Motor control centre with ArcShield

The new Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE 2100 motor control centre (MCC) ArcShield option helps reduce arc flash hazards while providing users with increased protection against internal electrical arcs. This version of the CENTERLINE 2100 MCC from Rockwell Automation provides unmatched arc flash protection in a low-voltage MCC (up to 600 volts).

“As new standards continue to raise the awareness of arc flash hazards, users are looking for leading-edge products capable of delivering these higher levels of safety,” said Dave Rollay, director of development engineering, Rockwell Automation. “With its robust features and application versatility, ArcShield is uniquely equipped to help meet these increased safety demands.”

ArcShield features a reinforced enclosure and special arc-containment door latches that, when properly latched, allow safe internal pressure relief and help keep the doors from unlatching during an arcing fault. By containing the arc fault, the potential of worker exposure to hazardous conditions can be reduced.

“Independent studies show that as many as 80 percent of electrical injury cases are burns resulting from exposure to electrical arcs,” said Rollay. “For engineers and technicians who regularly monitor, inspect and troubleshoot MCCs, ArcShield offers an added level of safety and protection against these dangerous electrical arcs.”

ArcShield helps contain arc faults by using a lower horizontal bus rating (maximum 1,200 ampere bus) and smaller main disconnects, which help reduce the amount of let-through energy within the MCC. The enhanced MCC meets Type 2 protection requirements (in accordance with IEEE C37.20.1), which are designed to shield personnel from arc exhaust materials on the front, rear and sides of the enclosure.

ArcShield is available with several optional features, including blown fuse indicators, windows on unit doors and infrared inspection ports, which allow hands-off inspection of unit status. Optional finger-safe barriers help minimize the chance of a potential arc-flash being initiated by accidental contact with energized parts. In addition, if an MCC with ArcShield also has Allen-Bradley IntelliCENTER MCC technology, remote monitoring capabilities are available via network communications or locally through a DeviceNet port in the door of an MCC unit. This technology allows users to monitor, configure or troubleshoot the MCC via DeviceNet, helping to further minimize exposure to hazardous voltages.
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