05th
Jun
2023
Arc Flash Protection
Arc Flash Protection: Survive the Danger
Arc flashes are an explosive and dangerous phenomenon that can occur when highly-voltage electrical equipment is subjected to arcing faults. These intense bursts of energy can cause fires, burns, and even explosions. Arcs are a natural consequence of electricity flowing through a conductor. They occur when an electrical circuit is overloaded, causing the current to arc outside of the circuit and create an explosion-like spark. This spark travels along the ground and nearby flammable materials, igniting them and creating a fire hazard. Sparks can travel up to 70 feet and stay hot enough to ignite materials for several minutes.The Resulting Damage of Arc Flash
The results of arc flashes are:- Explosion: Explosive forces can damage equipment, cause bodily injury, and start a fire.
- Heat damage: Intense heat from the arc can melt or damage equipment and cause burns.
- Falling conductors: The falling or arcing equipment can cause bodily injury or harm nearby personnel.
- Power interruption: The arc can trip the circuit breaker, causing a power outage.
Electrical Safety Gear for Arc Flash Protection
Arc-rated clothing and gloves are essential for workers who are exposed to electrical hazards. Yet, the best protection against the hazards of an arc flash comes from grounding the circuit and installing arc-rated equipment such as circuit breakers, fuses, and transformers. Arc-rated safety gear includes:- Electrical gloves: Gloves are the first line of defence against electrical hazards. Electrical gloves protect against electrical shocks caused by arcing, provide some insulation against the heat of the arc, and help minimize hand contact with the source of the arc.
- Arc-rated clothing: Arc-rated clothing is necessary for workers who are exposed to electrical hazards but are unable to ground the circuit they are working on. The most common arc-rated articles of clothing include aprons, vests, and coats.
- Grounding: Grounding to a low impedance path can help divert the energy from the arc. Grounding is the most effective protection against the hazards of an arc flash.