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An arcing fault that occurs between two phase bus bars, a ground or neutral causes a reaction that is known as Arc Flash. This rapid release of energy uses the air as a conductor and can be the source of some very serious problems for both the equipment and any humans that happen to be in the area. For the most part, arc flash is going to occur when the bus voltage is exceeding 120 V, as lower levels are not usually enough to sustain the arc. An arc flash is similar to the arc that is seen during electrical welding.

One of the main problems that occur as a result of the arc flash is the release of a tremendous amount of energy. This energy can cause burns for anybody who is in the area that are severe and perhaps even life-threatening. The arc flash even has the potential for melting metal and causing pressure waves that can send heavy objects through the air at speeds of over 500 miles an hour. This is not only true of equipment that may be in the area but it can also throw a person across the room just as easily.

Additional dangers that can occur as a result of the arc flash can occur because of the light and sound that are produced. If you happen to be looking at the area when the flash occurs, it can cause damage to your eyes that is irreversible. Additionally, the blast can be extremely loud and can cause hearing problems for anybody that is in the area. That is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a code, and it is necessary for you to be in compliance with that code if the possibility of an arc flash exists in your work area.

One of the most important things that need to be considered if you want to remain compliant with the OSHA standards is that an arc flash analysis must take place before any work is to be performed on equipment that could cause that flash. During this analysis, several different factors are going to be determined such as the energy, the arc flash boundary and the necessary PPE. The arc flash boundary is the point surrounding the source of the potential arc in which a person could receive either second or third degree burns. The incident energy level is how much energy could be produced by an arc.

You should never leave the possibility of an arc flash to chance.
L&S Electric can provide you with the necessary arc flash analysis in order to keep you in compliance with any OSHA codes that may currently be in place. Not only can L&S Electric provide you with this analysis, they can also give you recommendations, not only to help you understand what is necessary in order to remain inside of the regulations but to make any changes that may be necessary in order to provide a safe working environment for everyone involved.

Next Page: Current Arc Flash Regulations

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