Eaton contributes to arc flash collaborative research project

Eaton Corp. announced a $500,000 contribution to the IEEE and NFPA Arc Flash Phenomena Collaborative Research Project.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff April 17, 2008

Eaton Corp. announced a $500,000 contribution to the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Arc Flash Phenomena Collaborative Research Project, an effort aimed at improving electrical safety standards by predicting the hazards associated with arcing faults and accompanying arc blasts.
“We are pleased to have Eaton Corporation join the growing list of sponsors for the Arc Flash project,” said Sue Vogel, director, Technical Committee Programs for the IEEE Standards Assn. “Eaton’s contribution will help expedite the work of this project to produce the data needed to advance our understanding of the arc flash phenomenon.”
According to the NFPA, an arc flash occurs “when an electric current passes through air between ungrounded conductors or between ungrounded conductors and grounded conductors.” An arc flash explosion blasts out heat equal to the surface temperature of the sun with equally devastating sound and pressure waves, blinding light, intense ultraviolet rays and gaseous toxins—all without warning, resulting in critical burns, collapsed lungs, blindness, loss of hearing, puncture wounds and possibly death.
“Arc flash safety is tremendously important to a wide range of industries and Eaton is committed to improving education and providing solutions that will help companies protect their most important assets—their people,” said Jerry Whitaker, Eaton’s vice president and president, Power Component and System Operations.