This article provides electrical safety tips and strategies that can help to prevent arc flash incidents at industrial plants. Arc flashes cause massive electrical explosions, emitting large amounts of heat and light. They release hot gases and concentrated radiant energy that can melt metal, damage property, cause severe burns and result in fatalities or death. […]
A simple safety sign can prevent workplace accidents if it is clearly visible, draws attention and is easy to understand. It is therefore advisable to comply with ISO 7010 whenever new facilities become operational, or when safety signs are replaced. The new, expanded ISO 7010 list of international safety signs now includes a standard sign […]
The calculation of the incident energy associated with arc-flash hazard has almost universally been conducted in accordance with IEEE1584-2002. It is expected that the heavily revised edition of IEEE1584 will be released in the last quarter 2017 or first quarter 2018. This article discusses the proposed changes to the guide for different electrode configuration […]
Corona discharge is a serious issue in metal clad switchgear because of its highly destructive nature. It is also the cause of most flashovers in MV metal clad electrical equipment. The fundamental cause of this phenomenon is an electrical breakdown of air caused by electrical stress and poor air quality within the switchgear. If not […]
AJ Charnaud supplies products to numerous industries dealing with elements including hot metal smelting, fire fighting, shaft sinking, electrical safety (arc flash) operations, mining and recently live-line work (high voltage distribution lines) and specialised footwear. The company’s newest product to enter the market place is the Charnaud E20300, the newest innovation for safety shoes and […]
This article explains why IEC 62271-200 should be used by all users concerned with safety and security of supply, and addresses modern ultra-fast earth devices that help achieve the desired goals. Large utilities and industrial companies have been concerned with security of supply as well as operator safety for a number of years, and […]
In industries where constant contact with dangerous electrical equipment is necessary, it is important to be prepared, especially for the possibility of arc faults. An arc flash is usually caused by inadvertent contact between an energised conductor and another conductor or earthed surface. When this occurs, the resulting short-circuit current can melt the conductors […]
Arc flash is arguably one of the most topical issues being discussed in the electrical engineering community in South Africa and worldwide (especially in the mining, utilities and manufacturing areas). Technology and safety procedures have significantly reduced most other forms of electrical injuries; however incidents related to arc flash have surfaced as one of […]
Application of arc-resistant switchgear to help mitigate arc flash hazards can be a very effective way to enhance safety for electrical workers. Not only the selection of protective device types, but also selecting the settings for adjustable devices is important in the mitigation of arch flashing. Settings must be chosen to protect equipment properly while […]
by Bob Lauricella and Zach Greenhaw, Eaton This article answers some common questions about UPS maintenance and how to reduce the risks associated with servicing UPSs and their batteries. When working with data center and commercial facility power systems, shocks of 100 to more than 2000 mA are possible. Energised electrical equipment also presents […]
