What is an arc flash explain?

Simply put, an arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to ground. The results are often violent and when a human is in close proximity to the arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur.

What causes an arc flash?

It can result from accidental contact with the electrical systems, the buildup of conductive dusts, corrosion, dropped tools, or improper work procedures. The plasma arc has a virtually unlimited current carrying capacity once it’s established. The energy of an arc flash converts primarily to heat and light.

What can happen to a human in an arc flash?

An arc flash may cause severe burns, hearing loss, eye injuries, lung damage, and blast injuries. Arc flashes are rare but when they do happen, the impact on personnel and the business can be significant. Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness can help to protect equipment and save lives.

Why is arc flash so harmful?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), five to 10 arc flash incidents occur each day in the U.S. Arc flash is extremely dangerous because it can produce some of the highest temperatures known to occur on earth, up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is four times the temperature …

How many arc flash incidents a year?

30,000 arc flash incidents
[2019 Statistics] Arc Flash Explosions Occur Every Day – Arc Flash Accidents. A report published in Industrial Safety and Hygiene News estimated that, on average, there are 30,000 arc flash incidents every year.

Are arc flashes common?

Occurring 5-10 times per day in the United States and resulting in over 400 fatalities and 30,000 incidents a year, arc flash occurrences are common, dangerous, and often deadly incidents.

Where do arc flashes occur?

An arc flash occurs when the electrical current flows outside its intended path, through an air gap, to another conductor. With this in mind, you can see that an arc flash can occur anywhere that the electrical current has a chance to escape.

Can an arc flash blind you?

Intense light His persistence led to the introduction of the term arc flash in the 1995 edition of NFPA 70E. The flash is a high-intensity light that can damage the eye and cause temporary or permanent blindness.

How many people have died from arc flash?

A report published in Industrial Safety and Hygiene News1 estimated that, on average, there are 30,000 arc flash incidents every year. The report went on to estimate that those incidents resulted in average annual totals of 7,000 burn injuries, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 400 fatalities per year.

How loud is an arc flash?

The decibel level of an arc flash explosion can reach well over 140 dB. That’s comparable to a jolting gun shot near your head, or a roaring jet engine 100 feet away. The immediate hearing damage from an arc flash blast is painful and irreversible.

At what voltage is arc flash a concern?

Most 400 V and above electrical services have sufficient capacity to cause an arc flash hazard. Medium-voltage equipment (above 600 V) is higher potential and therefore a higher risk for an arc flash hazard.

What you should know about an arc flash?

5 to 10 arc flash accidents occur every day in the U.S.

More than 2,000 people are treated annually in burn centers with arc flash injuries

1-2 deaths occur per day from an arc flash incident

$1.5M average cost of medical treatment

8-12 months away from work and possibility of permanent disability

What are the dangerous causes of arc flash?

Electrical safety hazards such as exposure to shock and Arc-Flash can be caused by: Carelessness Worn or brok­en conductor insulation Exposed live parts Loose wire connections Improperly maintained switches and circuit break­ers Obstructed disconnect panels Water or liquid near electrical equipment High voltage cables Static electricity Damaged tools and equipment

What happens during an arc flash?

What Happens in an Arc Flash. As more and more energy flows through the arc, the process builds on itself, and in a moment the arc becomes an arc flash. The primary source of injury in an arc flash is the burst of heat. Just like lightning, an arc flash releases an enormous amount of heat energy in a very short time.

What are the main causes of an arc flash?

An arc flash happens when electric current flows through an air gap between conductors. Accidents caused by touching a test probe to the wrong surface or slipped tool are the most common cause of an arcing fault. Arc flashes can also be caused by: Sparks due to breaks or gaps in the insulation