Arc Flash Circuit Breaker Definition

The amount of incident energy a worker may be exposed to during an arc flash is directly proportional to the total clearing ampere squared seconds i 2 t of the overcurrent protective device during the fault.

Arc flash circuit breaker definition.

But beware the combination function that is identified on recently. A combination arc fault circuit breaker is not equivalent to a dual function circuit breaker. Precautions must usually be used when switching circuit breakers such as standing off to the side while switching to keep the body out of the way wearing protective clothing or turning off equipment circuits and panels downline prior. Once an arc flash begins in a breaker it can quickly migrate from a single circuit to the busbars of the panel itself allowing very high energies to flow.

An afci selectively distinguishes between a harmless arc incidental to normal operation of switches plugs and brushed motors and a potentially dangerous arc that can. An arc fault circuit interrupter afci also known as an arc fault detection device afdd is a circuit breaker that breaks the circuit when it detects an electric arc in the circuit it protects to prevent electrical fires. With ever changing electrical code requirements a circuit breaker with the ability to provide both arc fault protection as well as ground fault gfci protection was long overdue.