Arc flash protection VS Differential protection

[unclebob]

Hi all!

In a 5 kV switchgear, would a busbar differential protection help reducing the Arc Flash Hazard?

I think yes. Your comments are welcome.

 

[jghrist]

Anything that reduces interruption time will reduce arc flash hazard. If the busbar differential trips a main breaker in the switchgear, however, you still have to consider the interruption time for a fault in the main breaker compartment that isn't cleared by the bus differential.

 

[dpc]

Yes, it's generally a big help due to faster clearing times. As jghrist indicates, you have to carefully determine the differential zone and determine where faults might not be cleared by a bus differential operation. It helps if there is an upstream transformer differential zone that can be overlapped with the bus diff.

 

[slavag]

For my pinion , both of them are good and important.
Isn't versus. One add second.
my 0.02$
Regards.
Slava

 

[suhagpatel]

I agree that diff. protection will help, as previously posted, however, if your primary concern is arc flash why not use an optical arc detection system designed for this purpose. It would probably be easier to install since CT inputs from each breaker are not required. Just a thought,

suhag