The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability on Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—The Missing Links

Nelson, John P.; Billman, Joshua; Bowen, J.

doi:10.1109/tia.2014.2308399

Cited by 16 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Field experience indicates that, in an LVMCC with the typical phase spacing, the phase-to-phase arc is rarely created. As discussed in the earlier paper [1], a large portion of the faults are ground faults only, while very few phase-to-phase faults occur, as it is very difficult to create the right amount of free electrons to maintain a sustained arc in this equipment. The lack of free electrons means that there is a significant difference in the stability of the arc, depending on the fault initiator.…”

Section: Arc Physics Reviewmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…With regard to the proper PPE, there are large variations in the estimated value of incident energy levels based on the different models available within the industry. As discussed in [1], the number of variables is so great that an exact value of the incident energy level cannot be reasonably determined. The incident energy level from one installation to another with relatively similar designs can and will vary considerably due to these variables.…”

Section: Incident Energy Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability On Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—Part 2: Testing

Nelson¹,

Billman²,

Bowen

et al. 2015

IEEE Trans. on Ind. Applicat.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This paper provides a follow-up to the paper The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation and Probability onArc Flash Hazard Reduction-The Missing Links. In that paper, system grounding and bus insulation were considered a means of reducing the probability of an arc flash incident by approximately two orders of magnitude. In September 2013, additional testing was conducted on a low-voltage motor control center (LVMCC) with the expectation that engineering enhancements such as insulated vertical bus, high resistance grounding, and other techniques could be implemented to further reduce the probability of an arc flash incident. The testing performed was with faults initiated in locations typically found in operating petrochemical facilities, in LVMCCs, with the starter unit door open. This paper discusses the findings of testing on real-world electrical equipment in an effort to further understand and minimize the probability of an arc flash incident. This paper reviews the physics of the arcing fault and how ignition wire, geometry, and the number of anode/cathode pairs all contribute to arcing fault energy and personnel exposure.

show abstract

Section: Arc Physics Reviewmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Incident Energy Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability On Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—Part 2: Testing

Nelson¹,

Billman²,

Bowen

et al. 2015

IEEE Trans. on Ind. Applicat.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The evidence that this phenomenon can be extended to electrical arcing faults has been documented by Nelson et al, who demonstrate that for three-phase faults on 208 Volt systems, the arc voltage collapses to 12% of nominal, or 25 Volts. Phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground arc voltages collapse to 2% and 0% respectively [7].…”

Section: B Systems ≤ 240 Voltsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This prevents the application of better grounding techniques such as resistance grounding which have been shown to limit the likelihood of a sustained phase-to-ground arcing faults at higher voltages [7].…”

Section: Fig 3 Typical Service Meter Installation Detailmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simplifying NFPA 70E compliance for thousands of simple facilities

Bolin¹,

Ray²

2013

Industry Applications Society 60th Annual Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Compliance with the arc flash labeling requirements of NFPA 70E is challenging when applied to thousands of simple facilities due to the need for accurate data collection, site-specific analysis, and meticulous labeling. Each utility power service is unique, and the system rigidity, transformer size, and primary fusing are all under the utility's controlsubject to change without notice. However, by utilizing a conservative approach centered on a few key variables, it is possible to produce a few simple charts applicable to the vast majority of these installations, empowering field operations personnel to assess arc flash hazards with confidence, to mitigate hazards where possible, and to take the lead in the effort to establish a safer working environment.

show abstract

“…5 The average number of fatal occupational injuries from transportation is approximately 2,327 or a little over three times of that for slips, trips and falls. Therefore, it is important to analyze safety from two perspectives: 1) Fatal Injuries 2) Serious non-fatal injuries Electrical related occupational fatalities accounted for approximately 5% of occupational incidents Based on these statistics, an electrician is much more likely to be injured by a cause other than from electricity.…”

Section: Degree Of Risk In the Workplacementioning

confidence: 99%

Improved Electrical Safety Through High Resistance Grounding

Nelson¹

2015

IEEE Trans. on Ind. Applicat.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

High resistance grounding (HRG) is a well proven technology for improving electric reliability for many industrial and utility facilities such as used in petro-chemical, automotive, and generating plants. Many such facilities require the increased reliability for production and operational reasons. This paper will discuss the improved personnel safety aspects of using high resistance grounding on low voltage systems. In particular, the paper will discuss:•The probability of the three common faults occurring within an industrial plant: Three phase, phase-tophase, and ground faults. •How the probability of a ground fault can be used to improve electrical safety with HRG. •The impact of a ground fault on a system and the speed at which the ground fault on a solidly grounded system may propagate into a multi-phase fault •The risk reduction of a ground fault on an HRG system propagating into a multi-phase fault •The potential reduction in serious and fatal arc blast injuries through the use of an HRG system. • Potential single pole breaker clearing issues when a second ground fault occurs on a second phase This paper will include comments from recent testing which were conducted at the KEMA labs and presented in a recent IAS-Petrochemical Industry Committee Paper in September 2014. [1]

show abstract

The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability on Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—The Missing Links

Cited by 16 publications

References 5 publications

The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability On Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—Part 2: Testing

The Effects of System Grounding, Bus Insulation, and Probability On Arc Flash Hazard Reduction—Part 2: Testing

Simplifying NFPA 70E compliance for thousands of simple facilities

Improved Electrical Safety Through High Resistance Grounding

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About