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Schneider Electric introduces low-voltage arc-resistant solutions that will help organizations reduce downtime, while advancing the level of safety from arc flash events
PALATINE, Ill. – – Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced the release of the Power-Zone 4® Arc Resistant Low Voltage Switchgear (PZ-4) and the Model 6 Arc Resistant Motor Control Center (MCC) .These arc resistant solutions are engineered to advance the level of worker safety within Data Centers, Water Wastewaster, Oil & Gas, Critical Power, and Mining, Minerals and Metals industries.
With over 100 years of experience and following the company’s recent announcement around their investment and commitment to product innovation, Schneider Electric offers a full line of arc resistant solutions to help create a safer work environment. The arc resistant solutions are engineered to enhance the reliability of a facility’s electrical distribution system, while ensuring its safe operation.
Power-Zone 4® Arc Resistant Low Voltage Switchgear with ArcBlok™ Technology
The Power-Zone 4® Arc Resistant Low Voltage Switchgear is designed, tested and certified to meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1558 and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) / American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C37.20.7 with Type 2B arc-resistant rating, providing arc flash protection at the front, back, and sides, while the instrument compartment door is open. This design protects personnel around the perimeter of the switchgear by redirecting and channeling the arc energy out the top of the switchgear. The structure is designed with ArcBlok technology, which features the proven reliability and durability of Masterpact NW power circuit breakers with a new combination of arc resistant features, and advanced arc flash containment. The ArcBlok technology is an integrated solution providing not only arc flash containment but also arc extinguishing ability within the breaker compartment. The Power-Zone 4® Arc Resistant Low Voltage Switchgear with ArcBlok technology provides an industry-leading arc-resistant withstand rating of 100 kA at 635 Vac for the full 500 msec in accordance with IEEE C37.20.7. This innovative design provides simplified installation, reduced maintenance and inspection requirements, and industry-leading space-savings.
Model 6 Arc Resistant Motor Control Center
The Model 6 Arc Resistant Motor Control Center offers a new level of personnel protection in motor control centers with an industry leading arc-resistant rating of 100 msec, in accordance with IEEE/ANSI C37.20.7. The structure provides arc-resistant Type 2A rating, protection of the front, rear, and sides, and comes standard with industry-exclusive full-depth vertical wireway. This MCC is designed to meet UL 845. Its innovative design minimizes the potential for personnel injury from dangerous arcing faults by redirecting and channeling the arc energy out of the top of the structure. The MCC is equipped with designs such as self-aligning bucket power stabs and insulated/isolated vertical bus, along with many others design features to reduce the potential of an arc flash incident.
As regulations imposed by OSHA, through NFPA 70E, on end users regarding worker safety continue to become more stringent, the market is moving toward arc resistant solutions in order to protect personnel and prevent downtime. Dangerous electrical events such as an arc flash can cause serious injury or even death to personnel, along with equipment damage. Reducing the occurrence of these incidents, as well as containing the effects of an arc flash event once it occurs, is essential to provide a safe operation.
Schneider Electric’s full line of arc-resistant solutions demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and providing sustainable solutions for their customers.
