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What is Arc Flash?

Arc flash in a control panel can occur when there is ample voltage in an electrical system.  Resulting form an accelerated fault to ground, it produces an electric arc.

With 5-10 arc flash incidents occurring per day, arc flash is a leading cause of death and burn accidents for maintenance staff when servicing electrical control panels in North America today.  Onsite damages caused by an arc flash incident include: OSHA citations or fines, down time, loss of revenue and equipment damage.  In worst case scenarios, arc flash may result in long term disability or even death thereby having a significant impact on the liability of the municipality.

All of these arc flash events usually occur in less than 0.2 seconds, and can create:

  • Intense heat
  • Thermo-acoustic shock wave
  • Molten metal
  • Hot shrapnel that can pierce a body
  • Blinding light
  • Toxic smoke
  • Contact with energized components


Learn more about arc flash phenomena from:

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

This test-facility footage shows an arc flash created for  NFPA's video Reducing Workplace Electrical Hazards.