Arc-to-Glow Transition Approach for Practical Use in DC Low-Power, Low-Voltage Electric Grids

This paper presents and discusses results of analysis from investigations of arc-to-glow transformation phenomenon at contact opening, under dc low-energy (≤10 J) and low-voltage (≤250 V) inductive loads. Dependence of the duration of arcing and glowing on current magnitude, voltage magnitude, properties of the contact material, gas quenching medium velocity and its pressure, as well as contact opening velocity and contact gap are investigated. The transition phenomenon of arc-to-glow is analyzed by means of fast photography and emission spectroscopy. Also discussed is the theoretical evaluation of conditions of arc instability. From the results, possible procedures are formulated to control the arc-to-glow transformation for practical use in dc low-voltage and low-power electrical grids.