Thursday, February 20, 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.

High temperature and voltage can be fatal to any human being around the area. The extent of injuries is disastrous and has the potential to cause death. It takes a few seconds to cause an explosion which is so fast that a person has no chance to switch off the machine or take cover. The kind of blast that happens in such a situation can only be equated to several dynamite sticks. The electric system is bound to collapse and a huge fire will result.

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.

An analysis is required for any industry or plant where energized electric parts are used. Workers should have personal protection equipment (PPE) before entering into these zones. The law restricts operating energized tools but most of the mistakes arise from oversight and unintended errors. Workers who are adequately protected will be exposed to less danger. Each environment requires unique PPE. To master the kind of protection required, you need to understand the potential of your system.

Failure to maintain electric systems properly raises the level of exposure to danger. Professional installation and constant maintenance are necessary to guarantee safety. A detailed analysis will give you the potential of your system so that adequate measures can be taken to protect those working around. It also will indicate the weaknesses and strengths of such a system and allow you to put in place measures for protection.

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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