Hazards Of Arc Flashes

An arc flash is the result of an electrical fault in energized equipment

. The malfunction causes current to flow through the air and create an electrical arc. Temperatures at the electrical arc can rapidly climb to tens of thousands of degrees. At these extreme temperatures, the air surrounding the arc becomes superheated to approximately 30,000F and the metal in the equipment vaporizes. Together, the superheated air and metal vapor expand with explosive force, creating a dangerous pressure wave of hot gas, molten metal droplets, and solid metal shards.

The radiation released in an arc flash greater than 1,000 amperes is so intense that it can instantly burn skin and ignite clothing, causing injury not only to the equipment operator but also to bystanders. In addition, this violent radiation can destroy the equipment itself and erode adjacent machinery and walls. It can even set the area ablaze.

Causes

Just like lightning, an arc flash suddenly releases large amounts of energy, resulting in serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. However, unlike lightning, which requires storm conditions to manifest, arc flash hazards can occur under several, varied circumstances. Equipment malfunctions, inadequate safety procedures, carelessness, lack of training and dropped tools are some of the common conditions that may cause arc flashes.

Recent statistics show that over 80% of electrically-caused injuries involve arc flashes. This has raised an alarm and companies are getting themselves educated about electrical arcs, how to prevent them and offer the best arc flash protection to their employees and equipment.

Preventive Measures

Design

Various arc flash-resistant designs and equipment configurations can be chosen to reduce arc flash hazards. For example, fault currents can be limited using grounding resistors or fuses. Also, arcing time can be reduced by using an arc eliminator that will extinguish the electrical arc within a few milliseconds of its occurrence.

PPE

Many companies offer arc flash protection equipment made of resistant material. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be embraced by aware companies.

Flash Protection Boundary

A flash protection boundary is the distance from an arc flash source within which an unprotected person has a 50% chance of receiving a second degree burn. This boundary must be considered to determine the PPE that should be worn by operators working within it.

NFPA 70E

The National Fire Protection Association is the authority on fire, electrical and building safety. In NFPA 70E, it has laid down standards for electrical safety in the workplace. Following it will ensure a safer work environment, less prone to electrical hazards like arc flashes.

Incorporating these safety measures into your workplace would ensure lesser damage caused by arc flashes to both people and property.

by: Larry Wilson

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