Internal
VA 1 GIS
Arc sensor
Publication version: VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
User manual
Table of Contents
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VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
Table of Contents
1. General .................................................................................... 3
2. Technical data ........................................................................ 3
3. Mounting VA 1 GIS ................................................................. 4
4. Connecting the IED ................................................................ 5
5. Sensitivity ............................................................................... 5
6. Testing of arc point sensors ................................................. 6
6.1. Testing point sensor ........................................................... 6
6.2. Testing of the supervision of point sensors ........................ 7
7. Maintenance ............................................................................ 7
7.1. Preventative maintenance .................................................. 8
7.2. Periodical testing ................................................................ 8
7.3. Cleaning of hardware ......................................................... 8
7.4. Sensor condition and positioning check ............................. 8
7.5. System status messages ................................................... 8
7.6. Spare parts ........................................................................ 9
8. Ordering codes ....................................................................... 9
1 General
VA 1 GIS Arc sensor
VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
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1. General
VA 1 GIS is a point type arc flash sensor. Arc flash light is
transformed to a current signal in the sensor. Chracterisitics:
• Standard 8000 lux visible light sensitivity
• Wide area arc flash detection
• 1 ms or better detection time
• Standard cable length 1.5m, 3m, 5m or 10m. (cut to length
on site)
• Easy to install (2 wired non polarity sensitive connection)
• Can be switchgear surface mounted, mounted in customer
drilled holes in switchgear or on VYX001 Z shape or
VYX002 L shape mounting plates available from VAMP or
locally fabricated from supplied drawings.
The sensor is used by an arc flash protection device (IED) or
system to detect the light coming from the arc flash incident.
The arc sensor VA 1 GIS is activated by strong light. The sensor
transforms the light information into the current signal, which is
used by the IED to indicate arc flash.
2. Technical data
Rated voltage UAUX
12V dc (from the IED)
Current consumption
< 2...4mA (in normal mode)
< 18...22mA (activated)
Housing class (IEC 60529)
IP20
Dimension (W x H x D)
25 x 55 x 14 mm
Material
Plastic
Weight
0.01kg
Cable length
1.5m, 3m, 5m or 10m
Environment
Pollution Degree 2.
Operation temperature
-25 to +70 °C
Light spectrum sensitivity area
400…1100 nm
VA1GIS Arc sensor
3 Mounting VA 1 GIS
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VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
Figure 1. VA 1 GIS layout
3. Mounting VA 1 GIS
You can install the arc sensor onto the switchgear wall from the
outside. Press the active part of the sensor through the GIS
sensor window.
Sensor Assembling plate GIS sensor window Cable of
sensor
Figure 2. Mounting the arc sensor VA 1 GIS
4 Connecting the IED
VA1GIS Arc sensor
VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
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Internal
4. Connecting the IED
The sensors are delivered with 8 meter cables. After mounting the
sensors, connect them to the IED as follow:
• Draw the wire to the nearest IED using the shortest route
possible and cut it to a suitable length.
• Connect the arc sensors to the screw terminals. The
polarity of the arc sensor cables is not critical.
5. Sensitivity
NOTE!
The sensor must not be exposed to direct sunlight or
other strong light. Do not mount the sensor directly
under a light source.
Figure 3. Sensitivity of the arc sensor VA 1 GIS
VA 1 GIS Arc sensor
6 Testing of arc point sensors
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VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
6. Testing of arc point sensors
6.1. Testing point sensor
Testing the arc flash sensors with the light only criteria operates
the trip outputs of the IED for the protected zone. Testing the arc
flash sensors with the light and current criteria, without an injected
current, only generates an indication on the unit that protects the
zone. The indication of the fault is registered by the possible IED.
NOTE!
For more information on viewing indications, see the
user manual.
Reset the IED light indications before the test.
Figure 4. Testing point sensors
1. Point light to each arc flash sensor, one at a time, until
activated with a powerful light source such as a flashlight or
torch.
2. Check the light sensor indication from the IED.
3. Check the light sensor address from the IED.
4. Compare the light sensor address information from the
main unit with the sensor location map.
5. Fill in the test result in the test report.
6. Reset the IED’s light indications.
7. Repeat the procedure with the next point sensor.
7 Maintenance
VA1GIS Arc sensor
VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
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Internal
NOTE!
For more information on viewing and resetting
indications, see the user manual of the IED.
Due to their placement, some sensors may not be
tested without dismantling parts of the system.
Dismantle the necessary parts of the system to run the
test.
6.2. Testing of the supervision of point
sensors
Figure 5. Testing the self-supervision of sensors
1. Disconnect one wire from one point sensor, one for each
unit, to see that the self-supervision system recognises the
fault in the sensor.
2. Wait until the fault indication appears.
Depending on the device this can take several minutes.
3. Check that the internal fault relay operates and that the self-
supervision information travels to the possible external
systems.
4. Fill in the test results in the test.
5. Reconnect the wire and reset the system.
6. Repeat the procedure with the any other units.
7. Maintenance
The IED and its extension units require maintenance in order to
work according to specification. Keep record of the maintenance
VA 1 GIS Arc sensor
7 Maintenance
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VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
actions performed for the system. The maintenance can include,
but is not limited, the following actions.
7.1. Preventative maintenance
The IED and its extension units, sensor and cables shall be
visually checked when the switchgear is de-energized. During
such inspection, pay attention to
• possible dirty arc sensors
• loose wire connections
• damaged wiring
• indicator lights and
• other mechanical connections
Visual inspection shall be made maximum every three (3) years.
7.2. Periodical testing
The IED and its satellite extension units, cables and sensors must
be periodically tested according to the end-user’s safety
instructions, national safety instructions or law. Periodical testing
shall be performed every 5 years. Manufacturer recommends the
testing of arc point sensors once a year.
It is proposed that the periodical testing is conducted with a
secondary injection principle for those protection stages which are
use in the IED and its extension units.
7.3. Cleaning of hardware
Special attention must be paid that the IED, its extension units and
sensors do not become dirty. In case cleaning is required, wipe
dirt out from the units.
7.4. Sensor condition and positioning
check
After commissioning, sensor replacement, modification procedure,
cleaning and periodical testing, always check that the sensor’s
position remains as it was originally designed.
7.5. System status messages
In case IED’s self checking detects unindented system status, it
will, in most cases, provide alarm concerning this by activating the
Service LED and indication status notification on the LCD screen.
8 Ordering codes
VA1GIS Arc sensor
VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
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Internal
Should this happen, store the possible message and contact your
local representative for further guidance.
7.6. Spare parts
Use the entire unit as a spare for the device to be replaced.
Always store spare parts in storage as required.
8. Ordering codes
VA1DA-6 Arc sensor with 6-meter cable
VA1DA-20 Arc sensor with 20-meter cable
VA1DA-6s Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded cable
VA1DA-20s Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded cable
VA1DA-6W Arc sensor with 6-meter cable + earthing
connection
VA1DA-20W Arc sensor with 20-meter cable + earthing
connection
VA1DA-6 HF Arc sensor with 6-meter halogen-free cable
VA1DA-20 HF Arc sensor with 20-meter halogen-free cable
VA1DA-6 S-HF Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded, halogen-
free cable
VA1DA-20 S-HF Arc sensor with 20-meter shielded, halogen-
free cable
VA1DA-6 W-HF Arc sensor with 6-meter shielded, halogen-
free cable + earthing connection
VA1DA-20 W-HF Arc sensor with 20-meter shielded, halogen-
free cable + earthing connection
VA 1 GIS-1,5 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter
Cable length 1.5 m (4.93 ft)
VA 1 GIS-3 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter
Cable length 3 m (9.85 ft)
VA 1 GIS-5 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter
Cable length 5 m (16.41 ft)
VA 1 GIS-10 Arc Sensor, shielded with GIS adapter
Cable length 10 m (32.81 ft)
Schneider Electric
35 rue Joseph Monier
92506 Rueil-Malmaison
FRANCE
Phone: +33 (0) 1 41 29 70 00
Fax: +33 (0) 1 41 29 71 00
www.schneider-electric.com
Publication version: VVA1GIS/EN M/B001
Publishing: Schneider Electric
10/2022
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