Arc flash faults are a highly destructive safety hazard in industrial power distribution systems. Arc flash protection relays, as core devices for rapidly interrupting faults, directly impact personnel safety and equipment stability. The following focuses on ten of the world’s leading manufacturers, showcasing their core technologies and solutions in the field of industrial arc flash protection from both corporate strength and product characteristics.
1. Blue Jay
BlueJay (Chongqing BlueJay Technology Co., Ltd.) is a Chinese company specializing in low-voltage and medium-voltage power distribution protection equipment. Its products cover power monitoring, switch protection, insulation monitoring, and arc flash protection systems. The company emphasizes OEM customization capabilities, serving various application scenarios such as switchgear, transformers, and motor control centers.
Its typical products are the AFR-4 four-channel, AFR-3 three-channel, and AFR-M busbar-specific arc flash protection relays. These products all employ dual-criteria protection of “arc flash + current,” paired with UV/visible dual-type sensors for accurate detection and a response speed of ≤5ms. Combined with 3-4 independent trip relays, they achieve precise fault isolation. They also integrate RS485 interfaces and Modbus protocols to support digital monitoring, making them adaptable to various scenarios such as multi-load factories and new energy power plants.Arc Protection Relay – Blue Jay
2. Eaton
Eaton is a leading global power management company, providing a full range of products for power distribution, power management, UPS, and electromechanical system protection, serving the industrial, commercial, and infrastructure sectors, with a focus on system reliability and safety standards.
Its EAFR series arc flash relays reduce arc flash energy by quickly interrupting arc current. With sensitive optical and current detection capabilities, EAFRs can identify low-power phase-to-phase or ground-to-ground arc faults, effectively protecting medium and low-voltage switchgear. Pre-installed relay modules and sensors facilitate direct integration into electrical systems.
3. Littelfuse
Littelfuse primarily focuses on fuses, circuit protection, and related sensor components. In recent years, its product line has expanded to include industrial protective relays and system solutions.
In the field of arc flash protection, Littelfuse’s AF0100 and AF0500 series relays utilize microprocessor control combined with point-type or fiber-optic photoelectric sensors to quickly detect arc flash and trigger circuit breaker tripping. Their features include “plug-and-play” operation and rapid retrofitting of existing switchgear, significantly reducing the risk of damage from faults.
4. Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is a leading global provider of electrical management and automation solutions, covering power, building, data center, and industrial automation sectors, with operations worldwide. The company’s strategic focus is on “digital power management,” offering holistic solutions from the grid to the load.
Its arc flash protection products include arc flash protection embedded in PowerLogic™ A1 and A3 series relays, or standalone Arc121/Arc125 systems, featuring photoelectric + current sensing, multi-protocol communication (e.g., IEC 61850), and networked monitoring capabilities. Suitable for medium-voltage, low-voltage, and critical infrastructure systems.
5. SEL
SEL (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories), founded in 1982, is a leading global provider of power system protection and automation solutions, covering power generation, transmission, distribution, and industrial control.
In arc flash protection, SEL’s Arc-Flash Detection (AFD) technology combines optical sensing with fast overcurrent tripping, responding to faults within approximately 2ms. Its SEL-751 and SEL-849 relays support fiber optic or point probes, enabling selective tripping, communication linkage, and data logging, effectively protecting medium and low-voltage switchgear. Widely used in high-end industrial and power grid systems, they provide reliable personnel and equipment safety.
6. ABB
ABB is a global leader in electrical engineering and automation technology, headquartered in Switzerland. Its products encompass power equipment, robotics, motion control, and industrial software. ABB has extensive experience in power safety and switchgear.
In arc flash protection products, ABB offers the REA series of arc flash detection relays and the ArcGuard system, targeting medium and low-voltage air-insulated switchgear, featuring rapid photoelectric detection and trip control functions. Its solutions emphasize reducing personnel hazards, minimizing downtime, and protecting equipment assets.
7. ARcteq
ARcteq, based in Finland, specializes in medium-voltage distribution protection and intelligent relays, offering high-performance, flexible, and modular solutions. Their products integrate protection, control, and monitoring functions, serving power utilities, industrial, and commercial customers.
The AQ series arc flash relays are designed for medium-voltage switchgear, providing fast fault detection, combined arc flash and short-circuit protection, and support for standard digital communication protocols such as IEC 61850. With high reliability and modular design, ARcteq relays are a premium choice for arc flash protection in medium-voltage industrial systems.
8. ICE SAS
ICE SAS is a specialized manufacturer of power protection, relays, and automation systems, serving distribution networks, switchgear, and industrial electrical cabinets. Although its global brand recognition is modest, it has a strong reputation in regional markets.
ICE SAS arc flash protection relays, such as the AP900 series, combine optical detection with overcurrent logic to provide fast trip response, status monitoring, and communication interfaces. Designed for busbar and feeder protection, these relays offer a cost-effective solution for medium and small-scale industrial systems while ensuring reliable personnel safety and equipment protection.
9. NHP
NHP is a leading Australian supplier of electrical and automation components, covering control equipment, protective relays, and switchgear. The company is committed to serving industrial, infrastructure, and mining customers, providing localized support and services. Its arc flash protection product line for switchgear protection features integrable modules that support fiber optic/point probes, fast trip control, event logging, and monitoring communication.
10. RMS Mors Smitt
Mors Smitt offers arc flash monitoring solutions designed for busbars, metal-clad switchgear, and cable enclosures. Their systems combine optical flash detection with optional current verification to provide rapid fault clearance, significantly faster than conventional overcurrent protection.
The relays feature modular, scalable designs supporting multiple sensors and zones, status monitoring, and communication interfaces including Ethernet/IEC 61850. Compact modules allow easy integration into new or existing switchgear, making Mors Smitt a reliable and flexible choice for industrial and utility arc flash protection.
In summary, arc flash protection relays are vital for ensuring electrical safety and reliability. From global leaders to specialized manufacturers, each offers unique technologies for fast fault detection and system protection. As power systems advance toward digitalization, these solutions remain essential for creating safer and smarter electrical networks.
