Abb+ufes+manual: [top]
ABB UFES (Ultra-Fast Earthing Switch) is an active arc fault protection system designed to extinguish internal arcs in medium-voltage switchgear in less than 4 milliseconds
. It functions by initiating a 3-phase short-circuit to earth, which rapidly drops the arc voltage and extinguishes the fault before significant pressure or thermal damage occurs. System Components
Electronic Tripping Unit (TU) / Detection and Tripping Unit (DTU) : The central "brain" that processes fault signals. The
model includes internal light and current detection, while the typically relies on external detection units. Primary Switching Elements (PSE) abb+ufes+manual
: Three high-speed earthing switches that create the physical short-circuit. They feature an extremely fast switching time of less than
: Uses optical lens sensors to detect the intense light of an arc and current transformers to detect the accompanying current spike. Operational Principles
: The system monitors for two simultaneous criteria: a sudden increase in light intensity and an instantaneous current rise above set response levels. ABB UFES (Ultra-Fast Earthing Switch) is an active
: Upon detection, the electronics send a signal via trip cables to the PSE. Extinction
: The PSE closes, creating a 3-phase earth connection that bypasses the arc.
: The feeder circuit breakers then clear the finalized fault current. Key Benefits & Performance UFES™ Ultra-Fast Earthing Switch - ABB Read the manual thoroughly before installation or operation
ABB's Ultra-Fast Earthing Switch (UFES) provides active arc flash protection for medium and low-voltage switchgear by creating a controlled 3-phase short-circuit to earth, extinguishing arcs in less than 4 ms. The system uses electronic tripping units and primary switching elements (PSEs) to significantly reduce incident energy and damage, enhancing safety and reducing downtime compared to passive systems. For the full technical documentation, visit ABB Library UFES™ – Ultra-Fast Earthing Switch - ABB
3. Safety Instructions (Critical)
WARNING: HAZARDOUS VOLTAGES
- Read the manual thoroughly before installation or operation.
- The UFES system contains high-energy capacitors. Even when disconnected from mains power, these capacitors can store lethal energy.
- Never open the UFES actuator or relay housing while the system is energized.
- Proper grounding of the device is mandatory before applying power.
- The UFES closing operation is violent (high speed). Ensure no personnel are near the mechanism during testing.
Common Troubleshooting Scenarios for ABB UFES Equipment
Based on real-world support queries from Brazilian industrial sites and universities using ABB gear, here are three frequent issues and how the ABB manual resolves them.
Typical UFES workflow
- Planning
- Collect device model numbers, communication protocol, and network layout.
- Obtain device description files (DD/EDD/DTM) from ABB or device vendors.
- Installation and connection
- Physically connect fieldbus segments, power supplies, repeaters and terminators per ABB wiring guidelines.
- Start UFES and connect through the appropriate interface (USB/serial/Profibus/Fieldbus adapter).
- Device discovery
- Run automatic scan to detect devices and build a network topology map.
- Configuration
- Open each device’s configuration dialog.
- Set communication addresses, parameters, and function block values.
- Load parameter templates or import previously exported device setups.
- Commissioning
- Put devices into RUN mode.
- Monitor live signals and status bits; verify I/O and function block behavior.
- Adjust tuning or parameters as needed.
- Diagnostics and troubleshooting
- Use UFES diagnostic screens for bus errors, device alarms, and signal quality.
- Check cable terminations, power levels, and segment repeaters if errors appear.
- Maintenance and updates
- Periodically back up device configurations and UFES project files.
- Apply firmware updates via UFES when available and tested.