Leading manufacturers of fiber optic arc sensors include Arcteq, AFT Microwave, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), offering solutions for both point and loop arc detection in industrial and electrical systems.

Key Manufacturers and Products

1. Arcteq Arcteq provides a range of arc sensors compatible with their AQ 100 series devices. Their fiber optic loop sensors include:

• AQ-06: Plastic fiber loop sensor
• AQ-07: Glass fiber loop sensor
• AQ-08: Glass fiber loop sensor for high-temperature applications These sensors are designed for large-area monitoring in switchgear and are fully supervised for reliable arc detection . 2. AFT Microwave AFT offers the ARC1 and ARC4 arc detector systems, which use fiber optic cables to separate detector electronics from high-power RF equipment. Their systems feature:
• Fast, sensitive light detection with wide-spectrum photodiodes
• Modular designs supporting up to 16 detector channels
• Radiation-resistant fiber optic cables and FSMA-type viewports for easy installation in coaxial lines and waveguides
• Upgraded optical sensitivity (<1 Lux) and user-friendly interfaces . 3. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) SEL manufactures fiber optic arc-flash detection cables and sensors compatible with relays such as SEL-751, SEL-751A, SEL-851, and SEL-710-5. Key features include:
• Fiber sensors for large-area protection, such as bus compartments
• High-quality 1 mm diameter plastic optical fiber (POF)
• Field-terminable cables with simple hand tools for onsite assembly
• Integration with arc-flash input cards for fast detection and relay tripping
• Options for point sensors to protect enclosed spaces and fiber loop sensors for broader coverage .

Applications and Advantages

Fiber optic arc sensors are widely used in:

• Medium- and low-voltage switchgear
• Motor control centers
• High-power RF equipment
• Environments requiring high-speed arc-flash detection and personnel safety Advantages of fiber optic sensors include immunity to electromagnetic interference, suitability for high-temperature or radiation-prone environments, and the ability to monitor large areas with loop configurations. These manufacturers provide both standard and customizable solutions, allowing integration with existing protection relays and switchgear systems to enhance safety and reduce equipment damage during arc-flash events.