Arc Flash

Understanding and Preventing Electrical Hazards

3 Basic Electrical Hazards that Cause Injury or Death

Shock Current - Shock current can pass through the human body's nervous or vascular system and across the surface of the body. The current required to light a 7.5 W, 120 V lamp, passing through the chest, can cause death. Of those killed while working on voltages below 600 V, half were intentionally working on "hot" energized equipment. Most electrocutions can be avoided with proper training, planning, job preparation, procedures and equipment.

Arc Flash - Arc flash is an extremely high temperature conductive plasma and gases resulting from an arc fault incident. As many as 80% of all electrical injuries are burns resulting from an arc flash contact and ignition of flammable clothing. Arc temperatures can reach 35,000o F, four times hotter than the sun's surface.

Arc Blast - Arc blast is a pressure wave caused by the rapid expansion of gases and conducting material with high flying molten materials and shrapnel. An arc blast may result in a violent explosion of circuit components and thrown shrapnel. The blast can destroy structures and knock workers from ladders or across a room. The blast can rupture eardrums and collapse lungs.

NFPA 70E-2209, 130.3 - An arc flash hazard analysis shall determine the Arc Flash Protection Boundary and the personal protective equipment that people within the Arc Flash Protection Boundary shall use.

The arc flash hazard analysis shall be updated when a major modification or renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically, not to exceed 5 years, to account for changes in the electrical distribution system that could affect the results of the arc flash hazard analysis.

The Power Analysis Co. has the experience and expertise to perform your Arc Flash Analysis.

The first major step in any arc flash analysis is the collection of information required for the analysis. Inaccurate data collection will produce an inaccurate analysis. We have over 25 years of experience in performing electrical data collection and updated drawings.

Secondly, the analysis is performed by a Licensed Electrical PE, capable of determining methods for reducing arc flash levels if needed.

Also, with our nationwide presence, travel costs are reduced to a minimum.