| What is an arc flash? |
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An arc is produced by flow of electrical current through ionized air after an initial flashover or short circuit. An arc flash event releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of thermal heat, toxic fumes, pressure waves, blinding light, sound waves and explosions that can result in serious injury including critical burns, collapsed lungs, loss of vision, ruptured eardrums, puncture wounds and even death. Accidents, unintentional contact with electrical systems, equipment failure, improperly designed equipment and/or work procedures can all cause an arc flash explosion. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an arc flash occurs "when an electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors or between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors." An arc flash releases dangerous levels of radiant heat energy that can cause severe burns. Fatal burns can occur up to five feet from the arc and severe burns can happen up to ten feet away. An arc flash produces some of the highest temperatures on earth - up to 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit - three times the surface temperature of the sun. These excessive temperatures cause the air and metal in the path of the arc to expand and explode, creating an arc blast. |
