Arc flash mitigations are sudden and dangerous electrical discharges that can occur during a fault in the electrical system. Such incidents can lead to serious burns, injuries and even death. To prevent them, arc flash mitigation methods and solutions have been developed.
These include arc-resistant switchgear, personal protective equipment, electrical safety training, and electrical system maintenance and renewal.
This article will discuss in detail preventive measures for arc flash prevention and electrical safety at work.
What is arc flash mitigation?
An arc flash is a dangerous phenomenon that is an explosion of heat, light and energy. It may be caused by a short circuit when the electrical current deviates from its intended path and forms an arc that hits the worker or the nearest conductive object. This can often occur as a result of personnel errors or electrical equipment failure.
That is why it is so important to regularly conduct arc flash mitigation – measures taken to reduce the potentially dangerous consequences of an arc flash.
What are the strategies for arc flash mitigation?
Taking into account all the possible risks that employees may face, we recommend studying the following 5 arc flash mitigation strategies, which are aimed at reducing the frequency, harm and severity of arc flashes:
- Analyze possible risks
Any program aimed at arc flash reduction should start with an analysis that shows how much energy can be released in different parts of the circuit in case of an arc flash.
Understanding arc flash hazards allows you to minimize risks. To carry out this work, we recommend contacting a qualified power systems engineer.
- Increase working distance
This is one of the arc flash mitigation solutions that allows you to reduce the incident energy that your employees may be exposed to.
There are two solutions here: install software for remote monitoring, control and diagnosis, and use remote racking devices. The latter allows you to perform dangerous tasks from a safe distance.
Also, do not forget to regularly perform maintenance and renewal of electrical systems.
- Introduce equipment to limit the energy released during an arc flash
One of the main objectives of arc flash suppression is arc energy reduction. This is achieved by designing electrical systems and equipment with functions that limit or contain the energy released during the arc flash.
For example, electrical equipment can be equipped with special circuit breakers that quickly interrupt the flow of current in case of an arc flash. This can help protect personnel working with or near the equipment.
- Send personnel to Electrical Safety Training
Other arc flash mitigation solutions include reducing the actual arc flash events. This is usually achieved through the introduction of effective electrical safety training programs for personnel, the establishment of strict electrical safety protocols and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment for live equipment.
- Reroute Flash Energy
To do this, install special arc-proof devices at your enterprise that will drain the energy of the arc flash from your employees.
Still do not know what is an effective tool to reduce arc flash hazards?
Contact Leaf Electrical Safety representatives, they help ensure the safety of your personnel working with electrical systems and equipment.
The company provides the following services:
- Electrical Safety Training, where your employees will learn all the features of working with electrical equipment and will have a clear understanding arc flash hazards.
- Arc Flash Study, during which qualified power systems engineers will visit your enterprise to check the status of the equipment and perform an analysis of protection against arc flash.
- Electrical Safety Program, which will help find the optimal arc flash mitigation strategies for your company.
Choose Leaf Electrical Safety and your business will be well protected from any risks associated with the arc flash!
