Arc flash is the name for the heat and light that an arc fault explosion produces. Temperatures of up to 2,800-19,000 °C (5,000-35,000 °F) can be reached by an arc flash. In order to put things into perspective, it is estimated that the sun’s surface is 5,500 °C (9,932 °F) heated. Anyone nearby could be burned and their clothing could catch fire at such high temperatures. Aside from melting metal, arc flashes can also cause eye and lung damage, hospitalization, or even death.
What is arc blast?
Arc blast refers to the pressure wave that an arc fault causes. These are capable of damaging more equipment or knocking a technician who is an adult to the ground. Arc bursts may impair hearing or mental processes. Additional damage or injuries could follow from the explosion’s release of unsecured equipment, tools, and other materials into the air.
Why do arc faults occur?
One of the primary causes of arc flash is voltage transients (spikes), which can be caused by switching reactive loads or lightning strikes. Even while the transient only lasts for a short period of time, it can nonetheless carry thousands of amps of energy. If this happens while measurements are being performed, a plasma arc may form either inside the measurement tool or outside of it.
Other causes of arc faults include situations like:
- Worn or loose connections
- Gaps in insulation
- Improperly installed parts
- Dust
- Corrosion
Study of Arc Flash Hazard:
In the event of an arc fault, the research provides specific information on every place in the system’s exact position that could lead to Arc Flash Analysis services. The research also enables staff members at these locations to take the necessary safety precautions, such as donning PPE (personal protective equipment) if they are working on or near an electrically charged region. Appropriate PPE must be worn in light of the analysis’s estimated potential incident energy, which is calculated in calories per square centimeter. Workers at these locations won’t receive enough protection due to inadequate incident energy values, which will also raise their risk of harm.
Benefits of Arc Flash Analysis include:
Compliance:
The need to verify compliance with external and/or internal standards is often the main impetus for undertaking an arc flash and electric shock study. Local requirements, such as national rules or industry best practices, must be considered and will be included in the study.
Occupational health and safety improvements:
As many arc flash and electric shock incidents as humanly possible are to be eliminated through arc flash analysis services and electric shock investigations. Arc flash or electric shock events will occur less frequently (probably), and equally important, the severity of any surviving incidences will be decreased to a point where serious injuries, and especially fatalities, will no longer be anticipated. This difficult objective might not always be feasible, though.
Protection from Business Interruptions:
The impact of the Arc Flash analysis services on asset protection and associated business interruption are substantial positive side effects in addition to the anticipated and projected improvement in occupational health. The impact on a site’s real estate or other tangible assets is as significant as the decline in the frequency and intensity of arc flash and electric shock incidents. Arc flash is one potentially harmful type of ignition for fires in commercial or industrial environments. Statistics show that arc flash plays a significant role in flames and explosions (arc blast), which have a negative effect on real estate.
Increased Electrical Distribution System Reliability:
The “arc flash study” exercise will cover a plant’s full electrical power distribution network. As a result, it is one of the few times when the complete distribution system may be examined simultaneously. Any departures from sound design, installation, and operation will be obvious. Any equipment or circuits with a high incident and loss potential will also be detected, along with their severity. The protective equipment (Relays and Circuit Breakers) are specially assessed for dependability and precision of the estimated values since Relay and Circuit Breaker calibration tests are necessary and a precondition of the Arc Flash Study.
Current Analysis of Faults:
This study identifies the fault current at each panel, feeder, busbar, and/or switchboard and is required to perform all other studies or analyses. Comparing the results to each individual electrical component will help establish the effectiveness in relation to probable fault currents. The Main Short Circuit Fault Diagram is produced as part of the study to simplify operations and maintenance. Design consultants also rarely submit this drawing; rather, they do it only upon request and usually for an additional fee.
Study of Electric Shock Risk:
Calculating the fault currents in each circuit allows for the establishment of some boundaries that are essential for avoiding electric shock. These boundaries, which are noted on the warning label, must be taken into consideration if working on electrical equipment becomes required. Knowing these constraints and having them prominently displayed on each pertinent piece of equipment can help reduce the possibility of accidents and improve the overall system’s reliability by adhering to the simple rule “No incident = No downtime = Higher Reliability”.
The Purpose of Arc Flash Hazard Analysis :
The goal of the arc flash study is to identify the protective apparel specifications for those working on live or electrically charged equipment (where practical and possible).
- Determine the potential for personnel injuries due to exposure to incident energy (IE) emitted during an arc-flash event.
- If at all possible, use alternative protective device settings to decrease incident energy exposure.
- Make suggestions for the best arc-flash danger mitigation measures.
- Comply with NFPA 70E, OSHA, and NEC regulations.
ARC FLASH STUDY AND ANALYSIS REPORT:
We will create your Arc Flash study Report after the calculations for the arc flash analysis program are finished. You will be given this for a brief review time so that your team can assess any changes. We may now have a meeting to determine the report’s findings. After your approval, we’ll deliver a final report and fully scaled one-line diagrams that have been certified by a Registered Professional Engineer. You will also receive the drawings and report in digital form.
- Introduction
- Executive Summary
- Single Line Diagram
- Observations and Recommendations
- Labeling
- Report
Reduced risks & liabilities:
- When suggested procedures are followed, there are fewer chances of injured workers dying and there are fewer expenses associated with
- Compensation and medical care.
- Claims and insurance premiums can be decreased
- Litigation risk reduction
- Fines for noncompliance can be avoided during site inspections
- Workers can receive the greatest PPE available.
Conclusion:
In an electrical network, a severe defect will develop from any short circuit between two live wires, whether it happens through direct or indirect contact. This fault will result in an electric arc and a flash, which are both recognized in the business sector as electric arc flash analysis services. The best arc flash analysis services are offered by SAS Powertech to maintain and improve the security of your power systems.
Data from your electrical distribution equipment is gathered and analyzed by SAS Powertech’s Arc Flash Analysis Team in order to establish variables like the flash-protection border distance and the necessary PPE requirements. After analysis, we give your systems the appropriate Arc Flash labeling. Additionally, we will deliver a report with our findings and suggestions to your management team.
