Higher performance values for VEDA and VEBA after new tests

VEO has successfully conducted new internal arc fault tests for its VEDA low-voltage switchgear, and short circuit withstand tests for its VEBA low-voltage bus duct. These tests verify our higher performance values and will allow the initiation of even more demanding projects. The new values of 80 kA internal arc rating for VEDA, and 120 kA short circuit withstand for VEBA, are well over the typical requirements of industrial projects. In addition, VEDA was also successfully tested with active arc flash protection. 

VEO has some good news to share to its former and future clients. VEO’s own low-voltage switchgear, VEDA, and low-voltage bus duct, VEBA, were re-tested at the reputable IPH test facility in Berlin to verify new performance values according to the most recent standards. VEDA was tested in accordance with the guidelines for internal arc fault testing, and passed all seven criteria as defined in IEC/TR-61641:2014. 

For VEDA switchgear, the value for internal arc rating was successfully upgraded from 50 kA to 80 kA, whereas the increase for VEBA’s short circuit withstand was even greater, from 80 kA to 120 kA.    

“We used our testing time efficiently, and the test results turned out even better than we expected. Not only did the tests prove that our established low-voltage products meet today’s high safety requirements, but also that we are already a few steps ahead. What’s more, we know that both VEDA and VEBA have the potential for even higher performance values since we haven’t yet reached the limits.”, says Janne Saarenpää, Product and R&D Manager at VEO. 

As for VEBA, the tests verified that the busbar supports in VEO’s low-voltage bus ducts are extremely durable. The new short circuit rating of 120 kA means that VEBA is not only a suitable add-on to VEO’s own switchgear, but a competitive high-quality bus duct for any switchgear manufacturer or contractor. 

“Now that VEBA is proven to withstand these very high currents, we can offer VEBA for use even in the most demanding industrial environments”, Pentti Raja-Aho, Lead Engineer at VEO, explains. 

In case of an internal arc flash accident, VEDA switchgear has been designed with arc relief vents in back walls and roof plates. If active arc flash protection is needed, VEDA switchgear can be equipped with state-of-the-art protection devices from any leading brand. In Berlin, VEO also ran some tests in cooperation with Arcteq, with their arc flash protection system installed inside VEDA. These results were equally excellent, clearly showing that Arqtec’s device increases switchgear safety and operability by mitigating arc flash accidents.

More information:  

Janne Saarenpää 
Product Manager and R&D Manager, VEO Oy
+358 400 761 400
janne.saarenpaa@veo.fi 

VEO’s own low-voltage switchgear, VEDA, and low-voltage bus duct, VEBA, were re-tested at the reputable IPH test facility in Berlin to verify new performance values according to the most recent standards.