Electricity + Control June 2017

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DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEARELECTRICAL PROTECTION + SAF TY
Öko-Tex-Standard, independent test and certification system for
textile products.
• Face shield: ECS, independent test institute specialised in con-
formity assessment of eye protectors.
• Gloves: STFI, Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitute e.V., accred-
ited test institute of the textile industry
What is the best way to choose arc-fault-
resistant protective clothing?
The hand and forearm region is particularly at
risk of being burnt by arc faults whilst working
on electrical installations. APG protective gloves
provide reliable protection in the event of an arc
fault. They comply with applicable laws and regu-
lations and have been extensively tested using the
box test method.
The protective clothing protects workers from burns
that are caused by arc faults. The combination of breath-
able leather and neoprene ensures protection as per IEC 61482-1-2
(class 2) [1] and is highly comfortable to wear. The flame-retardant
lining and reflective strips ensure maximum protection. All materials
such as zip and hook-and-loop fasteners are alsomade of flame-retard-
ant material and the flapped side pockets round off the appearance.
Moreover, the suit is available in six sizes and the coat is available in
three double sizes to ensure different body builds are accommodated.
Accident statistics show the face region is most likely to be se-
verely burnt, which is the reason for safety helmet having an arc-fault-
resistant face shield. The company’s safety helmet shield protects
workers from second-degree skin burns, flying debris and splashes.
The visor is extremely robust, scratch-proof and does not mist during
work. It has also launched the new Arc fault Protective Hood (APHO)
that provides all-round protection for the face, head and neck area.
The APHO provides frontal protection (against frontal incident en-
ergy), secondary protection (against reflected energy from the side
or back) and protection against any flying debris during an arc fault.
Arc-fault-resistant protective clothing accessories include:
• A chin strap for safety helmets
• A sweatband replacement part for ESH 1000 safety helmet for
electricians
• A visor holder with a clip for arc-fault-tested face shields
• A storage bag for safety helmet, face shield and protective gloves
• A storage backpack for the complete protective equipment
Mobile arc fault protection
In addition to its protective clothing, the company’s mobile arc fault
protection system is the only system that can reliably protect workers
from arc faults. It is cost-effective and can be installed within a few
minutes. Since the protection system is not permanently fixed in the
installation, it is flexible enough to use repeatedly for live working on
different installations – during operation and without disconnecting
the installation. If used during live working, operational interruptions
are avoided and the value of the installation is maintained.
Functional principle
The mobile arc fault protection system detects arcing with an optical
sensor system. Upon arc fault detection, the system immediately
causes a short-circuit which trips the upstreamovercurrent protective
devices and puts the installation into a safe state, thus considerably
reducing the incident energy. The protection system significantly
limits the effects of the arc and reduces the risk for the
worker. Its technical reliability of meets the most strin-
gent requirements.
Mode of operation
After the sensors and all other mobile components
have been firmly mounted and interconnected
via the control lines, all components are tested by
an internal routine. This ensures that live working is
as safe as possible concerning the risks of an arc fault.
The sensors are aligned in such a way that a single sensor
can detect an arc fault in the entire installation. Moreover, since the
mobile arc fault protection system is used for open switch racks in
closed rooms − false tripping by extraneous light such as a flashlight
of a digital camera is excluded. The system cannot be tripped, even
in the scenario of pulling a fuse under load.
Conclusion
The last two decades have seen tremendous progress being made in
protecting workers against the heat energy associated with arc flash,
with major improvements being made both in terms of safer cloth-
ing and from the perspective of protection systems. This company is
proud to have played a role in manufacturing safety equipment and
devices that are in compliance with applicable standards.
Reference
[1a] IEC 61482-1. Protective Clothing against thermal arc hazards of
an electric Arc: Open arc test method.
[1b] IEC 61482-2. Protective Clothing against Thermal Arc Hazards of
an Electric Arc: Box test method.
take note
Abbreviations/Acronyms
• Electrotechnical work is carried out all over theworld
on a daily basis.
• Arc faults can be caused by technical defects,
maloperations or foreign objects.
• If arc faults occur, workers are exposed to tempera-
tures of more than 10 000ºC and will suffer severe
burns unless protected by arc fault tested personal
protective equipment and clothing.
APG – Arc Protective Glove
APHO – Arc Fault Protective Hood
IEC – International Electrotechnical Commission
Alexis Barwise was appointed as the managing director of DEHN
AFRICA in 2013. Prior to spearheading the new operation, he filled
numerous roles at Schneider Electric. Throughout his career, Alexis
has gained in-depth knowledge as an electrical design engineer,
systems engineer and project manager in the engineering, procure-
ment and construction fields across several different industries.
He also serves as an active member on several SABS working groups and
holds a Bachelors Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from
North-West University.
Enquiries: Email
35 June ‘17 Electricity+Control