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JUNE 2020

Arc flash mitigation with RELT-Ekip Signalling 2K-3

New feature for Emax 2 and New Tmax XT
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What is an arc flash

Arc flash is a dangerous condition that occurs when there is a loss of It is the light and heat generated by the electrical arc that can cause
insulation between two live conductors inside electrical equipment. substantial damage.

Arc Flash numbers per year Temperature of 20000°C

400 arc flash deaths Fire

7,000 burn injuries every year Noise blast up to 160 db

2,000 hospitalizations
Explosion spray molten metal at
30,000 arc flash incidents speed up to 1600 km/h

Arc Flash is measured in terms of incident energy (cal/cm2) used to

determine the level of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

https://allumiax.com/blog/2019-statistics-arc-flash-explosions-occur-every-day-arc-flash-accidents
June 2020 Slide 2
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What is an arc flash
Arc incident sources

Human error 1 Touching live equipment

Making other mistakes in general

Mechanical
fault 2 Contact elements misaligned or worn

Bad Poor workmanship

connections
3
Wrong or lower quality hardware

Pollution 4 Dirty environment with lots of particles in the air

Animals 5 Small animals nesting in the switchgear

June 2020 Slide 3

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Arc flash standard regulations

NEC 2017 -ARTICLE 240.87

240.87 Arc Energy Reduction. Where the highest continuous current trip setting for which the actual overcurrent device installed in a circuit breaker is rated or
can be adjusted is 1200 A or higher, 240.87(A) and (B) shall apply.
(A) Documentation. Documentation shall be available to those authorized to design, install, operate, or inspect the installation as to the location of the circuit
breaker(s).
(B) Method to Reduce Clearing Time. One of the following or approved equivalent means shall be provided:
1. Zone-selective interlocking
2. Differential relaying
3. Energy-reducing maintenance switching with local status indicator
4. Energy-reducing active arc flash mitigation system
5. An instantaneous trip setting that is less than the available arcing current
6. An instantaneous override that is less than the available arcing current
7. An approved equivalent means

June 2020 Slide 4

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Energy-Reducing Maintenance Switching with local status indicator

Energy-reducing maintenance switching with local status indicator

is the most common technique to reduce the risks when personnel
are near the equipment. When activated, this switch decreases the
circuit breaker’s tripping time and threshold to a safer level.

The local switch is typically mounted in front of the cabinet door in

order to have the possibility to activate the switch when the door is
closed. This switch should include a means to LOTO (Lock Out Tag
Out).

This switch should include positive feedback input with indication

that confirms the circuit breaker is in the safer condition.

June 2020 Slide 5

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Reduced energy let through feature
How it works

Please activate
• Prior to approaching the equipment, the maintenance operator activates
2I protection
the Energy Reducing Maintenance Switch
• This switch sends the input to the circuit breaker in order to activate the
2I protection
• Once the protection is active the circuit breaker closes an output that
provides the positive feedback to the operator. This output should be
Got it!
wired to a visual indicator (example selector switch with embedded LED) Got it!
• When the work is over, the switch can be turned OFF ensuring the circuit 2I protection
breaker returns to its normal configuration. active

June 2020 Slide 6

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Reduced Energy Let Through
Emax 2 and New Tmax XT circuit breakers

Shopping List
The ABB low voltage circuit breaker’s version of an Energy Reducing
Maintenance switch is RELT, or Reduced Energy Let Through.

Emax 2 or New Tmax XT

When enabled, this feature automatically assigns the digital I/O to allow for with touch trip unit
remote activation and positive feedback. When triggered, the input activates
the fast and safe 2I protection while the output provides the maintenance
personnel an indication that the circuit breaker is in its safe mode.
Switch with led indication
The “2I” protection, is a temporary protection that is faster than the normal (example: GTURSK or ABB pilot devices)
instantaneous protections. Depending on the fault current this function can
provide a full clearing time as low as 1.5 cycles at 60Hz!

RELT-Ekip Signalling 2K-3*

I/O module + Ekip Supply module

* The external cartridge module is required for Tmax XT2, XT4 and XT5
June 2020 Slide 7
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Reduced Energy Let Through
Benefit

Increased safety level Easy installation

• 2I protection can clear in as little as 1.5 cycles at 60Hz • Easy to use, “dummy proof” setup wizard automatically
dramatically reducing the impact of an arc flash event. Ensures engaged during installation.
<8 calories up to 100kA even at 600V * ! • The RELT Module can be set up with just one tap !
• Local mode ensures that this feature cannot be • Commissioning can be executed directly on the circuit breaker
deactivated remotely. display.
• Positive feedback provides personnel a clear indication that the
safety function is working properly.
Easy wiring
Cost saving • Wiring made simple. Two circuits, one for input (activation) and
one for output (signalization).
• Arc flash mitigation with RELT module is a cost effective solution
compared to arc flash detection active systems.

* Taking into account the new 2018 IEEE 1584

June 2020 Slide 8
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Reduced Energy Let Through

Wire Install Protect

• Install the module and power up with 24V* • Less than 28ms clearing time above 18kA at 60Hz
• Select the menu Advanced → 2I protection → RELT
Wizard
• Press YES on the installation wizard

RELT Wizard
Configure RELT module?

YES NO

*RELT Wizard page appear automatically at the first trip

unit starting up

June 2020 Slide 9

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RELT Module
Documentation

Emax 2 IEC Catalogue Emax 2 UL catalogue Emax 2 Installation Manual

LINK LINK LINK

Instruction sheet RELT Module Application wiring diagram RELT switch

LINK LINK ABB Pilot Devices
LINK

June 2020 Slide 10