Eaton Corporation


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IN THIS ISSUE Protecting workers Arc-resistant switchgear Did You Know? Interactive Media Application Data Ask the Expert	Safety Matters Prepare-Prevent-Protect

	Protecting workers from the risk of arc flashes Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous risks when working with electrical equipment. Eaton recognizes that protecting workers is of the utmost importance. Jerry Whitaker, president – Americas Region, Eaton's Electrical Sector, says “Arc flash safety is tremendously important to a wide range of industries, and Eaton is committed to improving education and providing solutions that will help companies protect their most important assets—their employees.” It is because of this that for years now, Eaton has been an industry leader in arc flash-resistant electrical products, such as the Eaton arc-resistant switchgear. Today Eaton offers the industry’s widest range of arc flash-related products and services. Eaton takes this risk seriously, which is why Eaton Corporation contributed $500,000 to the IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Research Project “to help expand the knowledge of the electric arc flash phenomena and enhance worker safety through advances in the codes and standards relating to safe employee work practices.” Eaton was also a recent participant in the 2009 Electrical Safety Workshop sponsored by the IEEE Industry Applications Society. Eaton highlighted some of its newest electrical safety solutions. Please click here to view some photos of the event. You can also download two electrical safety white papers written by Eaton safety experts. Selective Coordination versus Arc Flash - The Great Debate and Update Proper Application & Maintenance of Molded Case Breakers to Assure Safe and Reliable Operation Low voltage arc-resistant switchgear One of the best ways of protecting electrical engineers and electricians in the field is to educate, educate, educate! A key aspect of arc flash education is that arc-resistant products do not prevent arc flashes. They simply redirect the arc gasses away from the operator in the event of an arc flash. In the case of Eaton’s low voltage arc-resistant switchgear, the equipment of the switchgear is robust enough to contain the high pressure and heat present during an arcing event. If an arcing event occurs, the doors of the switchgear remain closed, and the vents seal off—protecting the operator from contact with the arc. Features of Eaton’s low voltage arc-resistant switchgear Rated Type 2 (defined by American National Standards Institute [ANSI] C37.20.7), Eaton designed the low voltage arc-resistant switchgear to protect the operator around the equipment parameter. (Also available with a Type 2B rating—an additional feature that is intended to protect the operator even if the compartment door is open.) NEMA® 1-rated arc-resistant switchgear protects the operator, because the rear dynamic flap system closes under arc condition (but remains open during normal operation for equipment ventilation)—allowing gas to flow into the bus compartment from any location in the switchgear and exit out of the top of the switchgear through hinged flaps. Patented breaker bellow design allows the breaker to be racked easily into disconnect position while keeping arc gasses from escaping around the nose of the breaker. Heavy-duty door latches—the two-point breaker door latching prevents the door from opening during an arc event, even when originating in the breaker cell. No increase in footprint (when compared to the regular Magnum™ DS switchgear)—allowing up to four-high breaker configuration with no additional restrictions. No additional maintenance is required outside of what is normally required for standard switchgear. As you can see, Eaton’s low voltage arc-resistant switchgear gives you the peace of mind of a safer work environment, but without having to compromise performance or space. To find out more about protecting workers with Eaton’s arc flash safety products such as arc-resistant switchgear, contact your Eaton field sales representative. To read more about arc flash safety, click here. Did You Know? Did you know that two thousand times a year, workers are admitted to burn centers for extended injury treatment caused by arc flash? It’s no wonder why protecting workers from this hazard is a major concern! Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous risks when working with electrical equipment. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)®, “An arc flash is an electric current that is passed through air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. The flash is immediate, but the results can cause severe injury. Two thousand times a year, workers are admitted to burn centers for extended injury treatment caused by arc flash.” Ask the Expert Do you have a question about electrical safety? Eaton experts are just an e-mail away! Submit your question here and receive feedback from Eaton’s electrical specialists within 48 hours. Q. What is the difference between metal-clad switchgear and metal-enclosed switchgear? A. Metal-clad switchgear varies from metal-enclosed switchgear in many ways. For instance, all live parts are compartmentalized in metal-clad switchgear, where compartmentalization is not necessary in metal-enclosed switchgear. Metal-clad has a much higher duty cycle, 10 to 1000 times greater number of load operations vs. metal enclosed. Also, metal-clad requires shutters over bus openings. With metal-enclosed, shutters are not required. Finally, metal-clad is metal enclosed, but metal-enclosed is not metal-clad! Read more about the differences here.