Arc Flash
Everyone Home Safely - Every Day
Arc Flash and How it Happens
Arc Flash results from an arc fault in electrical equipment where electricity jumps from one conductor to another. Personnel working on electrical equipment can accidentally trigger an arc flash which causes a high energy arc blast that may include:
- Eye damaging light burst
- 35,000° F temperatures
- 2,000 pounds per square foot blast pressure
- Shrapnel launched at 700 mph
- Noise greater than 140 dB
- May result in worksite injuries and deaths
EDG Arc Flash Analysis Outcomes
- Provides clients the information needed to keep employees safe while working on electrical equipment
- Identifies the electrical arc flash and shock risk to the onsite technicians
- Provides the latest training and information to our clients regarding the electrical risks their employees face
- Identifies components or other design areas that are undersized
- Brings the workplace into compliance with the OSHA arc flash related guidance
Everyone Home Safely - Every Day
This core value drives EDG actions in all of its activities. There is nothing more important than employees of EDG and its clients returning home safely at night. An arc flash analysis at their work site helps to allow that opportunity.
Arc Flash Study Components
- Arc flash potential of the system components
- Guidance on risk mitigation – primarily spacing and PPE
- Short circuit analysis to identify any system components that are undersized
Outputs of the Arc Flash Study
- NFPA 70E compliant study
- Warning stickers with required information
- Danger or warning header
- Incident energy at a working distance
- Minimum Arc Rating
- Arc Flash boundary
- PPE
- Limited and restricted approach fields
- Voltage of equipment
- Placement of warning stickers
- Personnel training
- Recertification every five (5) years
Do Not Be Misled by Generic Stickers
These give the illusion of safety and compliance, but does not provide enough information to keep your employees safe. These also readily show that the equipment is not in compliance with Arc Flash requirements.
When an Electrical Safety and Arc Flash Analysis is Required
- Generally higher voltage or amperage systems
- Services that are:
- Three-phase 240V and above, any amperage, any transformer rating
- Three-phase 208V if fed by 125kVA or higher rated transformer
- Any three-phase service rated greater than 1,200 amps or above regardless of voltage
- Driven by OSHA requirements in the CFR, NEC 1001 specifications, and enforced through OSHA compliance actions (fines, etc.)
- If there is uncertainty about the electrical equipment, contact EDG for a site inspection and information on an NFPA 70E compliant Arc Flash study
Why EDG
- Character – We operate with a character-driven culture
- We want everyone to go home safely every day
- We are able to develop phased plans to bring your facilities into compliance while managing cost
- Higher volume allows for lower cost implementation
- We provide a range of services through the full life cycle of the regulatory requirements
- EDG is a privately held firm fully capable of handling large projects with multiple sites
Contact Eugene Voiland:
Visit our Contact page for more information.
