How to avoid arcing within your systems

In this article we will see what arcing is, find out the best ways to avoid it, and finally propose our best electronic protection solutions.

What is electric arc and how to avoid it

Electrical arcing is a phenomenon that generates extremely strong ultraviolet light and intense heat that could seriously damage electrical equipment. The signs to recognize the presence of an arc are many: sparks, burning smell, overheating, a loud noise, and equipment failure. The presence of electrical discharges can have very serious consequences on electrical systems: they can cause component damage, equipment malfunction, electrical failure, and eventually even fire.

It is therefore very important for manufacturers of electronic components and systems to take measures and invest in effective electronic solutions.

Why arcing occurs

Let’s go to see in what specific cases the phenomenon of electrical discharge occurs. Arcing can occur for a number of reasons within an electrical system, including:

• Electrical overload: if electrical panels are overloaded due to faulty circuit breakers
• Physical conditions: exposed cables, excess fumes, or unprotected wires may pose a threat
• Damaged electrical panels: blown or unprotected component panels can also pose a threat

Being aware of the causes that lead to the emergence of arcing is essential to prevent this phenomenon from occurring. Avoiding training also brings benefits:

• Reduction in unplanned downtime
• Avoid repair and labor costs
• Reducing the frequency of maintenance
• Optimization of equipment operation
• Maximizing security
• Increased consumer satisfaction

Key features of products to prevent arcing

Adhesives and encapsulants for electronics protection may be the best solution to reduce the likelihood of arcing. These, however, to be fully effective, must:

• Provide flame retardancy (UL-94 rating)
• Have electrical insulation properties
• Be usable in a wide range of temperatures, including extreme temperatures
• Offer good volume resistivity
• Protect from fumes, sparks and heat
• Protect electronic panels and keep them in a safe position
• Providing dielectric properties, avoiding faulty switches

Because of these advantages, electronic protection solutions can be used to prevent arcing and reduce costs for manufacturers.

Products to avoid electrical arcing

Araldite 2014-2 is a two-component epoxy that exhibits good high temperature resistance and adhesion to various substrates. Superior filling capacities enable 2014-2 to reliably bond the motor casing.

Araldite CW 1302/HY 1300 is a UL94-rated epoxy resin system. This system has good thermal conductivity, low absorption, and excellent thermal resistance, making it ideal for transformers, filters, and capacitors.

Araldite CW 229/HW 229-1 is a two-component epoxy casting system that offers high resistance to cracking and thermal shock. Araldite CW 229/HW 229-1 is recommended for the manufacture of electrically insulating components and for use as electrical insulation for medium- and high-voltage indoor applications, including SF6-insulated types.

Arathane CW 5620/Arathane HY 5610 This encapsulation 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 fasteners.