Any complex electrical installation is at potential risk of an arc due to the dangerous interplay of energy and power within the components. The number of electric shock fatalities is significantly lower than the number of installers maimed by an arc.
An arc explosion can generate extreme heat up to 19,427 °C. This heat is four times hotter than the surface of the sun! It is dangerous for electricians and also potentially dangerous to other construction workers, passersby and the site.
In this piece, we take a closer look at the causes and why you should employ arc prevention practices when working on electrical systems.
What can cause an electric arc?
Several scenarios can lead to an arc. The most common are:
Faulty equipment: Any damage to transformers, switches or circuit breakers can cause an arc. It can also happen due to wear and tear, loose parts or failing insulation.
Inadvertent contact: When tools and equipment come into contact with live electrical components, it can also cause an arc. For example, imagine a technician accidentally drops tools and they come into contact with two live electrical phase wires that were not insulated. The resulting explosion could destroy the entire facility and leave the technician with life-threatening injuries.
Overheating and overloading: Overloading an electrical system with excessive voltages or prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade insulation or damage electrical components, causing this type of explosion.
