Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Why Companies Should Consider Having An Arc Flash Analysis

By Sonya Riley


Both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE, and the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, have recognized the importance of arc flash analysis, and have even started an initiative for funding of such research and testing. This is because these flashes can hurt employees, and can cause a meltdown of metals and circuit boards. They are extremely hot, at 5,000 degrees or even worse, and make use of air as a conductor. A high source of voltage is usually from where the explosion occurs, and the flashes move from one location to another nearby.

The flashes can be further explained as an explosion of energy. This occurs because of the weakening of air resistance surrounding a powerful electronic device, which in turn causes the escape of electricity. The electric current usually moves from one live conductor to a nearby ground area, to another live conductor or to a different neutral device.

This horribly dangerous occurrence puts human lives at risk, even though they happen so briefly. This is due to their incredible heat, and suddenness. Besides electrical injuries which may be sustained, the flashes will also damage all electrical devices involved.

There are certain circumstances which cause these types of flashes to happen. In general, machinery of good condition will not cause a threat, however, if the electrical device is faulty, there could be a potential risk. Faults that could cause an explosion include corrosion, insulation gaps and unintentional static electricity. Only machines generating high voltage, for example, a phase bus bar, will cause explosions because the flashes need a large amount of energy to occur. They are therefore more common in 600 or more voltage generators.

The danger imposed to people in the nearby vicinity of the flash includes burns from the flashes themselves, which have sometimes been found to be as hot as 5,000 degrees, and burns and other injuries from flying metal, molten metal pieces and hot gas. A person's eyes are particularly at risk. Flashes are virtually instantaneously hot and powerful, and are therefore very dangerous.

It is the duty of industrial companies to inform their employees of the OSHA regulations that can prevent such incidents. Although they cannot always be avoided, their possibility of occurrence can be lowered by using the right tools and by correct maintenance procedures. Employees may also like to safeguard themselves from burns by wearing clothing that is flame retardant.

Electricians dealing with high-voltage devices are at great risk, especially when they are completing installation and wiring tasks. It has been confirmed that, on a daily basis, there are about five arc flashes in the USA. Flashes will only occur around high-voltage equipment, and not in a household with ordinary appliances.

The 'flash protection boundary' is the area in which a person that has no protective gear has a fifty percent chance of sustaining a 2nd degree burn. People who are responsible for arc flash analysis should keep this boundary in mind. It is also wise to ensure they wear the correct PPE for the work.




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