Top ten list: 10 things to know about arc flash safety to help protect your people and operation when designing your data center

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An arc flash is the explosive energy released when an
electrical fault, for instance a short circuit, causes an arc.
Arc flash event dangers include heat, flying
debris, sound, UV radiation and more.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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The mere drop of a tool or accidental contact with electrical
systems can set off an arc flash and instantly generate an
energy explosion releasing temperatures in excess
of 36,000˚F. That’s four times hotter than the sun.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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A 10,000A arc on a 480-volt circuit can have the
explosive force of 8 sticks of dynamite. Copper
expands 67,000 times its volume during an arc flash event.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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In heavy power, continuous operation industries, arc flash poses
a very real threat. Environments operating with 125 kVA or
larger transformers call for special safety measures.
Protecting personnel and equipment is everyone’s
responsibility.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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Electrical workers should know how to understand arc
flash labels and must wear the proper personal
protective equipment (PPE).
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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Two key pieces of information on the labels indicate:
• Expected incident energy which drives the proper PPE
required for protection.
• Distance a worker without PPE must work to avoid non-
curable burn.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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Reducing the time that an event persists by tripping a breaker or
blowing a fuse significantly reduces the arc flash incident energy.
Time and distance are the most controllable
variables reducing the risk of arc flash issues.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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Installing the right equipment can help mitigate arc flash
hazards. Specially designed low voltage motor control
center (MCCs) and switchgear can reduce the probability of
electrical shock and arc flash energy during maintenance.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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The most common cause of electrical accidents is human error.
A majority of mistakes occur during routine
maintenance of power system equipment or
troubleshooting controls.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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A sound policy incorporating arc flash safety solutions
protect your people and equipment,
minimizing risk and increasing uptime.
10 Things to consider about arc flash safety when designing your data center
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