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IMPROVING SAFETY IN THE DATA CENTER BY UTILISING ELECTRICAL BUSWAY ARCHITECTURE , OCPDS , AND ARC FLASH HAZARD STUDIES

Arc flashes are a dangerous on-the-job hazard in data centers . An arc flash occurs when electricity jumps , or arcs , between conductors . This can trigger an explosion that can kill or severely injure electricians and other workers , and cause major damage to a facility . However , data center owners can mitigate and significantly reduce the potential for arc flashes through a variety of methods . These include ( 1 ) better , safer design and engineering of power distribution architectures ( 2 ) use of Overcurrent Protection Devices ( OCPDs ) to stop fault currents ( 3 ) performing an arc flash hazard study in your facility , and ( 4 ) knowing the right Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) that workers must use when working on electrical equipment where an arc flash is possible .

Introduction

Arc flashes are one of the most dangerous onthe-job hazards that electrical workers face . An arc flash explosion can kill or severely injure workers , and cause massive damage in any facility that utilizes high amounts of electricity , especially in data centers .

Arc flash accidents are often triggered by a worker touching a test probe to a live electrical surface , or by a dropped tool ( i . e . electricity jumps from an open circuit to the metal blade of a screwdriver ). Other causes include sparks between gaps in insulation , dust or corrosion on a conductor surface , or equipment failure due to improper installation or use of faulty or worn-out equipment .

The OSHA “ general duty ” clause ( Title 29 , Section 5 , Duties ( A ) 1 , ( A ) 2 , and ( B )) states that by law , an employer “ Shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees .”

Data center owners have a responsibility to provide electricians and other employees with the safest work environment possible . p

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An arc flash occurs when a high-amperage fault current jumps , or arcs , through the air to the ground , or from one conductor to another . This can result in an explosion of heat and light that instantly releases tremendous amounts of energy . Arc flash temperatures can exceed 35,000 ° F ( 19,400 ° C ) – four times the temperature of the sun ’ s surface – causing potentially fatal burns or skin damage to anyone in a close proximity .

An arc flash also triggers an arc blast , which vaporizes the conductors and sends out an explosion of molten metal , shrapnel , and expanding plasma . Debris from an arc blast can travel at speeds of 700 MPH , which can kill or severely injure anyone in the blast vicinity . Also , the arc blast produces a concussion noise of up to 1.6 decibels , which may result in hearing damage or loss to workers in the facility .

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