2 Jun 2022
Schneider Electric, the globally renowned company in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that its flash mitigation solution, ArcBlok, was recognized as the Best Power Product and Most Innovative New Technology at the Electro Expo 2022.

ArcBlok

ArcBlok is a game-changing innovation that is designed specifically for the line side of equipment, which poses the highest risk of injury to electrical contractors from incident energy exposure, during an arc flash.

The award-winning offer is an easy-to-use, passive, and cost-effective solution that protects people and equipment, by reducing the potential damage and effects of arc flash incidents.

Solution equipped with digital thermal monitoring

Designed for low voltage monitor control centers and switchboards (currently up to 2500A), the solution is equipped with digital thermal monitoring, in order to help end users, facilities mangers, and others identify potential hazards.

Specifically, ArcBlok includes the following features that bring a renewal of performance to flash mitigation:

  • PowerPacT P Molded Circuit Breaker: Designed to protect electrical systems from damage caused by overloads and short circuits, and listed to UL489 Standard and Certified to Canadian Standard C22.2 No. 5.
  • Steel Barriers: Built to keep foreign objects, such as hands, a dropped nut or screwdriver from entering the energized line side.
  • Redesigned MCC Interiors: Includes a robust enclosure with new lifting handles, outward facing bolts for easy alignment, and a separate phase for interior barriers, to contain and extinguish arc flash events for the line side conductors.
  • Wireless Thermal Sensors: Monitors thermal readings and transmits data to a mobile device, while maintenance personnel stand outside the arc flash zone, to review.
  • Vents: Directs arc flash energy and minimizes potential impact of arc flash events.

Enhancing personnel and building safety

We’re thrilled to receive industry recognition for our innovative ArcBlok solution"

ArcBlok is the embodiment of Schneider Electric’s commitment to safety and giving customers tools that increase personnel and building safety, while improving operations,” said Michael Lotfy, Senior Vice President (SVP) - Power Products NAM Hub at Schneider Electric.

He adds, “We’re thrilled to receive industry recognition for our innovative ArcBlok solution. ArcBlok is a cost-effective solution to proactively identify and mitigate the dangerous risks posed by arc flashes, and we look forward to continue providing the next-generation tools the industry relies on to do their job as easily and safely as possible.

Equipped with digital insights for predictive analysis

Equipped with digital insights for predictive analysis and maintenance, ArcBlok can prevent arc flash incidents by enabling systems to isolate line side electrical conductors, reducing the likelihood of accidental contact.

In the event an arc flash occurs, the innovative solution reduces incident energy exposure to less than 1.2 cal/cm2 on the line side and extinguishes it in less than one cycle (16ms) — reducing potential damage to equipment and personnel.

A simpler and safer solution

ArcBlok was built to meet customers’ increasing demands for a simpler and safer solution, in order to address their incident energy. The system provides customers a way to install, commission and service for less costs, while simultaneously minimizing equipment downtime and reducing personal protective equipment requirements, without compromising safety.

Based on feedback from customers, Schneider Electric plans to expand their family of ArcBlok offers, with a new addition anticipated to launch later in 2022.

Electro Expo Product Achievement Awards Program

Electro Expo Product Achievement Awards Program recognizes industry leaders for professionalism

The Electro Expo Product Achievement Awards Program recognizes industry leaders for professionalism, ingenuity and originality in the power, lighting, communication systems and clean energy areas.

Judges from across the industry chose winners, based on specific criteria that recognize a company’s devotion to product superiority and customer satisfaction.

2022 NFPA Conference & Expo

The Best Power Product is awarded to the most distinguished power product in the industry. The Most Innovative New Technology award is given based on a company’s demonstration of excellence, through superior implementation of a new technology or innovative approach, to the use of the technology.

Schneider Electric will showcase the award-winning ArcBlok and other innovative products and solutions that protect people and enhance equipment and building safety at the 2022 NFPA Conference & Expo, which is taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, from June 6 to June 9, 2022. Customers, media and analysts can learn about the solutions at Schneider Electric’s Safety Booth (#958) inside the Electrical Pavilion.