I used to do meter work for the Power Company. I was taught that an arc flash would reach 40,000 degrees (F or C doesn’t matter, don’t ask), and could instantly vaporize tool-steel.
I have a melted pair of pliers to prove it. Luckily, I was probably the only worker who actually used my PPE and was fine.
I guess folks in this thread are talking about different voltages, because I don’t understand how proper PPE can protect you from something that will vaporize your clothes and set you on fire.
Not remotely an expert. While the numbers are crazy big, the time tends to be short. The ppe doesn’t have to survive thousands of degrees for more than a fraction of a second. Also it has to route the charge through itself rather than you. Finally, for certain death scenarios successfully working ppe doesn’t mean unscathed, it means still alive with reasonable recovery chances.
I used to do meter work for the Power Company. I was taught that an arc flash would reach 40,000 degrees (F or C doesn’t matter, don’t ask), and could instantly vaporize tool-steel.
I have a melted pair of pliers to prove it. Luckily, I was probably the only worker who actually used my PPE and was fine.
I guess folks in this thread are talking about different voltages, because I don’t understand how proper PPE can protect you from something that will vaporize your clothes and set you on fire.
Not remotely an expert. While the numbers are crazy big, the time tends to be short. The ppe doesn’t have to survive thousands of degrees for more than a fraction of a second. Also it has to route the charge through itself rather than you. Finally, for certain death scenarios successfully working ppe doesn’t mean unscathed, it means still alive with reasonable recovery chances.
That makes sense, thanks!