Essential Facts You Need To Know 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.

Arc flash is a discharge of electricity that results from a high voltage source. It uses the oxygen that is abundant all around to power itself for the explosion. The electricity that is released in the air can easily chain itself to another exposed electrical devices that are within the area.

The short circuit happens rapidly but produces vast amount of heat and energy. It is capable of melting nearby metals and destroying the electric circuits. This is capable of producing temperatures higher than the surface of the sun as some scientists suggested. Plasma can be produce as well through an explosion that carries shrapnel, intense electromagnetic radiation and dangerous sound waves.

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 chances that it occurs in your home is very slim not unless you are using high voltage devices. This is common in professional working place and construction sites. The danger it poses are usually in electricians and those who are involve in installing these devices.

The measurement of the danger level is done by arc flash analysis. They also gather and formulate all other statistics needed for a safety zone to be established. The work they do is essential to prevent the occurrence and lessen the damage if ever any explosion will happen.




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