IEEE\/NFPA Collaboration on Arc Flash Phenomena Research Project

Annually more than 2000 workers are admitted to hospital burn centers for extensive injuries caused by arc flash accidents. Arc flash incidents occur when unintended electric current flows through air, superheating the air, and causes an explosion. Arcing faults can be unintentionally initiated when workers drop a tool or wire, which provides a temporary path between two energized phases or phase and ground. Arcing faults are sometimes initiated when cheap meters, lacking adequate insulation for the available energy levels, explode during troubleshooting. Arcing faults can occur during switching events, and sometimes without any user intervention when insulation or isolation between electrical conductors is not sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. Environmental contaminants such as metallic dusts, vermin, and forgotten articles or tools can lead to the development of arcing faults. Arcing faults are known to develop in aging equipment, especially when not properly maintained and inspected. Recognizing the significant threat posed by arc flash hazards, IEEE and NFPA have joined forces on an initiative to support research and additional testing to increase the understanding of the arc flash phenomena. Several areas of the arc flash phenomena need further research and testing validation to provide relevant information that can be used for developing safety strategies to protect workers. The identified areas include but are not limited to: (a) Heat and Thermal Effects, (b) Blast Pressure, (c) Sound and (d) Light Hazards. The test results of this project will provide information to help more accurately predict the hazards associated with high energy arcing faults, thereby improving electrical safety standards and providing practical safeguards for employees in the work place. The proposed research and testing plan