Vamp 125 vs AFR-4 – what is difference
Importance of Arc Protection
Arc faults are high-risk electrical accidents that can cause serious equipment damage, personal injury, and production interruption. To prevent arc faults, modern power systems widely use arc protection relays to quickly detect and isolate faults, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the power supply system.
This article compares the two arc protection relays – Vamp 125 and AFR-4, and analyzes their differences in protection functions, measurement and control, communication capabilities, general functions, and cost-effectiveness, providing users with a reference when selecting
What is Schneider Electric Vamp 125 Arc Flash Relay?
VAMP 125 is a stand-alone arc protection device designed for medium and low voltage switchgear, providing fast arc detection and tripping to improve the safety of power supply systems. It uses optical sensor technology and can be used alone or as part of a larger arc protection system with other VAMP series devices (such as VAMP 221, VAMP 321). The device has a fixed design and is optimized for arc protection needs, suitable for scenarios that require ultra-fast protection response.
Main application of Vamp 125
- Medium and low voltage power distribution systems (MV/LV)
- Industrial power systems (such as manufacturing, mining, petrochemical, etc.)
- Public utilities and infrastructure (such as power companies, data centers)
- Internal protection of switch cabinets
-. Can connect 4 arc sensors
-. Support two-level protection areas (Zone Protection)
-. Applicable to typical applications such as busbars, feeders, and incoming lines
5. Occasions where independent operation or coordination with other relay protection devices is required
-. Equipped with fiber optic detection + overcurrent signal linkage tripping
-. Can be linked with other relays or arc protection devices (such as VAMP 221, 321)
VAMP 125 is suitable for users who need compact, high-speed response, safe and reliable arc protection solutions.
What is Blue Jay AFR-4 Arc Flash Relay
Blue Jay AFR-4 arc flash relay is an economical, multi-channel arc protection device designed for low-voltage and small medium-voltage power distribution systems, providing 4-channel fiber optic sensing arc detection and overcurrent linkage tripping functions. The device uses arc detection + overcurrent detection dual criteria, has a fast response (≤5ms), and is suitable for scenarios that require basic arc protection, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and practicality.
Main application of Blue Jay AFR-4
- Low voltage and medium voltage distribution cabinets
-. Applicable to arc protection in feeder switch cabinets, busbar rooms, circuit breaker rooms, cable rooms, etc.
-. Applicable to scenarios that require independent operation or linkage with superior protection equipment
2. Small industrial power systems (manufacturing, building power distribution, data centers, etc.)
3. Economic power protection needs (applicable to electrical engineering projects with limited budgets)
4. Cooperate with superior equipment to achieve busbar partition protection
-. Support independent mode (each channel corresponds to a tripping output)
-. Support linkage mode (multiple channels can trigger multiple tripping outputs)
-. Support MT mode (can be used for busbar partition logic control)
AFR-4 is suitable for low voltage and small medium voltage distribution systems with certain requirements for cost, reliability, and fast response, and is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and distribution equipment manufacturers.
Schneider Electric Vamp 125 VS Blue Jay AFR-4
| Category | VAMP 125 | AFR-4 |
| Protection | . Arc detection (sensor-based) . Overcurrent coordination . Busbar protection . Power loss monitoring | . Arc detection (fiber-based) . Overcurrent coordination . Supports single cabinet or busbar zoning (MT mode) |
| Measurement & Control | . Event storage . Fault waveform recording . Two independent protection zones . <2ms response time (light + current) . 1ms response time (light only) | . Event recording . Three selectable operation modes (Single cabinet, Independent, MT mode) . ≤15ms response time (light + current) . ≤5ms response time (light only) |
| Communication | Supports multiple protocols: Modbus RTU, IEC 61850, DNP3, Profibus | Modbus RTU only |
| General Features | . 4 optical sensor inputs . Two trip outputs . High-reliability relays . LED status indicators . Full system self-supervision | . 4 fiber optic sensor inputs . Six relay outputs . Can operate independently or in coordination with upstream systems . Three selectable trip modes . MT mode supports busbar zone logic control |
| Response Time | . <2ms (light + current) . 1ms (light only) | . ≤15ms (light + current) . ≤5ms (light only) |
| Application Scenarios | . Medium and low-voltage switchgear . Industrial power distribution, utilities, and grid infrastructure . Suitable for high-safety environments | . Low-voltage and small-scale medium-voltage distribution systems . Suitable for feeder switchgear, busbar compartments, breaker compartments, cable compartments . Cost-effective solution for budget-conscious applications |
| Cost-Effectiveness | High-end product for safety-critical applications | Budget-friendly solution for cost-sensitive applications |
Summary
VAMP 125 is suitable for high-end medium and low-voltage power distribution systems. It has faster protection response, stronger communication capabilities, and richer measurement functions, and is suitable for large-scale industry, public utilities, and high-security occasions.
AFR-4 is an economical solution with basic arc protection functions and overcurrent linkage. It is suitable for low-voltage and small medium-voltage distribution cabinets to meet the needs of cost-sensitive applications. In terms of functions, Blue Jay AFR-4 can completely replace the Vamp125.
