Thursday, November 14, 2013

Interesting Facts Regarding Arc Flash Analysis

By Sonya Riley


Both the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE, and the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, have recognized the importance of arc flash analysis, and have even started an initiative for funding of such research and testing. This is because these flashes can hurt employees, and can cause a meltdown of metals and circuit boards. They are extremely hot, at 5,000 degrees or even worse, and make use of air as a conductor. A high source of voltage is usually from where the explosion occurs, and the flashes move from one location to another nearby.

Flashes of this nature happen because of a change of air resistance that occurs nearby a powerful electrical gadget. When the air resistance weakens, it can allow electricity to be released into mid-air, and this sudden release or explosion of energy is the arc flash. The released energy then moves to a different surface, live conductor or other object.

A short circuit of this nature will happen so quickly, but the damages caused are immense. The flashes are so hot that they easily melt nearby metals, and their heat can obviously cause much harm to people in the vicinity. Electrical gadgets that are part of the occurrence are seldom found in tact.

Arc flashes cannot happen if there is not enough energy, and therefore they are only common nearby machinery which create voltages of 600 or over. There also needs to be some sort of fault in the device in order for an explosion to happen. For example, a machine that is surrounded by unnatural static electricity could be dangerous, or one with gaps in insulation and corrosion. Other factors can cause explosions as well. Flashes also need another conductor or ground area nearby in order to happen.

People in an accident of this sort are quite likely to sustain burns, either from the flash itself or from hot metals that are air-born from the explosion. Hot gases pose a threat as well. The energy and heat of the flashes rise in intensity very quickly, and cause a fast plasma reaction in the air. Past flashes have been noted as over 5,000 degrees by scientists.

To prevent explosions companies should follow OSHA regulations, and should train their employees accordingly. Industries may also consider providing their employees with protective clothing that is resistant to fire. The proper tools should be used, and high-voltage machinery should be in good operational condition. The wiring of such machinery should especially not be faulty.

Electricians dealing with high-voltage devices are at great risk, especially when they are completing installation and wiring tasks. It has been confirmed that, on a daily basis, there are about five arc flashes in the USA. Flashes will only occur around high-voltage equipment, and not in a household with ordinary appliances.

Experts who are involved in arc flash analysis should take the proper care to safeguard themselves from injuries. There is a certain area around the conductor that is considered as dangerous to unprotected individuals, and is known as the 'flash protection boundary'. Within this boundary someone without protection is 50% likely to incur second degree burns.




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