What is Arc Flash?
An arc flash is a sudden, explosive release of energy. Electric current leaves its intended path and travels through air from one conductor to another conductor (or to ground). The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines an arc flash hazard as “a source of possible injury or damage to health associated with the release of energy caused by an electrical arc.”
Arc flash explosions happen in the United States every day. At just 10 feet, an arc flash explosion can be fatal. An electrical injury is likely to involve a National Safety code violation. Electric arcing can produce temperatures as high as 35,000 degrees and may cause severe burns, hearing loss, eye injuries, skin damage from blasts of molten metal, lung damage, blast injuries, and death.
Are You and Your Business Safe from Arc Flash Incidents?
Here is the shortlist of questions to ask yourself about your company’s power system.
1. Do you know the last time preventative maintenance was performed on your switchgear?
2. Are all your switchgear circuits less than 15 years old?
3. Are all the circuit breakers in your switchgear less than 15 years old?
4. Have you completed an Arc Flash Study within the last five years per NFPA_70E, and OSHA requirements?
If you answered “no” to any or all these questions, it is time for you to take action to prevent arc flash incidents. Eaton Engineering Services Team offers solutions to optimize your power system to run safely, reliably, and efficiently. Eaton’s solutions include:
1. Preventative Maintenance.
2. Switchgear modernization for any leading OEM switchgear.
3. Circuit breaker reconditioning and trip upgrades.
4. LV and MV direct circuit breaker replacements.
5. Arc Flash study utilizing the latest IEEE guidelines.
6. Four-hour or eight-hour arc flash training.
Safety First!
All employees who work with or near potential arc flash hazards absolutely must be properly trained. They must know how to be clothed and protected (including wearing proper personal protective equipment) and how to behave around arc flash hazards.
Get to your nearest Stanion Wholesale Electric location to take advantage of these Eaton solutions and for all your electrical needs.
