3 Arc Flash Common Mistakes and How to Prevent Them

Arc flash events can expel large amounts of deadly energy

Arc flash occurs more frequently than you think. May is National Electrical Safety Month so it is a good time to review, and get a reminder of electrical safety practices.

Increasing electrical safety awareness, following safety guidelines, and using appropriate tools are all components of a hearty safety program.

Arc flash is an electric current that passes through the air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage.

The dangers of arc flash incidents can be lethal! The flash is instantaneous and can result in potentially deadly occurrences.

This is simply a reminder to always follow proper instructions and be careful before you engage any job.

The result of the immediate flash is dangerous and can cause severe injury including burns.

Did you know? Each year more than 2,000 people are treated in burn centers with severe arc-flash injuries.

There are many workers injured from thinking circuit breakers were deenergized. Some electricians have removed circuit breakers when arc flashes initiated right in front of them.

Circuit breakers NEED to be absolutely deenergized before starting a project. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and CapSchell, Inc.:

• Five to ten arc explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the United States.
• Electrical arcs produce some of the highest temperatures known to occur on earth, up to 35,000°F (19,426°C). This is 4 times the temperature of the surface of the sun which is about 9000°F (4982°C).

An arc flash can cause minor injuries, third degree burns and potential death as well as other injuries including blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage and cardiac arrest.

Generally, there are three common mistakes and causes of arc flash:

• Unsafe work procedures, maintenance mistakes, and mishandling tools, wires, and metal covers.
• Sparks due to breaks or gaps in the insulation.
• Dust, corrosion, or other impurities on the surface of the conductor.

Proper protective equipment must be worn at all ties when any of this work is conducted within the established flash protection boundary for that equipment.

If the equipment cannot be deenergized, electrical workers must be qualified, trained, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all applicable OSHA and NFPA standards.

The best solutions to prevent arc flash:

• De-energize the circuit
• Safe work practices
• Insulation
• Guarding
• Barricades
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
• Grounding (secondary protection)

Arc flash is very common and following these steps will protect workers against accidents. Remember to use tools, meters, and other equipment that are suitable for the voltage and current levels present when performing all electrical work.