Welcome to

Training Program on

Electrical Safety: Arc Flash

Arc Flash Hazard

Any dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by electric arc.
NFPA 70E

Incident Energy

Fast facts about Arc Flash and Arc blast

Oscillating and Escalating.
The current propels the arc away from the source. A single phase fault can engulf other conductors in 2-3 cycles. One of the hottest things on the earth. Suns surface - 9,900F Arc Flash 35,000F
Source: CSA, Ontario

What causes an Arc Flash ?

Corrosion. Condensation, Impurities, dust, Animals Spark discharge from: Accidental touching Dropping tools Overvoltage across narrow gaps

Insulation Failure
Equipment failure

Arc Flash Hazards

Intensive heat High pressure wave

Electric arc

Rapid vaporization of metals

Intense sound Molten metal shrapnel Toxic gases EM radiations Arc Flash

Arc Blast
produces dangerous pressure waves

Arc Flash can cause

Burn Injury

Blindness

Hearing loss Shrapnel wounds Blast Lung Injury

Open Air Blast

Enclosed space blast

Tasks with Potential AF Hazards

Operating a switch or circuit breaker Inserting or removing a circuit breaker

Opening an enclosure door

Removing a cover (bolted or hinged) Testing for voltage Thermo-graphy In each task: Worker is interacting with energized equipment.

Tasks with Potential AF Hazards

PCC ACB rack out

MCC module rack out

Tasks with Potential AF Hazards

33 kV VCB rack out

6.6 kV VCB rack out

Conclusion (Recommendations)
TYPE RECOMMENDED ARC SUIT RATING

For MCC/LV panel rack In/Out For 6.6 kV Rack In/Out For 33 kV Rack In/Out For 6.6 kV Cover opening/ Thermography For 33 kV Cover opening/ Thermography

2-8 cal/cm2 8 cal/cm2 40 cal/cm2 25 cal/cm2 40 cal/cm2

Note: This recommendation is made based on the study of RIL- JG electrical installations. For other locations, similar calculation studies can be done to find out the customized solutions.

Bolted Short Circuit

Arc Fault

Electrical Arc
35,000 F Molten Metal Pressure Waves

Sound Waves

Copper Vapor:
Solid to Vapor Expands by 67,000 times

Shrapnel

Hot Air-Rapid Expansion Intense Light

WARNING

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard Appropriate PPE Required

24 inch Flash Hazard Boundary 2 3 cal/cm Flash Hazard at 18 inches 1DF PPE Level, 1 Layer 6 oz Nomex , Leather Gloves Faceshield 480 VAC Shock Hazard when Cover is removed 36 inch Limited Approach 12 inch Restricted Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves 1 inch Prohibited Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves
Equipment Name:Slurry Pump Starter
Courtesy E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

Flash Protection Boundary (FPB) Must wear appropriate PPE FPB dependent on fault level and time duration.

Equipment
Prohibited Shock Boundary: Qualified Persons Only. PPE as if direct contact with live part Restricted Shock Boundary: Qualified Persons Only Limited Shock Boundary: Qualified or Unqualified Persons*
* Only if accompanied by Qualified Person

Note: shock boundaries dependent on system voltage level

Specify & Install Finger Safe (IP20) Electrical Products

Reduced Fault Current via Current-Limitation