What precautions should you take to help prevent arc flash, and what should you know before working on electrical equipment? A new guide from EC&M and ABB offers an interactive experience to help protect electricians and personnel from the dangers of arc flash.
An arc flash is a type of short circuit in which damaging amounts of current are allowed to flow through a circuit. Learn how to protect yourself here.
For example, there are four arc flash boundaries that are calculated to help determine the level of bodily harm you could sustain based on your physical distance from an arc flash. Boundaries are determined through an arc flash study that calculates the amount of power the arc flash could have, as well as how long it could last.
The arc flash study looks at the electrical system design, equipment, system specifications, and safe practice procedures. Calculations are used to determine the arc flash incident energy within specific boundaries of the equipment and measure the degrees of risk.
The study, which is discussed in the new guide, is based on recommendations set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) but also relies on mandated industry standards and regulations from OSHA, the Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Electric Code (NEC).
The guide is broken up into the following five sections:
- Experience arc flash
- Understand the science
- Arc flash prevention
- Safety assessment
- Take action
Download the interactive guide here.
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