What Causes An Arc Flash?

What Causes An Arc Flash?

Slipped tools or hands
Falling parts
Dust, water, corrosion, oil
Animals
Sometimes there is no known cause
When arc flashes occur by accident, they can sometimes be caused much like the way they are
made on purpose.
An accidental slip of a tool, a loose part, or even your hand touching live parts can provide the
start the current needs to jump from one cable to the next.
Loose connections in the electrical equipment, improper installation, and parts that break and
fall are other possible triggers.
Dust, water, impurities, contamination, corrosion, oil, and grease can also provide a starting
route for the short circuit.
Even animals or bugs can get into electrical devices and start an arc flash.
Typically there is a reason for arc flash accidents, although we may not always know what it
was.