ABB Arc-Flash Relay (REA 101) Experiences?

[dpc]

Just wondering if anyone has any direct experience with use of the ABB light-sensing arc detection relay, REA 101/REA 103?

ABB has been promoting this in the US in recent months and it does seem to have some possible application in retro-fit applications where other arc-flash reduction methods would be much more expensive. But I'm always reluctant to recommend a new technology that I don't have any direct experience with.

Has anyone installed these on existing systems?

(I'm familiar with the relay and how it works - I'm looking for field experiences - either positive or negative)

TIA,
Dave

 

[jnims]

My firm has been asking ABB for assistance in applying this relay for several years with very little luck. We have heard the same thing from switchgear manufacturers about poor support. However, one of their application engineers came by a few months ago and we will probably install on the next switchgear we order.

 

[Skogsgurra]

It is almost universally used in high-power situations in Sweden and also in many other countries in europe.

It works quite well. A budding arc is quenched in very little time and damages are sometimes difficult to see. Lives are always saved. A lethal arc cannot develop when an arc guard is installed correctly.

There are nuisance trippings and that may be because of very high light levels in electrical rooms. The arc guard does (I think) not react on light level, but if the detector "looks" through ventilation holes in the cabinet and someone shades that hole, the detector may react on the "unshading" - which then looks like a fast increase in light intensity. Correct installation is important.

Photo flashes are another problem. There is usually a sign on the door to rooms with arc guards saying that flash photography is not allowed.

It is possible to reduce nuisance tripping to a very low level by using an overcurrent signal as an extra condition for the guard to trip. Very common in paper mills, steel works and other installations where interruptions are costly things.


Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[lz5pl]

In my view adding of overcurrent criteria in addition to light detection is mandatory to avoid unnecessary operations. We try to promote here in Bulgaria similar system from ABB's competitor - VAMP from Finland and definitely overcurrent will be included in tripping logic.
By the way, thank you Gunnar for this reminder about flashes. It never came to me before that a nuisance photographer could trip the switchgear

 

[dpc]

Not can a flash unit trip the relay - that is how ABB demonstrates it. I believe the relay comes standard with an CT input that can be used to reduce nuisance tripping due to non-arc light sources.

 

[rcw retired EE]

An ABB applications engineer said to not use it on metalclad Low Voltage (600V) Switchgear. The LV Circuit breakers do not contain enough of the arc flash during normal current interrrupiton. The light can leak out and give a flase trigger to the relay.

Supposedly works great on vacuum bottle circuit breakers that seal the normal arcs.