The importance of conducting arc flash studies for critical facilities cannot be overstated. These assessments are essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems, particularly in environments where even a minor disruption can lead to significant consequences. Arc flash incidents can result in severe injuries, equipment damage, and costly downtime, making it crucial for facility managers to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks.
Working with a trusted partner for arc flash studies is equally important. Experienced professionals, like Hunt Electric’s Engineering and Special Projects teams, bring the necessary expertise, up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, and a deep understanding of specific facility requirements. They can accurately assess the electrical infrastructure, provide tailored recommendations, and ensure that safety protocols not only meet but exceed compliance standards. This collaboration helps optimize protection strategies, ensuring critical operations remain uninterrupted and your staff remains safe.
What is an Arc Flash?
The NFPA 70E, an electrical safety manual, defines an arc flash as a dangerous condition characterized by the sudden release of intense energy. Simply put, an arc flash happens when an electrical arc passes through the air, typically between phases or from phase to ground. An arc flash releases heat, reaching temperatures up to 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit—three times hotter than the sun’s surface! It also releases light, pressure, and sound, making it a severe hazard. This extreme release of energy is dangerous and destructive, so being prepared is key to mitigating risks associated with arc flashes.
Arc Flash Risk Assessment
For your business' and employees' safety, mitigating or eliminating electrical hazards before they happen is vital. We recommend conducting an Arc Flash Risk Assessment every five years or when your system undergoes major updates or changes. Hunt Electric follows a standardized process to assess and manage future updates or changes effectively. Our in-house Engineering Division, in collaboration with our Service technicians, conducts initial surveys and gathers data on your electrical systems to assess risks and determine incident energy levels and boundaries. We then use our advanced software to analyze the collected data. This technological approach gives us the insight to label all equipment with necessary safety information, including incident energy levels, PPE requirements, and hazard risk categories. Hunt generates reports, updates safety programs, and offers employee training to keep your business up to date—and your employees safe.
How Can You Protect Your Business?
Scheduling an Arc Flash Risk Assessment is an excellent place to start. We recommend conducting an Arc Flash Analysis every five years or after significant system changes to identify and address potential issues needing repair and evaluate additional safety requirements. Hunt Electric’s analysis will ensure that all equipment is well-maintained and stable to minimize risk from an arc flash event. We also analyze protective device settings and maintenance conditions to reduce risk. Hunt’s team will help you develop and maintain an ongoing maintenance plan to lessen or prevent damage during an electrical event. Plan for regular maintenance procedures and safety reviews to ensure continued effectiveness.
Educating yourself and your employees about the risks of an arc flash event can prevent injuries and save lives. Hunt Electric can assist your business in creating and implementing electrical safety programs for ongoing safety and risk mitigation. We understand the need for training and education, so we offer Arc Flash Hazard and Arc Flash Hazard Analyses training and provide advice on implementing safe work practices. We also offer advice on supplying your team with appropriate PPE. Our training ensures that your employees understand the risks of electrical system hazards and the need for emergency procedures.
We recommend incorporating power recovery strategies in your overall disaster recovery plan to minimize the damage an outage can cause to your facility and business. If an outage occurs due to an arc flash, collaborating with Hunt Electric can help you prepare for temporary equipment needs and establish agreements for quick access to generators or other essential equipment.
How Can Hunt Electric Help?
Hunt Electric offers expert services in managing power outages and arc flash risks. Our in-house Engineering team, in collaboration with our electrical technicians, helps our clients through a thorough Arc Flash Hazard Analysis, assessing risk, providing accurate labeling, and implementing safety protocols. Hunt Electric also assists with backup power solutions, stocking essential parts, and integrating power recovery when necessary. We provide Arc Flash Safety training, recommend appropriate PPE, and provide ongoing support to ensure safety programs remain up to date.
When you partner with Hunt Electric, you’re not just investing in safety—you’re building a resilient electrical foundation for your business. With our 24/7 service team, you can protect your business and employees, knowing your safety and risk management are in expert hands around the clock.
