--- title: Do You Know These Switchgear Arc Test Performance Pass/Fail Conditions? description: This is the meta description of your first post. image: https://static.hsappstatic.net/content_shared_assets/static-1.3940/img/sample_blog.jpg --- [![Iem Fg](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/file-2666345597-png/images/logo.png?width=116&name=logo.png)](http://www.iemfg.com/) [![Iem Fg](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/file-2677371527-png/images/logomob.png)](http://www.iemfg.com/) # IEM Blog # Do You Know These Switchgear Arc Test Performance Pass/Fail Conditions? Tuesday, December 12, 2017 **![Vesta-AR.png](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vesta-AR.png?width=662&name=Vesta-AR.png "Vesta-AR.png")** --- **What constitutes an arc test failure?** Per IEEE standard, a failure is indicated by violation of any conditions listed below. 1. There should be no permanent deformation of the structure, and secured covers and doors do not open. (Slight bowing or other distortion is permitted as long as such deformation does not extend to the indicator mounting.) 2. No indicators burn. However, pin holes and discoloration of indicators is permitted. 3. Ejection of small parts (up to 60 g) through the plenum is permitted. 4. No parts are allowed to eject through seams or doors of the structure. A high speed video is used to further analyze the results of an arc test if needed. All grounding connections remain effective after the test. ![Arc Failure.png](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Arc%20Failure.png?width=320&name=Arc%20Failure.png)Failed Arc Test The image above shows failure of an arc test. One indicator is burned completely causing the failure.   **A Successful Arc Test** The image below shows a successful arc test done at KEMA Power Test lab in Chalfont, PA. 1. The arc and gases exhaust through the plenum as designed. Also, the structure did not bow appreciably and no cotton indicator was damaged in any way. 2. It was done on a day when there was snow falling and one can see particles of snow with the exhaust gases in the picture. 3. The IR windows used on Vesta did not rupture during the arc tests. 4. Consequently, IR scanning of Vesta can be done with the equipment energized wearing no protective gear. Per IEEE standard, a failure is indicated by violation of any conditions listed below.   ![Successful Arc Test.png](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Successful%20Arc%20Test.png?width=320&name=Successful%20Arc%20Test.png) **To Learn More** Download our free whitepaper titled "New Arc Resistant, Compact Metal Clad Switchgear: Meeting ANSI / UL Design Challenges" to learn how to meet the ANSI/IEEE/UL design challenges while still coming up with a compact, front accessible switchgear. --- [![Download Whitepaper](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/500086/2ba81590-3211-45e8-b04c-468b8cbe4969.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/500086/2ba81590-3211-45e8-b04c-468b8cbe4969)    ![](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/file-2687165783-jpg/images/default-news-events_1.jpg) ### Find A Representative Near You Select Product Type - Any -Power Distribution ProductsIEM Power SystemsIEM Marine   Select Region - Any -WesternMidwestCentralSouthernEasternCanadaBelgium Locations ### CORPORATE OFFICE Industrial Electric Mfg. 48205 Warm Springs Blvd Fremont, CA 94539direct 510.656.1600 [www.iemfg.com](http://www.iemfg.com) ### VANCOUVER OFFICE Industrial Electric Mfg. 201 – 27353 58th Crescent Langley, BC V4W 3W7direct 778.373.9601 [www.iemfg.com](http://www.iemfg.com/) ### JACKSONVILLE OFFICE IEM Power Systems, LLC 11902 Central Parkway Jacksonville, FL 32224direct 904.365.4444 [www.iemps.com](http://www.iemps.com/) ### BELGIUM OFFICE IEM Power Systems SA Cour Lemaire, 16 B-4651, Batticedirect +32 (0)4 247.01.67 [www.iemps.com](http://www.iemps.com/) - [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/iemfg) - [twitter](https://twitter.com/iemfg) - [google plus](https://www.google.com/+Iemfg) - [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-electric-mfg) - [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/user/iemfg) [![pdf icon](https://blog.iemfg.com/hs-fs/file-2658369461-png/images/img-pdf.png)](http://www.iemfg.com/support/technical-library) ### Technical Documents For more information on IEM’s products and systems. [read more](http://www.iemfg.com/support/technical-library) © 2024 Industrial Electric Mfg, All Rights Reserved. - [TERMS](http://www.iemfg.com/node/245) - [SITEMAP](http://www.iemfg.com/sitemap)