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SAFE OPERATION

Protection against Overload and Failure at the end of Service Life
In the event of overvoltage, thermal overload or ageing at the end of the capacitor‘s useful service life, an increasing number of
self-healing breakdowns may cause rising pressure inside the capacitor. To prevent it from bursting, the capacitor is fitted with an
obligatory «break action mechanism» (BAM™). This safety mechanism is based on an attenuated spot at one, two, or all of the
connecting wires inside the capacitor.
All capacitors with diameters < 85 mm as well as some traditional models with large diameters are provided with BAM 1 mechanism.
All new models with diameters > 85 mm will be provided with BAM 2 mechanism.
With rising pressure the case begins to expand, mainly by opening the folded crimp and pushing the lid upwards. As a result, the
prepared connecting wires are separated at the attenuated spot, and the current path is interrupted irreversibly. It has to be noted
that this safety system can act properly only within the permitted limits of loads and overloads.

SAFE OPERATION BAM 1

BAM 2
before activation

after activation

pic.4

Mind hazards of explosion and fire
Capacitors consist mainly of polypropylene (up to 90 %), i.e. their energy content is relatively high. They may rupture and ignite
as a result of internal faults or external overload (e.g. temperature, over-voltage, harmonic distortion). It must therefore be
ensured, by appropriate measures, that they do not form any hazard to their environment in the event of failure or malfunction
of the safety mechanism.

Fire Load: approx. 40 MJ/kg
Extinguish with: dry extinguisher (CO , foam), or other fire extinguishants suitable for this voltage level
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