The Truth About Arc Flash Analysis

By Lila Berger


On everything we do our safety is always the primary priority we should always be concern of. Accidents happen in various instances and in the most unexpected moments. We do our best to evade them but without any knowledge it will just end in vain. Therefore, it is crucial we arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge about arc flash analysis to prevent electrical accident in the future.

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.

Furthermore, this makes it a complete safety hazard for anyone in the area. The analysis provides little protection to the people against such risks but it does provide a buffer zone that guards workers from the heating effect of the flash. This occurrence is responsible to numerous electrical injuries and some even resulted to death.

This occurrence only happens when there is high voltage conductor nearby. Corrosion, accidental gaps in insulation and unintended static electricity are the factors that contribute for the air to enter the system and serve as a conduit for an explosion. Since this is a powerful burst of energy it needs a lot of power, around 600 volts or higher, to make the blast possible.

A quick plasma reaction happens through a rich oxygen source cause by the expansion of heat and energy. An extreme heat of around 5000 degrees have been noted by some scientists which are enough to toast people from several feet away. The metal that has been melted evaporates and can be released through an explosive gas or molten metal catapulted into the air.

Companies are instructed to teach employees on the proper usage of tools when managing high voltage devices. You can easily evade any chances of burns by wearing the appropriate clothing such as cotton and other flame resistant fabrics. The incidence can be markedly lowered if the proper care of electronic devices are carried out.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment