Electrical Power & Protection


Prioritising arc flash safety

February 2024 Electrical Power & Protection

Comtest has developed a range of thermal imaging and wireless testing tools from Fluke, designed to ensure safety is the top priority for engineers working in potentially dangerous arc flash zones. Every company’s electrical safety strategy should be based on limiting workers’ exposure to such electrical hazards as arc flash and electrocution. Fluke says the best way to keep operators out of harm’s way is to give them access to the right non-contact tools that not only protect them, but also dramatically reduce (by up to 50%) the amount of time they are required to work on live circuits in arc flash zones.

Arc flash is the light and heat created from an arc fault explosion; temperatures can reach up to 19 000°C, and are capable of igniting an operator’s clothing and burning the skin of anyone within a couple of metres. Arc flash can also melt metal, cause lung and eyesight damage, and lead to hospitalisation or even death.

Engineers and health and safety teams will be familiar with establishing arc flash boundaries and wearing arc-rated clothing and rubber-insulating gloves. However, using non-contact test and measurement tools means operators can minimise the level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required and the amount of time they need to spend inside the boundary.

One such product is Fluke’s PQ400 electrical measurement window (EMW), permanently installed into cabinets with voltage and current connections inside the panel. The PQ400 gives workers access to critical power quality and energy data while decreasing testing time and maintaining a high level of safety. Users can plug their power quality tools directly into the EMW to collect all the needed data.

Together with the safety aspect, the advantages of using the PQ400 include lower maintenance costs and reduced downtime. This is attained by making critical power quality and energy measurements without opening the panel door. The EMW also enables logging and monitoring to be done at any time without disrupting operations, while increasing measurement efficiency.

A second product, Fluke’s CV400 ClirVu window, is a permanent infrared window that provides a view of what is on the other side of a panel, without workers being exposed to live voltage or needing full PPE. It offers the most visibility into a panel for a thermal camera, simplifying the inspection process by allowing measurements to be taken without having to open a cabinet. The widest Fluke window option available also helps to reduce the time and costs involved in preventive maintenance.

Likewise, Fluke’s TiS75+ thermal camera enables operators to capture and measure heat energy emanating from a source without having to make physical contact, meaning they can see instantly what’s running too hot or too cold before anything breaks down. Offering one-handed image capture, review and save facilities, the camera helps operators keep a safe distance from an arc flash boundary. Using the Fluke Connect app allows them to compare thermal scans over time.

A fourth product, the Fluke 376 FC clamp meter, makes it possible to set up measurements and transmit the data from inside the arc flash boundary, meaning someone within 20 metres of the equipment can open the Fluke Connect app and read the figures from outside the boundary. As well as reducing the time technicians spend in the arc flash boundary, the clamp meter helps them log, trend and monitor measurements remotely so they can pinpoint intermittent faults.

Finally, the Fluke 3000FC digital multimeter is a flexible DMM allowing users to read results through the Fluke Connect app outside the arc flash boundary. Using this equipment cuts technicians’ time inside the boundary, and offers them an easy-to-read display with large digits and a bright backlight.

In summary, there is no need for engineers to put themselves in an arc blast zone if they can avoid being there. Products such as wireless and non-contact tools and remote displays can help place them as far away as possible from risk and danger, while allowing them to take accurate, instant readings that can be analysed remotely. Arc flash safety is essential, and the latest thermal imaging and wireless testing tools are the best way to offer operators maximum protection.

Product: https://bit.ly/3GosRsB


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Solar energy reimagined
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global energy sector races to meet net-zero commitments, utility-scale solar is undergoing a fundamental transformation. No longer defined by megawatt capacity alone, solar projects are now being evaluated on their ability to deliver dispatchable power, enhance grid stability, and provide critical ancillary services.

Read more...
Schneider launches new Breaker Status and Communication Module
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.

Read more...
Battery energy storage is critical to stabilise SA’s grid
Electrical Power & Protection
As the global energy transition accelerates, South Africa is quietly becoming a major player in one of the sector’s fastest-growing energy segments: battery energy storage systems.

Read more...
Reliable redundancy with the Mibbo
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
In industrial automation and control systems, uninterrupted power isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. The Mibbo M3DN Series Redundant Module steps in as the perfect solution when you need reliable 24 V DC power without the risk of single-point failure

Read more...
Rugged, industrial-Grade DIN rail
Conical Technologies Electrical Power & Protection
The Mibbo MTR960W from Conical Technologies is a high-powered, compact and reliable industrial power supply. It delivers a solid 960 watts of output power at 24 or 48?V DC, and is reliable and cost-effective.

Read more...
Schneider Electric’s microgrid enables optimised energy operations
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex product.

Read more...
Energy management pays off
Electrical Power & Protection
Onsite energy utilities such as boilers must be independently managed to achieve meaningful performance outcomes.

Read more...
Integration of power and energy management with industrial
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Water and power management form the backbone of society and the country’s industrial landscape. With infrastructure challenges, stricter environmental regulations and the need for greater operational efficiency, water and wastewater operators need to optimise their systems. This is where the integration of power and energy management and industrial automation can alleviate some of these operational challenges.

Read more...
Maintenance and health of battery storage systems
Comtest Electrical Power & Protection
How to maintain batteries.

Read more...
Software for designing high-tech
Electrical Power & Protection
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Arc Boat Company (Arc), a startup on a mission to electrify the marine industry, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to design and manufacture their high-performance, fully electric boats.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved