We understand the hazards and risks associated with arc flash and are committed to helping our clients identify and mitigate these risks. In this article, we will discuss the dangers of arc flash, its causes, and the importance of arc flash studies. We will also cover the regulations and standards that govern arc flash safety and the software and expertise we use to provide our clients with comprehensive arc flash services.
What is Arc Flash?
Arc flash is a dangerous condition that occurs when electrical energy is released through an electric arc. This release of energy can cause severe burns, blindness, blast injuries, shrapnel wounds, lung blast injuries, ruptured eardrums, and pressure wave injuries. The temperature of an arc flash can reach up to 35,000°F, which is four times hotter than the surface of the sun. The sound associated with these pressures can exceed 160 dB, which is louder than a jet engine.
Properties of Arc Flash
Arc flash can cause fatal burns at distances over 10 ft, and the energy liberated during an arc flash can lift a space shuttle weighing approximately 4.5 million pounds to a height of 27 feet. Arc flash can occur due to dust accumulation, corrosion, dirt contamination or dielectric breakdown, faulty equipment, poor maintenance, tool dropped into equipment, careless removal or replacement of covers and devices, entry of foreign bodies, and misalignment of moving contacts.
Scope of Arc Flash Studies
Arc flash studies are a method to determine the risk of personal injury resulting from exposure to incident energy from an electrical arc flash. These studies determine the incident energy evolved, safe flash protection boundary, and PPE requirements as a function of location and work activity. They also provide designers and facility operators with information to determine the arc-flash hazard distance and the incident energy to which employees could be exposed during their work on or near electrical equipment.
Hazards of Arc Flash
To perform arc flash studies, the system installation and equipment data must be collected. The power system’s modes of operation bolted fault currents, and arc fault currents must be determined. The arcing duration must be found from the protective device characteristics, and the system voltages and equipment classes for each bus or arc hazard location must be recorded. The working distance, incident energy, and flash protection boundary for all equipment must be determined. Protective device coordination evaluation for bolted fault and arcing fault must be performed, and arc flash hazard labels must be generated.
Arc Flash Regulations
The IEEE Std 1584-2002 and IEEE Std. 1584a-2004 (Amendment 1) provides guidelines for performing arc-flash hazard calculations, and the NFPA 70E sets standards for electrical safety in the workplace. Compliance with these regulations is critical to protecting personnel from the hazards of arc flash.
Expertise
Our auditors have over 15 years of experience in the field of engineering, design, and consulting services in the power system and arc flash survey. They hold a PG diploma degree in the field of energy efficiency and are trained to provide our clients with comprehensive arc flash services.
Conclusion
Arc flash is a dangerous condition that can cause severe injuries
In conclusion, it is crucial to recognize the risks associated with arc flash and take the necessary measures to ensure safety. Comprehensive electrical safety solutions, including arc flash hazard analysis, electrical safety audits, and more. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest software and tools to accurately evaluate arc flash hazards, determine safe flash protection boundaries, and identify the necessary PPE requirements. By implementing our services, you can mitigate the risks associated with arc flash and create a safer work environment for your employees. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you improve your electrical safety measures.