why arc flashes occur—and nine other things you need to know about the risk of arc flash in data...

© 2015 Eaton. All Rights Reserved.. 1

Learn more about arc flash safety

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Electrical/ThoughtLeadership/Safety/index.htm


An arc flash is the explosive energy released when an

electrical fault, for instance a short circuit, causes an arc.

Arc flash event dangers include heat, flying

debris, sound, UV radiation and more.

10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center




The mere drop of a tool or accidental contact with electrical

systems can set off an arc flash and instantly generate an

energy explosion releasing temperatures in excess

of 36,000˚F. That’s four times hotter than the sun.





A 10,000A arc on a 480-volt circuit can have the

explosive force of 8 sticks of dynamite. Copper

expands 67,000 times its volume during an arc flash event.





In heavy power, continuous operation industries, arc flash poses

a very real threat. Environments operating with 125 kVA or

larger transformers call for special safety measures.

Protecting personnel and equipment is everyone’s

responsibility.





Electrical workers should know how to understand arc

flash labels and must wear the proper personal

protective equipment (PPE).





Two key pieces of information on the labels indicate:

• Expected incident energy which drives the proper PPE

required for protection.

• Distance a worker without PPE must work to avoid non-

curable burn.





Reducing the time that an event persists by tripping a breaker or

blowing a fuse significantly reduces the arc flash incident energy.

Time and distance are the most controllable

variables reducing the risk of arc flash issues.





Installing the right equipment can help mitigate arc flash

hazards. Specially designed low voltage motor control

center (MCCs) and switchgear can reduce the probability of

electrical shock and arc flash energy during maintenance.





The most common cause of electrical accidents is human error.

A majority of mistakes occur during routine

maintenance of power system equipment or

troubleshooting controls.





A sound policy incorporating arc flash safety solutions

protect your people and equipment,

minimizing risk and increasing uptime.





See how you can benefit from

Eaton’s arc flash compliance program

Learn how to keep workers and equipment safe

Subscribe to our newsletter

Learn more about how you can optimize performance

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&allowInterrupt=1&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=0&Rendition=Primary&dDocName=BR02800001E

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&allowInterrupt=1&RevisionSelectionMethod=LatestReleased&noSaveAs=0&Rendition=Primary&dDocName=BR02800001E



http://electricalsector.eaton.com/LP=2651?source=SegWeb

http://electricalsector.eaton.com/LP=2651?source=

http://electricalsector.eaton.com/LP=2651?source=

why arc flashes occur—and nine other things you need to know about the risk of arc flash in data...

Technology