Arc flash is caused due to electrical short-circuit where high level of current passes through air. Due to arc flashes electrical equipments are exploded resulting in arc plasma fireball with temperature exceeding 35,000° F, this high rise in temperature results in an arc blast. This arc blast causes severe injuries, destruction of equipment, fire, lung collapse of the workers working nearby, loss of hearing and even may cause death to the workers that are working nearby.
In order to avoid this arc hazards as well as avoid loss of life and destruction of equipment arc flash study is conducted which is also known as arc flash analysis.
Arc flash study is carried out in order to find out the present arc fault current as well as arc flash hazards that are present in the work place and even to make sure that the workers working over there are making use of proper arc flash clothing or personal protection equipment (PPE) in order to avoid arc flash accidents and maintain work place safety and secure workers life.
It is clearly stated by the OSHA regulations that the arc flash analysis requires proper calculations to be conducted in order to determine the level of arc flash hazards present in the work place. The arc flash calculations are carried out on the basis of location, distance between the arc gap, type of equipment, available short circuit current, equipment details, grounding, device clearing time and other factors. It’s beneficial to perform a realistic arc flash calculation rather than using a NFPA 70E default table in order to avoid the expenses, lost productivity and enable proper protective equipment (PPE) safety for your workers.
Importance and Benefits of Arc Flash Study
- Prevents electrical arc flash accidents
- Personal Safety is increased
- Level of operating efficiency is raised
- Equipment protection is raised
- Damages and accidents are reduced and are identified as a result arc hazards are reduced
When to Conduct an Arc Flash Study (Arc Flash Analysis)
- When arc flash analysis has not been carried out in past 3-4 years
- When any changes has taken place in electrical utility or distribution system
- When short-circuit and protective device coordination analysis has not been carried out in past 5-6 years
- When the insurance policy falls under renewal period
- When an arc flash safety audit is needed
Arc flash study or analysis plays a crucial role in the overall workplace safety. In present changing environment of electrical power distribution equipment as well as systems, fire safety and reliability are becoming the focal point of facilities.
