Design Build Solutions and Mechanical Engineering Services by Industrial Mechanic


Arc Flash:
Flashover of electric current through air (electric short circuit in air) between phase, or phase and neutral, or phase and ground conductors

In the United States, 4,000 non-disabling and 3,600 disabling (worker can not return to work) electrical contact injuries occur in the workplace annually. 2,000 workers (50% of body burned) are sent to burn centers with electric burns each year. Most of the burn victims become permanently disabled from their injuries. Typically, the victim’s lives are forever restricted due to sensitivity to cold weather, mobility, or other physical barriers. Every day one person dies from electrical incidents.

Services » Automation and Integration » Arc Flash Safety Audits

80% of electrical workplace accidents are burns or injuries caused by intense heat, tremendous pressure and sound blast due to molten metal or debris shower and are associated with arc flash. These accidents are the fourth leading cause of traumatic occupational fatalities in U.S. Optimation has skilled engineers who can offer alternatives to reduce exposure to arc flash energy. We can help with the design of power systems that are more safe and assist with standards compliance. We have the capabilities to provide integrated short circuit, time current coordination, equipment and arc flash evaluation. We can provide hazard analysis for flash protection and approach boundaries and selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for electrical safety. Optimation can also provide critical arc flash hazard training for your internal team.

An arc is produced by flow of electrical current through ionized air after an initial flashover or short circuit. Causes include:

Electrical equipment and insulation failure
Accidents, such as dropped tools, accidental contact with electrical systems and the buildup of conductive dust, dirt, corrosion and particles
Improperly designed or utilized equipment
Improper work procedures

Applicable Standards:

OSHA (29-CFR, Part 1910): Addresses Standards for Work Practices and references NFPA 70E
NFPA 70E 2004 Edition: Provides guidance on implementing appropriate work practices
NEC (Article 110.16): Requirements for Warning Labels
IEEE Std. 1584 –2002: Guide to Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations

Proactive Arc Flash Prevention Measures:

Provide single line electrical distribution drawing with short circuit values of connected components
Calculate the magnitude of arc flash hazards
Provide hazard analysis for flash protection and approach boundaries
Provide hazard / risk categorization and subsequent selection of electrical safety PPE
Assess internal and subcontracted resources available to address the issues
Perform arc flash hazard training with information on the latest standards and practices
Provide your design consultant with information to get an accurate analysis
Perform application training to implement the arc flash solution
Review your safety program to integrate arc flash requirements
Arrange for on-site engineering support to assist in performance of arc flash studies

Registered: ISO 9001 and CSIA

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