[Question] Flash Barrier Protection on Circuit Breakers

[BlueArc]

Wondering if you guys have any thoughts or opinions regarding flash barriers on circuit breakers.
I have noticed over the past couple of years that more and more DB manufacturers have stopped supplying flash barriers when it comes to MCCB's rated over 100A.
After much discussion with them the consensus is that when the DB manufacturers order the circuit breakers they don't come with the relevant flash barriers.
Some say there is a minimum distance before flash barriers become compulsory but I can't seem to find anything on this.
Your thoughts????

[AndyD]

Are you meaning those plastic partitions that slide in between the lugs that terminate on the breaker?

This was the best pic I could find I'm afraid;

[BlueArc]

Yes. Great safety feature but for some reason the board manufacturers no longer supply them.

[TAP]

i stand to be corrected the flash barrier is sold as a separate part hence to reduce cost the board manufacturer does not supply . You should ask for them when you spec your board

[AndyD]

Merlin Gerin call them 'interphase barriers' and they're supplied with the Compact NS range which we often use but from memory I don't think they're mandatory for a standard 380v panel but I'd need to check and confirm this. There's also a completely enclosed plastic terminal shield that's a separate item but you can only use one or the other ie there's nowhere to slide in the interphase barriers on the enclosed terminal shield. Some of the add-on accessories don't accept the interphase barriers either, only the enclosed shield. Also if the breaker is on a base that allows it to be racked in and out you can't fit the barriers.

Here's the relevant info from Merlin Gerin;

MCCBs.pdf