An arc flash is a sudden and violent release of electrical energy that occurs when a high-voltage current jumps from one conductor to another or to the ground. Arc flashes can be catastrophic, often resulting from overlooked or underestimated hazards. They can cause severe injuries, fires, and even fatalities to workers and bystanders.
When an arc flash occurs, it releases thermal energy equivalent to thousands of degrees. This intense heat can cause severe burns and ignite nearby combustible materials – leading to fires. An arc flash also produces pressure waves that can throw people off their feet and blast shrapnel at high speeds. The light emitted from it is also blindingly bright, causing temporary or permanent vision loss.
We’ll be shedding light on some of the top most common incidents and causes of electrical arc flashes as well as sharing some key precautionary steps to protect yourself and those around you.
1. Dangers of Dust Buildup
Often overlooked, dust is a common culprit of electrical arc flash incidents. When a lot of it accumulates on electrical equipment, it could create a conductive path for electricity to flow. All it takes is the introduction of an arc flash to cause ignition.
Dust poses a combustible danger, accumulating on electrical equipment and establishing conductive pathways for hazardous power surges. Certain dust types like metal, coal, or wood prove especially flammable, posing a higher risk of arc flash.
To prevent dust from causing arc flash incidents, the easiest and most obvious way is to keep electrical equipment clean and free of dust. Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment can help identify and remove any dust buildup. It’s also advisable to use proper ventilation and dust collection systems to reduce the amount of dust in the air.
2. Risks of Dropped Tools
Tools falling onto live electrical systems can also spark catastrophic arc flashes by causing a short circuit or a ground fault. This can trigger an arc flash that could injure anyone around or potentially ignite anything flammable close by.
It’s therefore a good idea to always use proper tools for the job and secure them with lanyards or other means. And if working near energized conductors or equipment, using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as flame-resistant clothing, insulated gloves, face shields, is a crucial measure. Such gear may not prevent an arc flash but can significantly reduce injury severity if one occurs.
Most importantly, staying alert helps ensure you’re focused on keeping a firm grip on tools and preventing dangerous drops.
3. Accidental Contact with Live Electrical Equipment
Inadvertent contact with live conductors poses another arc flash danger. It could occur when someone unknowingly touches a live conductor or equipment with their hand, tool, or body part. This can create an electric shock or an arc flash that can result in severe injuries or even death.
Prior to any work, make sure to fully de-energize and verify any potentially live equipment is turned off. You could do this using a voltage tester or other device. Locking out and tagging out electrical systems also safeguards against accidental reactivation.
When you get down to it, stay constantly aware of all power sources around you and exercise extreme caution when operating near them.
4. Moisture and Condensation Buildup
Condensation is another common and often overlooked cause of electrical arc flash incidents. Electrical equipment exposed to humidity could arc when the condensed water seeps through to energized parts. Moisture and condensate accumulation gradually causes insulation deterioration, heightening the chances of an arc flash occurring.
Condensation mostly due to changes in temperature or humidity. Keeping electrical gadgets completely dry and moisture-sealed is therefore crucial. This can be done by using proper enclosures, covers, or coatings for electrical equipment.
Monitoring ambient temperature and humidity levels near electrical equipment that could potentially arc is also a good precautionary measure.
5. Dangers of Faulty Equipment
Worn, damaged, or defective electrical components are an obvious risk of electrical arcing. Over time, equipment can become compromised such as through wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of failure.
That’s why it’s crucial to perform regular inspection and testing of electrical equipment. This can help detect any signs of deterioration or malfunction of electrical equipment and allow for timely repair or replacement.
It is also advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Most Common Electrical Arc Incidents: Summing Up
Electrical arc flashes occur in a snap and when they do, they could cause serious harm to people and property. They can be caused by a number of factors such as equipment failure and human error, but they are preventable.
Following safety procedures and practices, such as keeping electrical equipment clean, dry and secured, as well de-energizing electrical equipment before working on or near them can help avert or minimize the risks and impacts of arc flash incidents. Stay vigilant and make safety your top priority to protect yourself and others around you.