Eaton Expands MR2 Motorized Remote Racking System with Auxiliary Compartment Feature to Enhance Arc Flash Protection and Workplace Safety
Power management company Eaton today announced an updated motorized and remotely operated racking system designed to enhance safety for operators of medium voltage metal-clad switchgear. By providing a means to remotely insert or remove drawout circuit breakers and auxiliary drawers used in Eaton metal-clad switchgear, the Motorized Remote Racking (MR2) system is designed to allow for an increase in the distance between an operator and live components to reduce the impacts of arc flash exposure.
Arc flash safety is paramount in the design of medium voltage switchgear and Eaton continues to develop equipment designed to minimize arc faults and the effect they may have on personnel and equipment.
“Eaton is committed to the development of innovative solutions that help enhance safety, reliability and efficiency in critical applications,” said Brannon Barter, product manager at Eaton. “The MR2 remote racking system builds on more than 40 Eaton arc flash prevention solutions and 60 years of switchgear innovation to strengthen protection against the unpredictable dangers of arc flash.”
Historically, operators were required to manually move circuit breakers and auxiliary drawers into place with a hand crank. With the original MR2 system, operators could use remote controls to select, disconnect or connect circuit breaker positions. The updated MR2 system now allows personnel to apply the same functionality to auxiliary components – such as power transformers, current transformers and fuses – up to 30 feet away from the arc flash zone.
Remote racking control capabilities can be interfaced with an external hand-held pendant, HMI or ModBus Communications. The system’s motor is installed inside the switchgear to prevent the need for lifting and aligning an external motor to the outside of the switchgear, further enhancing safety and productivity. The system is also designed to allow manual racking of circuit breakers and auxiliary drawers if needed.
The MR2 has been endurance tested and exceeds the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard C37.20.2. The system is available for new switchgear installations and can also be retrofitted to existing Eaton metal-clad switchgear. To learn more about the MR2 motorized remote racking system, visit www.eaton.com/MR2.
Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.
Eaton is a power management company with 2014 sales of $22.6 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 102,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.