Schneider Electric VA 1 GIS Arc Sensor User Manual

Schneider Electric VA 1 GIS Arc Sensor

General

VA 1 GIS is a point type arc flash sensor. Arc flash light is transformed to a current signal in the sensor. Chracterisitics:

• Standard 8000 lux visible light sensitivity
• Wide area arc flash detection
• 1 ms or better detection time
• Standard cable length 1.5m, 3m, 5m or 10m. (cut to length on site)
• Easy to install (2 wired non polarity sensitive connection)
• Can be switchgear surface mounted, mounted in customer drilled holes in switchgear or on VYX001 Z shape or VYX002 L shape mounting plates available from VAMP or locally fabricated from supplied drawings.

The sensor is used by an arc flash protection device (IED) or system to detect the light coming from the arc flash incident. The arc sensor VA 1 GIS is activated by strong light. The sensor transforms the light information into the current signal, which is used by the IED to indicate arc flash.

Technical data

Mounting VA 1 GIS

You can install the arc sensor onto the switchgear wall from the outside. Press the active part of the sensor through the GIS sensor window.

1.  Sensor sensor
2. Assembling plate
3. GIS sensor window
4. Cable of Figure 2. Mounting the arc sensor VA 1 GIS

Connecting the IED

The sensors are delivered with 8 meter cables. After mounting the sensors, connect them to the IED as follow:

• Draw the wire to the nearest IED using the shortest route possible and cut it to a suitable length.
• Connect the arc sensors to the screw terminals. The polarity of the arc sensor cables is not critical.

Sensitivity

NOTE!
The sensor must not be exposed to direct sunlight or other strong light. Do not mount the sensor directly under a light source.

Testing of arc point sensors

Testing point sensor
Testing the arc flash sensors with the light only criteria operates the trip outputs of the IED for the protected zone. Testing the arc flash sensors with the light and current criteria, without an injected current, only generates an indication on the unit that protects the zone. The indication of the fault is registered by the possible IED.

NOTE!
For more information on viewing indications, see the user manual. Reset the IED light indications before the test.

1. Point light to each arc flash sensor, one at a time, until activated with a powerful light source such as a flashlight or torch.
2. Check the light sensor indication from the IED.
3. Check the light sensor address from the IED.
4. Compare the light sensor address information from the main unit with the sensor location map.
5. Fill in the test result in the test report.
6. Reset the IED’s light indications.
7. Repeat the procedure with the next point sensor.

NOTE!
For more information on viewing and resetting indications, see the user manual of the IED. Due to their placement, some sensors may not be tested without dismantling parts of the system. Dismantle the necessary parts of the system to run the test.

Testing of the supervision of point sensors

1. Disconnect one wire from one point sensor, one for each unit, to see that the self-supervision system recognises the fault in the sensor.

2. Wait until the fault indication appears.
   Depending on the device this can take several minutes.

3. Check that the internal fault relay operates and that the self-supervision information travels to the possible external systems.

4. Fill in the test results in the test.

5. Reconnect the wire and reset the system.

6. Repeat the procedure with the any other units.

Maintenance

The IED and its extension units require maintenance in order to work according to specification. Keep record of the maintenance actions performed for the system. The maintenance can include, but is not limited, the following actions.

Preventative maintenance
The IED and its extension units, sensor and cables shall be visually checked when the switchgear is de-energized. During such inspection, pay attention to

• possible dirty arc sensors
• loose wire connections
• damaged wiring
• indicator lights and
• other mechanical connections

Visual inspection shall be made maximum every three (3) years.

Periodical testing
The IED and its satellite extension units, cables and sensors must be periodically tested according to the end-user’s safety instructions, national safety instructions or law. Periodical testing shall be performed every 5 years. Manufacturer recommends the testing of arc point sensors once a year. It is proposed that the periodical testing is conducted with a secondary injection principle for those protection stages which are use in the IED and its extension units.

Cleaning of hardware
Special attention must be paid that the IED, its extension units and sensors do not become dirty. In case cleaning is required, wipe dirt out from the units.

Sensor condition and positioning check
After commissioning, sensor replacement, modification procedure, cleaning and periodical testing, always check that the sensor’s position remains as it was originally designed.

System status messages
In case IED’s self checking detects unindented system status, it will, in most cases, provide alarm concerning this by activating the Service LED and indication status notification on the LCD screen. Should this happen, store the possible message and contact your local representative for further guidance.

Spare parts
Use the entire unit as a spare for the device to be replaced. Always store spare parts in storage as required.

Ordering codes

• VA1DA-6 Arc sensor with 6-meter cable
• VA1DA-20 Arc sensor with 20-meter cable
• VA1DA-6s Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded cable
• VA1DA-20s Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded cable
• VA1DA-6W Arc sensor with 6-meter cable + earthing connection
• VA1DA-20W Arc sensor with 20-meter cable + earthing connection
• VA1DA-6 HF Arc sensor with 6-meter halogen-free cable
• VA1DA-20 HF Arc sensor with 20-meter halogen-free cable
• VA1DA-6 S-HF Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded, halogen-free cable
• VA1DA-20 S-HF Arc sensor with 20-meter shielded, halogen-free cable
• VA1DA-6 W-HF Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded, halogen-free cable + earthing connection
• VA1DA-20 W-HF Arc sensor with 20-meter shielded, halogen-free cable + earthing connection
• VA 1 GIS-1,5 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter Cable length 1.5 m (4.93 ft)
• VA 1 GIS-3 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter Cable length 3 m (9.85 ft)
• VA 1 GIS-5 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter Cable length 5 m (16.41 ft)
• VA 1 GIS-10 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter Cable length 10 m (32.81 ft)

Customers Care Center

• http://www.schneider-electric.com/ccc

Schneider Electric
35 rue Joseph Monier 92506 Rueil-Malmaison

FRANCE

• Phone: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00
• Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 29 71 00
• www.schneider-electric.com
• Publication version: VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
• Publishing: Schneider Electric 10/2022

References

• Support | Schneider Electric Global

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