An arc flash is an explosive release of energy caused by an electrical fault, where current jumps through the air between conductors. It produces intense heat (up to roughly 19,000°C), a pressure blast, and a flash of light that can cause severe burns in a fraction of a second. Understanding the hazard is the first step to protecting workers.
What causes an arc flash?
An arc flash happens when the insulation or air gap between energized conductors can no longer withstand the voltage. Common triggers include accidental contact with live parts, dropped tools, dust or corrosion, loose connections, and equipment failure. The fault ionizes the air into a conductive plasma that releases enormous energy almost instantly.
Incident energy and the arc flash boundary
Incident energy is the thermal energy a worker would receive at a given distance from an arc, measured in calories per square centimetre (cal/cm²). The arc flash boundary is the distance at which incident energy drops to 1.2 cal/cm² — the onset of a second-degree burn. Anyone inside that boundary must wear arc-rated PPE matched to the incident energy.
How the hazard is assessed
NFPA 70E requires an arc flash risk assessment before work on or near energized equipment. The assessment determines the incident energy (via an engineering study or the standard's category method) and the arc flash boundary, which are documented on an equipment label. That drives PPE selection — see our arc flash PPE kits organized by category.
Protecting against arc flash
Protection combines three things: reducing exposure (de-energize and apply lockout/tagout whenever possible), engineering controls, and arc-rated PPE. Core PPE includes arc-rated coveralls or suits, a face shield or flash hood, and insulated gloves. Browse the full range of arc flash protection equipment to build a compliant kit.
Why it matters in Uzbekistan
For industrial and power facilities across Tashkent and Uzbekistan, arc flash is one of the most serious electrical hazards — and one of the most preventable with the right assessment and equipment. As an authorized LOTO Safety distributor, we help you match PPE to your incident-energy levels.
Not sure what protection your equipment requires? Request a free on-site assessment — our team serves facilities across Tashkent and Uzbekistan.
