Very interesting stuff here, is this the future?

http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/mar09/8067

Cost is going to be the big factor here, I don't see this ever being a viable option as a retrofit in older switchgear but as an optional safety feature on GE's next switcgear line (AKD 15??), maybe.

Very interesting... That artical also has some usefull facts when trying to explain the severity of arc flash/blast to a layman.....