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Controls against risk of Arc Flash from electrical fault
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Walsh27331  
#1 Posted : 12 August 2011 15:40:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Walsh27331
We a fire recently in a LV switchroom where the front was blown off a panel. Fortunetly there was nobody in the area. This panel undergoes a thermographic survey every 6mths with no indiction of faults. An investigation is ongoing and the cause appears to relate to an installation error. All panels are being checked.

How do we guard against the risk of a similar incident where a person may be working at the panel?
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paul.skyrme  
#2 Posted : 12 August 2011 17:53:52(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme
Walsh,
I would need more info before I could comment.
This was definitely an LV panel as defined say in BS7671?
Was it at the origin of the supply.
What was the prospective fault current at the panel incomer?
As a start anyway!
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Zimmy  
#3 Posted : 12 August 2011 17:54:13(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Zimmy
Wait for the results of the investigation and start from there. A thermographic survey will not show any installation problems just over heating due to load or poor contacts.

A periodical installation report nd/or a maintenance program needs to be considered.

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Walsh27331  
#4 Posted : 15 August 2011 14:14:12(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Walsh27331
paul.skyrme wrote:
Walsh,
I would need more info before I could comment.
This was definitely an LV panel as defined say in BS7671?
Was it at the origin of the supply.
What was the prospective fault current at the panel incomer?
As a start anyway!



Hi Paul,

Yes it is as per the definition to the best of my knowledge. I am unsure offhand as to what is the current level.
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Walsh27331  
#5 Posted : 15 August 2011 14:31:44(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Walsh27331
zimmy wrote:
Wait for the results of the investigation and start from there. A thermographic survey will not show any installation problems just over heating due to load or poor contacts.

A periodical installation report nd/or a maintenance program needs to be considered.




Thanks for the feedback
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paul.skyrme  
#6 Posted : 16 August 2011 21:10:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paul.skyrme
Walsh,
I think you need to undertake some more investigations then the fault level should be documented on the Electrical Installation Certificates for that section of your installation, if you do not have these then you may have a much bigger problem!

If you need help I know 2 IOSH members more than qualified to provide you with the support you need ;)
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