ONLY YOU Can Prevent Office Fires

It seems like something out of an action movie. In just a fraction of a second, a tremendous blast of concentrated energy pulses through the air, releasing an incredible wave of heat and sending shards of debris flying. But this is no special effect. This is an arc flash, a hazard faced by many workers in the electric industry and a threat to any electrical system.

Arc flashes can be triggered by a variety of causes. Aging electrical systems which accumulate dust and water can break down insulation and fail. Electrical connections can loosen over time, resulting in serious overheating and thermal runaway. Human error can also come into play if your building’s electrical system is undergoing maintenance. Working on electrical equipment which has not been de-energized can cause arc flashes.

The consequences of an arc flash can be devastating. Individuals near the blast can incur severe burns from the intense heat and be thrown backward by its force. The explosion can also damage the building’s electrical equipment or cause a fire. Extensive downtime, let alone the repair or replacement of electrical equipment, can be costly.

In light of such dangerous occurrences, the National Electrical Code has added arc flashes to its list of safety concerns. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E-2004 has implemented new regulations which guide companies in developing safety procedures for arc flash hazards.

Want to avoid a fireball of a mistake, but need some guidance? Pieper can help bring your electrical system up to NFPA 70E compliance standards. As your professional electrical contractor, you can rely on us to implement an arc flash analysis to determine the proper safety precautions for your company. This analysis is crucial for the safety of your workers, the company and its future.