What is an arc flash? Which codes and standards apply and what kind of labeling is required in arc flash safety? How can you better protect your employees from the dangers of arc flashes? Find out in Rittal’s arc flash white paper.
Excerpt:
What is an arc flash?
- An arc flash is the explosive release of energy that occurs when there is a phase to phase or phase to ground arc fault. The arc fault may be the result of unsafe work procedures such as a dropped tool or accidental contact by a human. Additionally, an arc fault may be caused by corrosion, insulation failure, conductive dust, and contact by animals.
- During an arc flash, the rapid heating of air molecules and the vaporization of conductive metals generate an intense pressure blast. This blast pressure can propel shrapnel, tools and workers through the air. The heat wave generated by an arc flash may be severe enough to melt metal and severely burn a worker that is standing in the vicinity of the flash.
- Workers that are exposed to an arc flash sustain injuries typical to an explosion such as, burns, loss of sight, loss of hearing, broken bones, head injuries and shrapnel injuries.