dc arc flash hazard
dc arc flash hazard
(OP)
Arc Flash hazard identification has become a high profile topic at our utility. We have been performing studies on most of our AC station service installations but I haven't seen anything concerning a possible arc flash hazard from our DC battery backup systems. Some of our installations have quite large DC systems and this is becoming a concern to our electricians. Is there an arc flash hazard on our 48VDC and 130VDC systems? Does anyone out there know of any engineering papers that have written addressing this topic? Any information would be helpful and greatly appreciated






RE: dc arc flash hazard
The use of fuses instead of circuit breakers will probably help reduce the energy released due to higher speed of operation.
I'm not aware of any technical papers on the subject - but I suspect the US Navy must have some data, due their extensive of dc power on submarines and their own arc-flash detection systems. Have you tried a web search?
RE: dc arc flash hazard
rugged
RE: dc arc flash hazard
Among the most dangerous DC systems are generator excitation systems for slipring machines, which can combine high voltages in excess of 1kV, current in excess of 4kA, and large inductance in the circuit. Switching these circuits usually employ a make-before-break contact to insert a dump resistor and perhaps a non-linear voltage dependent resistor into the field circuit to dissipate the stored energy prior to opeing the main field contacts and thus prevent a very intense high voltage arc being drawn.
Beware of all inductive circuits carrying DC: motor field windings can cause persistent arcs and very high voltages, even though they may only carry a few amps.
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