If you operate in the utility industry, you need to get familiar with arch flash. Also known as a flashover, arch flash can be best described as an electrical explosion or discharge resulting from a connection through the air to the ground.
Put simply, there is a fast energy release in the event of a fault arc that causes arch fault. It primarily happens between the phase-bus bars that are larger than 120 volts. Explosions after an arch fault are however, inevitable. This is because the material is highly conductive in nature and the quantity of energy released during the flash. Hence, an arc flash is predominantly characterized by deadly shrapnel and fiery explosions.
Causes of Arc Flash
It is important to understand that the arc flash can be caused by the unintentional contact between an energized conductor. However, equipment failure can also lead to arch flash. The potential to cause harm is variable with:
- The capacity of the current that can flow in the arc
- The amount of time the arcing fault is sustained
- The chemical compositions of the conductors
However, the top causes of arc flash include:
- Equipment failure
- Dropping metal parts or un-insulated tools
- Using specified instruments incorrectly
- Live work on damaged equipment like cables
- Loose connections and exposed live parts
- Lack of awareness and training
Ways to Prevent Arc Flash
It’s said prevention is better, and we couldn’t agree more. Therefore, one of the best ways for arc flash prevention is to hire an engineering company that can ensure substation compliance with the standards and guidelines set by OSHA. To ensure OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) compliance, you should at least have a comprehensive safety program for your employees. This can provide a precise and detailed analysis of the degree of arc flash hazard. All this will further help you provide proper and quality training and essential equipment suitable for the hazard present.
Other control measures can be adopted for hazard reduction and the likelihood of taking place, therefore, lowering the risk. For instance:
- De-energize electrical equipment
- Wear suitable PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
- Keep at a safe distance
- Reduce the energy output from an incident
- Carry out a risk assessment
- Train workers for controlling interrupt faults and risks
For more information about arc flash or assistance with prevention strategies, contact us today. We can help.
