ARC CAUSES

FLASH
TWO-THIRDS of all arc flash  
incidents are  caused by worker
error, mainly by the worker
30,000 5-10 PER failing to de-energize the
EACH FACTS DAY equipment. 
STATISTICS  YEAR (US)

An arc flash occurs when an HOW OFTEN DO THEY OCCUR?

electric current passes
through air between
conductors, from a conductor
to ground  instead of its
intended path.  Despite the preventative
measures available,
THE ARC ACROSS AN AIR approximately 30,000 arc flash
GAP CAN RESULT IN incidents occur every year. Electrical systems with
TEMPERATURES AS HIGH According to a 2007 study, 5 to operating voltages over
AS  10 arc flashes occur every day 120V are susceptible to arc
in the United States. Nearly all flash incidents.
35,000 DEGREES
of these result in injuries, and
FAHRENHEIT, 4X sometimes, fatalities.  Even small errors
HOTTER THAN THE can produce arc
SURFACE OF THE flash occurrences.
SUN.

CALCULATING
THE COSTS 73%
Of arc flash occurrences  were
recorded in facilities listed as
"average" or "good" in 2007.

80% WITH THE 2017

7,000 1-2 ARC FLASH

RELATED  DEATHS
OCCUR EVERY
OF FATALITIES
ARE A RESULT OF
BURNS, NOT
NEC, ARC FLASH
PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS &
Burn injuries, as a result of DAY. SHOCK. ASSESSMENTS ARE
arc flash incidents, occur BECOMING
each year.
STANDARDIZED
THROUGHOUT THE
Arc flashes can cause PROPER USE OF AVERAGE COUNTRY.
forces greater than  PPE COULD HAVE LITIGATION COST

2,000
pounds per square foot.
PREVENTED  39%
OF ELECTRICAL
BURN INJURIES IN
2010.
TO A COMPANY
AFTER AN ARC
FLASH INCIDENT
Source: "OSHA Statistics About Arc Flashes."
Technical Skills Development, Vista College. 

IS $10 - $15 MILLION.