Press: Better protection against accidental arcing

On average, accidental arcing occurs at least once during the lifetime of 10 percent of all low-voltage switchgear systems. Depending on the effects, they can normally be dealt with fairly easily. In many cases, however, large groups of functions also need to be replaced. In any event, there will be a significant amount of process downtime. With Rittal's form-separated Ri4Power Form 2-4 system solution for low-voltage switchgear systems up to 4000 A, there is now much less likelihood of accidental arcing. All the requirements relating to the protection of operating personnel are also met. New solutions to ensure the insulation of busbar systems and pressure relief covers greatly improve reliability.

Extensive busbar insulation means that screws and tools can no longer come into contact with unprotected busbars. This significantly lessens the likelihood of accidental arcing, thereby preventing major damage and the associated breakdowns at very little cost. The outlay for insulation measures is just a fraction of the costs associated with repairing the damage caused by accidental arcing or with an installation breaking down.

In order to create a design that offers protection against accidental arcing in line with IEC 61641 with Ri4Power systems, pressure relief covers also need to be used instead of roof plates. Automatic opening of these pressure relief covers in the TS 8 roof plates reduces the excess pressure within just 30 ms or so, thereby effectively limiting the mechanical effects.

With Ri4Power Form 2-4, Rittal offers a solution that saves system operators money and reduces downtime in the long term.

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Rittal

Since its foundation in 1961, Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, based in Herborn/Germany, has become a global player. Today, Rittal is one of the world's leading system suppliers for enclosure and housing technology, with over 10,000 standard products available for immediate delivery, and a sought-after solution provider in all areas of industry and mechanical engineering, as well as a trendsetter for all segments of the IT/telecoms market. Rittal stands for future-oriented and comprehensive solutions, service and consulting experience.

Rittal's product range comprises industrial enclosures, electronic packaging solutions, system climate control, power distribution, IT solutions and communication systems.

Under the auspices of Rittal International, optimum synergies are being created for the customer. These are the result of close cooperation with market leaders Eplan (Europe's Number One for software solutions for mechanical engineering, plant construction and industry in general), Lampertz (a prominent supplier in the field of physical data and system security), and Litcos (a provider of innovative security concepts for data systems).

In order to serve the world's market places optimally, 19 high-tech production locations supply 60 subsidiaries, 150 sales and logistics centres and more than 70 agencies around the globe. In Germany, 22 Rittal sales and logistics centres cater for our customers' every need with nationwide service. With over 10,500 employees worldwide, Rittal International is the largest company of the Friedhelm Loh Group. The group's workforce totals more than 11,600 employees.