Intelligent Power Today Magazine

15 arc flash mitigation strategies for the data center

BY DAVID G. LOUCKS, Eaton Corporation

Arc flashes—the fiery explosions that can result from short circuits in high-power electrical devices—kill hundreds of workers in the U.S. every year and permanently injure thousands more. They can also wreak financial havoc in the form of fines, lawsuits and damage to expensive equipment. Yet, many data center operators are perilously unfamiliar with both the causes of arc flash events and the serious dangers they pose. This feature focuses on arc flash mitigation strategies to improve arc flash safety in data centers.

As we previously...

IEEE Method Vs. the NFPA 70E Tables: Evaluating arc flash analysis methods

BY REZA TAJALI, Schneider Electric

Recent changes in workplace safety regulations have heightened the awareness of hazards associated with electrical arcs. The hazard level must be quantified and workers properly protected before entering proximity of exposed energized conductors. National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standard 70E: “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” provides the guidelines for work involving electrical hazards and the selection of arc flash protective equipment.

In order to select the protective gear properly, one must have knowledge of the potential thermal energy of the electric...