What is an Electrical Arc Flash?

2009 NFPA 70E® Annex K.3:

“When an electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors or between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors, the temperatures can reach 35,000°F.”

Electrical Arc Flash Hazards Release:

Thermal Energy – 3 ½ times the temperature of the sun
Acoustical Hazard – The sound wave can exceed 140 to 165 dB. Exposure to a single event of such magnitude can permanently damage hearing.
Visual Hazard – blinding light can cause severe eyesight damage
Pressure Wave – As much as 600 PSI on an exposed individual working within 2’ of an arc flash source
Molten Metal Debris – From the electrical equipment (copper, aluminum, etc…); in an arc flash event, the heat turns copper into a plasma state and expands to 67,000 times its solid state.