What is Electrical Arcing & How to Avoid It
Electrical arcing happens when electricity jumps from one connection to another. This can result in component damage, equipment malfunctions, electrical breakdowns and fire outbreaks. – Electrical arcing can be a difficult challenge to solve in the electronics industry without expert advice.
Signs of electrical arcing include a bright flash, sparks, a burning smell, overheating, a loud noise and equipment failure. Manufacturers of electronic components and systems must therefore take measures and invest in effective electronic solutions to prevent the chances of electrical arcing.
Why Electrical Arcing Happens
Electrical arcing can happen due to a number of reasons within an electric system, including:
- Electrical overload: if the electric panels are overloaded as a result of faulty circuit breakers.
- Physical conditions: exposed wiring, excess fumes or unprotected wires can pose a threat.
- Damaged electrical panels: blown out or unprotected component panels can also pose a threat.
Benefits of Avoiding Electrical Arcing
The benefits of avoiding electrical arcing range from:
- Reducing unexpected downtimes
- Avoiding repair & labour costs
- Reducing the frequency of maintenance
- Maximising equipment function
- Maximising safety
- Increased consumer satisfaction
Adhesive & Protection Solutions for Avoiding Electrical Arcing
Electronic protection adhesives & encapsulants can be used to reduce the chances of electrical arcing. In order for these solutions to be fully effective, they must:
- Provide flame retardancy (UL-94 rating)
- Electrical insulation properties
- Be operable over a wide temperature range, including extreme temperatures
- Provide good volume resistivity
- Protect against fumes, sparks and heat
- Protect electronic panels and keep them safely in place
- Provide di-electric properties, avoiding faulty circuit breakers
By providing these benefits, electronic protection solutions can be used to avoid electrical arcing and reduce costs for manufacturers.
Electronic Protection Solutions to Avoid Electronic Arcing
Araldite 2014-2 is a two-component epoxy that has high-temperature resistance and good adhesion to various substrates. The superior gap-filling capabilities allow 2014-2 to reliably bond motor casing.
Araldite 2033 has UL94 approval and can be used in applications which require high-temperature resistance and self-extinguishing properties. With a medium open time and high strength when cured; 2033 provides a premium long-term bond for motors.
DOWSIL™ 3-6548 RTV is a two-part silicone rubber foam which is ideal for the sealing of fire-rated penetrations containing cables and pipes. It is able to cure in 1.5 min (snap time) at room temperature, and also forms complex and irregular shapes, ensuring maximal protection of components with intricate shapes.
Araldite CW 1302/HY 1300 is a UL94-rated epoxy casting and impregnating resin system. This system has good thermal conductivity, low absorption and excellent thermal endurance making it ideal for transformers, filters and capacitors.
Araldite CW 229/HW 229-1 is a two-component epoxy casting system that provides high crack and thermal shock resistance. Araldite CW 229/HW 229-1 is recommended for the manufacture of electrically insulating components and for use as electrical insulation for indoor medium and high voltage applications including SF6 insulated types.
Arathane CW 5620/Arathane HY 5610 is a polyurethane, halogen-free, casting and impregnating system. This encapsulating system is recommended for electronic applications such as transformers, filters, capacitors, inverters, converters, printed circuit boards, electronic control units, speakers, modules, sensors, inductive components, assemblies, semiconductors, connectors and cable fixing.
Discover our full range of electronic protection solutions for motors, the automotive industry and our full guide for potting and encapsulation to find the most appropriate solution for your application.
