Arc flash can cause serious harm to personnel working with and around electrical systems, panels, and equipment. Because they happen quickly and emit extreme light and heat energy, it’s vital to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of personal harm and fire.
Paulson Manufacturing is a leading supplier of premium PPE for arc flash protection. We design and manufacture protective shields, goggles, and related safety gear for a range of hazardous work settings and materials. Our comprehensive selection of face and eye protection enhances safety and comfort while reducing risk in factories, construction sites, and anywhere electrical equipment is used.
Learn more about the dangers of arc flash, the benefits of arc flash protection, and the specialized arc flash PPE products we offer.
Dangers of an Arc Flash
An arc flash occurs when airborne electric currents travel between either two ungrounded conductors or ungrounded and grounded conductors, resulting in extremely high temperatures, sparks, light, and smoke. Temperatures can reach 35,000° F and ignite clothing, burn skin, and damage vision.
Arc flash can also cause an arc blast, which is an explosive force that may result when an arc fault occurs and creates a pressure wave. Arc blasts can exert extreme force on nearby workers, equipment, or debris, propelling them away from the blast area and causing serious injuries and damage.
Several types of errors can cause an arc flash in electric panels, including:
- Insufficient protective equipment
- Exposed wiring
- Nearby debris or conductive dust
- Leaks
- Improper installation of equipment
- Poor maintenance
- Negligence
- Inadequate training
- Lack of safety protocols
Benefits of Arc Flash Protection
Ensuring personnel have high-quality, dedicated PPE for arc flash protection is beneficial for these reasons:
Protection from Potential Explosions
In some cases, arc flashes can cause explosions if the surrounding air is ionized at the time of the flash. For instance, corrosion, dust, and other particles in the air could combust and lead to an explosion. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E guidelines, a flame-resistant (FR) layer of clothing in these environments is crucial to protect workers from explosion risks.
Safety from Heat Threats
Arc flashes can generate temperatures as high as 35,000° F, potentially burning skin, clothing, and other materials within several feet of the flash. Heat-resistant gloves, shields, and eye protection help keep workers safe from burns and other injuries.
Safety from Chemicals and Particles
If an arc blast occurs, it can result in flying debris or collisions between equipment. Depending on the materials or items in the immediate area, this can cause impact injuries, slips and falls, ignition of flammable chemicals, chemical burns or inhalation, and more.
Types of Arc Flash PPE Equipment
Arc flash PPE equipment is specialized for use in applications where the risk of sparks, heat, light flashes, and smoke from electrical equipment is high. Products from dedicated PPE equipment suppliers like Paulson are designed and manufactured to meet industry standards for functionality and comfort. Examples include:
Arc Flash Face Shields
Face shields designed for arc flash protection and flame resistance keep workers safe by protecting the head and neck areas. Available in cylindrical or toric shapes, they can be attached to hard hats, safety helmets, and hoods or shrouds with a pivoting bracket to easily raise or lower the shield. Optional anti-fog and anti-abrasion coatings are available. Our shields meet NFPA 70E guidelines to ensure safe use near electrical hazards presenting an arc flash risk.
Arc Flash Goggles and Balaclavas
Safety goggles and balaclavas also protect against the dangers of arc flashes. Both are available in designs that protect against low, medium, and high energy flashes, as measured in cal/cm2. Shatterproof goggles with non-conductive frames securely cover the wearer’s entire eye area. Balaclavas cover the face and neck with antistatic flame-resistant fabric materials including cotton, nylon, carbon, and Kevlar. They fit easily under safety helmets or hard hats and can be worn with goggles and other PPE.
Goggles and balaclavas may be purchased separately or as kits.
Premium-Quality Arc Flash PPE Equipment by Paulson
Paulson Manufacturing stands out among PPE supply companies for our commitment to quality, customer service, and end-to-end in-house production. All of our PPE product design, tooling, injection molding, machining, assembly, packaging, and shipping preparations are completed in our Temecula, CA, facility. Our team can also work with you to develop a PPE solution tailored to specific applications and personnel. We are ISO 9001 certified.
Contact us to learn more about arc flash protection equipment or request a quote to speak with a team member about your needs.