


This will also let them know where they should begin wearing different levels of personal protection equipment. The most obvious benefit of an arc flash boundary is, as mentioned above, that people will know where the most serious risks exist. Having an arc flash boundary at this level allows people to work in the area with the understanding that if they cross the line, the danger goes up significantly. Third-degree burns are much more serious, can leave extensive scarring, and cause long term disabilities. While nobody wants to get any type of burn, second-degree burns are very treatable. approach distances calculator for energized equipment makes it easy. This energy level is sufficient to cause second-degree burns, but not third degree.Ĭalculate your minimum approach distance (MADs) Arc flash boundaries are calculated to be the distance from the equipment until the point where the energy from the arc flash would be 1.2 cal/cm2. Many people mistake an arc flash boundary for being the distance from an electrical system that an arc flash, or its heat, can cause injury to a person. These boundaries will let employees and others in the area know where the most serious danger is so they can avoid it whenever possible. To help keep those who work around electrical equipment safe, facilities need to set arc flash boundaries. Of course, anyone who comes into contact with the arc flash will also experience electrocution, which can be deadly. Anyone in the area is going to be exposed to extremely high temperatures, which can cause serious burns very quickly. They are most dangerous, however, for those who are in the immediate vicinity of where the fault occurs. Arc flashes are dangerous events that can impact an entire facility.
