As one of the core components of the power system, the medium and low-voltage busbars are of great significance to the stability and reliability of the power system. During the operation of the busbar, there is a certain arc flash hazard. Therefore, it is very necessary to install an arc protection relay.

3 Reasons for Installing Arc Protection Relay

First, we need to understand what an arc flash is. Arc flash is a common arc flashing phenomenon in electrical equipment. Arc flash occurs in electrical equipment when the power switch is turned off or when the equipment malfunctions. The current generated by it is very large and the energy is very strong. Once the flash arc cannot be controlled in time, it will cause serious damage to the equipment. To know the Cause of arc flash, please click here.

In the case of installing an arc protection relay on medium and low voltage busbars, once an arc flashing accident occurs, the flash relay can sense the arc current or arc voltage in time, so that the power supply or equipment can be quickly cut off, so as to control the generation and development of the arc flash, and ultimately ensure the protection of electrical equipment and power and the safe and stable operation of the system.

Secondly, the arc protection relay has the characteristics of high reliability and fast response. Once the relay senses the arc current or arc voltage, it can generate a signal within milliseconds to cut off the power supply in time. Moreover, the arc protection relay can choose different action modes and protection measures according to the different characteristics of electrical equipment, so as to realize the comprehensive and multi-level protection of the power system.

Thirdly, the installation of arc protection relay on medium and low-voltage buses can not only control the occurrence and development of arcs, but also avoid accidents caused by human factors, improve the service life of electrical equipment, and reduce power system maintenance and operating costs.

To sum up, the installation of arc protection relay on medium and low-voltage busbars has very necessary significance and functions. In the design and operation of the power system, you must pay attention to the role of arc protection, give full play to the function of arc protection relays, and ensure the safe, stable, and reliable operation of electrical equipment and power systems.

Related article: What is arc flash relay?

Blue Jay arc protection relay

The Blue Jay arc protection relay has the advantages of simple principle, reliable and rapid action, no special requirements for the primary equipment of the substation, is adaptable to various operating modes, and protection does not need to be switched under various operating modes. It is an ideal solution for 0.4kV-35kV medium and low voltage busbar protection in commercial power distribution systems. It activates the protection by arc light + current double criterion or arc single criterion. The action time of arc light single criterion is ≤10ms;

Blue Jay arc protection relay has the functions of failure protection, CT monitoring, arc fault location, arc fiber link self-inspection, and device abnormality self-inspection, and supports major industry communication protocols including IEC60870. Blue Jay arc protection device is widely used in medium and low-voltage switchgear busbar protection.