Each year, 2000 workers are admitted to burn centers for extended injury treatment caused by arc flash. Arc flash is an electric current that is passed through the air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is not sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. The flash is immediate, but the results can cause severe injury.

IEEE and NFPA both recognize that the significant threat posed by arc flash hazards and have joined forces on an initiative to fund and support research and testing to increase the industry and public awareness of arc flash. The research produced through our collaboration will help improve electrical safety standards, predict the hazards associated with arching faults and accompanying arc blasts, and provide practical safeguards for employees in the workplace.