An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high–voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors.
An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause burns. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 35,000° F (19,426.6° C). High–voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast. This pressure burst can hit a worker with great force and send molten metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum electrical components great distances at extremely high velocities.
What causes an arc flash?
An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.
Conditions under which arc flash can occur:
Working on an energized circuit
Electrical equipment failure
An Arc flash is sometimes called arc fault or arc blast.
Electrical Safety Regulations
Important safety recommendations: NFPA 70E
Establish an “electrically safe work condition” before working on a circuit by deenergizing it.
Create an “electrically safe work condition” by… *
Identifying all power sources,
Interrupting the load and disconnecting power,
Visually verifying that a disconnect has opened the circuit,
Locking out and tagging the circuit,
Testing for voltage, and
Grounding all power conductors
Use a written permit system for planning and conducting work on or near energized parts.
Use tools, meters, and other equipment that are suitable for the voltage and current levels present when performing all electrical work.
Comes complete with Class 0 Rubber Gloves, Leather Protectors and handy glove bag.
Available in five glove sizes
This glove kit simplifies your glove purchase to ensure you have the required protection. Included Class 0 gloves, matching leather protectors and protective storage bag.
This glove kit simplifies your glove purchase to ensure you have the required protection. Included Class 00 gloves, matching leather protectors and protective storage bag.
Available in five sizes and three colors.
Comes complete with Class 2 Rubber Gloves, Leather Protectors and handy glove bag.
This Hazard/Risk category 2 Arc Flash kit includes one 35'' hooded jacket, one face shield, one chin cup, one cap bracket, one pair of Class 0 rubber gloves, one pair of leather protector gloves, one glove bag and one gear bag.
The Arc Guard™ Level 2 Kit Level 2 Kit consists of everything you need in terms of personal protection for NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Category 2, except protective gloves, in one convenient package. Level 2 Kit includes 11 cal/cm2, navy blue INDURA® Ultra Soft® coveralls, hard cap with faceshield and chin cup, faceshield unit bag, safety glasses, and gear bag for easy storage.
The Arc Guard™ Level 2 Kit Level 2 Kit consists of everything you need in terms of personal protection for NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Category 2 in one convenient package. Level 2 Kit includes 11 cal/cm2, navy blue INDURA® Ultra Soft® coveralls, hard cap with faceshield and chin cup, faceshield unit bag, safety glasses, 11'' Class 0 rubber insulating gloves, 10'' leather protectors, canvas glove bag and gear bag for easy storage.
Available in three sizes and two glove sizes.
The Arc Guard™ Level 4 Kit consists of everything you need in terms of personal protection for NFPA 70E Hazard/Risk Category 4 in one convenient package. Level 4 Kit includes 40 cal/cm2, navy blue INDURA® Ultra Soft® short coat/bib overall combo and arc hood unit with faceshield and universal hard cap adapter, hood bag, safety glasses, 14'' Class 2 rubber insulating gloves, 12'' leather protectors, canvas glove bag, and gear bag for easy storage. Shortcoat, bib overalls and arc hood should be worn together for full body protection. The 32'' length short coat features a flame resistant front closure with flame resistant knit wrists. The bib overalls feature quick disconnect shoulder straps, a flame resistant fly closure and flame resistant calf closures for easy foot entry. The arc hood includes a hard cap and features a light enhancing green faceshield that is ANSI Z87.1 approved.
Available in three sizes and two glove sizes (gloves optional).