Applications of laser arc image system on imaging the arcing behavior of electrical contacts

Abstract

The Laser Arc Image System (LAIS) provides unprecedented real-time, frame by frame visualization into the micro-second dynamic arc processes consisting of the heat and mass transfer between the electric contacts. These resulting high-speed images and data from the LAIS experiments serve as the empirical analytical tools for understanding the instantaneous arcing behavior, a phenomenon that have only thus far been described and predicted in mathematical models. The experiments in this study showcase the various phases of the arcing behavior that occur inside a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) to attain the following objectives of the characteristic arc behavior during the contact opening in air, arc process within gaseous pressure, and re-ignition development.