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The Truth About Arc Flash Analysis

By Lila Berger


Accidents happen in the most unlikely places and they are always unexpected. On a technology driven world, the presence of electrical circuit that powers our individual lives are susceptible to these types of accidents as well. This poses a safety hazard for anyone exposed to this circuit and that is why a comprehensive arc flash analysis is necessary to give advantage to the safety for anyone.

The blast from an electrical source which uses an oxygen as its conductor is called an arc flash. It blasts from any high voltage source that is nearby and connects to another. The electricity ignited from the explosion is able to travel the air charged to transfer to another conductor. Copper is known as the best conductor for the electricity.

This happen so quickly and causes a large amount of heat that melts any metal around and destroys the electrical equipment. Some even reported that heat sometimes achieve a temperature hotter than the surface of the sun. It can even produce plasma wherein shrapnel, dangerous sound waves and high electromagnetic radiation goes with the explosion.

Hazard analysis can only provide limited shield against the explosion but it can analyze a safe buffer zone that protects the workers from exposure of the dangerous elements of the blast. This type of incidence is the leading cause of major electrical injuries and some circumstances become deadly. This easily invades the safety perimeter of any area and should be taken seriously.

A high voltage conductor is the distinguishable factor that makes this incident possible. Any signs of leak or corrosion in the system is the predisposing factors that could lead to dangerous consequences. The common voltage that this usually observed are those around six hundred volts or higher because the explosion need a massive amount of energy for it to happen.

The energy is capable of expanding so quickly that it creates a rapid plasma reaction with the oxygen present all around which poses tremendous danger to the surrounding structures. It has been observed that due to the extreme rise of the temperature it is capable of scorching anyone that is positioned for a several feet away. Vaporization of metal is highly possible which causes explosive hot gases and melted metal to fly in any directions.

The incidence can be greatly lowered by taking proper care of handling electronic devices and wiring. Burns can be prevented as well by wearing cotton and any fire resistant clothing. This can be prevented with proper knowledge and safety procedures in handling high voltage devices.

The household involvement of such electrical accident is lower compared to the professional working environment. The chances for this incidence to happen is directly proportionate to the number of high voltage appliances present in the vicinity. Usually, it is always the electricians that are in danger.

Arc flash analysis measures the danger level of this incidence and how much it can affect anyone. The incident is carefully calculated regarding the needed energy for the blast to cause second degree burn. They also establish flash protection boundary where they set a safety zone from the blast. It is beneficial in so many ways for the workers to have a clear idea of where it is safe and where it is not.




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