Arc Fault Pressure Calculation
An arc fault in switchgear leads to extreme pressure loads and thermal risks within milliseconds. We support operators and manufacturers with precise simulations and calculations according to common tests such as IEC 62271-200, to proactively ensure the safety of personnel and systems.
Simulation of Pressure Development under Arc Fault Conditions
Safe & Standard-Compliant according to IEC 62271
The reliability of electrical equipment is a crucial quality feature for plant operators. However, an arc fault in the event of a short circuit represents an extreme load. We help you to precisely predict the effects of this critical condition.
Our calculations capture the pressure development within the switchgear and throughout the entire plant building, resolved locally. This applies equally to the planning of new installations and the safety assessment of existing buildings. By analyzing the arc power and its influence on the pressure increase, we create the basis for an effective protection concept.
Our Services for Arc Fault Safety
Simulation of Pressure Loads
We create detailed analyses and simulations for the pressure load on switchgear and plant rooms. In doing so, we provide you with verifiable documents for design, safe operation, and the preparation of type tests. Results from the pressure distribution calculations can be directly used for the design of systems with regard to strength.
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CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculates temperature, velocity, and pressure distribution in flows. This is more cost-effective and faster than wind tunnel tests.
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Temperature Distribution
CFD simulations can be used to realistically model the heating and cooling behavior of your flows.
Learn moreFEA Analysis / Structural Simulation
FEA analyses are a valuable tool for product development, making the behavior of components and assemblies visible under various loads.
Why a Sound Pressure Calculation is Beneficial for You
Measurable Benefit. Computational Safety.
You need to guarantee personnel safety in the control room through targeted pressure relief concepts.
You want to complete development cycles for new electronic components significantly faster.
You want to secure the chances of success of your design before an official arc fault test by means of experimentation.
You want to holistically optimize the active and passive arc fault safety of your systems and networks through data-driven analyses.
You need to dimension pressure relief ducts accordingly to effectively dissipate the pressure increase
A simulation of arc effects is crucial for you if…
Your Benefits from Our Arc Fault Simulation
Measurable value. Verifiable quality.
With careful simulations, precise pressure calculations, and robust analyses, we create a reliable basis for the planning, design, and safe operation of your electrical systems.
Optimized System Protection
We identify critical pressure loads and dimension relief systems specifically – for maximum safety of personnel and buildings.
Verification Based on Experiments
Calculations and verifications based on, for example, IEC 62271-200. We provide you with complete technical documentation and an assessment of the load on your design.
Planning Certainty & Time Savings
Validated data minimizes the risk of costly failed attempts in real tests. You benefit from efficient project workflows and accelerated approval of your systems.
Our expertise for your project
We look forward to your inquiry!
We support you through all steps of system safety against arc faults – from initial pressure calculation and simulation to the creation of verifiable documents for your documentation.
Do you have questions, need an assessment, or want to start directly?
We look forward to your message – by phone, email, or in person.
Your contact: Jonas Compart
elbcore engineers GmbH
Lerchenstraße 28a
22767 Hamburg
Strong across industries
Our services are used across industries
Our engineering services are used in a wide range of industries – wherever safety, efficiency, and technical precision are required.
Plant & vessel engineering
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Metal / steel construction
Shipbuilding
Special-purpose machinery
Valve & pump technology
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Frequently Asked Questions about Arc Faults (FAQ)
Quick answers. Clear solutions.
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about arc fault pressure calculation.
What is an arc fault and why is it dangerous?
An arc fault is a faulty transfer of electrical current across an insulating medium (e.g., air). Within a very short time, temperatures up to 20,000 °C are generated, leading to a rapid pressure increase. Without calculating pressure relief, switchgear can burst and buildings can collapse.
Which voltage ranges do your calculations cover?
We perform pressure calculations for low voltage, medium voltage, and high voltage. We consider specific insulating gases such as air, SF6, or N2/SF6 mixtures.
Can a pressure calculation completely replace expensive type testing?
A simulation does not replace official type testing in terms of certification (e.g., according to IEC 62271-200). However, it is a crucial tool to minimize the risk of failure in the test field. We digitally validate your design in advance, so you avoid the high costs of multiple tests and prototype adjustments.
Are traveling waves and reflections also considered in the simulation?
Yes. In an arc fault explosion, the pressure wave does not behave statically. In our 3D modeling, dynamic effects such as reflections off walls and the propagation of traveling waves in complex plant rooms are precisely considered to accurately identify local pressure peaks.
At what project phase should the pressure calculation ideally take place?
Ideally, the simulation should take place in the early design phase or during building planning. This allows relief openings and the mechanical strength of the enclosure to be adjusted cost-effectively before manufacturing or construction begins.
Do you have any further questions? We are here for you.
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