Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) Arc Formation and Quenching
Arc Formation:
When an ACB is opened under load, the contacts ie fixed and moving contacts seperates ,but the flowing of current doesnot stop instantly. Instead the air betwen contacts becomes ionized, which creates an electric arc that continues to carry current.
Arc Quenching Process:
ACB uses arc chutes (metal splitter plates) to extinguish the arc:
1. The created Arc will enter into arc chutes due to electromagnetic forces.
2. Arc is split into multiple smaller arcs by metal plates.
3. Arc is lengthened, increasing resistance.
4. Cooling process occurs as heat is absorbed by plates and air.
5. Finally arc will be collapsed when the current becomes zero.
Arc Quenching Time:
1. Typically 20 to 40 milliseconds.
Thankyou
1. The created Arc will enter into arc chutes due to electromagnetic forces.
2. Arc is split into multiple smaller arcs by metal plates.
3. Arc is lengthened, increasing resistance.
4. Cooling process occurs as heat is absorbed by plates and air.
5. Finally arc will be collapsed when the current becomes zero.
Arc Quenching Time:
1. Typically 20 to 40 milliseconds.
Thankyou