Arc Flash Assessment

TAS Engineering Consultants has established itself as one of the UK's leading specialists at reducing the risks posed by Arc Energy.

Arc flashes are short circuits through the air. More than half of all electrical accidents associated with low-voltage switchgear assemblies involve arc faults, which can cause death or injury and pose a greater risk to workers than electric shocks.

Such flashes cause temperatures of up to 35,000 deg C - the sun's surface is 9,000 deg C - and lead to the release of vaporised metal droplets and poisonous nitrogen dioxide gases.

They can also convert electric energy into intense thermal radiation and the explosive expansion of the surrounding air can generate damagingly high sound levels.

Arc Flashes can be caused in several ways - by poor electrical contact, insulation failure, inadvertent contact with energised equipment or inadequate maintenance. Critically, most arc accidents occur while equipment is being operated, hence the serious risk to workers.

The Injuries caused by arc flashes ranges from superficial burns, loss of sight or hearing and lung damage from the inhalation of gases to severe burns, physical injuries from impact, or even death. Arc energy incidents can also damage plant and equipment, not only wasting materials but disrupting production.

Demands on Plant Managers
Electric arcing can be caused by a number of factors;

• Lack of maintenance
• Incorrect operation
• Unsuitable rating/design
• Poor installation

• Injury or death of personnel
• Damage to assets
• Loss of production