Splitter Plates (Deion Plates)

Splitter plates (deion plates) are metallic or composite plates arranged in parallel arrays within arc chutes/extinguishing chambers of electrical switching devices. Their primary function is to split high-current electrical arcs into multiple smaller arcs, increasing surface area for cooling and deionization. This process rapidly increases arc voltage beyond the system voltage, forcing current zero and enabling safe circuit interruption. These plates are engineered with specific geometries, materials, and coatings to withstand extreme thermal and electromagnetic stresses during fault conditions.

Splitter plates operate on principles of arc splitting, cooling, and deionization. When an electrical arc enters the arc chute, it's forced between the closely spaced plates. This action: 1) Divides the main arc into multiple series arcs, increasing total arc voltage, 2) Maximizes contact with cooler plate surfaces, facilitating rapid heat dissipation through conduction and convection, 3) Creates narrow arc channels that promote recombination of ions and electrons, reducing plasma conductivity, and 4) Utilizes magnetic or gas dynamic forces to drive the arc deeper into the plate array for complete extinction.