Journal Published Online: 31 August 2009
Volume 6, Issue 8

Electrical Arc Ignition Testing for Common Handheld Electrical Devices in Oxygen-Enriched Atmosphere

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

Electrical arc ignition is a concern for materials used in low pressure oxygen-enriched environments such as inside spacecraft. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Johnson Space Center requested that the NASA White Sands Test Facility conduct arc ignition tests to evaluate the hazard of electrical arc ignition of materials that could be in close proximity to batteries for the Constellation Program. Wire-break electrical arc tests were performed to determine the current threshold for ignition of generic cotton with a fixed voltage of 3.7 V, a common voltage for handheld electrical devices. These tests were performed in 34 % oxygen at varying pressures.

Author Information

Sparks, Kyle
NASA Test and Evaluation Contract, Las Cruces, NM
Gallus, Timothy
NASA Test and Evaluation Contract, Las Cruces, NM
Smith, Sarah
NASA Test and Evaluation Contract, Las Cruces, NM
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JAI102284
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102284