The Value of Arc Flash Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies in Finland

Electrical arcs can emerge when a gas is subjected to a voltage greater than its insulating characteristics. An arc will occur when the voltage is high enough to ionize the air between the conductors. Ionized air becomes a good conductor, allowing electricity to flow. Air ionization generates a current, which generates heat and bright light. This heat leads the ionized air to rise, resulting in an arch-shaped stream, thus the name of the phenomena. An arc flash may generate temperatures of up to 20,000 degrees Celsius.

Arc flash hazards damage both people and property. The following are some of the business effects of arc in flash:

Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and worker compensation are examples of direct expenses, as are the costs of accident investigation and productivity loss.
Legal and judgement costs, litigation costs, fines, insurance premiums, repair charges, and replacement labor costs are examples of indirect expenditures.
Negative repercussions have an impact on your personal reputation, your ability to compete in the job market, and the possibility of criminal charges.
Most clients reject enterprises with high incident rates, which results in lost business opportunities and the potential loss of an electrical contractor’s license.
Errors in the utilization of an electrical circuit flash has a propensity to leave a lasting impression, resulting in missed opportunities and lost money.

Arc Flash Danger Factors:

Using the wrong surface with the probe
Unsuitable equipment, installation, and methods
Using faulty electrical components
Damaged insulation or equipment gaps
Interference with the disconnect panel
Dust or corrosion on electrical equipment
Inadequate circuit breaker and switch maintenance
Fraying connectors or live components
High-voltage cables or a constant power supply
Moisture in electrical equipment

Methods for Mitigating Arc Flash Hazards:

Disconnecting Electrical Components:

It reduces potential hazards to the greatest extent possible. Work on electrified equipment should be avoided, and extra care should be used while testing or re-energizing de-energized equipment. Using remote tracking technology, circuit breakers are maintained away from arc flash boundaries that may endanger their users.

Make use of low-risk technology:

Arc flash analysis and power system investigations are performed to determine the threats connected with short circuits and protective device coordination. To safeguard people and property, choose low-threat alternatives such as remote rack equipment.

Redesign of the Electrical and Control Systems:

Ascertain that the PPE (personal protective equipment) required by the arc flash hazard category is available. Engineering equipment and methods are being modified to reduce risks. Incident energy is limited by breakers and energy distribution networks.

Reduce the Available Fault Current Level:

Non-current limiting circuit breakers will assist business in reducing fault current availability. For maintenance, these devices can be used with an open tie. By reducing available fault current, opening the link between dual power supplies during maintenance reduces arc flash hazards. Current-limiting reactors can be used to create a bottleneck in the passage of electrical current, stopping current flow during arc faults.

Change the Energy of the Blaster:

Encourage the use of arc-resistant materials. Arc-resistant switchgear directs arc flash energy and heat through ducts to an unoccupied location using sealed connections, top-mounted pressure relief vents, and stronger hinges. CareLabs does in-depth arc flash analysis. Professionals examine arc flash dangers to improve your safety program. CareLabs can identify and apply cutting-edge arc flash risk mitigation techniques. CareLabs is capable of studying and implementing cutting-edge arc flash danger mitigation technologies. ETAP (Electrical Transient Analysis Program) software is used in CareLabs for research and analysis.

We station staff members in various locations to ensure that our knowledge is immediately available in both routine and emergency scenarios. We quickly received ISO 9001:2008 certification and devoted customers. Finland cities include Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, and Tampere.