Remote switch kit expands arc flash protection

CBS ArcSafe has introduced the RSK-SACE3 remote switch kit, designed for ABB/SACE EMAX2 air circuit breakers used in industrial power distribution and electrical maintenance. The system enables remote breaker operation from a distance of 30 to 50 feet, allowing technicians to remain outside the arc flash boundary while performing switching operations on low- and medium-voltage switchgear.

Remote switching for electrical safety
Arc flash hazards remain a significant safety concern during switching operations on energized electrical equipment. Remote switching systems reduce personnel exposure by allowing operators to control circuit breakers from a safer distance instead of standing directly in front of the equipment.

The RSK-SACE3 is compatible with ABB/SACE EMAX2 frame sizes 1.2 through 6.2 equipped with factory button covers. It supports circuit breakers rated from 800 A to 6000 A without requiring permanent modifications to the existing installation. According to CBS ArcSafe, the kit weighs 3.5 lb (approximately 1.6 kg) and attaches using magnetic mounts, enabling rapid installation and removal across multiple breakers.

Portable design for maintenance operations
The lightweight construction allows maintenance personnel to transport a single device between different compatible circuit breakers within a facility. This reduces the need to maintain multiple application-specific switching tools while supporting maintenance activities in locations where equipment access is restricted.

The supplied handheld controller operates on standard AA batteries and is designed to perform hundreds of switching operations before battery replacement is required. The portable configuration makes the system suitable for commissioning, maintenance, inspection and routine switching tasks involving compatible air circuit breakers.

Application areas in industrial power distribution
The remote switch kit is intended for facilities operating ABB/SACE EMAX2 air circuit breakers in manufacturing plants, utility infrastructure, commercial buildings, data centers and other industrial power distribution systems. Because installation does not require equipment modification, the device can be deployed without altering existing switchgear configurations.

CBS ArcSafe manufactures the RSK-SACE3 at its production facility in Denton, Texas, United States.

Additional context: Technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original product announcement
Remote switching devices are one of several engineering approaches used to reduce arc flash exposure in accordance with electrical safety practices such as NFPA 70E. Unlike permanently installed remote operation systems, portable magnetic remote switch kits can be transferred between multiple compatible circuit breakers, reducing equipment investment for facilities with several switchgear lineups. Comparable solutions include CBS ArcSafe's Remote Switch Actuator product family and ABB's Remote Racking Device (RRD) for EMAX2 breakers. While ABB's RRD is designed specifically for remote rack-in and rack-out operations on selected EMAX2 frame sizes, the RSK-SACE3 focuses on remote switching (trip and close) functions for EMAX2 breakers rated from 800 A to 6000 A without permanent modification of existing equipment. Selection between remote switching and remote racking systems depends on maintenance procedures, breaker design and the required operating function rather than overall product capability.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.cbsarcsafe.com