One of the first steps in performing an arc flash hazard calculation study is to request the short-circuit data from the electric utility company. This information is critical because it defines the magnitude of current that could flow from the utility and is used as a starting point for arc flash calculations. READ MORE
Jim Phillips
Freelance Writer
Jim Phillips, P.E., founder of www.brainfiller.com and www.ArcFlashForum.com, conducts training programs around the world and is author of the book “Complete Guide to Arc Flash Hazard Calculation Studies.” He is Secretary of the IEEE 1584 Arc Flash Working Group as well as many other national and international standards organizations. Reach him at jphillips@brainfiller.com.
Articles by Jim Phillips
September 2012
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OUCH! I can’t believe I just did that. While trimming the hedge at home one afternoon, I moved the orange extension cord around one of the bushes. Simple enough—being a very safety conscious person, I wanted to ensure I did not accidently cut it. As I grabbed the cord, I felt an unexpected surprise. The painful buzz in my hand said it all. I had just received an electric shock. READ MORE
July 2012
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It happened once again! In one of my training programs, someone asked the all-too-familiar question, “What color should arc flash warning labels be?” It’s no wonder people are confused. This question could have more than one answer. READ MORE
June 2012
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A few months ago, I was driving home from the Los Angeles area and suddenly found myself surrounded by thousands of wind turbines lining both sides of Interstate 10. Even though I have made this trip many times, I am still in awe at the scale of it all. READ MORE
May 2012
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Plato, the Greek philosopher, had it right almost 2,500 years ago. He is widely credited for the quote, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” When it comes to arc flashes, many creative methods have been developed out of necessity to reduce or eliminate these potentially deadly hazards. READ MORE
May 2012
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The famous phrase “The more things change, the more they stay the same” has never been further from the truth than when it comes to NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Many changes occur with each new edition in an effort to continually improve electrical safety. READ MORE
March 2012
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The term “working distance” appears 20 times in the 2012 Edition of NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It appears 12 more times in the annexes. The working distance is an important component of the arc flash hazard analysis and is frequently listed on arc flash warning labels and in the arc flash report. READ MORE
January 2012
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Happy New Year! Even though we are only a few weeks into the new year, NFPA celebrated 2012 several months ago with the introduction of the ninth edition of NFPA 70E, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. READ MORE
