An arc flash is a powerful and dangerous electrical explosion that can cause severe injuries and costly equipment repairs. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), arc flashes are responsible for the majority of electrical injuries each year in industrial and manufacturing facilities. Yet, many industrial workplaces operate under a “safe enough” mindset, putting workers at unnecessary risk.
Understanding what an arc flash is and how to prevent one with regular arc flash analysis assessments is the best way to protect your employees and facilities.
An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy caused by an electrical fault, which produces an explosion of intense light and heat. Key features of an arc flash include:
In addition to the potential risk to employees, arc flashes can result in costly repairs, unplanned downtime, and production disruptions, all of which can lead to significant financial losses.
Arc flashes result from a combination of equipment issues and human factors. Outdated equipment and equipment with a lot of wear and tear can compromise insulation or connections, increasing the likelihood of an arc flash. Faulty or outdated electrical equipment can be minimized or avoided with electrical preventive and predictive maintenance.
It's unfortunately all too common for employees to ignore safe work procedures or use tools improperly. This can cause accidental contact with energized parts and devastating arc flash accidents. Additionally, improper installation, such as incorrect configurations or setups, can create vulnerabilities that heighten the risk of an arc flash.
Arch flashes can be prevented with diligence, regular equipment inspections and preventive electrical maintenance that specifically includes Arc Flash Analysis. This allows you to address potential hazards before they escalate into serious incidents and helps protect both workers and equipment.
A comprehensive arc flash prevention plan should include the following steps:
Preventive maintenance is the best way to improve workplace electrical safety and prevent injuries. Check out our complete preventive maintenance guide to learn more!
Industrial facilities should also conduct regular arc flash analysis assessments to significantly reduce the risk of an arc flash. These assessments closely examine the electrical systems and equipment components like switches, panels, and breakers. An arc flash analysis helps uncover risks, identify problem areas, and ensure everything operates safely and efficiently.
A thorough Arc Flash risk assessment includes:
An arch flash analysis not only protects workers but also helps facilities avoid expensive repairs and comply with safety regulations from organizations like OSHA and NFPA.
Only qualified engineers and trained individuals with expertise in electrical design and electrical distribution systems should conduct an arc flash analysis. These professionals use advanced technology to model simulated arc flash events on the equipment. This ensures accurate hazard identification and tailored recommendations.
Industry standards recommend conducting an arc flash analysis every five years or whenever there are significant changes to an electrical system, such as new equipment installations, system upgrades, and adjustments to breaker settings and load configurations.
Lemberg is proud to offer Milwaukee-area businesses a full range of expert commercial and industrial electrical services for buildings of any size or complexity. Contact us today!
Selecting the right partner for an arc flash analysis ensures accuracy, compliance, and safety. Look for an electrical contractor with in-depth knowledge of workplace electrical safety, NFPA 70E standards, and proven expertise working with complex industrial and manufacturing heavy equipment. Certifications, positive customer reviews, and a strong commitment to safety are also important indicators of a reliable and trustworthy industrial electrical contractor.
Developing a relationship with a trusted contractor who can assist you in creating a preventive maintenance calendar will help protect your employees, your business and your budget.
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Lemberg is the trusted electrical contractor for industrial facilities in the Milwaukee area. With decades of experience and a focus on safety, our expert team recognizes the distinct needs and challenges of industrial environments.
Our team is fully equipped to work on heavy machinery for manufacturing processes and provide comprehensive industrial electrical services, including tailored arc flash analysis assessments. We are also happy to provide a quote for arc flash training for our customers and their maintenance staff.
Contact us today to schedule an arc flash analysis and ensure a safer, more efficient workplace.