Sunday 23 February 2014

The Value Of Conducting Arc Flash Analysis

By Krystal Branch


The possibility of electric flashes increases with the presence of high voltage. The consequences are grave because they expose equipment and personnel to injuries as well as death. Conducting a detailed arc flash analysis is necessary to establish the potential so that adequate protective measures can be taken. Such a scenario exposes a person to up to 35000F temperature.

Electric flashes come with explosions that damage equipment and the network. It melts metallic conductors along the path because of the heat that is generated. The heat wave moves fast causing rapid expansion which is a disaster for workers and equipment along its path. These are prefect conditions for starting fires and have been the cause of disasters in many plants and industries.

An environment with high voltage and temperature is dangerous and fatal for the workers. Such instances have caused death or decapitating injuries. The explosion happens within seconds in a way that it cannot be controlled and people within the area have no chance to take cover. The pressure bust is technically equivalent to a combination of dynamite sticks. It is violent and causes definite collapse of systems and huge fires within the premises.

Electricity regulatory boards demand that labels be strategically placed on equipment and areas where the potential for a blast is real. Such precautions can only be taken where a detailed study has been conducted and danger zones identified. Experts evaluate your electric systems and areas that are likely to expose you to danger. Boundaries will be marked and details provided on the potential energy from the explosions.

All industries or operations dealing with energized electric parts are required to provide personal protection equipment (PPE) to their personnel. Though the law prohibits working with energized tools, it is sometimes inevitable or might happen by mistake. Protecting the workers reduces the severity in case an accident happens. PPE are also selected after a thorough evaluation of the entire electric system.

Inadequate maintenance of the electric system exposes workers to such hazards. A safe system begins with installation where the potential is clearly marked. Using the wrong information to select PPE does not make any sense. Your workers are still exposed while you will be in contravention of laws that guide electric installation and use. An experienced analyst conducts a detailed evaluation to give you the strengths and weaknesses of your system.

Experts have devised ways of reducing the energy level during an arc flash. They aim at controlling the extent of damage and saving resources on protection measures. The tripping device is adjusted such that the voltage is brought down. The circuit breaks at lower voltage. It is likely to affect coordination of protective devices but it will reduce the possibility of danger.

Each electric system produces a unique arc flash analysis report. There are software used to generate detailed reports which include the strengths and weaknesses of your system. The report gives you a clear picture of the danger that lies within your system so that you can protect yourself.




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