Dependant on the remit of any arc flash study carried out, labels fitted to switchgear may make reference to one, or all of the above boundaries. Arc Flash Boundary DistancesĪccording to NFPA 70E, three boundaries exist, these are Limited Approach Boundary, Restricted Approach Boundary and Arc Flash Boundary. Compliance Director, Andy Linley, discusses Arc Flash Boundary distances, what they are and factors affecting them. If you need assistance to ensure that you have taken all the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of Arc Flash in your plant or need support from a team of knowledgeable experienced industrial electricians – give the team at EAS a call on. If your machines do not have these in place, the arc flash will continue until the electricity is physically stopped either by someone cutting the power or the damage from the arc flash stopping the flow of electricity.Īt EAS, our team is experienced in working in hazardous areas. Circuit breakers cannot stop arc flashes occurring but can ensure they only last a fraction of the time. These ensure that if a sudden surge in electricity is detected it will stop the flow immediately. As per the NFPA70 standards (do you want to hyperlink to these?), arc flash boundaries should be clearly marked so anyone working within these areas is aware of the need to wear PPE.Ĭircuit breakers should be installed in all machines. If a machine cannot be de-energised while working on it, head-to-toe PPE should be worn to prevent serious injury. Once this is done a voltage check should be done to ensure there is no latent energy stored up. Not just switched off but shut down and physically disconnected from any power source. When a machine does need to be worked on it should be completely de-energised. Key areas to focus on include electrical switchboards, panels, socket enclosures and motor control centres. Regular checks of all high voltage equipment and wiring should also be done to make sure there is no sign of corrosion, damage to wires or any other issues. Anywhere in a facility where high electrical current can exist should be properly labelled with arc flash warnings. To minimise the risk of an Arc Flash occurring your plant should identify where the biggest dangers are.
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