Arc flash hazards and electrical safety program implementation

Reducing Arc Flash Incident Energy Level in an Offshore Gas Production Unit Using Intelligent Electronic Devices—A Case Study

“…Most arcing faults start as ground faults rapidly escalating into phase-to-phase circuit faults [2]. The electric arcs produce intense heat and pressure waves, among other effects, representing big risks to workers exposed to this phenomenon [3].…”

“…No material known on Earth is able to withstand this temperature without melting or even vaporization [5]. However, in addition to high temperature, an electrical arc has other risks such as toxic metal vapors, projection of molten metal, extremely bright light, and significant pressure wave [3].…”

Changeability of arc flash parameters and its impact on hazard mitigation in low voltage power systems

“…This leads to the necessity of development of the electric guidance and codes. In USA, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): National Electric Code (NEC) was first published in 1897 [4], [5] and it is used as a guide for the electric installations Canada for employers, managers, and supervisors to ensure workplace health and safety. There is no specific limit on fines against a corporation that is found guilty, and individual representatives of a corporation can receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment [4].…”

Utilização de relés digitais para mitigação dos riscos envolvendo arco elétrico.

“…Os arcos elétricos produzem calor intenso, causam explosões, ondas de pressão, entre outros efeitos, representando riscos aos trabalhadores expostos a esse fenômeno [3].…”

“…Nenhum material conhecido na Terra é capaz de suportar essa temperatura sem que ocorra o seu derretimento e vaporização [5]. Entretanto, além da alta temperatura, um arco elétrico apresenta outros riscos, como os vapores metálicos tóxicos, projeção de metal fundido, luz extremamente intensa e uma significativa onda de pressão [3].…”