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Electrical safety is a top priority in every industrial facility. One of the most serious threats faced by electrical systems and maintenance teams is arc flash — a sudden, dangerous discharge of electrical energy that can cause severe damage to equipment, injuries, or even fatalities. To mitigate these risks and enhance operational reliability, ABB’s Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2 has become a trusted solution worldwide. Known for its speed, accuracy, & reliability, this system aids industries detect & eliminate arc faults prior they escalate. Partnering with authorized ABB Dealers ensures that you get genuine equipment & expert support for safe & efficient operations.
Understanding Arc Flash and Its Impact
An arc flash occurs when electrical current leaves its intended path & travels through the air between conductors or to the ground. This results in intense heat, light, & pressure, capable of causing catastrophic damage. Temperatures during an arc flash can exceed 20,000°C, melting metal components & creating a blast that can throw personnel several meters away.
Beyond the safety risks, arc flashes lead to:
- Equipment damage and downtime
- Production losses
- Costly repairs or replacements
- Regulatory penalties for safety violations
Preventing arc flash incidents is not only a matter of safety but also an essential aspect of maintaining system reliability & productivity.
Introducing ABB’s Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2
The ABB Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2 is an advanced arc flash detection & mitigation system designed to protect electrical installations in industrial & commercial environments. It continuously monitors switchgear and electrical panels for light emissions associated with arc faults and reacts instantly to isolate the fault.
This system builds upon ABB’s long-standing expertise in electrical safety and automation. It provides one of the fastest response times in the industry, reducing the risk of damage and injury while ensuring the continuity of operations.
Important Features from ABB’s Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2
1. Ultra-Fast Detection
The TVOC-2 employs cutting-edge optical sensors that can detect the bright light produced during an arc-flash event within 1 millisecond. This almost immediate reaction is necessary so that circuit breakers trip before the arc has done serious damage.
2. Flexible Sensor Configuration
The system can receive up to 30 optical sensors to provide complete scan coverage across multiple compartments or panels. This enables it to be used in complicated switchgear applications and large industrial establishments.
3. Integrated with ABB Circuit Breakers
The TVOC-2 may be used in conjunction with all types of ABB circuit breakers and reclosers. In the event of a fault, a trip signal is triggered, interrupting only that section while the remaining network continues to operate around it.
4. Event Logging and Communication
With advanced communication interfaces available, the system can store event data for analysis & provide alert notifications to monitoring systems. This leads to increased situational awareness and supports maintenance planning.
5. Self-Supervision and Reliability
The TVOC-2 continuously checks both its sensors and communication links to verify that it is operating correctly. It warns you if it detects any disconnection or fault. This self-test feature continuously guarantees reliability and protection.
6. Easy Installation and Scalability
This modular design allows for versatile installation in both new switchgear and retrofits. Users can scale up or update settings when operational needs expand.
7. Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2 Working Principle
The sensor works based on Light penetration. If arcing occurs, light energy is suddenly emitted from it and captured by the TVOC-2’s optical sensors. When detected, the system sends a trip signal to the circuit breaker, isolating power in under five milliseconds.
This quick action minimizes the power released during the arc flash, reducing injury to those in the area. It also has an optional current sensor to ensure the system activates only when both light and current are present, helping eliminate false activations from external lighting.
Advantages of the TVOC-2 Arc Guard System™ from ABB
1. Enhanced Personnel Safety
By significantly reducing the duration of arc faults, TVOC-2 protects personnel from burns, hearing loss, and other injuries. Thus, it is becoming increasingly important for safety.
2. Reduced Equipment Damage
The more quickly the arc is put out, the less energy is released. Rapid reaction of the TVOC-2 protects switchgear, cables, and transformers from heat and pressure damage, whilst minimising clean-up costs.
3. Increased System Uptime
Production schedules and profits can be compromised by downtime caused by electrical faults. In a TVOC-2 system, damage is confined to a small area, leaving the rest of the system functional.
4. Compliance with Safety Standards
By installing an arc-flash protection system, you achieve safety in accordance with international standards, such as IEC 61439 and IEEE 1584. Not only is this a safeguard for employees, but it also enables organizations to meet their legal and insurance obligations.
5. Simplified Maintenance and Monitoring
The system’s event logging & communication capabilities can quickly identify the causes of faults, saving precious time during troubleshooting. Maintenance technicians can leverage this information to maximise system performance and mitigate the risk of future incidents.
6. Cost Savings Over Time
While initially expensive to implement, the long-term savings from reduced downtime, lower repair costs, & greater safety—not to mention potential lives saved—are significantly more valuable.
In Conclusion
The ABB Arc Guard System™ TVOC-2 is a proven solution for reducing arc flash risks & ensuring electrical system reliability. Its fast detection, flexible configuration, and advanced communication capabilities make it indispensable for modern industrial & commercial operations.
For businesses seeking genuine ABB products and professional support, Apex Global Solutions LLC stands out among trusted Dealers, offering quality solutions and expert guidance to help you build a safer, more reliable electrical infrastructure.