Arc Flash

Understanding the need for increased safety

Schneider Canada Services

What is an arc flash?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an arc flash hazard is "a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc". An arc flash is an explosion capable of causing severe burns, injuries and/or death, depending on the severity of the incident. Arcing fault current is fault current that flows through the air. This is unlike "bolted" fault current, which flows through conductors, busbars, and other equipment that is designed to withstand its effects. This current flow, through air, releases a great deal of energy in the form of heat and pressure. An "arc-flash," which refers to the uncontrolled release of such energy during an arcing fault, can result in significant damage to equipment, or worse, injury or death to workers exposed to the fault. An arc flash is caused by a reduction of the insulation or isolation distance between energized components. Incidents typically occur in applications above 120V, and can happen when electrical equipment is being serviced or inspected. Incidents can be caused by

A tool being inserted or dropped into a breaker or service area, or another item accidentally left behind, that compromises the distance between energized components. A worker mistakenly failing to ensure that the equipment has been properly de-energized. For this reason it is always best not to service energized electrical equipment.

Five to ten arc flash explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the United States, according to statistics compiled by CapSchell, Inc., a Chicago-based research and consulting firm that specializes in preventing workplace injuries and deaths.

Five to ten arc flash explosions occur in electric equipment every day in the United States*
*CapSchell Inc.

What type of damage is rendered to equipment during an arc flash event?

After an arc flash event, the damage can be serious enough to render the equipment no longer usable. This causes a disruption of your operation for hours or days, depending on the type of equipment, its age and how quickly service can be restored to it.

What are the implications for worker safety?

Injuries from an arc flash event range from minor injuries to third degree burns and potential death owing to the energy released. Other than burns, a person can experience blindness, hearing loss, nerve damage, cardiac arrest and/or other related medical conditions. Current Canadian safety regulations do not specifically address arc-flash hazards. However, industry standards such as

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E-2004, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace IEEE Standard 1584, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations

provide information on safe work practices and required protective equipment for electrical workers exposed to arc-flash hazards.
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What is NFPA 70E?

NFPA 70E is a worker safety standard drafted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Among other safe workplace practices, it provides awareness on arc flash hazards. The standard also gives guidelines for flash hazard analysis, which leads to choosing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for worker safety.

Does the Canadian Electrical Code specifically address arc flash?

Unlike the United States, where arc flash is discussed within the National Electrical Code (NEC), the Canadian Electrical Code does not currently address the issue of arc flash. However, the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Law requires "employers to take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of their workers". Legally, this is a more stringent approach to addressing arc flash issues because it holds individuals (rather than just the corporation) personally responsible for the health and safety of their employees. Adopting the safe work practices found in NFPA 70E is a reasonable precaution for employers to take in order to protect the health and safety of their employees.

How do you protect your workers?

While properly maintained equipment and safe work practices can help minimize the probability that an arcing fault might be initiated, workers potentially exposed to this hazard must still be adequately protected. An analysis of the potential arc-flash hazard at a relevant system location should be performed so that workers can select and use appropriate levels of PPE. The severity of the hazard that is related to an arcing fault is measured by the amount of energy that an arc delivers to an exposed worker. Calculation of this "incident energy," which is commonly measured in calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2) or joules per square centimeter (J/cm2), provides a basis for selection of proper PPE, including flameresistant clothing, flash suits, arc hoods, and other similar equipment.

Table 1:

Protective Clothing Characteristic (from NFPA 70E-2004)

Clothing Description Number of Layers Minimum Arc Rating of PPE (cal/cm2)
N/A

Both the incident energy and the flash-protection boundary vary, because they are based on many parameters. The most important factors include:

Clothing Category

System voltages Arcing fault current levels Distance from a worker to the fault source Duration of the fault

Untreated Natural Fiber Clothing Fire Resistant Shirt and Fire Resistant Pants

The hazard level depends on many system variables, including:

1 2 3

4 8 25

Cotton Underwear 2 plus Category 1 Fire Resistant Coverall Over Category 2 Multi-layer Flash Suit Over Category 2 3

Equipment type Prospective bolted fault currents Characteristics of the upstream protective devices

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It is important to use the correct level of PPE equipment for the task and the hazards that are present. Too little PPE leaves workers inadequately protected, and is therefore undesirable. Too much PPE is also undesirable, as it may hinder movement and increase the level of risk associated with a specific work task, or create other hazards such as increased heat stress.
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How does your company adopt NFPA 70E guidelines?

"Flash hazard analysis shall be done before a person approaches any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part that has not been placed

There are a number of steps you can follow to begin adopting the NFPA 70E guidelines. You can start by instituting a comprehensive safety program with defined responsibilities. You can then define and calculate arc flash incident energy for each equipment location in your facility. This is typically done through an arc flash assessment by an experienced vendor such as Schneider Electric. The assessment will provide a baseline to determine the status of the equipment in place and recommend remedial actions, if necessary, to mitigate arc flash incidents. The assessment and recommendations may include: Calculations of the degree of arc hazard. Type of personal protective equipment required. Type of training needed for workers. List of tools needed for safe work. Description of warning labels required for equipment. Deployment of products, solutions or methods to limit arc flash, when possible.

in an electrically safe work condition."

(NFPA 70E, Part II, 2-1.3.3)

Plant or safety managers will need to implement arc flash safety training for their employees and electricians. They will also need to update and enhance their safety procedures and manuals to comply with the NFPA 70E guidelines.

How can Schneider Electric help you implement NFPA 70E guidelines?
Schneider Electric can help you understand NFPA 70E in order to provide a safe working environment for your electricians and/or employees. As a safety-focused company, we take the lead in providing education and solutions to address changing electrical standards. To help meet future standards on arc flash, we can assist you in:

For assistance with implementing NFPA 70E guidelines in your facility, Call 1 (800) 265-3374 Or contact your regional Schneider Electric sales office. Or visit our web site at: www.schneider-electric.ca/services

Defining and calculating arc flash incident potential. Provide equipment upgrade solutions to help comply with standards. Assist with specifications for new or upgrade of existing equipment .

With just a phone call, we can arrange to:

Give an information seminar to help you understand NFPA 70E. Provide an assessment of your facility to determine what you must do to comply with NFPA 70E. Conduct an arc flash analysis to determine the incident energy levels and boundary distances. This may include a short circuit analysis. Provide recommendations of PPE category and labeling requirements, and interpretation of NFPA guidelines. Recommend changes to equipment protection settings and/or possible retrofit options to reduce arc flash incident energy levels. Train your employees on arc flash hazards and the use of PPE.

Schneider Canada Services engineers can help mitigate the risk associated with arc flash.
Schneider Canada Services provides your organization with the information you need to understand the dangers of arc flash and what you can do to improve electrical workplace safety. Our trained experts are familiar with arc flash incidents, recommendations for mitigating risk and current guidelines to help train your employees and ensure your facilities meet current standards. Workplace safety and efficiency By completing a full arc flash assessment, a company can determine what equipment labeling and safe boundary distances are required and ensure the best possible mix of worker safety and efficiency. The risks of not doing an assessment can be very expensive. First, without knowing the boundary distance of an arc flash event, it is impossible to know where to begin implementing safety procedures. The assessment activity provides the background necessary to make intelligent safety decisions. For instance, if electricians are required to work on "hot" or energized equipment, without knowledge of the hazards involved, the highest level of protection (PPE) would be required. Unfortunately, Level 4 PPE, which is very difficult to work in, may not provide protection from the impact of a blast and may not even be necessary in many cases. Attempting to complete work in a Level 4 suit such as the one shown below is very slow and time-consuming. Also, depending on the complexity of the job and manual dexterity required, some work is more difficult to complete in this type of suit. According to the requirements outlined in NFPA 70E, employees working on or around energized electrical equipment are required to understand PPE "arc flash exposure levels" to determine the level of protection required. Arc flash exposure is related to:

The amount of fault current that could flow at a particular point in the electrical system. The time required for the nearest upstream overcurrent protective device to operate and stop the current flow.

Schneider Canada Services offers arc flash analyses, performed by professional engineers, to identify appropriate levels of PPE for your employees.

Features of an arc flash analysis

PPE category recommendations presented in a clear, tabular format (Based on IEEE Standard 1584, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations). Written report of findings and recommendations for reducing arc flash hazards. Optional power equipment labels listing PPE category recommendations for attachment to existing enclosures. Optional colour-coded, single-line diagram showing PPE category recommendations for posting in electrical rooms. Optional on-site electrical safety training for your staff.

Considerations for an arc flash analysis

If your facility meets any of the following conditions, you should consider consulting Schneider Canada Services for an arc flash analysis:

Arc flash study has not been performed in the past three years. Short-circuit, protective coordination studies have not been performed in the past five years. Changes have occurred to the electrical distribution system or electric utility system. A safety audit is required. Your facilitys insurance policy is up for renewal. Modifications or expansions of the electrical distribution system are being considered
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Arc flash safety training

In conjunction with the Schneider Training Institute, we offer several courses to teach employees about NFPA 70E requirements.

At your facility
Our experts can conduct customized, on-site training at your facility to educate your employees and any outside electrical contractors you use about the dangers of arc flash and how to follow the NFPA workplace safety guidelines. This training will enable your employees and contractors to:

Realize the dangers of exposure to arc flash. Manage arc flash incident protection more effectively. Understand the different levels of PPE. Implement effective safety procedures. Choose the correct type of equipment youll need to work on and around your own electrical equipment. Conduct arc flash assessments and distance calculations.

Via regional sessions

In conjunction with the Schneider Training Institute, we offer comprehensive and regularly scheduled classes on safe work place practices at selected Schneider Electric locations across Canada. This 8-hour course:

Provides participants with a basic understanding of safe work place practices. Reviews the NFPA 70E Part 2 (Arc Flash), March 2004 Edition guidelines. Provides a basic overview of correct distribution equipment maintenance procedures.

Powerzone IV low voltage switchgear with Masterpact arc fault circuit breakers

Equipment solutions to reduce arc flash hazards

Once the assessment has been completed, you may need to modify or upgrade equipment. In many instances, applying upgrade technologies can reduce PPE levels. If youre planning a new installation, youll want to be advised of new technology solutions available. Schneider Electric offers a wide range of solutions to help you mitigate the arc fault risks present in your installation.

Retrofit solutions
Masterpact arc flash circuit breakers provide arc flash protection without fuses, using breakthrough technology exclusive to the industry.

Retrofit existing low voltage power circuit breakers using the new arc flash Masterpact NW or NT retrofit and/or direct replacement products. Schneider Canada Services offers direct replacement breakers for many manufacturers low and medium voltage breakers, including Allis Chalmers, Federal Pacific, Federal Pioneer, General Electric, ITE/ABB and Westinghouse. Install H.VIR Comet Infrared (IR) viewing windows, which allow diagnostic IR scanning without removing equipment covers to improve worker safety while assessing equipment condition. The crystal material used in the H.VIR windows is up to 96% transparent to infrared wavelengths, which ensures accurate IR scanning while maintaining the equipments NEMA or IEC/EN IP ingress rating. Install auto rack remote racking system for the existing medium voltage circuit breakers to help keep workers at a safe distance from potential arc flash locations. Install the Square D arc terminator device retrofitted into existing MasterClad medium voltage switchgear to reduce or eliminate arc flash hazards. Upgrade low or medium voltage breakers with Sepam medium voltage protection relays or Carriere low voltage protective relays. Both offer LSIG functionality to help reduce breaker tripping times. Sepam protective relays allow you to switch between two protective relay settings. This allows you to select the more sensitive settings based upon arc fault conditions when working on equipment.

The Comet H.VIR infrared viewing window uses a crystalline material that is up to 96% transparent to infrared wavelengths. This ensures accurate infrared scanning while maintaining the equipments NEMA or IP ingress rating.

Sepam medium voltage and Carriere low voltage protective relays provide LSIG functionality to reduce tripping times under arc flash conditions.

New equipment solutions

When designing a new system, contact your Schneider Electric consulting engineering specialist to help with the specification of our new Square D Powerzone 4 low voltage switchgear, which can include Masterpact NW or NT arc flash branch circuit breakers As an alternative to arc resistant switchgear, a Square D arc terminator device can be installed in one cell of a Square D MasterClad medium voltage switchgear lineup, protecting up to 10 breakers. The Arc Terminator system detects and controls the effects of arcing faults. It extinguishes arcs in less than 1/4 of a cycle, significantly minimizing equipment damage and reducing equipment downtime.
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The Square D Arc Terminator system detects and controls the effects of arcing faults, extinguishing arcs in less than 1/4 of a cycle.

A Global business with signature brands

Schneider Electric is the world leader in electrical distribution, industrial control and automation products, systems and services. Our proven products and technologies are installed in utilities and industrial, commercial and residential facilities worldwide.

Our powerful family of brand names is integrated into a truly global offering that provides comprehensive solutions and a wide range of products, equipment and services.

Since 1945, Federal Pioneer distribution equipment has been installed in Canadian utilities and industrial, commercial and residential facilities.

Since 1920, Merlin Gerin has been an international leader in low and medium voltage IEC type electrical distribution, circuit protection, metering and control.

For more than a century, Square D has provided leading-edge NEMAtype electrical distribution and industrial control products and systems.

For over 80 years, Telemecanique has provided leading-edge industrial control products, systems and solutions.

NFPA 70E is a registered trademark of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02169

Schneider Canada Services 6675 Rexdale Road Mississauga Ontario L4V 1V1 CANADA Tel: (905) 678-7000 Fax: (905) 678-8583 S0180BR0401EP R0

Head office/Sige social 19 Waterman Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4B 1Y2 www.schneider-electric.ca Tel.: (416) 752-8020 Fax: (416) 752-6230 February, 2005

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