Hands-On Exercise: Arc-Flash Job Done

Settings and Testing Example

Note: This exercise is completed as a class using the instructor relay.

Arc-Flash Job Done® Settings

This example provides settings for arc-flash detection (AFD) to minimize the hazards
associated with high-energy arc faults in metal-enclosed and metal-clad medium-voltage
switchgear. In this example, we will apply one fiber-optic light sensor capable of detecting
high-energy arc-flash events and tripping the breaker within milliseconds of the fault. The
light sensor is supervised with an instantaneous overcurrent element for enhanced security
against false trips. This example uses an SEL-751 Relay with the optional arc-flash light
sensor inputs as connected below, where:

• A single wide-angle point light sensor connected to LS3 is located downstream of the
source breaker inside a feeder breaker cell

• The light sensor is mounted inside an enclosure where the maximum ambient light
lumen level is 3 percent of full scale

• Output contacts in Slot 1 are selected for high-speed processing

(AOUTSLOT := 101_3)

Figure 1. One Arc-Flash Point Sensor Connected to LS3 on the SEL-751

APP 751: Section 5b Copyright © SEL 2018 1

 Hands-On Exercise: Arc-Flash Job Done Settings and Testing Example

Step 1. First, in ACSELERATOR QuickSet® SEL-5030 Software, enter the overcurrent

(50PAF) arc-flash detection settings for this example, as shown in Figure 2.

NOTE: Arc-flash protection settings are under the Global ACSELERATOR QuickSet
menu.

Figure 2. Arc-Flash Protection Settings in ACSELERATOR QuickSet

Arc-Flash Testing
Arc-Flash Settings Test
You can test arc-flash detection following proper installation of the arc-flash detection fiber-
optic sensors. Make sure the switchgear doors, panels, etc., are closed and in the final
operating configuration. This will ensure that the ambient light as measured by the sensors
is indicative of the normal operating condition.

IMPORTANT: Do not energize the switchgear for commissioning tests.

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 Hands-On Exercise: Arc-Flash Job Done Settings and Testing Example

Self-Tests
The SEL-751 routinely tests (every 10 minutes) connected light sensors and subsystems.

• Each point sensor AFD has a transmit LED channel and a light detector channel. The
LED periodically sends a light pulse through the transmit fiber cable. The light
measurement reports PASS/FAIL status back to the relay when the AFT command is
issued.

• The bare-fiber AFD sensor is basically a loop, starting from the transmit LED and
returning to the light detector. The relay sends a light pulse around the loop,
measures the light received at the detector, and reports PASS/FAIL status when the
AFT command is issued.

Light Tests
You can use the relay touch screen to meter the amount of light each sensor is seeing. To
read the light sensor measurements using the touchscreen, on the home screen press Meter
> Arrow Right > Light Intensity. You can also access the same information from the
terminal by issuing the METER L command as shown below. The report shows the light
intensity measurements in percent of full scale (%) for each AFD channel. This is the
ambient light used in determining the TOLnP settings.

Figure 3. METER LIGHT Report

Arc-Flash Test (AFT)

In addition to self-tests, you can manually run arc flash diagnostics from the touchscreen (or
by issuing the AFT command at the terminal) to check the status of all AFD channels. The
response shows the light measurements in percent of full scale and the PASS/FAIL status.
The PASS indication means the channel is healthy and ready to detect an arc-flash event.

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 Hands-On Exercise: Arc-Flash Job Done Settings and Testing Example

Figure 4. Arc-Flash Status Report

Testing Time-Over-Light Elements TOLn

Step 1. Apply a bright enough light source near the light sensor in the switchgear cabinet.

Step 2. Use the touch screen to confirm that the TOL3 Relay Word bit picks up and drops
out as expected. Although TOL3 is asserting, the relay should not trip because
current is not being applied above the threshold.

Step 3. Alternatively, you can trigger an event report using the TOLn Relay Word bit. View
the CEV R (raw data) event report using SYNCHROWAVE® EVENT
SEL-5601-2 Software. View the percent light intensity analog quantity together
with the TOLn Relay Word bit to verify the correct operation.

Testing Arc-Flash Overcurrent Elements 50PAF and 50NAF

These current elements are similar to the 50P and 50N elements, except they use “raw”
(unfiltered) current input samples and act instantaneously to achieve fast response. These
elements can be tested like the 50P and 50N elements. The CEV R report can be used as
above to analyze the events.

Testing the Complete Arc-Flash Protection System

If the SEL-4520 synchronized light and current test source is available to simulate an arc, it
can be used to exercise the arc-flash protection TOLn elements together with the 50PAF or
the 50NAF element. If the relay has been set for arc-flash protection, including tripping
logic, the test can exercise the breaker tripping.

The total event can be captured with appropriate event report trigger settings, and the
CEV R (raw data) report can be viewed and analyzed using SYNCHROWAVE Event. The CEV R
report will show the analog currents and light channels together with the Relay Word bits
so that the response can be analyzed and qualified.

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 Hands-On Exercise: Arc-Flash Job Done Settings and Testing Example

Figure 5. CEV R Report

APP 751: Section 5b 5