Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of workers in various industries, particularly those involving interaction with energized electrical equipment. Among the different types of PPE, arc flash suits stand out as a critical line of defense against one of the most dangerous hazards in the electrical industry - arc flash incidents.

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that can occur when there's a sudden discharge of electricity through the air between conductors or from a conductor to the ground. The resulting explosion can generate intense heat, a pressure wave, and a shower of molten metal particles, all of which can cause severe injury or even death to anyone in close proximity.

This is where arc flash suits come in. These suits are designed to protect the wearer from the harmful effects of an arc flash. They are made from flame-resistant materials that can withstand the intense heat of an arc flash, and they cover the body to protect against burns from flying molten metal particles.

Eaton, a leading power management company, has introduced a new line of arc flash suits as part of their Bussmann series of PPE equipment. These suits are not only designed to provide the necessary protection against arc flash hazards, but they also offer the advantage of being lightweight, which increases comfort and mobility for the wearer.

In the context of arc flash safety, these suits play a crucial role. However, their effectiveness is greatly enhanced when they are part of a comprehensive approach to safety that includes modifying work practices, modifying equipment or systems, and installing new equipment. This approach, which is advocated by Eaton, aims to mitigate the risks of arc flash at multiple levels, thereby providing a safer working environment.

Bussmann series arc flash suits FAQ sheet no. 11274 (eaton.com)

Bussmann series arc flash safety PPE suit - 12 calorie (eaton.com)

ARC FLASH RATED

12, 42 and 46 cal/cm2

CONFORMITY CERTIFIED

ANSI/ISEA 125 Level 2

ARC FLASH PPE RATED

Category 1 through 4

12 CALORIE ARC FLASH SUIT

• Hard hat and face shield

• Coverall with zip front

• Balaclava to cover face and neck

• Nylon storage bag

Suit specifications

• Arc flash rated 12 cal/cm2

• Meets ANSI/ISEA 125 Level 2 Conformity

• Meets Arc Flash PPE Category 2

• Hard hat is rated Type 1 Class C, G and E

• Face shield is made from durable polycarbonate and has both anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings

• Face shield features a nearly clear grey color for 100% true color acuity

• Coverall and balaclava are made from flame-resistant fabrics

• Optional shield-mounted light is available for increased visibility in dark spaces

• All components made in the USA

40 CALORIE ARC FLASH SUIT

• Hood

• Coat

• Bib overalls

Suit specifications

• Arc flash rated 46 cal/cm2

• Meets ANSI/ISEA 125 Level 2 Conformity

• Meets Arc Flash PPE Category 4

• Hard hat inside hood is rated Type 1 Class C, G and E

• Hood window is made from durable polycarbonate and has both anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings

• Hood window features a nearly clear grey color for 100% true color acuity

• Hood, coat and bib overalls are made from a premium blend of ultralight, arc rated, flame-resistant fibers, lending to a superior comfort fit

• Coat has knit cuffs and front dual-stage zipper; bib overalls have adjustable suspenders

• Coat and bib overalls feature reflective day/night striping on arms and legs for increased visibility

• Optional accessories include a hood-mounted LED light and a ventiliation system for maximum visibility and comfort

• All components made in the USA

APPLICTATION REVIEW

Arc flash hazards are a critical concern in any environment where workers are interacting with energized equipment. These hazards can occur during routine maintenance, equipment installation, or even during normal operation if a fault occurs. An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a low impedance connection to the ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system. The resulting explosion can cause severe injury or even death, and can also cause significant damage to equipment.

To mitigate the risks of arc flash, Eaton provides a comprehensive suite of solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of your facility. These solutions fall into three main categories:

1. Modifying Work Practices

2. Modifying Equipment or System

3. Installing New Equipment

In the context of these solutions, the use of PPE is a critical component. Even with the best preventative measures in place, the risk of an arc flash incident can never be completely eliminated. This is where Eaton's Bussmann series arc flash suits and PPE equipment come into play. These suits provide a critical last line of defense for workers, protecting them in the event that an arc flash incident does occur.

One of the key innovations in Eaton's new Bussmann series arc flash suits is the use of lightweight materials. Traditional arc flash suits can be heavy and cumbersome, making them uncomfortable to wear for extended periods and potentially limiting the wearer's mobility. This discomfort and lack of mobility can lead to fatigue and reduced effectiveness in performing tasks, which in turn can increase the risk of accidents.

Eaton's Bussmann series arc flash suits address these issues head-on. By using lightweight materials, these suits are more comfortable to wear and allow for greater mobility. This not only improves the wearer's comfort but also their ability to perform tasks safely and effectively. Despite their lightweight construction, these suits still provide the necessary protection against arc flash hazards, meeting ANSI/ISEA 125 Level 2 Conformity and Arc Flash PPE Category standards.

In addition to the suits themselves, Eaton also offers a range of other lightweight PPE equipment, including electrical gloves and a tool kit. This ensures that your team has all the gear they need to work safely on equipment, without the burden of heavy, uncomfortable PPE.

But Eaton Bussmann’s commitment to safety doesn't stop at providing top-notch, lightweight PPE. They also offer comprehensive training on arc flash safety and awareness, regulations, electrical hazards, and how to properly follow arc flash warning label information. This training is led by certified engineers and is ideal for maintenance staff, machine operators, electricians, supervisors, or facilities staff. By combining lightweight, comfortable PPE with comprehensive training, Eaton is helping to create safer workplaces where employees are better equipped to protect themselves against arc flash hazards. This not only reduces the risk of injury but can also lead to improved productivity and morale, as workers are able to perform their tasks more comfortably and with greater confidence in their safety.

MODERN CURRENT LIMITING FUSES AND ARC FLASH ENERGY REDUCTION

Current limiting fuses play a crucial role in enhancing electrical safety and reducing the risk of arc flash incidents. These fuses are designed to operate quickly and limit the let-through energy in the event of a fault, thereby reducing the available arc flash energy.

The operation of a current limiting fuse is based on its ability to respond to overcurrent situations faster than the typical electrical waveform can fully develop. When a fault or overcurrent condition occurs, the fuse operates to open the circuit. The speed at which this happens is so fast that it limits the fault current to a value below the peak that would have occurred if the circuit had remained closed. This rapid operation is what gives the fuse its 'current limiting' characteristic.

By limiting the fault current, these fuses also limit the amount of energy released during an arc flash incident. The energy released during an arc flash is directly proportional to the square of the fault current and the time it takes for the circuit to open. Therefore, by reducing both the fault current and the opening time, current limiting fuses significantly reduce the energy released during an arc flash.

This reduction in arc flash energy has several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the potential harm to personnel in the vicinity of the arc flash. Secondly, it reduces the potential damage to equipment. And finally, it can help to reduce downtime and the associated costs of repair and replacement of damaged equipment. Eaton's Bussmann series Low-Peak fuses are designed to provide superior protection against arc flash hazards. When used in conjunction with Eaton's lightweight arc flash suits and comprehensive training, they form part of a holistic approach to arc flash safety that aims to protect personnel, equipment, and the ongoing operations of the facility.

SERVICES FROM BUSSMANN

For an arc flash risk assessment, our team completes all five services. To update an existing arc flash risk assessment, Bussmann can perform any number or combination of these services.

• System one-line diagram, Arc flash hazard analysis: Facility safety starts with an accurate one-line diagram of With fault current and overcurrent protective device time all power sources, switching capabilities and other circuit current characteristics studies performed, an arc flash parameters. hazard assessment can be made for each designated point in the system.

• Arc flash hazard analysis: With fault current and overcurrent protective device time current characteristics studies performed, an arc flash hazard assessment can be made for each designated point in the system

• Fault current analysis : State-of-the-art engineering software is used for a fault Arc flash hazard label production current analysis to determine, at designated points, the Proper equipment warning labels to ensure compliance available fault current levels. with codes and safety standards by marking key safety parameters.

• Overcurrent protective device analysis: Evaluating operating characteristics of overcurrent protective devices, including relays, fuses and circuit breakers determines how they interact and the level of protection they provide.

• Arc flash hazard label production Proper equipment warning labels to ensure compliance with codes and safety standards by marking key safety parameters.

TRAINING

With ever-increasing requirements of CSA C22.1, CSA Z462, and OHS for a safe workplace, we’re here to help you. Bussmann experts provide training to help improve electrical safety and meet regulatory requirements. Your electrical workers are trained on electrical safety and awareness, regulations, electrical hazards and how to properly follow arc flash warning label information. Led by a certified engineer, our training options are ideal for maintenance staff, machine operators, electricians, supervisors, or facilities staff. Professional Development Hours (PDHs) are given upon completion of the 4-hour and 8-hour sessions only.

Arc flash safety services and training brochure no. 11267 (eaton.com)

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