Wednesday, August 21, 2013

A Brief Introduction Into Arc Flash Analysis

By Tara Daniels


An arc flash is an energy explosion that's usually connected with electrical equipment. The causes can vary depending on the circumstances. However, oftentimes the cause can be narrowed down to accidents in the workplace, such as when an employee drops tools or when machinery corrodes. It is not unheard of for sabotage to cause such explosions also. Arc flash analysis is the analyzing of electrical data in a bid to reduce the risk of explosions.

Flash explosions can prove to be fatal. At their hottest they can burn as high as 35,000 degrees. It goes without saying that the lives of those working in hazardous areas is at risk. Stats have indicated that about five to ten incidents each day result in serious injury, and this is in the United States alone. Therefore, there's room for much improvement.

Tough laws are important in ensuring employee safety, but they are not enough on their own. Employers and states have to take the initiative and show staff that they value their safety. If a company starts to implement arc flash analysis policies then it shows the staff that they care about their safety. The firm can start the process by collecting more data about the systems their employees work with.

Initially the engineers that come into a firm will usually look at their power systems and short circuits. These investigations are crucial in uncovering whether it's OK for employees to use equipment. The work of the engineer should greatly reduce the prevalence of accidents at work.

Cutting costs more often than not can lead to bad things happening. It may seem quite attractive to compromise safety, even in the most sedate of areas. For instance, some firms think it's OK that NFPA tables are used as a long-term solution, rather than have engineers take the time to analyze all electrical equipment. NFPA tables are meant as a stop-gap until the engineer has done a complete investigation in the firm's electrical systems.

A common error that is made by organizations is the cutting out of analysis altogether. Whilst it is true that a lot of money can be saved through ignoring safety protocols and doing away with analyzing short circuits, this is usually a false economy. Any attempts to run electrical distribution systems without the correct data result in engineers guessing the levels of power that are required.

As arc flash blasts are calculated in term of time and energy, the inherent danger of forgoing analysis is obvious. If the engineer adheres to best case scenarios then workers will be exposed to high levels of risk. If anything does happen the firm could be liable. On the other hand, if the engineer calculates worst case scenarios they could end up buying too much safety equipment and wasting money.

When thinking about whether to bring in an engineer to do arc flash analysis, it is worth remembering that the detailed reports that are produced may save a firm a lot of money and could spare any potential lawsuit from injured employees. The reports are usually fairly detailed and usually recommend certain courses of action.




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