ACREL Arc Protection Device for MV and LV Switchgear
ACREL Arc Protection Device for MV and LV Switchgear is an intelligent protection device designed to detect and respond to arc faults in 0.4 kV to 35 kV medium and low voltage distribution systems. It combines arc detection with current and voltage monitoring, protection functions, fault recording and communication in a compact unit. Available in ARB4-A1, ARB4-A2 and ARB4-A3 versions, it supports up to three arc sensors and is suited to space-limited switchgear, feeder cabinets and cable compartments.
Optional Accessory:
The ACREL Arc Protection Device for MV and LV Switchgear is designed for applications where rapid detection of an electrical arc fault is important. It is intended for 0.4 kV to 35 kV distribution systems and is particularly suited to space-constrained switchgear, feeder cabinets and cable compartments.
The device integrates arc signal acquisition, current and voltage measurement, protection, monitoring, control, communication, fault recording and event recording into one compact unit. This reduces the need for separate protection and monitoring hardware within the switchboard.
How it works
The ACREL Arc Protection Device for MV and LV Switchgear monitors signals from connected arc sensors together with electrical measurements such as current and voltage. Depending on the protection configuration, an arc can be used as a single protection criterion or combined with current or zero-sequence voltage to provide a dual protection criterion. The device can then operate its relay outputs according to the configured protection logic.
The ACREL Arc Protection Device for MV and LV Switchgear also continuously monitors the condition of the arc sensors and fibre links. Its fault recording function stores up to 16 records, providing information that can assist with investigating protection events.
Why choose this product?
- Fast arc fault response with a specified trip time of ≤3.8 ms for the single criterion and ≤7.8 ms for the dual criterion under the manufacturer's stated test conditions.
- Compact design measuring 120 mm x 120 mm x 100 mm, making it suitable where switchgear space is limited.
- Flexible protection criteria allowing arc, arc plus current, or arc plus zero-sequence voltage protection.
- Integrated monitoring and recording for arc conditions, sensor status, CT disconnection and protection events.
- Communication capability through RS485 with Modbus and IEC 60870-5-103 protocols.
- Multiple sensor options, with ARB4-A1, ARB4-A2 and ARB4-A3 supporting one, two or three arc sensors respectively.