Facility & safety managers
Arc Flash Basics for Facility Managers
A plain-language overview of arc flash hazards, labeling and what facility teams should expect from qualified electrical contractors.
What is an arc flash?
An arc flash is a sudden release of energy caused by an electrical fault through air. It can produce intense heat, pressure and light in a fraction of a second, which is why work on or near energized equipment is tightly controlled.
Labels on your equipment
Many switchboards and panels carry arc flash labels showing incident energy or PPE category and approach boundaries. Those labels depend on an up-to-date study; changes to your system can make them inaccurate.
What to expect from your contractor
- De-energize equipment whenever feasible, using lockout/tagout
- Justify and permit any energized work in writing
- Use PPE rated for the labeled hazard
- Establish and respect approach boundaries
- Keep unqualified people clear of the work area
Good housekeeping
Keep electrical rooms clear of storage, maintain the required working clearance in front of equipment, and report damaged covers or missing labels. Ask your electrical contractor when your arc flash study was last updated.
General information only — not a substitute for an on-site evaluation by a licensed electrician. Questions? Call (816) 743-0770.