0613DB0203

01/2003
Data Bulletin Cedar Rapids, IA, USA

Arc Chute Filter Technology

Class 613

Retain for future use.

INTRODUCTION The following is an overview of a new breakthrough technology utilized by

the arc chute assemblies in the following SQUARE D / Schneider Electric
circuit breakers:
• MASTERPACT® NT
• MASTERPACT® NW
• COMPACT® NS 630b–3200A
• P-frame
• R-frame

WHAT IS AN ARC CHUTE? Arc chutes are an integral part of a modern industrial or power circuit
breaker.
As the circuit breaker contacts open, the arc chute segments, cools, and
moves the arc away from the contacts. Moving the arc away preserves the
integrity of the contacts for a longer service life. Standard arc chute designs
absorb about 80% of the energy released during an interruption.
These drawings show a typical arc chute in cross-section:

Figure 1: Arc Segmentation and Cooling

Arc Chute Arc Chute

06135383

Cooled
Gases

Arc Segments
Arc

Arc Formation During

Contact Opening

NEW ARC CHUTE TECHNOLOGY The new MASTERPACT® NT and NW power circuit breakers, the P- and
R-frame molded case circuit breakers, and COMPACT® NS 630b–3200A
circuit breakers have a unique patented arc chute assembly. In addition to
the standard arc chute plates, the arc chutes include a series of metallic
grids and meshes that significantly reduce the ionized gas released during
an interruption. The grids and meshes absorb up to 90–95% of the arcing
energy, considerably more than the 80% seen in standard arc chutes. The
emissions are deionized and cooled, resulting in pressure and arcing
reductions. The new arc chute assembly also allows for smaller electrical
clearances that provide smaller installed volumes and smaller equipment
footprints.
See the cross-sectional view of the MASTERPACT NW arc chutes in Figure 2.

© 2003 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved 1

Arc Chute Filter Technology 0613DB0203
Data Bulletin 01/2003

Figure 2: Cross-section of Figure 3: Two Arc Chute Designs

MASTERPACT NW Arc Chute
Assembly

06135393
Moving
Contacts Arm
06135391

Filtered arc chutes, such as

Standard arc chutes seen in the MASTERPACT NW
release a significant circuit breaker, reduce the amount
Arc amount of ionized gas of ionized gas released during
Chute U-Magnet Blow-open during an interruption interruption
Terminal

CONCLUSION The breakthrough technology of the filtered arc chutes in the

MASTERPACT NW and NT, COMPACT NS 630b–3200A, and
POWERPACT P- and R-frame circuit breakers makes them unique in the
industry. Some benefits include:
• Reduced electrical clearances;
• Smaller footprints;
• Emissions during an interruption are deionized and cooled;
• Reduced arc flash incident energy during a bolted fault;
• Reduced soot and evidence of an interruption inside the equipment,
which minimizes the need for cleaning and maintenance.

Square D Company
PO Box 3069, 3700 Sixth St. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3069 USA
1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)
www.SquareD.com
Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by
qualified personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Schneider Electric for any
consequences arising out of the use of this material.

2 © 2003 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved