Solutions

Arc-Flash Solutions

SEL combines light-sensing technology with fast overcurrent protection to provide high-speed arc-flash detection.

Reduce Arc-Flash Hazards

SEL arc-flash detection technology significantly decreases the time it takes a relay to trip in response to an arc fault, which reduces hazardous arc-flash incident energy. SEL combines light-sensing technology with fast overcurrent protection to provide high-speed arc-flash detection. Combining these technologies allows high-speed tripping during arc-flash events without overtripping for external faults.

Arc-Flash Protection Advantages

SEL's cost-effective arc-flash detection technology reduces arc-flash-related equipment damage for standard and arc-resistant switchgear in medium- and low-voltage applications. Arc-flash detection comes standard in the SEL-849 Motor Management Relay and is available as an option for the SEL-710-5 Motor Protection Relay as well as the SEL-851, SEL-751, and SEL-751A Feeder Protection Relays.

Smart Motor Control

Combine the power of SEL's motorMAX motor management solution with the safety of our integrated, secure arc-flash protection for improved plant safety and performance. motorMAX is a smart, centralized motor control system that gives you the information to make informed decisions about your processes. And the SEL-849 in motorMAX uniquely integrates arc-flash detection at no additional cost, providing overcurrent supervised arc-flash mitigation, which reduces incident energy in the affected area and reduces hazardous working conditions for personnel. In an arc-flash event, motorMAX can shorten out-of-service time, reduce equipment damage, and allow you to get back into service quickly.

SEL Arc-Flash Product Offerings

High-Speed Detection—Arc-flash light sensing and overcurrent protection detect arc-flash hazards and send a trip signal to the breaker in as fast as 2 ms.

Reduced Damage to Switchgear—With arc-flash hazard protection, equipment damage is minimized during an arc-flash event, returning affected equipment to service faster and maximizing power system availability.

Coordinated Protection—Use SEL Mirrored Bits communications or IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging to coordinate upstream protection if a fault occurs. In some situations, it is necessary to send a transfer trip signal to an upstream breaker relay to clear an arc fault.

Flexible Installation—Install into new switchgear or motor control centers. Retrofit into existing equipment with optional mounting kits. Upgrade your SEL-751 relays with a field-installable arc-flash detection upgrade kit.

Substation Ethernet—The SEL-751A withstands electrostatic air discharge of 15 kV and communicates via Modbus TCP, DNP3 LAN/WAN, Telnet, FTP, and IEC 61850.

Quality, Reliability, and Service—SEL products operate in a temperature range of –40º to +85ºC and are backed by our ten-year, worldwide warranty.

Videos

Reduce Arc-Flash Hazards

To validate the arc-flash detection performance of the SEL-751 and SEL 849 Relays, a series of tests were performed at a high-current laboratory. This video shows the difference in arc-flash intensity with and without SEL arc-flash protection.

motorMAX Arc-Flash Demonstration: Motor Management and Protection

To validate the arc-flash detection performance of the motorMAX Low-Voltage Motor Management and Protection System, SEL performed a series of tests at a high-current laboratory.

Questions? Contact Us!

If you have any questions about SEL products, services, solutions, or support, please contact us. Our service and support professionals are ready to provide the answers you need.

Unbeatable Support

SEL support teams are stationed in regional offices around the world and staffed with application engineers who are experts in our products and in power system applications.

Technical support for SEL-manufactured devices is always free. No matter how often you need to call or how long your SEL products have been in service, you’ll reach an SEL expert who can provide the service and support you need.

Our cybersecurity team is always ready with the information and resources needed to keep your OT networks and critical systems secure and working effectively. Cyber services support contracts can include incident response, audits, system hardening, and more, depending on your anticipated needs.

More about SEL warranty and support