| Q: What is an Arc Flash ? |
| A: An Arc Flash occurs when a fault condition or short circuit occurs due to either a phase to ground or phase to phase conductor being connected. This connection can occur by accidentally dropping tools, accidental contact with the electrical system, improper work techniques, dust, or corrosion build up or several other possible conditions. Even shorting across two conductors accidentally with a meter lead can cause this condition. When this happens a Flash occurs. This leads to an explosive release of energy, known as an arc flash. |
| Q: Why do I need to do an Arc Flash Analysis? |
| A: The National Fire Protection Association's 70E publication 2000, Part II 2-1.3.3 regarding Arc Flash Analysis states that a "Flash Hazard Analysis shall be done before a person approaches any exposed electrical conductor or circuit part that has not been placed in an electrical safe work condition". This Arc Flash Hazard Analysis must be done to determine the level of Personal Protection Equipment PPE that a worker must use, and the Arc Flash Boundary in inches along with the incident energy found at each location. Each panel must be marked with an ANSI z535 approved warning label. |
| Q: What Electrical Panels need an Arc Flash Analysis? |
| A: The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70E and OSHA list that all panel boards, switch panels, fuse panels, breaker panels, motor control centers, motor control panels be surveyed and labeled with the ANSI approved arc flash warning label. IN ADDITION... the list is concluded by stating "Any panel likely to be serviced by a worker" SO, that means any electrical enclosure such as disconnects and machinery attached to the "hard wired" electrical system in your facility should have an Arc Flash Analysis. |
| Q: What kind of standards must I follow? |
| A: This Arc Flash Analysis must be performed to determine the available arc fault currents and arc flash hazards. The most effective ways are based on the NFPA 70E or IEEE 1584 methods. Both of these methods are acceptable methods to use and are allowed by OSHA to comply with these arc flash regulations. OSHA recommends that the Arc Flash Analysis be done by an independent consulting firm to reduce any bias that may occur when done in-house. |
| Q: Do I need a One Line Drawing and all that stuff? |
| A: OSHA requires that "If You Have" an One Line diagram of your electrical system, that it be kept up to date. Meaning that every change must be recorder in that drawing. HOWEVER, you are not required to have a one line diagram of your facilities electrical system. Given, This is a very useful tool to have when servicing your electrical system, and ITU can render that drawing for you. THIS IS IMPORTANT WHEN CHOOSING A CONSULTANT... Most engineering companies use a "Canned" software program to model the electrical system and that requires them to construct a one line drawing while conducting your Arc Flash Analysis. They want YOU to pay for that as an additional service! While we rely on our state of the art Computers to do the electrical modeling and calculations, we do not require that you pay to obtain a One Line Diagram, it is included in our package. This lowers the cost to you significantly! |
| Q: Why can't I just use the NFPA default tables to get the information? |
| A: The regulations clearly state that an Analysis must be performed to determine these values. By performing a proper arc flash analysis by calculation, you insure that your workers are using the proper personal protection equipment ( PPE ) and other proper safety equipment is being used. OSHA will use this to determine if you have acted reasonably during an accident investigation. Keep in mind that OSHA can fine you up to $500,000 for not being in compliance.
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| Q: Why is this OSHA Arc Flash stuff so hard to understand? |
| A: Well the fact is... the OSHA stuff , while written in typical government jargon may seem a bit confusing. Most of the confusion comes from Engineering and Consultants wanting you to be confused, leading you to hire them to do the work. AND while we are one of those Engineering and consulting firms out there... HERE'S Our Promise to you:
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- We won't try to mislead you into paying for something that you don't need in order to get into compliance with these OSHA regulations. We'll give you an honest assessment of your electrical system, and do it in a way that it makes sense. We Guarantee it... That's our promise!
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| Q: What services are provided by ITU ? |
| A: Industrial Training University's dedication to providing both engineering and education services is second to none. From assisting venues such as Indiana Workforce Development's training initiative through Vincennes University, Indiana's oldest college founded by the nations ninth President William Henry Harrison. ITU has has over 100 years of experience in the Industrial Technology fields. ITU has assisted groups such as the Trident Nuclear support of the U.S. Navy, many of the Fortune 500 companies, along with colleges, power plants, and service groups across the nation. In addition to our award winning electrical training and engineering services, our engineering staff has developed and designed equipment and or courses being used by many prominent training and seminar companies along with a host of large corporate in-house training departments.
We Offer:
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- Short Circuit Analysis and Arc Fault Studies
- Complete OSHA Arc Flash Analysis with Certification
- Labeling of electrical panel as per OSHA and NFPA standards
- ANSI approved Arc Flash Labels
- Training for NFPA 70E Electrical Safety
- OSHA 40 Hazmat and Safety Training
- Arc Flash potential reduction consulting
- Mock OSHA Inspections to find violation potentials
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