Types of arc interruption phenomena in circuit breakers
Arc interruption phenomena in circuit breakers refer to the various ways in which the arc that forms between the contacts of a circuit breaker can be extinguished or interrupted. Here are some common types of arc interruption phenomena:
- Re-ignition: This occurs when the arc is not fully extinguished and reignites, causing the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
- Arc chopping: This is a technique used to interrupt the arc by creating a series of small, controlled arcs that eventually extinguish the main arc.
- Arc splitting: This occurs when the arc is split into two or more smaller arcs, which can be more easily extinguished.
- Arc bridging: This occurs when the arc jumps from one contact to the other, bypassing the gap between them.
- Arc wandering: This occurs when the arc moves back and forth between the contacts, making it difficult to extinguish.
- Arc restriking: This occurs when the arc is not fully extinguished and restrikes, causing the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
- Arc extinction: This is the most common type of arc interruption, where the arc is extinguished by the breaker's contacts or by the flow of air or gas.
- Arc quenching: This is a technique used to extinguish the arc by creating a high-pressure gas or air flow that rapidly cools the arc.
- Arc splitting and re-ignition: This occurs when the arc is split into two or more smaller arcs, which can re-ignite and cause the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
- Arc jumping: This occurs when the arc jumps from one contact to the other, bypassing the gap between them, and can cause the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
- Arc wandering and re-ignition: This occurs when the arc moves back and forth between the contacts, making it difficult to extinguish, and can re-ignite, causing the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
- Arc extinction with re-ignition: This occurs when the arc is extinguished, but then re-ignites, causing the breaker to fail to interrupt the current.
These arc interruption phenomena can occur due to various factors, including:
- Insufficient arc extinction energy
- Inadequate contact separation
- High current levels
- Poor contact design
- Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and contamination
- Worn or damaged contacts
Understanding these phenomena is crucial for designing and testing circuit breakers to ensure reliable and safe operation.