Arc Flash Plenum Mv-At001 - En-P
Arc Flash Plenum Mv-At001 - En-P
Arc Flash Plenum Mv-At001 - En-P
Original Instructions
Topic Page
Overview 2
ArcShield Motor Controllers 3
Installation Safety 5
ArcShield Structure Specifications 6
Plenum Components Specifications 7
Field Modifications to ArcShield Enclosures and Plenum Components 7
Description and Applications 8
Clear Space Restrictions 10
Installation Guidelines for Bulletin 1500/1900 Chimney Sections 13
Plenum and Chimney Arrangement for PowerFlex 7000 Drives 14
Ceiling and Wall Requirements 17
Field Modification Services 20
ArcShield Installation Checklist 24
Glossary 27
Additional Resources 33
Installation Guidelines for Medium Voltage Arc Plenums and Chimney Systems
Overview
The purpose of this document is to provide additional supporting technical information and reference information that is related to our Allen
Bradley Bulletin 1500/1900 ArcShield Medium Voltage Motor Controllers (MV MCC) arc-resistant controller products and the installing and
configuring the arc plenum, ducts, and chimney pieces associated with.
For additional installation details, always refer to the user manual for the specific model of equipment. See Additional Resources on page 33.
You and/or your installation contractors must read and understand all instructions before attempting installation, operation, or maintenance
of this equipment. Observation of the National Electrical Code (NEC), Canadian Electrical Codes (CEC), OSHA, and all other local procedures
and standards for installation and operation is required. You are responsible for conforming to all applicable code requirements with respect
to proper equipment grounding. Use adequate fall protection when working above ground level. Always wear the appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in and around electrical equipment.
This document does not cover all possible contingencies and variations available for these systems. Individual local installations require
specific review and may require the inclusion of custom components that are provided by Rockwell Automation.
IMPORTANT For information on installation site preparation, see General Handling Procedures for Medium Voltage Products,
publication MV-QS050.
ATTENTION: Use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) per local codes or regulations. Failure to do so may result
in severe burns, injury, or death.
ATTENTION: Lock out incoming power to avoid shock hazards. Verify with a hot stick or appropriate voltage measuring
device that all circuits are voltage free. Failure to do so may result in severe burns, injury, or death.
Disconnect all sources of power, both low voltage and medium voltage, before working on the equipment per all Occupational Safety and
Health Act (OSHA) and lockout procedures. Verify that the voltage has been removed from all sources. This should also include performance
of visual inspections while the door is open, making any adjustments inside or outside the enclosure, performing required and suggested
maintenance, or installing any replacement parts.
An integrated arc gas plenum or chimney exhaust system is required to help ensure that the by-products of an arc fault, in an arc-resistant
motor control center or arc-resistant adjustable speed drive system, are channeled away from the equipment and personnel.
The arc gas ducting method is critical in maintaining the arc-resistant capabilities and in the protection of personnel from the arc blast
itself and the other associated by-products from an arc fault event.
If the arc gases are released directly into the area around the arc-resistant controls, the need for personnel to evacuate the electrical
control room space is of utmost importance. If the gases are exhausted into a controlled and contained or external location, this need is
eliminated. However, personnel should evacuate the local electrical control room immediately and not return until told to do so by an
authority. The exhaust or exit point(s) for either the plenum discharge point or the chimney exhausts should be classified as a hazardous
location.
The available arc-resistant ratings are 50 kA and 40 kA. There are two ratings available for different equipment configurations of ArcShield
arc-resistant medium voltage motor controllers. The arc-resistant rating should not be confused with the main bus short circuit rating.
These are different ratings.
The size/rating of the power bus can be 1200, 2000, or 3000 A (the same as the non-arc resistant controls), with a short circuit rating of 50kA
as defined by the UL347 standard for medium voltage controllers.
IMPORTANT The arc-resistant rating of the structure is only valid when all covers, hardware, and medium voltage doors are
properly secured in place over the entire extent or length of any arc-resistant equipment lineup.
When working inside any open medium voltage compartment, even though the compartment is electrically isolated,
personnel will not be protected against an arc fault and must wear appropriate arc flash PPE.
There are specific minimum configuration sizes to achieve a given arc-resistant rating.
For a 50 kA arc-resistant rating, a minimum combined structure width of 1829 mm (for example, two 36 in. structures) wide structures are
required to achieve this rating. The main power bus must be bare tin or silver plated copper (for the insulated bus option, the maximum arc
resistant rating is presently 40 kA).
For 40 kA arc-resistant ratings, there is a minimum cabinet width of 660 mm (one 26 in.) wide cabinet. The main power bus can be insulated
tin or silver plated copper.
All arc-resistant enclosures are 915 mm (36 in.) deep. However, when the arc gas plenums are used, an additional 10 in. (22 mm) of forward
overhead depth extends away the front of the structure, starting at an elevation of approximately 2590 mm (102 in.). The alternative arc gas
system are individual chimney systems that are attached to the top of each controller structure.
Each has specific installation and physical site installation considerations. See Installation Guidelines for Plenum Extensions on page 11 or
Installation Guidelines for Bulletin 1500/1900 Chimney Sections on page 13.
Only structures that have been tested, or combinations of tested structures that have had full design reviews completed, can be used in a
certified arc-resistant application. Shown below are the present structures that are defined as arc resistant. Various units can also be
applied as complementary control elements within an ArcShield PowerFlex® 7000 drive system. Combinations of these structures can be
applied for custom controller applications. An engineering review is required to validate custom arc-resistant configurations.
Arc-resistant Structures
Installation Safety
Only qualified electrical personnel with training and experience on medium or high-voltage equipment should
be permitted to work on arc-resistant control products, their proper installation requirements and proper
access techniques for maintenance. Always review the products installation and operating instructions. A
thorough understanding of these instructions and guidelines is required before attempting any of
installation, operation, or maintenance on the equipment. A task/risk review meeting should be held in
preparation for the installation work.
During an arc fault, the plenum is subjected to a brief high-pressure shock wave. The discharge, extension,
and elbow assemblies may experience dynamic loading. It is important to account for dynamic loading when
selecting supporting means and materials.
A recommended minimum of 1270 mm (50 in.) above the top of the ArcShield MV MCC structures, which has a base height of 2317 mm (91 in.),
is required to facilitate the lifting and attachment of the top mounted plenums. The ceiling height directly above the location of the ArcShield
equipment must be approximately 3581 mm (140 in.) from floor level. If possible, this area is to remain free of any obstruction including
conduit, lighting, smoke alarms, cable trays, and HVAC ductwork.
The preferred method of lifting and maneuvering the ArcShield controllers sections and their associated plenum components into their final
position is using an overhead lifting means (crane or other). Alternative methods are outlined in each installation section of the user manual
of the controller. If an overhead lifting device is not available, extra precautions and safeguards must be used to help ensure that the
equipment is not mechanically stressed in any one direction during maneuvering. Shipping section can also be moved into place by using
suitable pipe rollers. Plenum system components need an overhead lifting device.
Lifting Provisions
Lifting individual plenum and discharge pieces that must be bolted to the top of each shipping section may require an assisted lifting means
(see Dimensions, Weights, and Door Swing Requirements on page 6). See publication MV-QS050 for additional lifting and handling
instructions and details.
WARNING: All lifting angles and/or lifting clips, which are used for each arc-resistant structure, must be removed to install
either arc gas plenum system. Do not discard the mounting bolts and hardware, which is used for the lifting angles or clips on
the main arc-resistant structures. Return all bolts to the holes from where they were removed. Failure to return these bolts to
their original holes nullify the arc-resistant capabilities of the controller.
Plenum system pieces are made of heavy steel so that the pressure wave associated with the arc gases do not cause deformation and help
prevent the leaking of these gases. Whenever the plenum system is extended beyond the basic controller structures, these plenum
components must be rigidly retained for both lateral and downward forces. The standard plenum discharge, extension, and elbow
component include hanging eyelets on the top side of each component (see Hanging and Lifting Locations of the Overhead Plenum on
page 5). These hanging locations facilitate the hanging of these plenum components from the building's roof or other structural building
component cable of the lateral and weight baring considerations. Uni-strut style systems are commonly used to provide this overhead
support.
When the corner plenum components are added to the plenum system, they must be braced both from overhead but some lateral support is
required. There are high dynamic forces from the pressure wave and arc fault by-products as they travel through the plenum away from the
arc location. Most of this force will be in the direction opposite to the plenum extension exit points. The amount of bracing depends on how
the plenum is supported at its exit and the distance from the end of the cabinets to the exit vent. The Installer of the plenum system is
responsible for confirming that the plenum extension has sufficient support to resist the effect of vibrations and other seismic effects in
zones where they may be prevalent.
Modification to any low voltage compartment doors or the addition of low voltage control components in the low voltage section of the low
voltage compartment is permitted as they are not critical to retaining the arc-resistant rating of the structure.
WARNING: Any field modifications to any major structural portion of the arc-resistant enclosure including the plenum,
chimney or discharge systems, will compromise the equipment's ability to retain an arc flash/blast and thus nullify the
enclosure and plenum system arc-resistant properties.
WARNING: Before energizing any equipment, confirm that the equipment is secured on a true and level surface, confirm all
hardware is in place and torqued per specified values, confirm all medium voltage doors are closed and fully latched closed,
confirm no tools, grounding straps or other objects are left inside the enclosure, confirm all devices, covers, cable access
covers, medium voltage doors, panels, etc., are completely secured.
ArcShield units typically include a pressure relief vent on the roof of the structure (some incoming units may not have a pressure relief vent
if top cable entry is required). Under arc flash conditions, the pressure relief vent opens allowing hazardous flames and gases to exit the
enclosure via the plenum or chimney system. This pressure relief/exhaust vent, which is attached with screws on top of the equipment, may
not be tampered with, and it can not to be used as a step nor can any weight be applied to it. In preparation for mounting a plenum or
chimney, the cabinet lifting means (slips of lifting angles) must be removed. The bolts retaining the lifting means must be replaced in the
holes from where they came. Failure to do this will remove the cabinets ability to properly control any arc gases. After the lifting angles or
clips are removed, you must remove all but the four corner retaining fasteners holding the relief vent to the top of the medium votlage
enclosure (1/4-20 threaded self-tapping). The corner mounting screws are intended to remain in place and should not be removed.
The plenums and chimneys are designed to fit over the fastener heads at the four corners of the pressure relief vent.
If the plenum system is to be directly interfaced to an alternative vendors plenum or if it is to be interfaced to an alternative ducting system.
Follow the guidelines that are outlined in publications 1500-AT002 and 1500-AT003.
For further information on component definition, see the Glossary on page 27.
Plenum Discharge
Plenum Extension
End Cover
Plenum Exhaust
Arc-resistant Structure
Louvre Assembly
The plenum is provided in a standard length of 914 mm (36 in.). Multiple lengths can be joined to form the required plenum length using
1/4 in.-20 thread forming screws (12 lb•ft [16 N•m]). A flange is available for installing hangers for supporting the weight of the plenum.
Silicone is applied generously along the inside of sheet metal joints. The plenum system must be at least 1.6 m (60 in.) in linear length from
the closest exhaust port, on top of any arc-resistant structure containing an exhaust port/plate.
The following options for locating the plenum exit are presented:
• Plenum that is ducted to an area outside the control room where arc gases are permitted to escape, with plenum extensions (see
Plenum Exit Left with Extensions to Internal Area (Top View) and Plenum Exit Left with Extensions to Internal Area (Front View)).
• Plenum duct to outside of control room (see Plenum Exit Left with Extensions to External Area (Top View) and Plenum Exit Left with
Extensions to External Area (Top View)).
Minimum Volume of Space Required for Extension to Internal and External Areas
• Minimum H = 3500 mm (138 in.)
• Minimum L = 1200 mm (47 in.)
• Minimum Volume of space required for safe pressure relief: X x Y x H = 11 m3 (390 ft3)
Y Personnel
Access
L Barrier
H L
Personnel
Access
Barrier
Personnel
Access
Barrier
L
H
There are specific guidelines for the use of the chimney method.
There must be 1.7 m (67 in.) of clear space directly above the chimney. This distance has been defined by the test configuration that is used
for verification to the C37.20.7 testing guide.
Clear space is defined as nothing being directly above the chimney's horizontal cross-sectional area. If cables, cable-ways, cable ducts, or
other obstructions are in this area, the arc plasma could be redirected back down on an individual standing in the perimeter of the
equipment or the intense heat from the arc by-products could ignite any materials directly above the restricted height area. The
temperature of the by-products at the point of release can be as high as 7000 °C (12,632 °F).
Any obstruction in this area would nullify the type 2B accessibility level of protection.
Redirection of this chimney exhaust has not been tested, and as such, bends or redirective devices should not be considered for the
chimney.
Recommended
Minimum 1700 mm
Clear (67 in.)
Space
Chimney
1000 mm
(39.4 in.)
Minimum
5015 mm
(197.4 in.)
3315 mm
(130.5 in.)
2315 mm
(91 in.)
914 mm
(36 in.)
ArcShield units typically include a pressure relief vent on the roof of the structure (some incoming units are without a pressure relief vent if
top cable entry is required). Under arc flash conditions, the pressure relief vent opens to allow hazardous flames and gases to exit the
enclosure via plenum or chimney system. The low voltage panel area is sealed to help prevent flames and gases from entering. Regardless,
suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used whenever working on live circuits.
Right-handed plenums are not offered as the standard height of plenum interferes with exit of cooling air from the main exhaust fan.
Plenums to the right may also interfere with the passage of top entry power cables of the drive.
Combinations of elbows and extensions may be added at the end of the plenum. Where a plenum passes through an exterior wall, a special
assembly is needed that has exterior grade paint, stainless steel hardware and protection from ingress of precipitation and vermin.
Exhaust End
946.5
(37.26)
247.1
(9.73)
3262.9
(128.46)
2563.2
(100.91) 2316.1
(91.18)
3703.8
(145.82)
The only cabinet of the drive that requires an arc chimney or plenum is the line reactor cabinet. Arc testing has been performed in all
cabinets of the drive. Where appropriate, ventilation opens have features to limit the escape of arc products.
For PowerFlex 7000 standalone drive, the standard options for directing arc products from the line reactor cabinet include:
• Chimney that directs the arc products up, inside the room in which the drive is installed.
• Plenum directing arc products to the left
• Special options for the plenum can be provided such as rearward and frontward plenums
Plenum Exit Left with Extension to Internal Controlled Access Area (Front View)
H2
Basic Requirements
The minimum clearance required from the top of the chimney to the ceiling is 1.7 m (5.6 ft) for Bulletin 1500/1900 motor control centers. For
the PowerFlex 7000 arc resistant drives, the minimum distance is 0.4 m (16 in.).
For horizontal plenum discharge points, the minimum clearance from the end of the plenum discharge is 1.2 m (3.9 ft).
If the minimum clearance is used, the ceiling or wall material must be non-flammable i.e. concrete, concrete block, metal or flame resistant
drywall (Type X, Type C, Fire Board, X Board) or similar fire-resistant materials. These materials must also be braced rigidly to absorb or re-
direct the high temperature pressure wave in the neighborhood of the 10 psi.
If the ceiling height or horizontal distance to an adjacent fixture (wall or other) is less than the minimum required, each situation must be
reviewed individually.
If the height of a ceiling is >3 m (9.8 ft) above the top of the Bulletin 1500/1900 MCC chimney, (4 m [13.1 ft] above the top of the cabinet) the
rigidity and flame resistance of the materials that are used can significantly be reduced as the temperature and pressure wave will be much
lower at that height. For horizontal obstructions, each situation is different and must be reviewed in detail as this will be a hazardous
location.
A major issue to consider is dust. Many secondary fires are created due to the ignition of dust and residual materials in areas around or
above equipment. The blast wave from the chimney could dislodge materials that have settled on beams, girders or adjacent cabinets. Once
dislodged and combined with the hot arc gas, a secondary fire ball is created.
The walls of the plenum exit area must be capable of withstanding the pressure generated.
Equipment that consists of more than four vertical sections that are bolted together may require additional plenum exits. Rockwell
Automation provides guidance on requirements for additional plenum exits when required.
Extreme temperature differences in the immediate environment may cause condensation on the inside or outside of the ductwork. For these
cases, it is recommended that the duct assemblies be wrapped with insulating material to reduce condensation effects.
• Plenum Exit Points
• Internal
• External
• Plenum weather resistant.
All exterior sections of plenum (those with ANSI 49 outdoor finish) are weather resistant. The exhaust assembly includes a weep hole to drain
any ingress of water from the atmosphere. The louvered end of the exhaust is closed under normal conditions. The louvered end opens due
to the differential pressure caused by an arc event. A protective screen is also installed on the outside of the exhaust assembly to prevent
incursion of objects or rodents into the plenum. In cold-weather installations, positive pressure from the cooling of the switchgear through
the plenum, along with space heaters that are located in the exhaust assembly, block the ingress of cold air from outside, and the formation
of ice on the exhaust assembly that could affect its functionality.
All personnel, equipment, and other obstructions must remain clear of an 2.4 m (8 ft) diameter area extending 4.5 m (15 ft) from the plenum
exhaust point. The area below this exhaust cone must remain restricted to personnel access.
A Class I Division 2 environment is one where flammable gases and/or vapors are possible, but not likely to exist under normal conditions. A
Class II Division 2 environment is one in which combustible dusts are possible, but are not likely to exist under normal conditions. For
installations in a Class I Division 2 or Class II Division 2 environments, a full engineering review is required.
The exhaust function is greatly influenced by installation. If arc gases exhaust from the top, there must be clear space above the arc-
resistant equipment. This means a clear space that is devoid of cables, conduits, cable trays, piping, or other obstructions. Hot arc plasma
released from the top of the structure needs adequate space to exhaust and cool before reaching a location where contact with an operator
or any other flammable item could occur.
The area where personnel should be restricted depends on the plenum exit method that is employed and it location. The figures below
outline several common configurations of exit points. These values are assumed to be worst case and may be reduced after a full
engineering review of the system details and site configurations.
4.6 m
Nominal (15 ft)
Building
Wall No Access Area
No Access Area
No Access Area
4.6 m
(15 ft)
No Access Area
Minimum Height
to a Ceiling
1.7 m (67 in.)
Chimney
Nominal
Environmental Vent Cover
Building
Wall
45° 45°
Maximum height (H) to consider is 4.6 m (15 ft). Heights greater than 4.6 m (15 ft) do not need to be considered.
For such cases, you have an option for to order plenums separately after deciding on your equipment installation requirement .
If the equipment is designed to exhaust from the top, then power cable entry space may be limited. It is preferred that cable entry be made
from the bottom. However, this may not be always possible. Some equipment configurations must be constructed with extra deep cable
sections to allow both cable and exhaust openings. Some configurations may require additional width.
Additionally, the cable trays must not compromise the area above the equipment in such a way that exhausting gases could be reflected or
redirected into the qualified aisle ways as defined by the Accessibility Type Rating.
Further, when routing the cable trays outside the perimeter of the equipment, lighting becomes an issue. Care must be taken to adequately
illuminate the area so these trays do not create "dark spots" on the equipment that could lead to misreading meters or relay settings.
Where control and power cable entry is made into compartments that are exposed to the arc by-products, these points must be sealed to
confirm that the pressure wave does not propagate into unintentional locations through rigid or flexible conduits. The pressure impact is a
function of the conduit fill rate, length, and number of bends. Knowledgeable engineering judgment should be used regarding this.
There are different sealing systems available to help the prevention of arc gas
propagation and pressure waves through conduits. One of the simplest systems is
the use of 'sealing putty' to fill in the gaps around the cables and the conduit. The
sealing putty should be pushed tightly around the cables and into gaps at the end
of the conduit. The putty should be placed at each end of the conduit to insure full
protection. The putty is not adversely affected by the high temperature since the
putty is exposed to the hot gases for a very short period and is primarily used only
to block the pressure wave. Sealing Putty
There are also intumescent/elastomeric sealing systems that expand under high temperatures to provide a
tight seal around cables or an opening. These systems typically do not perform well under the rapid
temperature rise that is associated with an arc blast. These types of sealants are not recommended for
this type of application.
Alternatively there are conduit/cable sealing systems available that provide an air-tight seal. These
systems use compression style sealing rings to seal tightly around each individual power conductor.
CFC-free polyurethane expanding foams, designed for use with cables and conduits, can also be used to
seal the end of the conduits. These typically come as a two part system. The two parts are mixed and, after
a specific time, can expand up to approximately eight times in volume.
The installation considerations for power cables also apply to a bus duct entry system. An appropriate
system is required to limit egress of arc gases into a bus duct system.
Room Layouts
Several decisions must be made concerning the room before the equipment can be specified. These considerations need to be addressed
for any installation of power equipment, not just arc-resistant equipment, as these conditions affect the safety of the operator in all cases. It
is critical to address these concerns for arc-resistant equipment, so that the expected increase in operator safety is not compromised by
the conditions of the installation.
Once these questions are answered, the basic effects to the site are identified and the general arrangement of the equipment may be
established.
The next step is to determine where the equipment will be placed in the room.
Installation Considerations
Installation of arc-resistant control equipment within an indoor room or outdoor enclosure requires special review of the room geometry in
relationship to the equipment's placement. This is true when the fault gases are vented into the room through a plenum system and exhaust
duct. The room or building that houses arc-resistant equipment to which the gases will be exhausted into must be designed to withstand
overpressures of up to 15…20 pounds per square inch (PSI), on a transient basis.
The plenum size, weight, and exit point must be considered in the room layout. The plenum size is critical to proper pressure relief of the
equipment. Restrictions in the venting area, numerous turns in the exhaust duct, and extreme lengths of exhaust duct can all contribute to
reducing the effectiveness of the pressure relief. The exhaust duct arrangements can also create structural issues for the building due to its
weight.
The plenum discharge location must be carefully considered since this point must be identified with an arc flash boundary and marked
accordingly. Additionally, the plenum and duct concentrate the fault by-products into a specific opening and the resultant outflow of gases
can produce significant risk of injury from the thermo-acoustic wave. Room geometry can increase the effect as the wave reflects and
crosses itself, often multiplying the forces. When the plenum discharge is to the outside, suitable access restrictions to the exit point area
may be necessary.
If the location does not support an exterior exhaust of the arc gases, an interior containment system may be necessary. The containment
room or building must be designed to withstand the overpressures associated with the rapid release of the arc gases.
In the case of installations where no plenum is used, special care must be made regarding the ceiling materials that are used and proximity
of other flammable items at or near the exhaust points. This should be reviewed even if the manufacturer's recommended space is provided.
Special warning signs need to be affixed to the building warning of the need to keep the area above the control equipment clear of all items.
Finally, the determination of Accessibility Type is made, based on the accessibility of surfaces of the equipment. Where all surfaces are
potentially accessible, Type 2 equipment should be specified. If Type 2 equipment is not available at the required fault ratings, then the
unprotected areas surrounding the equipment must be quarantined where possible and the areas clearly marked for flash hazard.
Installation practices for this type of equipment are important. Incomplete equipment installation practices could result in mitigating the
overall protection capabilities of the arc-resistant equipment installation.
Special care must be taken to confirm that the following conditions are met to help ensure integrity or compliance:
• The equipment must be installed per the supplier's installation instructions and recommendations
• All internal and external cover/access plates must be completely installed and sealed per the manufacturer's instructions
• All mounting hardware for these plates must be reinstalled and specified torque properly applied to the retaining hardware
• All removable cover plates may have a sealing strip or other sealant material that is attached to them (when present) - it must not be
damaged
• Sealing of seams and gaps during installation, such as plenums joints or between adjacent cabinets, requires special attention. The
sealant materials that are used should be only those supplied or recommended by the arc-resistant controls manufacturer
• Verify all plenum and exhaust ducts are tightened and sealed appropriately
• Verify all conduits entering the arc-resistant cabinets are sealed appropriately
• Confirm the appropriate warning labels been affixed per NFPA 70E [7]
Bus/Cabinet Connections
You must install all 0the bolts retaining two adjacent cabinets together. The seal around the bus opening must be adequately held together.
There are 26 bolts that should go around this opening along with another 6 bolts holding the front and top of the cabinets.
When connecting to an adjacent piece of equipment, it is important for the customer/user to help ensure that ALL of the holes (26)
surrounding the main power bus opening are used to physically connect to the adjacent equipment. Bolts and nuts should be used to retain
the two adjacent cabinets together. The seal around the bus opening must be adequately held together. Place a 1/8 in. bead of silicone
around the opening on one of the cabinets. There are 26 bolts that should go around this opening along with another 6 bolts holding the front
and top of the cabinets.
The low voltage wireway is sealed off from any arc blast. Thus as long as the low voltage control or communications cables are routed in the
proper location no degradation of the arc-resistant capabilities of the cabinet should occur. Failure to route the cables properly will result in
possible arc-resistant capabilities being compromised.
Refer product-specific user manuals for detailed information on Floor/Roof cut-outs for arc-resistant Products.
See Location of Removable Gland Plates on ArcShield MVMCC Structures on page 23 for typical location of gland plates. These must be in
place before the equipment is energized.
One of the design features of the arc-resistant version of the PowerFlex 7000 is a barrier assembly behind the swing out LV tub of the Input
section.
The standard PowerFlex 7000 (without arc-resistant) has a key interlock that helps prevent the LV tub being swung out unless upstream
power sources have been locked out. This is necessary because behind the swing out compartment direct access to medium voltage
components is available.
To access medium voltage elements in the input section of an arc-resistant PowerFlex 7000, the LV tub must be swung open and barriers
need to be removed using tools.
Safe Area
Step
Is the exhaust exit location chained, fenced off or inaccessible and is it appropriately labeled as a hazardous location?
Is the minimum safe area at least 390 ft3 (11 m3)?
Notes:
The following terms and abbreviations are used throughout this manual. For definitions of
terms not listed here, refer to the Allen-Bradley Industrial Automation Glossary,
publication AG-7.1.
Arc-resistant Equipment Electrical equipment designed to withstand the effects of an internal arcing fault and that
directs the internally released energy away from the employee. Arc-resistant equipment
provides protection from internal arcing faults only when the equipment doors are closed and
the equipment is installed and operating normally.
Arc-resistant Type/Accessibility Rating ANSI/IEEE standard C37.20.7 defines arc resistance in two basic categories or ratings:
• ANSI type 1 (accessibility rating)
- Arc resistance from the front of equipment only
• ANSI type 2 (accessibility rating)
- Arc resistance provided from the front, sides and rear of the equipment
A suffix can be added to either of these two types (accessibility ratings) to further define the
type of protection provided:
• A: Basic design
• B: Arc resistance is maintained even while opening designated low voltage controls
compartments
• C: Arc resistance is maintained even when opening designated adjacent compartments
and adjacent structures
• D: Special designation that supplements the Type 1 designation, but identifies additional
arc resistance in certain structures
The Bulletin 1500/1900 arc-resistant products have an arc rating (accessibility rating) of Type
2B regardless of the arc-resistant rating.
ArcShield A trademark for low voltage and medium voltage arc-resistant control products that are
manufactured by Rockwell Automation and branded as Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE.
Chimney A simple, four sided, self-supporting, duct assembly that is designed to direct the arc energies
straight up above the associated enclosure. A minimum of 1700 mm (67 in.) of clear-open
space is required above the 1000 mm (67 in.) duct.
End Cover Plate Seals one end of the plenum system so that arc gas is directed to an alternative end or
location within the plenum system.
Elbow This component connects to either the Plenum Extension or to additional plenum exhaust
components. It is composed of two 45° pieces creating a 90° corner. The 45° portions can be
used on their own to provide other angular turns of the plenums so that it can reach the
needed location.
Explovent is an environmental sealing system that is used at the exit point of the plenum system at the
points where the plenum exits to an exterior location or location with another ambient
temperature. It is factory mutual approved for explosive applications. It is a hinged, insulated,
aluminum, wall explosion vent mounted in a frame. The explosion vent is the weakest part of
the plenum exhaust structure. As the vent experiences the pressure rise of the arc gases in
the plenum, it quickly opens allowing the rapidly expanding heated gases to be released to the
outside of a building or other location. Explovent is a trademarked product from Construction
Specialties, Inc.
Gland Plate These are removable plates that are used on the top and bottom of the structure to permit the
inclusion of both medium voltage load or line cables and low voltage control cable hubs. These
plates can be removed, drilled, or punched to permit the use of a cable or conduit hub and
returned to their permanent locations.
NOTE: These must plates must be replaced after their removal. Failure to replace these plates
put personnel at risk of arc blast exposures as these are required to maintain the arc-
resistant integrity of the enclosure. See Location of Removable Gland Plates on ArcShield
MVMCC Structures on page 23.
Main-Bus Short Circuit Rating This is the current rating that is associated with the maximum allowed short time circuit
current that is defined by UL347. These current levels have changed over various editions of
UL 347. The current edition (6th) requires that the power bus be able to support 50,000A for
500 ms. This requirement also includes the associated ground bus. [In the past this test had
been 60,000A for 50 ms]. This is not the same rating as the arc-resistant rating!
Plenum An arc gas duct system component mounted on top of each arc-resistant structure. It is used
to direct arc energies upwards and then laterally. The plenum component sits directly on top
of the arc-resistant structure and its weight is support by that structure. The plenums of side-
by-side enclosure must be connected directly together forming a near air-tight seal.
Plenum Exhaust This component connects to the Plenum Extension on one end then to additional plenum
exhaust components, thereafter. Plenum exhaust components are used to create adequate
length to safely channel the arc energies away from the controller or controller line up to the
Exhaust Point.
Plenum Exhaust Point The exit/exhaust location at the endpoint of the plenum where the arc gases escape. At this
point can be various other plenum components such as a plenum screen, plenum exhaust
hood, Explovent. This location should be deemed as hazardous as arc gas and arc by-products
are exiting at this point. Appropriate proceeds and location markings much be in place.
Plenum Exhaust Hood A curve down hood used at the end of the plenum, at the plenum exhaust point. It is shaped to
help prevent rain infiltration. It is NOT an environment seal.
Plenum Extension This is the first piece plenum duct extension component that attaches directly to the end
controller-structure plenums. A minimum of one 1000 mm (39.4 in.) piece is required to be
connect on the last plenum, of the end controller-structure, for every arc gas plenum release
system. At least one plenum extension piece is required to provide a completed plenum
system.
Plenum Screen Cover Plate A screen that can be added to the end of the plenum, at the exhaust point, to limit egress by
vermin, etc.
Plenum System A group of plenums, extensions, elbows, or exit components that create an interconnected
ducting system to channel dangerous arc energies to a safe location.
Plenum Tee A special plenum component used as an interconnection plenum on back to back MV MCC
configurations.
Pressure Relief Plate A specially designed plate, typically including a laser cut pattern on its surface, to control the
internal pressure rise within an arc-resistant enclosure. The open under specific pressure and
allow arc gas and arc by-products to enter the plenum system. When they are not open, they
provide a dust-tight seal on the top of the enclosure.
Notes:
Additional Resources
These documents contain additional information concerning related products from Rockwell Automation.
Resource Description
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Safety Guidelines for the Application, Installation, and Maintenance of general guidelines for the application, installation, and maintenance of solid-state control in
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Product Certifications website, rok.auto/certifications. Provides declarations of conformity, certificates, and other certification details.
Technical Support Center Find help with how-to videos, FAQs, chat, user forums, and product notification updates. rok.auto/support
Knowledgebase Access Knowledgebase articles. rok.auto/knowledgebase
Local Technical Support Phone Numbers Locate the telephone number for your country. rok.auto/phonesupport
Literature Library Find installation instructions, manuals, brochures, and technical data publications. rok.auto/literature
Product Compatibility and Download Center Download firmware, associated files (such as AOP, EDS, and DTM), and access product rok.auto/pcdc
(PCDC) release notes.
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