What are 5 areas that the NFPA 70E Standard could improve on and why?
January 13, 2023How often do electrical injuries happen in the US according to OSHA, and how do you avoid them?
January 14, 2023There are several common causes of an arc flash, including:
- Insulation failure: Insulation that surrounds electrical equipment can deteriorate over time, or be damaged by heat, chemicals, or other factors. This can lead to an arc flash if the electrical current is able to bypass the insulation and make contact with other parts of the equipment.
- Faulty equipment: Equipment that is not functioning properly, or that has been damaged, can create an arc flash.
- Human error: Improper maintenance, installation, or operation of electrical equipment can lead to an arc flash. This includes not following the appropriate lockout-tagout procedure, using the wrong tools, or not wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Power system faults: Short circuits, line-to-ground faults, and other types of power system faults can create an arc flash.
- Lightning strike: Direct or indirect lightning strikes can cause an arc flash.
- Sustained or momentary power outages.
It’s important to note that, many times, an arc flash is a result of multiple factors working together. Identifying and addressing these causes can help to prevent arc flash incidents from occurring.