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FAQ

What is an Arc Flash?
​An Arc Flash is the result of the flow of electrical current through ionized air after a short circuit condition or flashover from an energized source.
What hazards does Arc Flash present?
Arc Flash can create the following negative results:
  • Extreme level of radiant heat resulting in severe burns.
  • Loss of hearing as a result of the sound blast caused by the arc fault.
  • “Shotgun Effect” caused by the vaporization of metal and debris which is distributed by the explosion.
  • Blast pressure waves from the force of the explosion.
What is an Arc Flash Analysis?
An Arc Flash analysis is an electrical engineering study performed to determine the available Arc Flash potential and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as to comply with OSHA, NFPA 70E, NFPA 70B, IEEE, and NEC code requirements.
What Protective Equipment should be worn?
The results of an Arc Flash analysis will determine the appropriate (PPE) such as flame retardant clothing, gloves, eye protection, etc. As part of the study, Arc Flash Labels are installed on the appropriate electrical equipment designating the level of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required as well as approach boundaries while the equipment is energized.
What is Thermography?
Thermography is a non-destructive test method that may be used to detect poor connections, unbalanced loads, deteriorated insulation, or other potential problems in energized electrical components. These problems may lead to excess power use, increased maintenance costs, or catastrophic equipment failure resulting in unscheduled service interruptions, equipment damage, or other problems.
How does thermography work?
Thermography, also called infrared inspection, is based upon the sensing of heat emitted from the surface of an object in the form of infrared radiation. Test instruments are used to detect and convert the infrared radiation into either a temperature value or a thermal image, which can be used to assess the thermal condition of the object at the time of measurement. An infrared camera is one common type of an infrared thermal imaging device.
What are the BENEFITS of thermal inspections?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that ten percent of the fires occurring in manufacturing properties are related to electrical system failures, such as failure of electrical insulation, terminals, and related components. Additionally, failures can cause employees to be exposed to live electrical circuits, making them susceptible to serious injury or death from electrocution. By detecting high-resistance connections and repairing them, the likelihood of a breakdown of the electrical wires and related components should be reduced.

Other advantages to detecting and repairing these faults are the cost savings from energy conservation and lower outage and repair costs. High resistance in circuits causes an increase in current flow. When current flow is increased, the resulting power consumption will increase. Further, high current draw can cause critical electrical circuit components, such as fuses, circuit breakers, and transformers, to fail prematurely. These failures result in higher maintenance and repair costs, and resultant business interruptions.
When is a thermographic scan needed?
While all properties can benefit from a thermographic scan, those with high power consumption, multiple branch circuits and distribution subsystems, or heavy equipment have the greatest need. Businesses with high electrical demands should have a thermographic scan performed at least annually on critical systems, such as circuit panels, switchgears, and transformers. Based on the scan results, a schedule to rescan should be based on the types of equipment, power consumption, and age of the electrical systems. A qualified electrician can assist the property owner in determining what and how often to conduct scans.

NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, published by the NFPA, provides a listing of maintenance and equipment testing intervals in Annex L. In addition to these recommended intervals, some conditions and circumstances may specifically warrant a thermographic scan. These include:
Power systems and equipment
  • Buildings with aluminum wiring
  • High torque and heavy current draw motors
  • Modifications to electrical panels, power control boxes, and sub-panels
  • Motor starter circuits
  • Power systems having electrical services greater than 120 volts
  • Power transfer circuits, such as switchgears and relays
  • Presence of high output lighting equipment, such as mercury vapor lamps
  • Step-up or step-down power transformers on site
  • Use of uninterruptible power supplies
Observations
  • An increase in power consumption without an increase in equipment use
  • Dimming of lighting when other equipment is started
  • Electrical equipment temperature changes
  • Reports of motors, computers, and other equipment “slowing down.”
  • Unexplained odor of burning plastic or rubber in the area of electrical panels, wiring, or equipment
  • Unexplained power surges noted in computer, processing, or building service equipment
Property history
  • Construction or repair activities that result in added electrical demand
  • Damage to facilities from fire, flood, earthquake, or other similar disasters
  • Previous occurrences of electrical system fires
  • Previous occurrences of fluorescent lighting failures or frequent bulb changes




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arcflashsafety@fuse.net
​513-205-5463