What is an Arc Flash?
An arc flash is a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground.
It is a phenomenon that occurs when the electric current leaves its intended path and travels through air from one conductor to another, or to ground.
The results are often violent and if a human is in close proximity to the arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur.
Causes of Arc flash are:
- Arc Flash Icon
- Dust
- Dropping tools
- Accidental touching
- Condensation
- Material failure
- Corrosion
- Faulty Installation
- Coming close to a high-amp source with a conductive object can cause the electricity to flash over.
- Dropping a tool or otherwise creating a spark can ignite an arc flash
- Equipment failure due to use of substandard parts, improper installation, or even normal wear and tear Breaks or gaps in insulation.
Three factors determine the severity of an arc flash injury:
- Proximity of the worker to the hazard
- Temperature
- Time for circuit to break
Because of the violent nature of an arc flash exposure when an employee is injured, the injury is serious – even resulting in death. It’s not uncommon for an injured employee to never regain their past quality of life. Extended medical care is often required, sometimes costing in excess of $1,000,000.
