As mentioned in previous articles, the ability of the arc suppression BlastMat™ blanket to endure the stress of an arc event involves its strength and flame resistance. A blanket should be examined before each use to ensure its integrity and cleanliness. If the blanket has not been exposed to the […]
The ability of an arc suppression blanket to self-extinguish depends on three major factors: selection of materials, external contamination, and arc energy levels. Each of these factors is independent of the others. This means that each can reduce the self-extinguishing ability of the blanket by itself. Selection of Materials Two […]
Arc suppression blankets are designed to prevent injury in the following applications by doing the following: Keeping the arc event heat and blast from directly impacting nearby workers Reducing the pressure wave on the worker Self-extinguishing sans water or chemicals within a short time Arc Suppression Blankets (ASBs) have multiple […]
The first two discussions covered the extreme heat and blast from an arc flash. These elements of energy are extremely dangerous. What happens after the arc event is the topic of this discussion. If an electrical arc situation predicts the need for a high level of protection, consideration must be […]
This is the second article of four on arc flash. The next arc flash concern after heat energy is blast. The danger comes in the forms of a pressure wave, sound, light, particulates or shrapnel. The pressure wave or blast is the result of rapid heating of the air to […]
In this series of short articles, four aspects of arc-suppression blankets will be covered: (1) heat (2) blast and pressure wave (3) burning and (4) installation suggestions. The major reason for arc-suppression blankets is protection from the intense heat. Although testing has indicated source temperatures of over 30,000 degrees F, […]