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Analysis Method for Damage Patterns of Low Voltage Switches for PL Judgment  

Choi, Chung-Seog (전주대학교 소방안전공학과)
Publication Information
Fire Science and Engineering / v.24, no.5, 2010 , pp. 136-141 More about this Journal
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the structure and heat generation mechanism of low voltage switches used to turn on or off the power supply to an indoor lighting system and investigate how the fixtures and movable contacts of the switches are damaged depending on the types of energy sources in order to secure the judgment base for expected PL disputes. Based on the Korean Standard (KS) testing method for incombustibility, this study applied a general flame to the switch. In addition, current was supplied to the switch using the PCITS (Primary Current Injection Test System). The ambient temperature and humidity were maintained at $22{\pm}2^{\circ}C$ and 40~60% respectively while performing the test. It is thought that the switch generated heat due to a defective connection of the wire and clip, insulation deterioration and defective contact of the movable contact, etc. The surface of the switch damaged by the general flame was uniformly carbonized. When the flame source was removed, the fire on the switch was extinguished naturally. From the result obtained by disassembling the switch carbonized by the general flame, it could be seen that fixtures and movable contacts remained in comparatively good shape but the enclosure, clip support, movable contact, indicating lamp, etc. showed carbonization and discoloration. In the case of the switch damaged by overcurrent, the clip connecting the wires, clip support, etc. showed almost no trace of damage, but the fixtures, movable contact, indicating lamp, etc. were severely carbonized. That is, the sections with high contact resistance were intensively damaged and showed a damage pattern indicating that carbonization progressed from the inside to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to judge the initial energy source by analyzing the characteristics of the carbonization pattern and the metal fixtures of damaged switches.
Keywords
Damage patterns; Low Voltage switches; PL Judgment; Incombustibility; Overcurrent; Contact resistance;
Citations & Related Records
Times Cited By KSCI : 5  (Citation Analysis)
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