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Electrical systems with AC voltage have been shown to exhibit arc flash incident energy during faults. Are there arc flash hazards related to dc systems, such as battery banks for UPS or drives, or dc buses used in chemical processes? Methods are available to estimate arc flash energy of ac exposures, but not dc. This paper will show the basic equations for maximum power from a dc arc and the resulting estimated arc flash incident energy. Research is required to find accurate values, but until research is completed, these equations can help the engineer provide a preliminary estimate of the thermal energy values for applying protective clothing for these exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the arc flash of electrical hazards. Electrical hazards were regarded principally as electric shock or electrocution hazards. A person may not need to make a physical contact with an energized conductor to be a part of the electrical circuit and be injured by an arc flash. A victim can still be several feet away from energized conductors and still be severely injured by an intense thermal energy transfer from an electric arc. Arc hazards have been present in industrial and commercial facilities since the start of electrification. INSET: Arc Hazard Terms.