An electrician was replacing a distribution switch in the main electrical room when an arc flash happened. The man suffered arc flash burn injuries to more than 40 percent of his body. He was able to walk when firefighters arrived, but his injuries were thought to serious. He was taken to Bridgeport Hospital's burn unit by Norwalk Hospital paramedics.

Read the story in the [url='http://norwalk.dailyvoice.com/police-fire/electrician-severely-burned-norwalk-accident']Norwalk Daily Voice[/url]

Additional information in the Online Hour reported that the arc flash happened when the power was turned on after a breaker had been replaced.

Read the story [url='http://www.thehour.com/news/norwalk/contractor-suffers-serious-burns-while-working-at-norwalk-gym/article_2069bc62-8939-5882-b448-87ca5eede3a8.html']in the Online Hour[/url].

Another Arc Flash Incident Earlier In The week

There was apparently an arc blast at the Nyrstar zinc plant in Clarksville, Tennessee on Monday, June 25th. Two people injured by the blast were flown to a hospital. There is no additional information about this arc flash incident.


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Unfortunately Arc Flash incidents are always a possibility in electrical installations but we can avoid such incidents by getting proper Arc Flash analysis completed on site. The analysis will identify areas that have a high arc flash risk and develop strategies for minimising the risk associated with them. The analysis will also recommend levels of PPE appropriate for the levels of arc flash risks as different points.

Unfortunately Arc Flash incidents are always a possibility in electrical installations but we can avoid such incidents by getting proper Arc Flash analysis completed on site. The analysis will identify areas that have a high arc flash risk and develop strategies for minimising the risk associated with them. The analysis will also recommend levels of PPE appropriate for the levels of arc flash risks as different points.

Let me guess.. No meter to verify isolation?? Sad story but preventable...
A proper Arc Flash Analysis is a good start, but how about some of the basics?? Proper procedure to test for voltage?? How to use a meter? Proper calibration/cerification of the meter? Right meter for the job??

Not every site that I go to has even thought of Arc Flash studies, yet I still work on them.. Do I very isolation before working on the equipment? You bet... Personally? Every time? You bet! Until my lock is on it, I don't consider it isloated... Am I wearing the proper PPE? How would I be able to answer that, with no study done?? I wear the PPE that I have available and I treat everything as live until I can prove it isolated. Would I get my face into a main breaker that isn't safe? Not a chance.. The utility can isolate it, if I can't do it safely...

Let me guess.. No meter to verify isolation?? Sad story but preventable...
A proper Arc Flash Analysis is a good start, but how about some of the basics?? Proper procedure to test for voltage?? How to use a meter? Proper calibration/cerification of the meter? Right meter for the job??

Not every site that I go to has even thought of Arc Flash studies, yet I still work on them.. Do I very isolation before working on the equipment? You bet... Personally? Every time? You bet! Until my lock is on it, I don't consider it isloated... Am I wearing the proper PPE? How would I be able to answer that, with no study done?? I wear the PPE that I have available and I treat everything as live until I can prove it isolated. Would I get my face into a main breaker that isn't safe? Not a chance.. The utility can isolate it, if I can't do it safely...

I have found it's the small electrical contractors or one man businesses that have no idea about arc flash safety and cut corners when it comes to electrical safety in general. I asked one contractor about NFPA70E... I was told that until it's mandated to maintain his license, he's not going to worry about it. I'm sure I get some nasty replies about my comments... but it is what it is. In this state (CT) anyone with a E1 or E2 license has to take NEC refresher courses every two years. Arc flash safety is ignored in favor of latest business law and code changes. Taking it one step futher... none of the tech schools in my area devote class time to electrical safety. The tech schools are the best place to start teaching electrical safety as part of the course hopefully heading off picking up dangerous work habits.