All You Need to Know About Arc Flash Study

by Sarah Smith Engineering & Programming Services

Do you have no idea about the Arc flash study? Let us help you. We will provide you will the significant details about the Arc flash study. As you go through this article, you will get some significant insights into the world of Arc flash studies.

Arc Flash Study/Arc Flash Hazard Analysis

When there is a risk of excessive exposure to heat and burn injury because of arcing faults in electrical systems, we call it an arc flash hazard. Electric arcs are capable of producing sound blasts, intense heat, and pressure waves. Due to extremely high temperatures, they can radiate intense heat and has the capacity to cause severe fatal burns. Dust accumulation on conductor surface, corrosion of equipment parts, condensation of vapor, or accidental contact with live conductors can cause arc flashovers.

The Necessity of Arc Flash Study

According to reports, every year, more than 10,000 people succumb to burn injuries due to arc flashes. It is the result of exposure to excessive heat. SA utility company always offers continuous power supply to its consumers. That's why electrocution is still the fourth-largest cause of industrial fatalities. Hence, arc flash studies are highly essential to maintain the safety and security in these industries.

Arc Flash Study Duration

If you follow the latest standard of NFPA 70E 2018 and OSHA requirements for electrical risk prevention, a facility needs a complete arc flash study every five years. This will ensure the safety of any employee within the facility.

But if you want to make sure that you as well as your workers are safe, then you can conduct flash hazard analysis in less than five years' time as well. These power system studies eliminate any chances of a loophole.

Arc Flash Calculation Engineering Analysis Methods

The IEEE 1584-2018 offers an extensive analysis of arc flash hazard boundary. It has got the approval after conduction of 2000+ tests in the year 2018.

Arc Flash Labels and Their Necessity

Arc flash labels are capable of recognizing potential risks related to panelboards, industrial control, motor control centers, meter socket, and so on. You will get specific equipment hazard details. Such information is available at the right time and right place. Following are some of the most common arc flash labels:

1. Incident energy level

2. Danger or warning header

3. Min arc rating

4. PPE or personal protective equipment

5. Shock risk info after cover removal

6. Shock hazard boundary

7. Arc flash boundary

Methodology for Electric Arc Flash Hazard Assessment

Following is the methodology for SKM system analysis:

· Compute: This involves the calculation of arc flash parameters at your facility

· Conform: This indicates the compliance of the rules, regulations, and standards of IEEE, OSHA, NEC, and much more.

· Control: It helps in controlling the severity of damages and the elimination of risks.

· Care: The security and safety of the workforce should be the utmost priority.

What Causes an Arc Flash?

Human error is the most obvious reason for the occurrence of arc flash. Improper tools, failure of PPE, equipment corrosion, improper installation, lack of safety training, contamination of insulation are some of the most common causes that may lead to arc flash hazards.

Because of arc flash hazards, one may suffer severe skin burning, impairment of hearing or vision, breathing difficulties, lung damage ad so on. Such risks can even prove to be fatalistic and lead to the death of workers.

Thus, we can see that arc flash studies are highly essential. There are many reputed and efficient companies like SKM system analysis that offers professional arc flash hazard analysis.