The following are definitions of terms we use often throughout our website when discussing Arc Flash Analysis and NFPA 70E. These definitions are gathered from the 2012 Edition NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Arc Flash Hazard – A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc.
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis – A study investigating a worker’s potential exposure to arc flash energy, conducted for the purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices, arc flash boundary, and the appropriate levels of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Arc Flash Suit – A complete arc-rated clothing and equipment system that covers the entire body, except for the hands and feet.
Arc Flash Boundary – When an arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit at a distance from a prospective arc source within which a person could receive a second degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur.
Electrical Hazard – A dangerous condition such that contact or equipment failure can result in electric shock, arc flash burn, thermal burn, or blast.
Electrical Safety – Recognizing hazards associated with the use of electrical energy and taking precautions so that hazards do not cause injury or death.
Electrically Safe Work Condition – A state in which an electrical conductor or circuit part has been disconnected from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested to ensure the absence of voltage, and grounded if determined necessary.
Incident Energy – The amount of energy impressed on a surface, a certain distance from the source, generated during an electrical arc event. One of the units used to measure incident energy is calories per centimeter squared (cal/cm2).
Incident Energy Analysis – A component of an arc flash hazard analysis used to predict the incident energy of an arc flash for a specified set of conditions.
Shock Hazard – A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by contact or approach to energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.