Arc flash and electrical safety

Abstract

According to NFPA 70E, more than 2000 workers are admitted to hospital burn centers per year for extensive injuries caused by arc flash accidents. Arc flash incidents occur when unintended electric current flows through air, superheating the air and causes an explosion. Recognizing the significant threat posed by arc flash hazards, IEEE and NFPA have joined forces on an initiative to support research and additional testing to increase the understanding of the arc flash phenomena. Several areas of the arc flash phenomena need further research and testing validation to provide relevant information that can be used for developing safety strategies to protect workers. The identified areas include but are not limited to: (a) Heat and Thermal Effects, (b) Blast Pressure, (c) Sound and (d) Light Hazards. The test results of this project will provide information to help more accurately predict the hazards associated with high energy arcing faults, thereby improving electrical safety standards and providing practical safeguards for employees in the work place. This report highlights the activities of this collaborative research project. © 2013 IEEE.