A Step-by-Step Guide to Arc Flash Analysis in Norway

Electrical arcs occur when a gas is exposed to a voltage greater than the voltage that it can block. When the voltage is high enough to ionize the air between the conductors, the arc starts to form. When a gas is ionized, it transforms into an excellent conductor, allowing current to flow and producing the arched-shaped current known as an “arc flash.” An arc fault is an unintentional discharge of electricity.

Arc flashes produce dazzling brightness and loud noise due to high temperatures.
An arc blast is a high-pressure wave that may propel molten metals and tiny metal fragments into the air.
Toxic vapors

Arc flash hazards may be disastrous for companies and electrical infrastructure. The following are some of the business losses caused by arc flash risks:

Additional expenditures for medical treatment, rehabilitation, worker’s compensation, accident investigation, and production downtime.
Legal fees, penalties, insurance premiums, repair charges, and the cost of employing a substitute worker associated to the litigation.
a detrimental effect on the reputation and brand of the business.
Loss of business chances due to a history of accidents, which might result in the revocation of an electrical license.

The Following Causes an Arc Flash:

Insulation that has deteriorated on a conductor
Body parts that are on display
Human carelessness
Failure to properly maintain switches and circuit breakers
The water is not far from the apparatus.
Remove any panels that are in the way.
High-voltage cables
Discharge of static electricity
Tools and equipment that have been damaged

Arc Flash Analysis Method:

Arc flash hazards can occur whenever there is high voltage or low voltage switching with a high current.

Step 1: Finding out whether an arc flash is likely:

Collect data, model the power system with software, analyze short circuits, investigate how overcurrent protection devices operate together, analyze arc flashes, and evaluate arc flashes as part of an arc flash/fault study or analysis.
Determining the likelihood of an arc flash injuring a worker

Step 2: Deal with the threat:

Arc flashes are less likely to injure workers if they only touch equipment that has been switched off.
It would be preferable to employ automatic systems rather than manual ones.
To keep workers safe, place physical barriers between them and any active equipment.

Step 3: Engineer control:

Reduce the fault current to reduce the incident energy.
Arc flash detection and suppression systems
Switches and remote controls
Changes or improvements to the switchboard
Circuit breakers that do not trip
Insulation is required for bus bars.
Replace any blown fuses.

Step 4: Administrative controls:

Labeling switch rooms, plants, and other essential locations to determine where energy levels are occurring
Labeling the arc’s edges
Making arc flash diagrams and taking notes
Ensuring that safe standards and procedures are in place to reduce exposure
Using incident energy and PPE levels

Step 5: Personal protective equipment (PPE):

Even though PPE is the least effective, it may make an injury less severe, but it will not prevent it. Personal protection equipment (PPE) is selected based on the severity of the circumstance.

CareLabs can assist you in resolving any of your arc flash issues. Professionals with extensive training and expertise can identify arc flash dangers and recommend the best ways to mitigate and control them in order to keep your employees and property safe.

The Advantages of CareLabs Service:

Power systems that are safer and adhere to regulatory norms and regulations
Working with full power systems saves time and money.
Make your workplace more secure.
Provide immediate alternatives in an emergency.
Increase the margins of safety.
Make work permits and arc flash labels automatically to save time.
Save yourself from potential penalties and legal expenses.

CareLabs employs crew members in several locations to ensure that our professionals are nearby in the event of a routine task or an emergency. CareLabs immediately achieved ISO 9001:2008 certification and established a client base with a solid reputation and positive comments. CareLabs provides arc flash testing and analysis services in all major cities, including Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.