Why do Shallow enclosures produce a lower Incident Energy?

Shallow enclosures, also known as “low-depth” or “low-height” enclosures, are enclosures that are relatively small in size and have a shallow depth or height. These types of enclosures are used in electrical systems to house and protect electrical components and equipment.

One of the key benefits of shallow enclosures is that they can produce lower incident energy in the event of an arc flash. Incident energy is a measure of the energy that is released during an arc flash and is typically expressed in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm^2). The higher the incident energy, the more severe the arc flash is likely to be.

There are several reasons why shallow enclosures may produce lower incident energy than deeper enclosures:

1. Reduced arc duration: Shallow enclosures have less space for an arc to develop, which means that the arc is likely to be shorter in duration. This can help reduce the amount of energy released during the arc flash.
2. Reduced arc current: The arc current is the amount of electrical current that flows through the arc during an arc flash. Shallow enclosures have less space for the arc to travel, which means that the arc current is likely to be lower. This can also help to reduce the incident energy.
3. Reduced arc flash boundary: The arc flash boundary is the distance at which an arc flash can cause serious injury to a person. Shallow enclosures have a smaller arc flash boundary, which means that people are less likely to be within the boundary during an arc flash. This can help to reduce the severity of the arc flash.
4. Improved cooling: Shallow enclosures can also provide improved cooling for the electrical components and equipment that they contain. This can help to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of an arc flash.

In addition to these benefits, shallow enclosures are also generally easier to install and maintain than deeper enclosures, which can make them a more practical choice in many applications.

It is important to note, however, that shallow enclosures may not always be the best option for all applications. In some cases, deeper enclosures may be required to provide sufficient space for electrical components and equipment or to meet other requirements such as fire resistance or environmental protection.

Overall, shallow enclosures can effectively reduce the risk of an arc flash and protect electrical components and equipment. They offer a number of benefits, including lower incident energy, shorter arc duration, lower arc current, smaller arc flash boundary, and improved cooling. These factors can help to make electrical systems safer and more reliable.