVACON S8

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arc proof zone

e.g. main busbar compartment with arc

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arc proof assembly

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

New terms and definition

IEC/TR 61641 Ed.2 (2008-01) IEC/TR 61641 Ed.3 (2014-09)

• Arc free zone

Terms are not

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arc ignition protected zone

Arc ignition protected zones were previously

e.g. insulated busbars in SIVACON S8

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arc tested zone

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

e.g. Current-limiting MCCB to protect the load side of outgoing feeders

Arcing-fault mitigation devices

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

(1) load side of the outgoing functional unit,

The arc should not be initiated at an arc ignition

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Classification with regard to persons who have access

• Restricted access (default arrangement)

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

150 g/m² à Restricted access

40 g/m² à Unrestricted access

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Personal and assembly protection

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Arcing class A Switchboard providing personnel protection under arcing

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

System characteristics (1)

• Rated operating voltage Ue

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

System characteristics (2)

a) If the arc duration is limited by a non current-limiting device

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Causes of internal arcing faults

Consequences of arcing accidents

Restricted © Siemens AG 2015 All rights reserved.

Protection method Target Measure

Preventative protection Preventing the arc • Dimensioning, Equipment