0613DB0203
01/2003
Cedar Rapids, IA, USA
Data Bulletin
Arc Chute Filter Technology
Class 613
Retain for future use.
INTRODUCTION
The following is an overview of a new breakthrough technology utilized by
the arc chute assemblies in the following SQUARE D / Schneider Electric
circuit breakers:
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WHAT IS AN ARC CHUTE?
MASTERPACT® NT
MASTERPACT® NW
COMPACT® NS 630b–3200A
P-frame
R-frame
Arc chutes are an integral part of a modern industrial or power circuit
breaker.
As the circuit breaker contacts open, the arc chute segments, cools, and
moves the arc away from the contacts. Moving the arc away preserves the
integrity of the contacts for a longer service life. Standard arc chute designs
absorb about 80% of the energy released during an interruption.
These drawings show a typical arc chute in cross-section:
Arc Segmentation and Cooling
Arc Chute
06135383
Figure 1:
Arc Chute
Cooled
Gases
Arc Segments
Arc
Arc Formation During
Contact Opening
NEW ARC CHUTE TECHNOLOGY
The new MASTERPACT® NT and NW power circuit breakers, the P- and
R-frame molded case circuit breakers, and COMPACT® NS 630b–3200A
circuit breakers have a unique patented arc chute assembly. In addition to
the standard arc chute plates, the arc chutes include a series of metallic
grids and meshes that significantly reduce the ionized gas released during
an interruption. The grids and meshes absorb up to 90–95% of the arcing
energy, considerably more than the 80% seen in standard arc chutes. The
emissions are deionized and cooled, resulting in pressure and arcing
reductions. The new arc chute assembly also allows for smaller electrical
clearances that provide smaller installed volumes and smaller equipment
footprints.
See the cross-sectional view of the MASTERPACT NW arc chutes in Figure 2.
© 2003 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved
1
Arc Chute Filter Technology
Data Bulletin
Cross-section of
MASTERPACT NW Arc Chute
Assembly
Two Arc Chute Designs
Moving
Arm
06135391
Contacts
Figure 3:
06135393
Figure 2:
0613DB0203
01/2003
Arc
Chute
U-Magnet
CONCLUSION
Standard arc chutes
release a significant
amount of ionized gas
during an interruption
Blow-open
Terminal
The breakthrough technology of the filtered arc chutes in the
MASTERPACT NW and NT, COMPACT NS 630b–3200A, and
POWERPACT P- and R-frame circuit breakers makes them unique in the
industry. Some benefits include:
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Square D Company
PO Box 3069, 3700 Sixth St. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3069 USA
1-888-SquareD (1-888-778-2733)
www.SquareD.com
2
Filtered arc chutes, such as
seen in the MASTERPACT NW
circuit breaker, reduce the amount
of ionized gas released during
interruption
Reduced electrical clearances;
Smaller footprints;
Emissions during an interruption are deionized and cooled;
Reduced arc flash incident energy during a bolted fault;
Reduced soot and evidence of an interruption inside the equipment,
which minimizes the need for cleaning and maintenance.
Electrical equipment should be installed, operated, serviced, and maintained only by
qualified personnel. No responsibility is assumed by Schneider Electric for any
consequences arising out of the use of this material.
© 2003 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved