With extensive electrical engineering experience, Brite Engineering is proficient at analyzing electrical systems for potential arc flash hazards. We provide our clients with precise information and education in order to comply with NFPA electrical safety codes. A professional arc flash analysis is an investment to prevent catastophic damage and injuries, and provide a safe work environment.

What is an arc flash hazard?

During normal operation, electricity flows through specified conductors. When two conductors are next to each other, there is a potential for electricity to jump from one wire to another. Corrosion, lack of insulation, dust/air impurities may cause this to occur, or an employee may accidentally touch two conductors at one time or place a tool down, bridging the gap.

The flash occurs when the arc fault heats up the conductor to the point of explosion. Copper will consume 67,000 times more space when exploding compared to water, and the explosion is fast and powerful. The flash can produce sound waves, debris, and temperatures close to 35,000 °F. At this temperature, every known metal is vaporized, and sound waves produced can be above 130dB. Arc flash accidents cause devastating injuries to employees and millions of dollars in damage to businesses every day. An arc flash analysis is crucial for personnel safety, and compliance with NFPA 70E codes.

Why employ an engineering firm to deal with arc flash?

Arc flash hazards leave no room for error, and registered engineering firms are obligated to be accurate with calculations and conclusions. Engineering firms are qualified to assess electrical systems accurately, where do-it-yourself packages are susceptible to errors and liability. Engineering firms are licensed, insured, and have the protective equipment necessary to verify the characteristics of on-site electrical devices. It is important to choose a firm that is experienced with electrical distribution system design, and the techniques of performing the complex calculations required.

How can Brite Engineering help?

Brite Engineering conducts a site visit with every arc flash hazard project. We do this to verify all characteristics of electrical devices on site. Our on-site verification helps to minimize the time spent by an employed maintenance worker who might be unfamiliar with electricity and the devices and reduce possible communication mistakes. Since we are licensed and registered, we are responsible for completing an accurate analysis. We then take this data and analyze it to create an arc flash hazard one-line diagram. This diagram shows the arc flash hazard boundary distances, arc flash hazard incident energy, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for each respective electrical device.

Brite Engineering provides two additional services while providing arc flash hazard analyses. The first follows the calculations with a process called arc flash hazard mitigation. This includes performing a coordination study on the electrical devices and adjusting certain characteristics to help minimize, or possibly eliminate, arc flash hazard potential. Secondly, during the arc flash hazard analysis, we will hold a training session for employees to educate them about the arc flash phenomenon and safe electrical work practices to follow.