Martin Proves The Point!
Beware, … The “Arc Resistant” Salesman Has No Clothes!!
There exists a dangerous misconception regarding the “Arc Rating” of infrared (IR) windows. Many reliability and maintenance professionals are under the impression that an IR window will protect them in the event of an arc blast; still others are under the impression that installing IR windows will turn non-arc-rated switchgear or electrical equipment into “arc-rated” cabinets. Neither is the case, nor both misconceptions need to be corrected because they present very real safety concerns.
I see claims about IR windows being “Arc Resistant” and even being “Bullet or Bomb Proof” these claims are ridiculous when you consider the polymer or crystal IR window lens materials that are available for IR window use! These materials are fragile and are limited in their use, they transmit infrared energy at a given wavelength and provide a barrier that separates the internal environment of the switchgear from the external environment… that is their only purpose, and they cannot protect you from a direct arc flash explosion!!
Anyone who has seen the results of an arc flash incident would attest to the fact that the steel cabinets cannot do this… (That’s the reason switchgear manufacturers have designed arc rated switchgear to release the explosive energy of an arc flash incident to a safe area rather than try to contain it!!). So how can fragile crystals or polymers do what solid steel cannot?? Infrared windows are data collection points for IR cameras ONLY! They are NOT protective devices and any claims to the contrary I believe actually border on “Negligence“.
An Arc Flash Explosion is a catastrophic event producing temperatures in excess of 35,000 Fahrenheit, a temperature that turns solid metals to a plasma state instantaneously, expanding these materials to 67,000 their original volume producing shock blasts in excess of 700 MPH… throwing hot molten shrapnel back towards the operator!! Once you understand the anatomy of an arc flash and the forces involved you can really understand just how dangerous the “Arc Resistant Infrared Window” claims are!! Don’t be mislead by unscrupulous marketers… Do your homework and ensure that you get an infrared window that suits your specific requirements and meets the requirements of the relevant certification bodies for your industry…
IRISS Infrared Windows are the most tested and certified IR Windows in the market today; we have been tested as components in switchgear assemblies with numerous manufacturers in tests up to and including 63kA, 15kV, 30 cycles. What this means is the switchgear to which the IRISS IR windows were fitted successfully passed these tests… and the IRISS IR windows did not fail the test… It does not mean that IRISS IR windows (or any other IR Window) carry a 63kA arc flash rating and can resist any 63kA, 15 kV 30 cycle event… The test rating is given to the switchgear assembly being tested and not to any individual component!! if it were you would have fastener manufactures and steel manufacturers claiming that they manufacture arc resistant steel, washers or bolts!! Sounds silly doesn’t it? So why do some IR Window manufacturers continue to make these claims?? That is a question you need to ask them…
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