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Electrical Engineering and Design
Arc Flash Studies

An Arc Flash is an electrical explosion due to a "faulty" condition or short circuit when either a phase to ground or phase to phase conductor is connected.  Arc Flashes cause electrical equipment to explode resulting in an arc-plasma fireball. The result of this violent event is probable destruction to the equipment involved, fire and injury, or death to nearby individuals.  There are many reasons why Arc Flashes occur; one way to prevent them is by Arc Flash study.

An Arc Flash Study is an analysis done by calculations performed by an engineer to determine the incident energy found at each location that determines various Arc Flash boundaries.  It also helps to determine the precautionary equipment to be worn when approaching these areas.  Labels are attached to each analyzed area that poses a risk.

 

 

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