electrical ARC FLASh

What is electrical Arc Flash?

An electrical arc flash is a serious hazard which has the potential for personnel injury, equipment damage and loss of business outcomes. In Australia, it has been found that there is a need for increased awareness and greater education within the Energy Industry to eliminate or minimise the risk of injury to persons from an arc flash.

Analysis and mitigation

At HEA, we have the expertise and proven experience in carrying out electrical arc flash analysis studies and providing practical advice on utilising multiple high-level risk controls. This allows us to minimise flash hazards in an electrical switchroom to the point that Arc Flash PPE levels can be reduced and provide a safer work environment for operational and maintenance staff.

Examples of activities in a switchroom which involve arc flash risks

Racking in and out circuit breakers
Switching or isolation of circuit breakers or ACBs
Working on control circuits with energised parts
Low voltage testing and fault finding
Removing panels for inspections and other activities
Testing for dead

Common Causes of an electrical arc flash in a switchroom

Dust
Dropping Tools
Accidental Touching
Condensation
Material Failure
Corrosion
Over-voltages across narrow gaps
Improperly installed parts
Worn or loose connections
Aging switch gear

The Risks for your business and staff

Both arc flash and arc blast can cause injuries and be potentially fatal. Taking the proper precautions to prevent an arc fault and stay safe if one does occur is important.

Compliance – Failing to meet the standards and regulations can delay project start-up and also potentially result in significant fines
Injury or Death – You, your co-workers, outside contractors and other third parties.
Equipment damage – costly to repair or replace
Plant shutdown – reduced productivity, lost revenues, lost costumers
Liability – lawsuits, higher insurance premiums, out of pocket costs

Methods to decrease the risk of an electrical arc flash

Understand, analyse, and simulate potential energy Levels
Reduce available fault currents
Shorten clearing times
Move people further away
Redirect blast energy
Prevent the fault
Label equipment and train personnel in industry best safety practices
Upgrade or replace aging electrical components
Utilise the latest technologies in arc fault detection and mitigation

Ongoing servicing

Ongoing monitoring and preventative maintenance of your switchgear and installation ensures that potential hazards can be identified early, with corrective action taken in a planned timely fashion; rather than having to react to catastrophic arc flash explosion that may have serious personal and business consequences.