This is why an arc flash will not necessarily happen as soon as something is damaged, or an alternate path is made available. It could also be a result of someone working on equipment, which makes it possible for the electricity to escape from the path it is normally confined to.Įlectricity is always going to follow the path of least resistance. In most cases, the root cause of an arc flash will be a damaged piece of equipment such as a wire. This may occur when a worker physically cuts the power to the area or when the damage caused by the arc flash becomes severe enough to somehow stop the flow of electricity. If a system does not have any type of safety protection, however, the arc flash will continue until the flow of electricity is physically stopped. The most advanced systems today use devices known as arc eliminators, which detect and extinguish the arc within just a few milliseconds. Most arc flashes don't last very long because the source of the electricity is cut off quickly by circuit breakers or other safety equipment. The traumatic force of an arc blast can severely injure or be deadly to those in the near vicinity as well as damage just about everything nearby.Īn arc flash can last anywhere from a fraction of a second to several seconds, depending on a number of factors. This supersonic shockwave is the result of the arc flash and the newly ionized air vaporizing any metal conductors within the unit. If the conditions are right, an arc flash can reach the final stage and result in an enormous electrical explosion known as an arc blast. Think of an arc flash as the extreme heat and blinding light produced by the arc fault. The next event in this progression is referred to as the arc flash. The progression of an arc flash event starts with an arc fault, which is essentially a short circuit conducted between two live parts, or by one live part and one ground, creating ionized air. Arc Flash Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)Īrc flashes are nothing to joke about as the effect of incident energy can be life -threatening.De-Energizing Equipment when Performing Maintenance.Workplace Organization Guide: Learn simple strategies for long-term success.
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