Currents of an electrical nature that move through the air from one point to another are referred to as arc flashes. They explode from a source of high voltage and can cause considerable damage to metals and electronic circuit boards in the nearby vicinity due to their intense heat (5,000 degrees or even hotter). Flashes such as these can even cause bodily harm to humans, because of their brightness, strength and temperature. An arc flash analysis to understand the potential risk of such a disaster happening is therefore important, and is supported by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) and the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers).
The flashes can be further explained as an explosion of energy. This occurs because of the weakening of air resistance surrounding a powerful electronic device, which in turn causes the escape of electricity. The electric current usually moves from one live conductor to a nearby ground area, to another live conductor or to a different neutral device.
This horribly dangerous occurrence puts human lives at risk, even though they happen so briefly. This is due to their incredible heat, and suddenness. Besides electrical injuries which may be sustained, the flashes will also damage all electrical devices involved.
There are certain circumstances which cause these types of flashes to happen. In general, machinery of good condition will not cause a threat, however, if the electrical device is faulty, there could be a potential risk. Faults that could cause an explosion include corrosion, insulation gaps and unintentional static electricity. Only machines generating high voltage, for example, a phase bus bar, will cause explosions because the flashes need a large amount of energy to occur. They are therefore more common in 600 or more voltage generators.
When flashes occur, the conductor can be severely melted, or even vaporized, due to the intense heat and energy generated. This quick build up of heat and energy results in a fast plasma reaction in the surrounding air which is dangerous. People can be burned from the heat of flashes and from molten metal flung from the explosion. 5,000 degrees is hot enough to burn someone from several feet away. A person's eyes are especially in harm's way too.
To prevent explosions companies should follow OSHA regulations, and should train their employees accordingly. Industries may also consider providing their employees with protective clothing that is resistant to fire. The proper tools should be used, and high-voltage machinery should be in good operational condition. The wiring of such machinery should especially not be faulty.
Unfortunately, arc flashes are not a rare happening. In fact, there are up to five or more flashes every day in the US. People in ordinary home environments are not at risk, but those working with the wiring or installation of heavy machinery are.
The 'flash protection boundary' is the area in which a person that has no protective gear has a fifty percent chance of sustaining a 2nd degree burn. People who are responsible for arc flash analysis should keep this boundary in mind. It is also wise to ensure they wear the correct PPE for the work.
The flashes can be further explained as an explosion of energy. This occurs because of the weakening of air resistance surrounding a powerful electronic device, which in turn causes the escape of electricity. The electric current usually moves from one live conductor to a nearby ground area, to another live conductor or to a different neutral device.
This horribly dangerous occurrence puts human lives at risk, even though they happen so briefly. This is due to their incredible heat, and suddenness. Besides electrical injuries which may be sustained, the flashes will also damage all electrical devices involved.
There are certain circumstances which cause these types of flashes to happen. In general, machinery of good condition will not cause a threat, however, if the electrical device is faulty, there could be a potential risk. Faults that could cause an explosion include corrosion, insulation gaps and unintentional static electricity. Only machines generating high voltage, for example, a phase bus bar, will cause explosions because the flashes need a large amount of energy to occur. They are therefore more common in 600 or more voltage generators.
When flashes occur, the conductor can be severely melted, or even vaporized, due to the intense heat and energy generated. This quick build up of heat and energy results in a fast plasma reaction in the surrounding air which is dangerous. People can be burned from the heat of flashes and from molten metal flung from the explosion. 5,000 degrees is hot enough to burn someone from several feet away. A person's eyes are especially in harm's way too.
To prevent explosions companies should follow OSHA regulations, and should train their employees accordingly. Industries may also consider providing their employees with protective clothing that is resistant to fire. The proper tools should be used, and high-voltage machinery should be in good operational condition. The wiring of such machinery should especially not be faulty.
Unfortunately, arc flashes are not a rare happening. In fact, there are up to five or more flashes every day in the US. People in ordinary home environments are not at risk, but those working with the wiring or installation of heavy machinery are.
The 'flash protection boundary' is the area in which a person that has no protective gear has a fifty percent chance of sustaining a 2nd degree burn. People who are responsible for arc flash analysis should keep this boundary in mind. It is also wise to ensure they wear the correct PPE for the work.
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