Decrease arc flash risk with new motor control center option

The Allen-Bradley Centerline 2500 motor control center (MCC) ArcShield option from Rockwell Automation helps reduce arc flash hazards and protects against internal electrical arcs.

-- Control Engineering, 1/5/2009

Allen-Bradley Centerline 2500 motor control center (MCC) ArcShield option from Rockwell Automation helps reduce arc flash hazards and protects against internal electrical arcs.

Milwaukee, WI – The Allen-Bradley Centerline 2500 motor control center (MCC) ArcShield option helps reduce arc flash hazards and protects against internal electrical arcs. This version of the Centerline 2500 MCC from Rockwell Automation provides arc flash protection in a low-voltage MCC per IEC/TR 61641:2008 for arcing durations up to 300 milliseconds.

“By containing the arc fault, the Centerline 2500 MCC helps reduce the potential of worker exposure to hazardous conditions,” said Sarah Larson, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “Users also benefit from the MCC’s compliance with global standards through eased installation, operation and troubleshooting.”

ArcShield provides a pressure-relief system that exhausts gases through the top of the enclosure, away from personnel and enclosures, without front ventilation. MCC features automatic shutters that isolate the distribution bus when removing units and insulated power bus closing plates located on the ends of each MCC lineup. In of an internal fault, arc containment latches help contain the blast.

The product is engineered to global standards IEC 60439-1 and IEC 60529. The MCC with built-in DeviceNet network and Allen-Bradley IntelliCenter software offers real-time MCC diagnostics and monitoring over DeviceNet, ControlNet or Ethernet, giving users access to motor status information.

Features include variable speed drives, soft starters, and electronic overload relays. With intelligent motor controls, users user can capture performance information and communicate it through a built-in DeviceNet network.

To accommodate local requirements, Centerline 2500 MCC offers three- and four-pole bus bar power systems. Continuous bus bracing offers uniform support and high short-circuit withstand ratings in type-tested enclosures. Also featured is high unit density with up to 24 modules in each column. Individual units can be withdrawn to expedite replacement, minimizing maintenance and downtime. Four lever-operated unit positions (connected, test, disconnected, and withdrawn) allow withdrawal and insertion without tools. Each position can be locked to reduce risk of load feeding, while maintaining control power and networking communication abilities.

Also read: Tutorial on arc flash blowout.

Rockwell Automation Inc.

– Control Engineering News Desk

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