The arc detecting fiber sensor A2000 is built to detect arcs along its entire length. It is meant to be installed with the fiber along the back wall of switchboards, covering all compartments with just one sensor. The sensor must be installed in such a way that it has a line-of-sight to all powered connections, where an arc could develop. The sensor is able to detect light from all angles around it. The detection radius is dependent on the arc power. At a trip level setting on the D1000 of "1", the A2000 will react to all arcs of more than 3 kA within a 1 meter radius, dependent on the width of the compartments and thus of the length of fiber which is exposed to the light from an arc.
The fiber sensor is made of glass and plastic, and is as such non-conductive. That makes it completely safe to introduce into the switchboard. The included adhesive drill guide makes pre-drilling easy. The tough polycarbonate cabinets in both ends of the fiber can be pop riveted or mounted using self-tapping screws without any extra hardware needed.
The A2000 fiber is connected to the D1000 using standard cables from both ends of the sensor. This enables a complete circuit check, sensing if the cable or the fiber breaks. It also makes it possible to use the fiber exactly where it is needed, as the cables can be extended as needed to place the 8 meter sensitive length exactly where it is needed, instead of wasting costly fiber running from the relay and back.
The sensor has a built-in light emitting diode, which supports a complete circuit check of the visual path of the sensor. The D1000 will periodically send a special modulated signal through a transmitter in one end of the cable and listen for the return signal from the light sensitive part. A connected red LED also provides visual feedback that the sensor is connected and healthy.
The LED is also used for indication of status. In case of an arc fault, the LED will indicate if this sensor saw the light. While installing, the sensor LED will prompt the user to test the sensor.
The A2000 is supplied with both transmitter and receiver, each with 10 meters of shielded cable and a pre-mounted connector, cutting installation time in complicated installations. The cables can be extended or cut if needed.