An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low impedance connection to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. The light and heat produced from an arc flash can cause substantial damage, fire and injury. An arc fault is the most catastrophic event that can occur in an electrical enclosure, with temperatures that can reach or exceed 19 000°C at the arc terminal. The massive energy released in the fault rapidly vaporises the metal conductors, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward with exceptional force.
There are many methods of protecting personnel from arc flash hazards, which can include personnel wearing arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) or modifying the design and configuration of electrical equipment.
A complete solution portfolio
Dehnarc is a modular arc fault protection system for low-voltage distribution boards in transformer stations, which protects persons from the effects of an arc fault during live working. The system detects arc faults in an installation and immediately causes a short circuit, which trips the upstream over-current protective devices. Consequently, the incident energy is considerably reduced.
Dehn’s portfolio of PPE, known as Dehncare, includes an arc-fault-tested protective suit and a jacket for use in switchgear installations. After safety helmets and protective gloves, protective suits and jackets constitute the third most important component for reducing the risk of arc flash injury whilst working on electrical installations. The two-part protective suit and the jacket protect workers from the thermal effects of an arc fault when working on electrical installations. Whilst the materials used must provide maximum protection and excellent wearing comfort, it is also important that they do not continue to burn after the extinction of an arc and also that they do not release any toxic or corrosive elements.
Within the Dehncare range, this is ensured by breathable leather and neoprene materials which have already been used for the protective gloves. Thanks to their flame-retardant lining and the reflective strips, the protective suit and jacket provide comprehensive protection. The zip and hook-and-loop fasteners are also made of flame-retardant material.
All equipment has been rigorously tested in standardised tests proving their efficiency in the event of an arc fault. Dehncare meets and exceeds all criteria laid out in the guideline for the selection of personal protective equipment when exposed to the thermal effects of an electric fault arc published by the ISSA (International Social Security Association). It also provides a higher degree of protection than required by the International Electrotechnical Commission’s 61482-1-2 standard on protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc.
Read more...Why utilities must prioritise maintenance of SA’s remote data Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
The story of power generation is more than meets the eye. Beyond energy distribution and the infrastructure are invisible, point of presence data centres located the remotest parts of our country that play a fundamental role in keeping systems running
Read more...The house that revolutionises substations WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Traditional substations have major drawbacks in terms of their construction and resilience. One solution is the E-house, a prefabricated, customised and transportable steel structure designed to house a range of electrical and automation equipment.
Read more...Localised inverter-integrated transformer
Electrical Power & Protection
ACTOM, South Africa’s largest manufacturer, repairer and distributor of electromechanical equipment, is launching a breakthrough in renewable energy integration with its localised inverter-integrated transform
Read more...ABB innovation for energy efficiency and sustainability
Electrical Power & Protection
The application of sensor technology to reduce the operational and standby power losses of traditional current and voltage transformers can lead to energy savings of 181 MWh over a 30-year period, the lifetime of a typical switchboard in the African environment.
Read more...UPS systems are key to keeping SA’s automotive industry up and running Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
During loadshedding, PLCs and OT systems often fail, not because they are directly tied to the factory’s core manufacturing process, but because they are now an integral part of IT infrastructure. When an IT system shuts down, the impact is far more complex than simply restarting machinery.
Read more...ACTOM advances energy infrastructure
Electrical Power & Protection
At this critical juncture where South Africa is poised to modernise its power infrastructure, ACTOM’s Engineering Projects and Contracts (EPC) Division showcased its capabilities for the first time at Enlit Africa 2025.
Read more...Advanced contactor solution to revolutionise motor management Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched the TeSys Deca Advanced, an advanced contactor solution designed to revolutionise motor management with unparalleled efficiency, reliability, simplicity and sustainability.
Read more...Steaming ahead with boiler skills development
Electrical Power & Protection
As an expert in steam and boiler operations and maintenance, AES is very focused on safety, quality, technology advancement and the development of human capital. The company invests heavily in training and the promotion of talented people on an equal opportunity basis into the industrial operations environment.
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.
printer friendly version