What is an arc flash?
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The document outlines the dangers of arc flash, a condition caused by electrical arcs that can result in severe injuries and damage near electrical equipment. It emphasizes the lack of standardized risk assessment methods in Europe compared to more stringent regulations in North America, and highlights tools like the Elec Calc™ module for assessing arc flash risks. The module aids professionals in improving safety by calculating incident energy and ensuring compliance with protective measures.
What is an arc flash?
- 1. Arc Flash An essential factor for safety
- 2. INDEX 1. What is an Arc Flash? 2. The effects of the electric arc 3. Risk assessment and arc flash analysis 4. elec calc™ Arc Flash module Arc Flash
- 3. 1. What is an Arc Flash? Arc Flash
- 4. Arc Flash is a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electrical arc. Arc Flash
- 5. Arc flash typically occurs when the electrical insulation or isolation between live conductors is severed or can no longer withstand the applied voltage. Near the high power electrical equipment, the short-circuit power available is high and consequently so is the energy associated with the electrical arc in case of a fault. Arc Flash 1 2 3
- 6. In Europe, regulation and standardization are mainly aimed at protecting workers against the risks of direct contact during work and interventions on and near electrical installations. The risks in the case of electric arc and the means to prevent them are mentioned but not developed. Arc Flash
- 7. In some countries, particularly in North America, these risks are better taken into account for human, material and financial aspects, and regulations are much more stringent in this area. Arc Flash
- 8. 2. The effects of the electric arc Arc Flash
- 9. The electric arc produces intense light and heat, high noise, high overpressure Arc Flash 1 2 3
- 10. Heat and splashes of molten metal can cause lethal burns Arc Flash
- 11. Noise can lead to permanent or temporary hearing loss, a flash of vision disorders Arc Flash
- 12. The overpressure can open and project the doors of electrical cabinets or cause falls during work at height Arc Flash
- 13. 3. Risk assessment and arc flash analysis Arc Flash
- 14. Arc Flash There is no method of analysis and risk assessment by IEC or European standards.
- 15. Arc Flash In contrast, the United States has the following documents: NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) takes into account all electrical risks including those due to electric arcs recommends PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to be used depending on the level of risk. IEEE 1584-2002 (Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations) gives the methods to calculate the incident energy in case of electric arc and allows determining an arc flash protection boundary.
- 16. 4. elec calc™ Arc Flash module Arc Flash
- 17. Arc Flash
- 18. Arc Flash Risk management and prevention have always been important aspects of the safety programs within the electrical industry. The correct assessment of the risk level of the arc flash can help reduce downtime and ensure a safer working environment.
- 19. Arc Flash The arc flash module provides the professionals of the electrical industry with a fundamental tool in the sector, as the user will be able to develop its safety analysis in the vicinity of switchboards and panels. The correct assessment of the risk level of the arc flash can help reduce downtime and ensure a safer working environment.
- 20. Arc Flash By design, elec calc™ has almost all the data allowing the calculation of the figures of the arc flash, from which the user will be able to elaborate his security analysis near the tables and boxes.
- 21. Arc Flash ❑ It calculates the corresponding cut-off times of the concerned protective devices. ❑ Specific data of the equipment can be completed or modified by the user through a simple interface.
- 22. Arc Flash From the operating modes described in a project, elec calc™ determines the maximum and minimum three-phase short-circuit currents that can occur on a distributor.
- 23. Arc Flash The following results are provided according to the calculation methods of the IEEE 1584-2002 guide (empirically derived model or method of Lee depending upon the characteristics of the installation):
- 24. Arc Flash • The maximum incident energy at the working distance • The protection boundary for the boundary energy • The glove class (PPE) to be used to prevent the risk of electric shock (IEC 60903 and ASTM D 120)
- 26. Arc Flash elec calc™ allows the edition of the labels to be affixed on the concerned equipment or the export of the corresponding results to make possible the customization of the labels.
- 27. Arc Flash The format of the label is consistent with the recommendations of the document NFPA 70E (edition 2018). In addition, elec calc™ monitors the evolutions of the installation and prevents the obsolescence of previously published labels.
- 28. Trace Software International commits itself to conceive software solutions capable of guaranteeing electrical safety and system protection. More than 30 years of experience in the industrial engineering sector has allowed us to guarantee the highest standards of quality and reliability, as well as the complement of local and international regulations in terms of safety. Technical Support
- 29. Since 1987, Trace Software International has been committed to the development of software solutions and services dedicated to the industrial engineering, with a unique expertise in the design of electrical installations. www.trace-software.com
- 30. Trace Software France Parc Eco-Normandie 76430 Saint Romain de Colbosc France commercial@trace-software.com Trace Software Iberia Via Augusta, 48-54 08006 Barcelona – Spain sales@trace-software.com Trace Software China Shangda International Room D408, No. 3100 Hutai Road,Baoshan District Shanghai 200436, P.R.China sales@trace-software.com Trace Software Morocco 104 bis boulevard Abdelmoumen 4ème étage 20042 Casablanca – Maroc maroc@trace-software.com