Arc Flash Risk
Special thanks to Engineering Power Solutions for the kind permission to republish
Arc flashes pose a significant hazard to electrical systems operatives. They can cause damage to equipment as well as severe injury or even death to personnel. However, with proper arc flash safety procedures in place it is possible to reduce the risk significantly.
An arc flash is a sudden discharge of energy, connecting a component through the air to the ground or to another voltage phase in the same system. This can be the result of loose connections, exposed live parts or other short circuits in faulty equipment. Careless work practices can also cause arc flashes when working on live electrical systems.
The resulting explosions produce highly dangerous intensities of heat and light.
As well as damage to electrical equipment, arc flashes can cause internal and external burns, eye injuries from intense UV light emissions, and lung damage from hot gasses or vaporised metals.
Given these hazards, it would seem vital to know how to prevent arc flashes. Yet aside from simply powering down a system, it is virtually impossible to eliminate the hazards entirely. However, it is possible to mitigate the risks, and what’s more, it is an employer’s legal duty to carry out appropriate assessments to do so.
Here are five ways to minimise the dangers posed by arc flashes.
1) Power Down Electrical Equipment Where Possible
An arc flash can only occur with live voltage, so the simplest hazard mitigation strategy is to power down the system when not in use. It should always be assumed that a system is live until it has been verified as de-energised. However, it is not always possible to carry out work on de-energised electrical equipment, and in these cases, other safety measures must be taken.
2) Ensure Safe Working Systems
A full arc flash risk assessment should be carried out on all electrical systems. It need only be conducted once in full but should be reviewed at least every five years. Reviews should also be carried out if any components are changed or other system updates are made. A professional risk assessment identifies the potential hazards in an electrical system, so that they may be properly labelled, and the risks mitigated.
3) Wear PPE
When engaging with electrical systems, workers should wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Insulated rubberised gloves give protection against electrical arcs, as well as heat and flame resistance. Head and face gear is also important to protect against high heat and light intensities, as well as impact damage from an arc flash explosion.
4) Keep a Safe Distance
Arc flashes can cause injuries at distances of up to six metres. Operators should maintain a safe distance from points of severe hazard, using remote tools or robots, as well as wearing appropriate PPE when within the calculated arc flash boundary.
5) Ensure Proper Training
Anybody working with electrical systems needs the appropriate training to understand the hazards and the requirements for safe working. This is even more important if engagement with live systems is unavoidable. Operatives need to know how to conduct a risk assessment before starting work, identifying hazardous points in the system and the appropriate working practices to mitigate them.
Speak to us today to find out more about arc flash risk mitigation, and how you can improve electrical health and safety in your workplace.
Engineering Power Solutions is a trustworthy engineering team offering personal, friendly and transparent technical services whilst continually improving engineering design efficiency. We also provide product procurement solutions, combined with our engineers technical expertise we will help you with product selection, advice and ongoing technical support throughout your project.
This is the question arc flash specialist protective clothing manufacturer, ProGARM, is asking the UK industry. The question has been posed as part of a national campaign to raise awareness around the often-fatal risk of arc flash injury.
The campaign sees ProGARM calling on workers at all levels within the rail, construction, petrochemical, utilities, power generation and industrial electrical industry to share their experiences in a bid to capture a true picture of the real risk of arc flash across the UK.
Arc Flash | Polo Shirts | | Coveralls | | Sweatshirts | Helmets | Insulating Gloves
Substation Earthing for Low, Medium & High Voltage Systems
EA Technology – CPD Training
Cost: £1220
Course Duration: 3 Days
Course Location: Capenhurst, Chester
Dates: 17th-19th May 2022
CPD Information: 18 Hours
Sign Up Here: https://eatechnology.com/training/scheduled-courses/substation-courses/substation-earthing/
Introduction and Principles of Earthing in LV, MV and HV Systems
LV Earth Systems and Earth Terminals
Earth Fault Current and EPR Analysis
Introduction to Earth Standards and Company Earthing Policies
Introduction to Earthing Design
Design of Substation Earthing
Measurement Theory
Practical Measurement Exercise
Analysis of Measurement Data
Industrial Site Measurement Case Study
Analysis of Earth Fault Current and EPR in more Complex Network Arrangements
Example Case Studies and Calculations of EPR and risk effects in Industrial, generation and public HV and MV Systems
Course Review
Programme may be subject to amendment.
This course is delivered by leading specialists in earthing assessment, design and audit and draws on their extensive expertise in the field.
‟Fascinating course due to the extensive knowledge of the presenter. Lots of myths debunked!! Enough knowledge attained to be able to challenge consultant designers and know the right questions to ask. Undoubtedly a good investment in time.”
Ade
15-17 June 2021
‟Definitely improved my technical knowledge of more up to date modern thinking & the standards used within the UK. Very informative, even though the formulas slightly taxing as I am 35 years since being in any educational, academic faculty. Presenters were very good & very approachable. Thanks.”
Paul
15-17 June 2021
‟Extremely informative, well presented and well organised. Thank you. ”
Tom
15-17 June 2021
‟Extremely informative.”
Jim
15-17 June 2021
‟Good course, expanded my knowledge considerably.”
Michael
15-17 June 2021
EA Technology are a global provider of end to end power engineering solutions and provide expert consultancy, innovative instruments, skills training, technical services and more.
William G. Higinbotham has been president of EA Technology LLC since 2013. His responsibilities involve general management of the company, including EA Technology activities in North and South America. William is also responsible for sales, service, support, and training on partial discharge instruments and condition-based asset management. He is the author or co-author of several industry papers.
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX and Shrink Polymer Systems.
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at MV HV.
MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales
Special thanks to Sarah Perrins Managing Director at Limegreen Communications
for permission to republish
UK Power Networks, which provides power to 8.3 million homes and businesses, has commissioned ABB to supply the world’s first 36 kV medium-voltage double busbar AirPlus Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS). It features AirPlus gas, which acts as an insulator between the electrical contacts with almost zero global warming impact.
As part of its Environmental Action Plan to pass on a sustainable planet for future generations, the UK’s biggest electricity distributor, UK Power Networks has announced plans to use AirPlus, ABB’s innovative sustainable alternative to SF6 switchgear, at its substation in Kent.
➡ Thorne & Derrick provide the full ABB range of Medium Voltage Products for the utility, industrial and commercial customers with safe, reliable and smart technologies for the distribution of electricity, typically at LV and MV voltages (11kV 33kV). The extensive ABB products offering includes distribution automation products, circuit protection, joints and terminations, switching, limiting, surge arresters, measuring and sensing devices, switchgear, modular substation packages and related services for MV electrical power systems.
Transitioning to AirPlus will help UK Power Networks to achieve sustainability targets
As Europe moves towards tighter regulation on the traditional gas (SF6,) used in switchgear, ABB’s AirPlus provides a compelling eco alternative. Unlike SF6, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 23,500 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2)), ABB’s AirPlus gas has almost zero global warming impact. It is designed to drive high reliability and fulfill upcoming environmental regulations for segments like utilities.
Commenting on the installation, Alessandro Palin, President of ABB’s Distribution Solutions division explained: “As part of our 2030 Sustainability Strategy, ABB is committed to helping customers and suppliers reduce their emissions. AirPlus is a key part of this strategy, and we are proud to work together with utilities such as UK Power Networks to make the switch to eco alternatives, that not only provide reliable power but will also protect our planet. A pioneer in this field, ABB has installed thousands of SF6-free solutions globally. Moving from SF6 to an SF6-free portfolio is an important milestone towards enabling a low carbon society.”
As part of its Environmental Action Plan, the UK’s biggest electricity distributor will install ABB switchgear containing innovative AirPlus
Transitioning to AirPlus will help UK Power Networks to achieve its sustainability targets, as it offers the same footprint and similar performance as an SF6 switchgear and operates at lower-tank pressures. The higher the voltages, the higher the pressure in the switchgear, but thanks to AirPlus, ABB’s switchgear can handle the pressure, having a safe low-pressure design with similar dielectric insulation benefits and footprint as an SF6 switchgear. The revolutionary double busbar design gives the additional benefit of reliability by reducing the risk of unplanned downtime and offering more flexibility in sharing the power load.
In addition to enhancing the collaboration with UK Power Networks, this contract confirms the acceptance of AirPlus technology as a reliable alternative to SF6 for utilities in the UK. A complete switchgear solution will be delivered to the company’s substation in Dartford, Kent, before the end of 2021.
Barry Hatton, director of asset management at UK Power Networks, said: “We have clear goals to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and help enable the country’s transition to net zero carbon emissions, while maintaining reliable electricity supplies for more than eight million homes and businesses. Our new AirPlus switchgear supports our strategy and delivery of our Environmental Action Plan.”
ABB was one of the first companies to offer SF6-free switchgear solutions for MV ranges up to 40.5 kV, with the largest global installed base of over 5,000 ecoGIS switchgear installations since 2015.
In addition to enhancing the collaboration with UK Power Networks, this contract confirms the acceptance of AirPlus technology as a reliable alternative to SF6 for utilities in the UK
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com
ABB’s Electrification Business Area is a global leader in electrical products and solutions, operating in more than 100 countries, with over 200 manufacturing sites. Our 50,000+ employees are dedicated to transforming how people live, connect and work by delivering safe, smart and sustainable electrification solutions.
We are shaping the future trends of electrification, differentiating through technological and digital innovation while delivering an outstanding experience through operational excellence for our customers across utilities, industry, buildings, infrastructure and mobility.
UK Power Networks is the UK’s biggest electricity distributor, making sure the lights stay on for more than eight million homes and businesses across London, the South East and the East of England. Network operators aren’t the same as energy suppliers; network operators manage local power lines and substations, while energy suppliers sell the electricity that runs through the power lines.
UK Power Networks continues to be listed in the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For and made industry history by becoming first company to win Utility of the Year two years running (2015 and 2016 also 2012). The company invests more than £600 million in its electricity networks every year, offers extra help to vulnerable customers at times of need, and is undertaking trials to ensure that electricity networks support the transition to a low carbon future. It also moves cables and connects new electricity supplies. If you have a power cut ring 105, see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk or tweet us @UKPowerNetworks
Limegreen Communications is a powerful collective of experienced, senior communications professionals with a passion for delivering engaging earned content and award-winning campaigns.
Founders Sarah Perrins and Jo Mathers worked with leading FTSE 250 companies and PR consultancies before deciding to share their knowledge and expertise more widely and to create Limegreen Communications.
Today, Limegreen is a collective of like-minded associates, who share that special mix of agency and in-house experience and understand what it’s like to be the client. We know how to generate results – whether written or visually – that will ensure cut-through in our content heavy world.
LV MV HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV
Main UK Stockists & Distributors of 3M, Nexans & Pfisterer
Resource Centre | Education & Learning
Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery from extensive UK stocks of a complete range of of LV, MV, HV Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors to connect, splice, repair and maintain medium/high voltage cable and power distribution systems.
A complete range of Joints, Terminations & Connectors utilising EPDM rubber, heat-shrink and cold applied technologies are available for medium and high voltage power cable networks up to 66kV from 3M, Nexans & Pfisterer.
See our collection of the Top Blogs featuring the complete range of Medium Voltage Power Cable Accessories & Cable Services that Thorne & Derrick can offer:
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Featured Jointers
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➡ For Cable Jointing Tools & Accessories I Alroc I Cembre I Klauke
Thorne & Derrick | Distributed from Stock | Approved Supplier
100 Years of Pfisterer
Whether rapidly growing megacities, a sustainable energy transition or clean mobility, the challenges for employees at PFISTERER are no less today than they were in the past.
Their task is to find solutions for safe and reliable energy transmission, on both small and large scales, and often unnoticed, in overhead lines and substations, or home power connections and also in trains and wind turbines. PFISTERER products play an essential role in our everyday lives. With its sights always set on solutions for the future, the company celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.
➡ Thorne & Derrick supply the market-leading range of CONNEX type MV HV cable plugs and terminations manufactured by PFISTERER that are suitable for all voltage levels and applications where medium or high voltage power cables must be reliably connected, terminated and distributed within the electricity supply industry.
CONNEX Medium Voltage & High Voltage | Connectors | Bushings | Surge Arresters
“Karl Pfisterer founded our company in 1921 with the goal of developing a more efficient and safer electrical fitting. His dedication to providing the best solution remains with PFISTERER to this day and encompasses all areas of energy infrastructures – from generation to transmission and also distribution. As a result, we are one of the world’s leading independent manufacturers of cable accessories, insulators and overhead line solutions” says Dr. Konstantin Kurfiss, Executive Board member of PFISTERER.
The family-owned company is an inventor, pioneer and solution provider with unparalleled innovative expertise that has shaped the future of the energy industry for 100 years.
PFISTERER solutions can be found in all types of energy grids, above and below ground.
PFISTERER products are used in rail networks, high-speed trains such as the ICE and TGV and railway safety systems. “Because we are present at countless energy transmission interfaces, our innovations have a huge impact on our partners,” Dr. Kurfiss explains. “That is why we are always thinking about the future and the trends in energy transmission and distribution. We offer solutions today for the challenges of tomorrow”.
The questions the company faces as it looks to the future are more topical than ever; how can we sustainably generate the energy to meet future needs?
How do we strengthen power grids against outages caused by extreme weather in a changing climate whilst bringing energy into harmony with the environment and the needs of fast-growing urban populations?
Shearbolt Cable Connectors & Cable Lugs for Medium & High Voltage Cables
Stocked by Thorne & Derrick
Global energy demand has risen continuously – by more than 160% since the 1970s alone – and continues to rise, with a further 30 percent increase expected by 2040. Over the same period, the number of city-dwellers worldwide will double from 3.6 billion to 6.3 billion.
“To maintain a reliable supply to growing urban areas in the future, more electricity has to be transported into cities – and over ever greater distances: inland from offshore wind farms, and from solar power plants in the South, to industrialised areas in the North. This is made possible for example by our silicone composite insulators – for compact and aesthetic high voltage transmission lines that enjoy high public acceptance” said Stephan Götschel, Executive Board member of PFISTERER Holding AG.
As an offshore pioneer with experience in numerous wind farm projects, PFISTERER also offers the right connection technology for wind turbines, offshore platforms, battery storage facilities and solar power plants. Due to extreme weather associated with climate change, the risk of blackouts is increasing worldwide.
Here, PFISTERER’s unique emergency concepts, help energy suppliers carry out repairs quickly in the event of damage and can also be used as temporary bypass systems for network upgrades, overhauls, maintenance and testing.
SEANEX is a dry pluggable inner cone connection and contact system especially for renewable energy and offshore high voltage power systems up to 72.5kV – based on PFISTERER CONNEX system for voltages of up to 550kV the SEANEX components have been further developed for the offshore installation and lifetime performance certified by DNV GL and compliant with the new offshore standard IEC 63026.
PFISTERER has supported the energy industry with overhead line technology, cable systems and components for power distribution since 1921.
Initially for the newly developing local networks, then from 1937 also in the high voltage (HV) sector. The first products were steel components like cable hangers. Later, high voltage overhead line clamps and tension fittings were manufactured at the Gussenstadt plant by PFISTERER, established in 1946.
These successful solutions quickly gained an international reputation. In the 1960s, the expansion of HV transmission networks in Europe was in full swing.
Since then, solutions by PFISTERER have been tried and tested in the construction of overhead lines in extreme Alpine terrain, in the South African desert, in the Gulf region and at the Guri Dam in Venezuela – from 110 V to 1,100 kV. As a pioneer in HV cable connection technology, PFISTERER also offers accessories and solutions for submarine and underground cable systems, including turnkey cable installation. Smart accessories for collecting operating data will play an increasingly important role in the future.
PFISTERER meets future challenges with the knowledge that comes from one hundred years of experience. This expertise has developed continuously with advances in technology – and technology has advanced thanks to PFISTERER’s expertise.
Numerous innovations and patents continuously drive our growth.
Their success has turned PFISTERER into a globally active company – with a distribution network in 70 countries and 21 locations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East. With a workforce of 2100 employees worldwide, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and a seamless quality management system, all ensure that we will continue to provide the right solutions into the future.
Thorne & Derrick provide competitive prices and fast delivery for the complete range of LV MV HV Power Products manufactured by PFISTERER – this includes the CONNEX MV range of inner-cone cable plugs and terminations up to 33kV.
Thorne & Derrick are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing businesses involved in cabling, jointing, substation, earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and EHV. Supplying a complete range of power cable accessories to support the installation and maintenance of low/medium and high voltage cable systems:
Key Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV
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Celebrating Charlie & Ella’s Level 4 Sales Executive Apprenticeships At Thorne & Derrick International, we are proud to champion talent development and recognise the dedication required to achieve professional growth. We are therefore delighted to congratulate Charlie Baines and...
Published 11 Aug 2026
Thorne & Derrick will be Exhibiting at Solar & Storage Live UK 2026 at the NEC Birmingham from 22nd–24th September, showcasing our support for HV Cable Accessories, Joints, Terminations, Separable Connectors, Cable Tooling and Grid Connection Products used across...
