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

How Long?
July 2010
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Safety
Knowing how long an arc flash could last is the most important piece of information in predicting its severity. The duration is usually dependent on how fast an upstream protective device will trip. The longer it takes, the greater the incident energy and resulting hazard. Time current curves How can you predict how long it takes a device to trip? READ MORE
Working Backward
May 2010
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Safety
Would you like to know a little secret about how to simplify an arc flash calculation study? Perform the study backward. Well, not actually backward, it just seems that way. READ MORE
Catch-22
March 2010
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Safety
A Catch-22 occurs when circumstances emerge that place one in a no-win situation; let’s take a look at an arc flash safety Catch-22. The best way to eliminate an arc flash hazard is to place electrical equipment into an electrically safe working condition, which requires interaction with the equipment, which may create an arc flash hazard, which is what we are trying to eliminate. Confused? READ MORE
Every Statistic Has a Name
January 2010
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Safety
Right in front of you on the switchboard, a bright orange label reads: “WARNING Arc Flash Hazard, Appropriate PPE Required.” As you look closer at the label, you also see: “6.5 cal/cm2 at a working distance of 18 inches.” READ MORE
The Big Bang: Arc Flash Hazards
November 2009
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Safety
When a bomb goes off, the further you are from the explosion, the safer you will be. This same concept applies to arc flash hazards. Whether you are a properly protected and qualified person performing the work or just an observer, the distance between you and the arc flash can make all the difference in the world. Distance and the electrical worker READ MORE
Read the Label
September 2009
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Safety
Read the label? Use as directed? It sounds like I’m reading a prescription bottle. However, the warning label produced from an arc flash calculation study contains more than just the words “Warning! Arc Flash and Shock Hazard!” It actually holds a lot of very specific information that can be used when preparing for work where electrical hazards may exist. What is really required? READ MORE
Arc Flash—Unplugged
July 2009
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Safety
Dynamite, gasoline, gunpowder and electricity: What do these have in common? Each one can explode. Something as simple as the slip of a screwdriver can cause the electric power system to act like a bomb. READ MORE
How Did We Get Here?
May 2009
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Safety
It seems like the more you attempt to learn about arc flash and electrical safety, the more confusing it becomes. A mixture of -letters such as OSHA, NFPA 70E, NEC, IEEE 1584, ASTM F1506 seem to be the secret language used by the electrical safety industry. Who created this alphabet soup of standards, and how did we get here? READ MORE
Top 10
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Safety
You’re thinking, “I’m glad that’s finally over. Never again!” Yes, an arc flash calculation study can be quite overwhelming, especially your first one. But now the labels are on the equipment, the report has been filed away and this never-ending project is quickly becoming a faded memory. You’re finished. READ MORE

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