Understanding and preventing the ARC flash hazard in ships
Ships should be aware of this danger and ensure that the arc flash hazard is managed Electrical systems have been used successfully for over 150 years in ships and typically the main hazard from electricity is believed to arise from electrocution. However, with the rising demand for power on ships leading to the subsequent installation of electrical power systems with high fault current levels, there is an increased potential for arc flash accidents to occur.Arc flash is an electrical discharge or a short circuit through ionised air (plasma) caused by isolation or insulation integrity failure - and also the subject of 'Marine Arc Flash', a new conference being organised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) to be held in central London on Tuesday 8 November 2011."The aim of this new conference is simple," explains IMarEST's Interim Chief Executive, Fiona Morris. "We want to raise awareness of electric arc flash within the maritime community and uncover best practice to ameliorate the risk of arc flash in ships. The arc flash hazard is beginning to be addressed in land-based industries and considerable research has gone into developing standards, which allow the calculation of heat flux and advises on ...
Read more