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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 authors and their colleagues have used the methods in IEEE 1584 "Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations" to complete electrical hazard assessments for over 90 industrial sites, from small warehouse and office facilities to large chemical plants. This paper provides analysis of the results of those assessments, with an emphasis on the safety improvements that were made in design, work practices, and application of personal protective equipment. Modifying electrical equipment design, choosing good work practices, and applying sound engineering judgment can help to minimize arc flash hazard exposures and reduce costs due to injury and process downtime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1960, a large global chemical company began documenting and implementing requirements for preventing injuries from electric arc flash hazards, including appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods evolved from requiring a 100% natural fiber long-sleeve shirt for a specific task to a detailed analysis with multiple flame-resistant clothing options. This paper compares the PPE required by these methods, based on hazards analysis in more than 65 manufacturing and laboratory facilities. The total costs for the example company are estimated for each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]