What Is An Arc Flash?
An Arc Flash is an electrical explosion due to a fault condition or short circuit when either a phase to ground or phase to phase conductor is connected. Arc flashes cause electrical equipment to explode, resulting in an arc - plasma fireball. Temperatures may exceed 35,000°F (the surface of the Sun is 9,000°F). These high temperatures cause rapid heating of surrounding air, extreme pressures and noise levels resulting in an arc blast. The arc blast will likely vaporize all solid conductors which will expand up to 67,000 times its original volume. The result of this violent event is usually:
Why Arc Flashes Happen
There are a variety of reasons why an Arc Flash can occur, but most of them are preventable. Most Arc Flashes occur when maintenance workers are manipulating live equipment for testing or repair, and accidentally cause a fault. Improper tools, improper electrical equipment, corrosion of equipment, improper work techniques, and lack of training are just some of the events that can lead to a devastating arc flash or arc blast.
An Arc Flash is an electrical explosion due to a fault condition or short circuit when either a phase to ground or phase to phase conductor is connected. Arc flashes cause electrical equipment to explode, resulting in an arc - plasma fireball. Temperatures may exceed 35,000°F (the surface of the Sun is 9,000°F). These high temperatures cause rapid heating of surrounding air, extreme pressures and noise levels resulting in an arc blast. The arc blast will likely vaporize all solid conductors which will expand up to 67,000 times its original volume. The result of this violent event is usually:
- Destruction of equipment
- Critical burns to the body
- Collapsed lungs
- Loss of vision
- Ruptured ear drums
- Puncture wounds
Why Arc Flashes Happen
There are a variety of reasons why an Arc Flash can occur, but most of them are preventable. Most Arc Flashes occur when maintenance workers are manipulating live equipment for testing or repair, and accidentally cause a fault. Improper tools, improper electrical equipment, corrosion of equipment, improper work techniques, and lack of training are just some of the events that can lead to a devastating arc flash or arc blast.
