Arc flash is deadly. Yet, ask your data center technicians and electricians about arc flash, and you’ll likely hear one or two misconceptions. When working in a highly energized environment, it’s crucial your workers know how to separate fact from fiction. Acting on one of the many myths surrounding arc flash could have fatal consequences.
One common myth we often hear is that newer electrical equipment is safer and easier to use which reduces arc flash risk. On the surface, it sounds logical. But, that isn’t the reality.
While modern equipment may offer advanced safety features or be a safer alternative to using damaged equipment, it does not automatically reduce the risks associated with highly energized equipment or environments.
Newer equipment is often synonymous with higher-density electrical systems and increased power loads. Both of these can pose increased arc flash risks, regardless of how new or advanced the equipment is.
Let’s debunk the myth that newer equipment equates to reduced arc flash risk and explore how you can actually minimize arc flash risk in data centers.
A brief lesson in arc flash
Arc flash is a sudden, dangerous release of energy caused by an electrical fault that can result in serious injury, equipment damage, costly downtime — and even fatalities.
Arc flash is a key concern in data centers where power density is high and the entire business operation relies on the uninterrupted running of electrical systems.
While many people assume that newer equipment reduces arc flash risk, several factors can still trigger an arc flash. From human error to electrical faults, inadequate system design, or poor maintenance and training practices, arc flash can still occur regardless of equipment age.
Understanding and mitigating arc flash risk is essential for any data center, no matter how advanced the facilities may be.
Why newer data center equipment doesn’t guarantee safety
Modern electrical systems and newer data center equipment may come with improved safety features, but that doesn’t mean they eliminate the inherent dangers present in high-energy environments. The increased power capacity, complexity, and density of newer equipment could heighten the risk if not properly managed.
Placing blind confidence in new data center equipment could lead you to let down your guard and neglect to follow basic electrical safety procedures. Even when using new data center equipment, electrical safety should be a top priority within your data center.
Here’s why newer equipment alone isn’t a safeguard against arc flash incidents…
We’ve seen several cases of facilities managers equipping their data center with the newest electrical equipment thinking this will reduce their risk of arc flash. In reality, this isn’t enough to prevent the risk of arc flash. You still need to perform the same risk assessments, follow the appropriate procedures for electrical safety, and ensure staff are trained and well protected with arc flash rated PPE… to name a few ways to properly manage arc flash risks.
Victoria Steventon Paterson, Global Arc Flash Manager, Skanwear
False sense of security
Complacency is dangerous — especially when you work in a data center. Relying solely on new equipment to reduce arc flash is a risky approach to take to electrical safety.
New equipment is no substitute for comprehensive safety practices. Make sure you mitigate risk by conducting thorough risk assessments whenever new equipment is installed. These risk assessments should be performed regardless of the age or perceived safety of your equipment.
After installing new equipment, ensure it’s properly labeled in accordance with NFPA 70E guidelines. These labels warn employees of electrical hazards, including the potential for arc flash incidents. At a minimum, arc flash labels should state the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary, and at least one of the following:
- Available incident energy and corresponding working distance
- Minimum arc rating of clothing
- Site-specific level of PPE
Arc flash labels should be applied in a prominent position on the outside front cover of equipment, except for panelboards where they can be placed inside the door.
Ensure employees wear arc-flash rated PPE whenever they are working on electrical equipment, regardless of whether it is brand new or legacy equipment.
Complexity of modern electrical systems
Upgrading legacy data center equipment to newer systems isn’t the most straightforward task. With the potential to unintentionally introduce new risks, upgrading legacy systems needs to be handled with care.
Modern electrical systems are often designed to be user-friendly. Yet, they also pose challenges of higher fault currents and increased energy levels. This is even more apparent in data centers that demand high capacity and rack density levels.
New equipment may also add another layer of complexity for your data center technicians if it introduces intricate circuit designs or unfamiliar electrical systems. If your staff aren’t familiar with how to safely use new equipment or electrical systems, it increases the risk of human error. Mitigate this risk by ensuring all staff receive thorough training on new systems.
Be sure to uphold equipment maintenance practices and avoid overloading the electrical system too.
Manufacturing, design, and installation flaws
Finally, new equipment isn’t immune to manufacturing defects, design flaws, or improper installation — all of which can increase arc flash risk. Even the latest technology can have hidden vulnerabilities that may lead to devastating incidents if not identified and addressed early.
To prevent risks associated with manufacturing, design, and installation flaws, ensure equipment is always installed by trained professionals who follow industry standards and best practices. Thoroughly inspect any new equipment for potential defects. Don’t forget to conduct a risk assessment on new equipment, and again at least every five years after that.
How to minimize arc flash risks
Keep arc flash risks at a minimum by avoiding complacency. Even with new equipment in place, you can never rest on your laurels where electrical safety is concerned. Regular maintenance is a core step in reducing arc flash risk, ensuring all equipment in your data center facility remains in top condition.
Continuous, up-to-date training is also critical. Ensure your data center workers’ training credentials are up-to-date to prepare them to effectively identify, mitigate, and respond to any risks. As well as training, make sure they have appropriate PPE and adhere to relevant safety standards, such as NFPA 70E or IEC 61482, when working on or near energized equipment.
Regular risk assessments and safety audits should be part of routine operations within your data center. This regular assessment ensures ongoing compliance and lets you catch any emerging risks before they become a serious threat.
Don’t get caught in an arc flash fallacy – new equipment doesn’t mean it’s safer
Myths usually sound too good to be true for a reason. Remember, relying on new equipment alone won’t eliminate arc flash risks in data centers. Modern electrical systems can introduce new complexities and hazards, making it essential to always be proactive when electrical safety is involved.
Regular maintenance, thorough risk assessments, proper training, following safety standards, and using the correct arc flash PPE are all core components of protecting your data center team and facilities.
For more electrical safety insights and best practices for data centers, download our Electrical Safety Issues in Data Centers eBook today.
