What are the emerging technologies and trends for arc flash protection and safety?

So far it is implemented for final circuits protection in low voltage commercial applications. In fact we have two names for arc fault detection devices used in EE and US. They are the same in principe how they work. Below short list with standards: 🔸 𝗔𝗙𝗗𝗗 - Arc Fault Detection Device - IEC 2606:2013+AMD1:2017+AMD2:2022 (Europe and IEC countries) 🔸 𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗜 - Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters UL 1699 (US, Canada) From operation perspective AFDD can detect : 🔸 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗰 currents (important as this current will be lower than nominal current and can't be detected by over current protection) 🔸 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝗰 - phase to phase or phase to ground faults, useful when we expect low fault currents like in PV

𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 or optical based systems are great way of reducing arc flash incident energy and hazard. There are few standards to follow for more information : 🔸 𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝟲𝟬𝟵𝟰𝟳-𝟵-𝟮:𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 🔸𝗜𝗘𝗖 𝗧𝗦 𝟲𝟯𝟭𝟬𝟳:𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 of using Arc Flash Relay : 🔸 reduce arc flash energy in certain part of panel (important) 🔸 allow for better selectivity with OCPD as it is separate system and doesn't rely on over current protection 🔸 active system with 2 or 3 criteria to activate (safe) thus protection does not rely on doors open/close or experience of the staff 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲: 🔸 additional cost and maintenance point

𝗔𝗿𝗰 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻t requires few steps: 🔸 data collection (actual from site) 🔸 site inspection + hazard identification (visual at least) 🔸 digital twin model (easiest way on long term) 🔸 operation modes and run all studies ◻ short circuit current studies (multiple scenarios) ◻ equipment evaluation (since 2024 mandatory) ◻ coordination study (settings, TCC, review) ◻ arc flash study (results, labels...) ◻ optional - load flow study ◻ recommendation for all above and results review ◻ report ◻ report review and presentation With assessment results we can update our arc flash training and align it with site specific hazards and solutions.

While it might sound complicated easiest automation and digitization examples will be : 🔸 use of digital twins for electrical installation and software for calculations 🔸 software can be automated with certain calculations automated 🔸 use of protection with IEC61850 communication 🔸 use of Maintenance Mode (software and hardware activated) From less known solution improving electrical safety : 🔸 digital permit to work 🔸 e-learning for better training 🔸 permanent temperature monitoring vs infra red scanning 🔸 automated absence of voltage testers 🔸 and more

One of the significant shortcomings I see in the arc flash protection business is the lack of understanding of how to effectively program relays. Too many times, I have seen people trying to purchase fancy equipment to lower arc flash ratings. At the same time, the existing relay can be programmed to lower the calorie rating without compromising production. Those relays must not be used like we do iPhones; people must fully understand and maximize their functionalities.

It requires consideration when we want to implement new smart systems. Take into account your staff and ability to adapt new technologies in workplace. We might change one problem into another. Good idea to follow is 𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗦 - 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 We need to push technology to be easy and useful and not drop next thing to remember to our staff. Less is more. Few ideas: 🔸 simplify PPE use 🔸 simplify hazard labels (if possible) 🔸 reduce work process steps to minimum +digital paper work 🔸 reduce amount of people for job to minimum and assign roles 🔸 if complicated task - write it down and make clear process