5 reasons - other than safety - to use arc-flash resistant switchgear
ABB
A short ABB Data Centers paper making the case for arc-resistant LV and MV switchgear in data centres even though consensus codes do not require it, framing the choice as lifecycle cost rather than capex.
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Overview
Arc-resistant switchgear costs about 10-15% more than standard gear and is not required by the consensus standards for commercial electrical systems. The paper justifies the premium with reasons beyond personnel safety: maintenance without Category 3 or 4 PPE, no need for a separate active arc-detection system, faster recovery because damage stays in one cubicle, insurer incentives and growing consultant recommendations.
The cost argument is that once the price of an active fault/arc-detection system is added to non-resistant gear, total cost is roughly equal. On layout, code-minimum rooms may have as little as five feet between equipment, so an arc in one non-resistant unit can take adjacent gear out of service. Some consulting engineers ask clients to sign a waiver if they decline arc-resistant gear for new installations.
The paper cites an NFPA/IEEE estimate of arc-flash injuries to more than 2,000 workers per year. It is a short advocacy piece: figures are given by citation and no calculation method is included.
Key points
- Arc-resistant switchgear costs about 10-15% more and is not required by consensus standards for commercial systems.
- Maintenance on arc-resistant gear can be done without Category 3 or 4 PPE.
- Adding an active arc-detection system to non-resistant gear brings total cost roughly level.
- A cited NFPA/IEEE estimate puts arc-flash injuries at more than 2,000 workers per year.
- Code-minimum rooms may have five feet between equipment, so an arc can take adjacent non-resistant gear out of service.
- Some consulting engineers ask clients to sign a waiver if they decline arc-resistant gear.
Using it in design
- Add an 'arcResistant' field to the switchgear catalog with classification (for example IEC 62271-200 IAC / IEC TR 61641 / IEEE C37.20.7).
- Recommend arc-resistant gear or active arc mitigation for main MV/LV boards in Tier III+ projects and show the roughly 10-15% capex delta in cost comparisons.
- Warn in layout checks when switchgear line-ups without arc containment are closely spaced in the same room.
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Who should read it
Electrical designers selecting main switchgear and decision makers weighing the cost case for arc-resistant equipment.
Related standards
- NFPA 70E
- IEEE 1584
- IEEE C37.20.7
Publication details
- Authors
- ABB
- Publisher
- ABB
- Year
- 2013
- Document number
- 9AKK106103A1703
- Document language
- English
- Source type
- Manufacturer
- Access
- Free to read
- Licence
- Copyright retained; citation only — the publisher’s terms apply to the original document
Citation
ABB (2013). 5 reasons - other than safety - to use arc-flash resistant switchgear. ABB. 9AKK106103A1703. https://library.e.abb.com/public/fafcaf6eff59fda3c1257de80046fc4a/ABB-815-WPO_DataCenterArcFlash.pdf
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