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12 Fluke Corporation Concerned about arc-flash and electric shock?

Conclusions

An electrical thermographer must work closely

with live energized equipment and be aware of

the dangers of this environment.

In addition to the obvious hazard of electrocu-

tion, workers must be particularly aware of the

dangers of arc flash and arc blast events. Up to

77 % of all electrical injuries are caused by arc

flash incidents. It is important to remember that

NFPA 70E does not protect personnel against

the effects of arc blast.

An arc flash is an explosive discharge result-

ing from a compromise of the insulation

between two conductors or a conductor and

ground. The event is characterized by its high

temperature plasma and this can cause seri-

ous burns and other injuries to an unprotected

worker several feet from the equipment.

NFPA 70E is the leading internationally rec-

ognized safety standard for arc flash prevention

and protection. The guidelines recommend a

thorough arc flash hazard analysis to establish

the nature and magnitude of the hazard, calcu-

late the shock and flash protection boundaries,

and identify the appropriate protective clothing

and personal protective equipment required for

‘Live’ work. Warning labels on the equipment

must identify the hazard and summarize this

information.

The use of windows can limit the exposure

of a thermographer to energized equipment,

reduce the hazards of both electrocution and arc

flash and significantly reduce the need for bulky

PPE. It is important that inspection equipment is

constructed from suitable arc-resistant materi-

als although there is currently no internationally

recognized standard covering their manufacture.

For electrical inspections via a crystal

window, the indicated temperature reading on

the camera will almost certainly be lower than

that of that target. Due to the consistent manner

associated with the error, quantitative measure-

ments are possible as long as the camera and

crystal window are paired. This is generally a

one-time requirement as window transmission

is consistent for each model.

Conversely, a mesh/polymer optic cannot

be used for quantitative inspection because of

inconsistent transmission. This results from the

mesh deflection angle and the differing reflec-

tivity of the mesh material and polymer optic

material. The thermographer may be able to

correct for transmission in a lab using a one-

time set of parameters but the poor performance

of the mesh/polymer and lack of repeatability

means that the this optic solution cannot be cor-

rected for in a manner that is acceptable.

When selecting an IR Window, window or

port an end-user must consider the electri-

cal implications of the installation and insist

on third party certification to back up any

manufacturer claims. Potential mistakes such as

installing a Type 1 component into a NEMA 4

panel could cost thousands of dollars in repairs

due to leakage and equipment failure.

Finally, an optic material that may melt during

an arc flash and cause contact burns could be

more hazardous to a thermographer than simply

having the panel open for the measurements. A

true arc-tested optic should be used in order to

demonstrate due diligence.

For more information please visit www.fluke.

com/irwindows or call 1-800-760-4523.

Fluke Corporation

PO Box 9090, Everett, WA 98206 U.S.A.

Fluke Europe B.V.

PO Box 1186, 5602 BD

Eindhoven, The Netherlands

For more information call:

In the U.S.A. (800) 443-5853 or

Fax (425) 446-5116

In Europe/M-East/Africa +31 (0) 40 2675 200 or

Fax +31 (0) 40 2675 222

In Canada (800)-36-FLUKE or

Fax (905) 890-6866

From other countries +1 (425) 446-5500 or

Fax +1 (425) 446-5116

Web access: http://www.fluke.com

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Printed in U.S.A. 9/2010 3527077C A-EN-N

Modification of this document is not permitted

without written permission from Fluke Corporation.

Fluke. Not just infrared.

Infrared you can use.

™