Arc Flash Study Requirements: What UK Businesses Need to Know

Electrical safety goes beyond just avoiding electric shock and maintaining the electrical equipment in good condition. A problem in the electrical system can result in a large release of energy that can lead to serious burns, destruction of equipment, and even injury to other workers in the vicinity. This is the reason why knowledge about Arc Flash is important in electrical safety management.

What is an Arc Flash and Why is it Important?

Arc flash is a phenomenon whereby electricity flows through the air between two conductors or from the conductor to the earth. This leads to the generation of a very bright light and heat. An arc flash can be as a result of faulty insulation, contact with live parts, and faulty electrical installations.

There can be injury to people and property destruction, as well as pressure blasts, molten metal, etc. The hazards can affect even professional electricians if they have not been properly assessed.

Whereas for business firms using switchgear, distribution panels, industrial control panels, etc., it is necessary to identify possible locations of such occurrences. Assessment is a process that will help firms to know the hazards before embarking on any activity involving electricity.

What Does an Arc Flash Study Involve?

Arc flash studies involve analysing the configuration of the electrical system to determine the possible incident energy of each piece of equipment in the system. This involves reviewing the system configuration, amount of fault current, characteristics of the protection devices, and clearing times.

• Reviewing Electrical System Data

The evaluation starts with proper knowledge of transformers, cables, switchgear, circuit breakers, and other associated equipment. The engineers can use the information in the creation of a model of the power system for analysis of various operating states.

Proper knowledge is essential when there have been changes in the facilities. An evaluation carried out using obsolete drawings or improper settings of the equipment might not represent the real scenario.

• Calculating Incident Energy and Boundaries

Through known engineering calculations, the analysis can calculate the amount of thermal energy a person might be subjected to during an arc flash event. An arc flash boundary can also be determined, which is the point where the energy reaches a particular level.

The findings will be used in determining the necessary safety measures for particular operations.

When looking for arc flash hazard assessments for industrial electrical installations, it is important to confirm that the assessment takes into consideration the actual system setup.

Reducing Arc Flash Risks in the Workplace

After the risks have been identified, the company can find solutions that would lower its exposure to such risks. Such solutions may include improvements in protective device coordination, decreasing fault-clearing time, employing remote switching devices, and limiting access to hazardous areas.

Finally, it is possible to perform an electrical fault level and arc flash study that would help determine the suitability of existing equipment for the potential fault current. This is because inadequate equipment may malfunction under fault conditions.

Conclusion

The knowledge of arc flash risk assessment helps organisations to make informed decisions when it comes to electrical protection and maintenance. Reliable assessment can provide a technical background that helps in making a risk review in the context of system development.

If you require advice on electrical safety risk assessments, get in touch with Covol Engineering.

FAQs

Is there any legal necessity for conducting an arc flash study in the UK?

There is no general legal obligation to conduct an arc flash study for any electrical installation. It is the duty of the employer to ensure that the risk assessment is conducted for electrical hazards as per health and safety legislation.

What is the frequency of the arc flash study?

The arc flash hazard study should be conducted whenever there have been changes made in the electrical installation system.

Where are assessments applicable?

Assessments can be applicable at workplaces with electrical distribution systems that pose some hazards. These include manufacturing industries, pharmaceutical industries, commercial buildings, among others.

What kind of information is required for an assessment?

Engineers require electrical plans, equipment specifications, transformer data, cable information, protection device settings, and operating information.

Can an arc flash study lessen the requirement for PPE?

An arc flash assessment can reveal some engineering changes to lower the level of exposure; however, the PPE requirement shall be established from a risk assessment.