Abstract: Systems and methods for improving control of an internal arc fault in equipment. The equipment includes a bus configured to provide three-phase power from an incoming line. Furthermore, the equipment includes a current loop formed from a first conductor and a second conductor, where current is received from the bus. The current loop uses electromagnetic forces of a short-circuit current caused by an internal arcing fault of the equipment to move the first and second conductors relative to each other. In response to the movement of the first and second conductors, the current loop creates a gap between the first and second conductors where a new arc ignites at the gap. In this manner, the loop design takes advantage of the natural electromagnetic force to reduce the arc energy at the point of initiation and relocates the energy release point to an exhaust vent of the equipment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving control of an internal arc fault in equipment. The equipment includes a bus configured to provide three-phase power from an incoming line. Furthermore, the equipment includes a current loop formed from a first conductor and a second conductor, where current is received from the bus. The current loop uses electromagnetic forces of a short-circuit current caused by an internal arcing fault of the equipment to move the first and second conductors relative to each other. In response to the movement of the first and second conductors, the current loop creates a gap between the first and second conductors where a new arc ignites at the gap. In this manner, the loop design takes advantage of the natural electromagnetic force to reduce the arc energy at the point of initiation and relocates the energy release point to an exhaust vent of the equipment.

Abstract: A device grounding system is shown which ensures that upon disconnect, an operator will be able to visually determine that a ground has been applied to the disconnected device. The grounding system is designed to mechanically drive a linkage which is controlled by the position of pullout chassis such that when the power bus is connected to the device, the ground is removed in a fail safe manner. As the chassis is opened, a gap distance is achieved between the device and the power source after which a ground rod is driven against input contacts on the disconnected device. The ground rod remains against the contacts through the full movement of the withdrawn chassis to ensure against inadvertent contacts with live devices.