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Arc Flash Safety

What is Arc Flash & What Causes It?

An arc flash is a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground. This electrical fauilt can create a dangerous release of energy, including thermal energy, acoustical energy, pressure wave or debris.

There are many different ways an arc flash can occur, including:

• Coming close to a high-amp source with a conductive object.
• Dropping a tool or creating a spark.
• Breaks or gaps in insulation.
• Failing equiment due to use of substandard parts, improper installation, or even normal wear and tea.
• Dust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of the conductor.