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Everything You Need To Know About Arc Flash Analysis

By Lila Berger


On everything we do our safety is always the primary priority we should always be concern of. Accidents happen in various instances and in the most unexpected moments. We do our best to evade them but without any knowledge it will just end in vain. Therefore, it is crucial we arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge about arc flash analysis to prevent electrical accident in the future.

Arc flash is a discharge of electricity that results from a high voltage source. It uses the oxygen that is abundant all around to power itself for the explosion. The electricity that is released in the air can easily chain itself to another exposed electrical devices that are within the area.

This happen so quickly and causes a large amount of heat that melts any metal around and destroys the electrical equipment. Some even reported that heat sometimes achieve a temperature hotter than the surface of the sun. It can even produce plasma wherein shrapnel, dangerous sound waves and high electromagnetic radiation goes with the explosion.

Hazard analysis can only provide limited shield against the explosion but it can analyze a safe buffer zone that protects the workers from exposure of the dangerous elements of the blast. This type of incidence is the leading cause of major electrical injuries and some circumstances become deadly. This easily invades the safety perimeter of any area and should be taken seriously.

This occurrence only happens when there is high voltage conductor nearby. Corrosion, accidental gaps in insulation and unintended static electricity are the factors that contribute for the air to enter the system and serve as a conduit for an explosion. Since this is a powerful burst of energy it needs a lot of power, around 600 volts or higher, to make the blast possible.

The energy expands very quickly thus creating a quick plasma reaction in the air that poses dangers for the surrounding. Notably, temperature reaches to extreme height that is enough to incinerate anyone from couple of feet away. The metals are vaporized leading to an explosive gas and liquefied metal flying through all directions in the air.

Companies are instructed to teach employees on the proper usage of tools when managing high voltage devices. You can easily evade any chances of burns by wearing the appropriate clothing such as cotton and other flame resistant fabrics. The incidence can be markedly lowered if the proper care of electronic devices are carried out.

The chances that it occurs in your home is very slim not unless you are using high voltage devices. This is common in professional working place and construction sites. The danger it poses are usually in electricians and those who are involve in installing these devices.

Arc flash analysis measures the danger level of this incidence and how much it can affect anyone. The incident is carefully calculated regarding the needed energy for the blast to cause second degree burn. They also establish flash protection boundary where they set a safety zone from the blast. It is beneficial in so many ways for the workers to have a clear idea of where it is safe and where it is not.




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