PowerLogic™ A5 Arc Protection

Schneider Electric VAMP range is an arc flash detection and protection pioneer offering fast and reliable devices to improve safety with close to 10,000 arc flash systems in service worldwide, ranging from single arc protection units to multi-zone arc flash systems.

An arc flash is a mass of heat and pressure caused by a switchgear fault, not only does it cause power outages but it can also result in loss of business, extensive material damage and can seriously jeopardise the safety of operational staff. VAMP’s arc detection and protection system measures fault current and light via arc sensor channels and should a fault occur, minimises burning time by quickly cutting off the current feeding the arc. Traditional arc protection methods do not provide fast enough protection and short arc burning times are critical, especially when the arc develops during maintenance work on the switchgear, jeopardising personal safely and life. The unique arc fault functionality adds a new dimension to the total safety of the installation and the reliability of the power system protection. Secure your assets, the safety of staff and the future of your power system today with VAMP’s ultra-fast arc protection products.

The latest offering from Schneider Electric is the innovative VAMP 321. Combining the reliable technology of the VAMP 50 and 200 series and that of the VAMP 221 arc flash protection system, the VAMP 321 offers a safe and technologically advanced solution for protection and control, in just one product.

Total fault clearing time typically:

• Outgoing feeder 50 (relay) + 60 (CB)
  = 110 ms (+ Auto-reclosing)
• Incoming feeder 350 (relay)+ 60 (CB)
  = 410 ms
  Resistance Earthed Network
• Earth-fault relay operation times are typically
  set high, thus burning times of high-impedance
  type arc faults are prolonged.

Typically the burning time of an arc fault should be limited to less than 100 ms in order to avoid major damage. Burning times of nearly half a second will most certainly cause considerable damage in the switchgear installation.

Total fault clearing time typically:

• Outgoing/ingoing feeders 7 ms (relay) + 60 ms (CB)
  = 67 ms
  Resistance Earthed Network
• Fault clearance in 57 - 67 ms

The conventional MV protection schemes have traditionally been complemented by implementing busbar differential schemes. The differential scheme implementations are typically expensive due to extra CT’s needed and complicated engineering and wiring. Busbar protection systems based on interlockings are slow, minimum operating time usually being 100 ms + CB time. A modern arc protection system provides though a very cost-effective high-speed busbar protection for air insulated MV switchgears. Standard Manufacturers Warranty: 2 years

Industrial customers

• Quick retrofit installation and testing
• Sensors can be installed even in a partly energised switchgear
• Practical current measurement from various location with multi-zone operation
• Connectivity to automation systems
• Arc detection for cable termination compartment of the motor

Utilities

• Simple extension of current measurement locations
• Communication protocol interface with SCADA
• Interface with SCADA systems over contact outputs
• Arc protection can be integrated in the protection scheme during upgrades or renovations

Power generation

• Precise and quick operation when current values are high
• Alternative implementation of busbar protection using arc protection systems
• Detection of commutator arching (flashover in commutator)
• High immunity against interference

Wind power

• Protection of generator, transformer, converter cabinet, cable joints and the circuit breaker compartment
• Integrated smoke and arc detection with the same unit
• Generator set emergency trip
• Safety loop support

Marine

• Small and compact in size
• Reduce sizing of arc chambers
• Selective operation