Arc Flash: Causes & Prevention

Did you know that an arc flash incident can cause serious injury or death? Arc flashes are silent killers, and they can occur without any warning. If you’re in the commercial building industry, it’s essential to understand what causes arc flashes and how to prevent them.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes of arc flashes and share some tips for preventing them.

What is an Arc Flash?

An arc flash is an explosion of energy resulting from a fault within an electrical system. It occurs when a high current travels through the air rather than flowing along the intended conductive path. Arc flashes can occur in any electrical equipment, including those found in commercial buildings. They can be caused by faulty wiring or equipment, accidental contact with live wires, or damage to the system.

The resulting explosion can cause property damage, severe injury, and, in the worst case, death. Arc flashes are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the electrical industry. That’s why commercial building owners and operators should properly manage and maintain their electrical systems; to mitigate such incidents from occurring. An experienced electrician should be consulted, for inspecting and maintaining electrical systems, on a regular basis in order to ensure safe operations, and to minimize the risk of any hazardous incident.

Main Causes of an Arc Flash

Damaged Insulation on Electrical Equipment

One of the leading causes of arc flashes is damaged insulation on electrical wire or equipment. When insulation on equipment becomes worn or deteriorated, it can expose energized electrical components. Under the right conditions, electrical current can jump the air gap between conductive materials, resulting in a powerful energy release. Even seemingly minor signs of damage, such as cracked insulation or frayed wires, can increase the risk of arc flashes.

Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and address insulation issues before they lead to a dangerous situation. Another critical step is ensuring that only trained individuals handle and operate electrical equipment, as improper use can further damage insulation and result in an arc flash. These simple precautions can go a long way in reducing the risk.

Faulty Wiring

Another common cause is faulty wiring. This can be due to improper installation, damage to the wire or connectors, or a buildup of dirt or corrosion. In addition, overloaded circuits can also lead to such incidents. Electrical systems must be regularly inspected to reduce the risk of arc flash incidents resulting from faulty wiring. In some cases, outdated or improperly rated equipment may also contribute to arc flashing and should be replaced with proper equipment.

Dangers of Arc Flash

Arc flash incidents can have devastating consequences for anyone unfortunate enough to experience them. A typical arc flash event is often accompanied by extraordinary heat (approximately three times hotter than the surface of the sun), a bright flash, a loud noise, and the expulsion of shrapnel and vaporized metal.

Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the hazards and take appropriate measures to prevent them, especially if you’re part of the commercial building industry. These incidents can cause serious injuries, including third-degree burns and potential death. They can also lead to permanent disabilities, such as blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage, and cardiac arrest.

Commercial building owners and operators should regularly evaluate their electrical equipment and systems, and implement proper maintenance and safety protocols to minimize the risk of these incidents. It’s important to remember that both individuals and businesses can suffer significant consequences from these dangerous events. Don’t take the risk – protect yourself and those around you by proactively preventing an arc flash incident.

Mitigation and Prevention

Arc flashing is a dangerous electrical phenomenon that can occur in commercial buildings. In order to mitigate and prevent it, it’s necessary to maintain all electrical equipment properly and to ensure that all employees receive proper training. Having personal protective equipment on hand, such as flame-resistant clothing and face shields, also makes a difference.

Building codes should be followed closely with regular inspections taking place to ensure safety. In the event of an arc flash, make sure to shut off power immediately and seek medical attention if necessary. Prevention and mitigation measures may require effort, but they can save lives and preserve your property.

The National Electric Code (NEC) is updated every few years to keep up with advancements in the electrical industry. Arc Energy Reduction has been a requirement of circuit breakers rated 1,200 amps or more since the 2014 edition of the NEC.

The 2017, NEC included requirements for Arc Energy Reduction for fuses rated 1,200 amps or more that became effective January 1, 2020. 

Electricians and other professionals in the industry need to stay informed about these updates and ensure their work complies with them. By implementing new safety measures, such as the one regarding fuses, a safer electrical infrastructure can be ensured for both workers and consumers.

Final Thoughts

Arc flash is a serious hazard that can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Taking steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place is absolutely necessary. If you do experience any such incidents, you must have a plan in place for responding quickly and safely.

Schnackel Engineers are experts in electrical design and can develop a comprehensive Arc Flash Hazard Analysis for your facility.

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis is an indispensable aspect of electrical safety. It involves calculating incident energy levels, identifying boundaries for different levels of arc flash incident energy, and recommending the proper precautions to be taken when working around electrical equipment. By taking measures such as installing protective equipment and implementing proper work procedures, the risk of such incidents can be significantly reduced.

Conducting Arc Flash Hazard Analysis regularly can help ensure a safe work environment for all employees.  Furthermore, it is required by NFPA 70E to be updated every 5 years or any time there is a change to the electrical distribution system.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your employees safe from potential hazards.