In order to understand what a face shield with an electric arc flash visor is and then appreciate its importance, you must first comprehend the term ‘arc flash’.
What is an arc flash?
An arc flash is the heat and light produced as part of an arc fault, a type of electrical explosion or discharge resulting from low impedance connections in an electrical system, such as those found inside electric and hybrid vehicles (EHVs). These connections allow a movement of unwanted discharge through the air from one voltage phase to another, or to the ground. A rapid increase in both temperature and pressure in the air between electrical conductors occurs and that causes an explosion referred to as an ‘arc blast’.
What causes an arc flash?
When a number of electrical conductors are placed close to each other, with substantial fault currents flowing through them, an arc flash can occur. An arc flash can happen at any voltage, from low voltage (LV) to high voltage (HV), so it is wrong to assume that low voltage equipment is safe from arc flash. Human error is a key factor in the causation of arc flash. It is therefore vital that personnel working with EHVs not only undertake relevant health & safety training, but also wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
What sort of damage can an arc flash cause?
Since an arc flash generates a huge amount of heat and can reach a temperature four times hotter than the sun’s surface, anyone experiencing an arc flash could suffer severe skin burns with their clothing being set on fire. Such a high intensity flash also has the potential to irreparably damage a person’s eyesight.
So, what is a face shield with an electric arc flash visor? An essential item of PPE!
Our Prosol UK face shield with electric arc flash visor is specifically designed to protect your face and head against the thermal effects of an electric arc. Durable and comfortable, it has extended chin and head protection to minimise injuries caused by electric arc flash burns. It complies with EN166, EN169 and EN170 safety standards.
We also offer a protective bag in which to store your face shield with electric arc flash visor and prevent the surface of the transparent visor being scratched when not in use.
Find the Face Shield here
