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Definition: An arc flash is the light and heat produced as part of an arc fault; a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a low impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.

… and in laymans’ terms

An arc flash occurs when electrical current jumps across an air gap between conductors, like when lightening jumps down to earth
That large instantaneous discharge of electrical current causes an explosion
– Extremely high levels of energy, heat and light are released in fractions of seconds

– Temperatures can reach up to 35,000ºF (19,000ºC) = 4 times the temperature of the Sun’s surface!

– A blast and pressure wave that can damage eardrums and even strip away garments

Where?

Industrial electrical environments – Factories, manufacturing plants, electrical maintenance even including areas such as electric vehicle maintenance and manufacture
Power generation -Traditional environments but also including renewables such as wind turbine maintenance
Utilities – Anyone breaking ground in electrical, gas and water, even operatives installing street lights
Rail sector – Electrification and maintenance
Petrochemicals – Protecting plant workers and even tanker drivers in the same way as for arc flash against flash fire
When?

Whilst undertaking installation, maintenance or repairs, but also when breaking ground, undertaking excavations and construction

External URL: https://www.powerandcables.com/arc-flash-protection-a-whitepaper-on-clothing-garment-selection/