Electric Arc Flash
Electric Arc Flash can severely burn or kill anyone exposed to
it.
There have been a reported 5-10 arc flash incidents occurring
daily. Efforts are under way to cut this figure down.
According to the NFPA, arc flash is "a dangerous condition
associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc."
When an arc flash occurs, there may be 1 to 2 explosions within
milliseconds, which can generate temperatures between 5,000 and
35,000° F. The pressure wave from an arc blast can be very similar
to an explosion from a hand grenade.
When it is necessary to understand whether or not an arc flash
condition is present, a multi technology approach is recommended.
Integrating Infrared and ultrasound can be useful in determining
equipment condition. If there are no infrared scan ports in the
equipment, it will be difficult to detect arcing or tracking with
infrared. Corona cannot be detected relying on infrared alone.
Incorporating ultrasound to scan around door seals and air vents
will help detect the presence of conditions that produce arc flash
hazard potential in enclosed, energized electrical equipment.
Suggested Instruments