ARC FLASH STUDIES

An arc flash is a violent and rapid release of energy due to a fault in an electrical distribution system.  The cause of a fault can vary from improperly maintained or failing equipment to rodents in the electrical system.  Anyone near the equipment will be at risk but the most risk is generally thought to be carried by personnel performing work on or operating energized electrical equipment.  During times of energized electrical work, a slip of the hand or the drop of a tool can cause a short that creates an arc fault. 

Over the past 20 years, building owners, employers and property managers have become more aware of the hazards of performing energized work.  OSHA 29 CFR 19 has provided compliance requirements and NFPA-70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces has evolved to provide streamlined guidance in determining risks and evaluating the necessity of performing hot work.  De-energizing an electrical panel in your facility may be inconvenient and even expensive as it relates to lost revenue from the systems it supports but NFPA-70E is clear, that alone is not a reason for performing energized work.  

As an owner or manager of your facility, you need to understand the requirements of NFPA-70E and we can help you do so.  We offer training classes to familiarize you and your staff with NFPA-70E and its requirements and we can customize those classes to fit your specific needs.  If we perform an arc flash analysis for your facility, we also spend time reviewing the study with you in detail so that you completely understand the data presented to you.  As an educated owner you can improve the safety of your facility.