Arcteq’s arc flash detection system consists of an arc flash relay, detection sensors and an arc quencher. The AQ100 series arc flash relay is an ultra-fast, highly accurate system. The AQ1000 arc quencher offers a ‘cure’ to arc faults, by drawing it away from the switchgear and extinguishing it. When combined with Arcteq’s detection sensors, this is a complete solution to arc flash detection.
An arc flash relay is partnered with a number of sensors. These sensors are located in each compartment, and will detect the arc fault through the detection of light or pressure. as soon as it starts to develop. The relay then sends a trip command (in just 2ms) to the circuit breaker nearest to the fault when an arc fault is detected. However, it’s important to take into consideration the additional (and often much longer) opening time of the circuit breaker.
The AQ1000 arc quencher is designed to facilitate for faster arc elimination. To do this, the AQ1000 creates a three-phase low impedance parallel path for the fault current, drawing the arc fault into the quenching unit, extinguishing the arc rather than letting it extend into the switchgear. Total operational time (to fully eliminate the arc) is just 3ms. This takes equipment and personnel outside the danger zone of 50ms – 100ms.
Fitting an AQ1000 quencher ensures your system sits at IEEE 1584 Hazard Risk Category 0. Category 0 is for equipment that poses very little risk, so PPE requirements are much lower.
Some of the key benefits of the Arcteq arc protection system are:
The range of Arcteq arc flash detection sensors allows for a flexible configuration with different units and different switchgear types, depending on specific application requirements. Sensors available are arc point sensors and arc fibre sensors.
An arc flash relay works like a car bumper. In a road accident the bumper is sacrificed to prevent more expensive and extensive damage to the car. An arc protection relay limits an arc fault’s damage to a few components instead of an entire board or substation.
This video gives you further background on the AQ1000 quencher and how it fits with the other parts of the arc protection system:
| AQ110F | AQ110P | AQ102 | AQ101 | AQ101D | AQ101S | |
| Wide range power supply (18-72Vdc or 80-265Vac/dc) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mounting | Panel/rack | Panel/rack | Panel/rack | Panel/rack | Din rail | Panel/rack |
| 3 phase current detection (1/5A) | Yes | Yes | – | – | – | – |
| Residual current detection (1/5A) | Yes | Yes | – | – | – | – |
| Max number of point sensors | – | 12 | – | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Max number of fibre loop sensors | 3 | 1 (option) | 3 | 1 (option) | 1 (option) | – |
| High Speed Outputs (2ms trip time) | 2 | 2 | – | – | – | – |
| Number of trip relays (7ms trip time) | 4* | 4* | 4* | 4* | 4* | 3* |
| System failure relay | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Binary outputs (24Vdc) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Binary inputs (24/110/220Vdc) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Push button | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Non-volatile memory | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indication LEDs | 20 | 20 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 17 |
| Power Supply | 80-265Vdc or 18-70Vdc |
| Rated Voltage | 690V |
| Short-circuit withstand | 50kA for 1 second, 75kA for 0.5 second, 100kA for 0.2 second |
| BIL | 12kV |
| Peak Current | 220kA |
| Mechanical life | 100 open/close cycles |
| Electric life | 2 operations |
| Binary inputs | 4 |
| Indication LEDs | 13 |
| AQ 01 – Arc Light Point Sensor. |
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| AQ 02/AQ03/AQ04 Arc Light and Pressure Sensor. |
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| AQ 06 – Arc Light Fibre Sensor (plastic). |
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| AQ 07 – Arc Light Fibre Sensor (glass). |
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| AQ 08 – Arc Light Fibre Sensor (glass, high temperature). |
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