prSSH EN IEC 60947-9-2:2024

Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear - Part 9-2: Active arc-fault mitigation systems - Optical-based internal arc-detection and mitigation devices

Scope

This document covers internal arc-fault control devices, hereinafter referred to as IACD, which
are intended to:
- detect internal arc-faults in low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies, by
processing (at a minimum) the optical effect of an internal arc-fault, and
- operate mitigation device (either external or combined)
in order to minimize the effects of the internal arc-fault (see Figure 1).
For the purpose of this document the terms "light" or "optical" covers more than visible spectra.
They may cover also, for example, infrared or ultraviolet electromagnetic radiations (see
Annex D).
For combined-type IACD, this document is considered in addition to the relevant product
standard for internal arc-fault mitigation devices (IARD per IEC TS 63107:2020). Compliance
to the relevant product standard is mandatory and cannot be claimed by testing to this document
alone.
NOTE 1 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies are usually described by IEC 61439 series.
[Figure 1]
Therefore, this document covers the following:
- internal arc-fault control device (stand-alone, multifunction or combined);
- one or more associated sensor(s) used to detect optical effect of the internal arc-fault;
- sensor(s), sensing another physical effect, to confirm the fault;
- associated or combined mitigation device.
An IACD is not intended to trigger under normal operation of low-voltage switchgear and
controlgear (i.e. absence of internal arc-fault), including normal arcing associated with
operation of disconnecting and switching devices.
This document only covers the following methods:
- optical detection of the light caused by an internal arc-fault;
- optional confirmation of internal arc-fault by line current measurement.
Many different conductive materials could be used in LV assemblies (e.g. steel, copper,
aluminium). Nevertheless, tests specified in this document are deemed to represent the most
critical and challenging conditions for arc-detection and cover all combinations of conductive
materials.
NOTE 2 Compared to other materials (e.g. steel, aluminium), copper leads to a lower optical radiation energy.
The rated voltage of the assembly in which an IACD is installed does not exceed 1 000 V AC.
Such devices are designed to be operated and maintained by skilled persons only.
This document does not cover:
- DC internal arc-fault detection and control;
- overcurrent relays;
- AFDD (arc-fault detection devices) as defined by IEC 62606;
- guidance on installation within assemblies;
NOTE 3 The integration of an IACD into an assembly is described in IEC TS 63107.
- use with additional measures needed for installation and operation within explosive
atmospheres. These are given in IEC 60079 series documents;
- requirements for embedded software and firmware design rules; for this subject, the
manufacturer is responsible for taking additional safety measures;
NOTE 4 IEC TR 63201 describes rules for firmware and embedded software development preventing errors in
software.
- cybersecurity aspects; for this subject, the manufacturer is responsible for taking additional
safety measures;
NOTE 5 See IEC TS 63208.
- mobile applications.
NOTE 6 Even when addressing internal arc-fault mitigation devices, this document does not supersede any other
relevant product standard (e.g. IEC 60947-2 or IEC 60947-9-1).
NOTE 7 DC arcing fault phenomena are under consideration. Further investigation is needed to comprehend DC
arcing phenomena and required sensing.

Related directives

Directives related to this standards.