4160 Glass Inspection / Viewing Windows Replacement

[kosullivan]

We're working on some old Westinghouse 4160 Switchgear with glass inspection windows on the rear of the gear. A power factor capacitor shorted out and blew out the glass inspection window. Owner is looking for suggestions on replacing the glass window with possibly a metal plate. With the focus on Arc Flash are glass inspection windows even allowed anymore? Do you have any suggestions, articles or experience on this topic?

 

[Jraef]

Most likely the one you had was old and designed prior to the focus on Arc Flash ratings. Now, for Arc resistant equipment, the inspection windows have to be rated at or above the blast pressure rating of the box.

The big name in that for years was Hawk, but they have now been bought by Fluke, because Fluke got into the IR inspection camera business and these view ports are perfect for that. Others make them, some people sell them but they are actually the Hawk windows anyway.
http://en-us.fluke.com/products/ir-windows/

But others that provide them are Flir and IRISS

 

[kosullivan]

Thank you for the reply.

Thank you for the reply.

We have a bunch of these switchgear lineups and are considering covering the glass viewing windows with a blank metal plate so that the glass doesn't shatter during an Arc Fault. We are adding IT ports ... I was trying to find a Switchgear Manufacturer - Service Bulletin on what to do about the old glass viewing ports but have not found any Service Bulletins or technical articles. ... Thoughts ....