Industrial safety resources

Arc flash vs arc blast

Arc flash vs arc blast. When an arc fault occurs, the result is a massive electrical explosion. The light and heat emitted by the explosion is known as the arc flash, and the pressure wave is known as the arc blast.

Arc flash protection with thermal imaging

Understand what the NFPA 70E standards for arc flash PPE assessment means for thermographers using thermal imaging camera.

Understanding the arc flash boundary

The arc flash boundary is the minimum “safe” distance from exposed energized conductors or circuit parts that has the potential for an arc flash. The required arc-rated clothing and PPE increases rapidly as a worker approaches the potential source of an arc flash

Top 5 safety tools for preventing arc flash

Limiting workers’ exposure to electrical hazards like arc flash or electrocution is a solid foundation for any electrical safety program. Combine that mindset with the right non-contact tools and more electrical workers will be kept out of harm’s way.

Electrical safety standards

To meet the demands of today’s high-energy, high-hazard workplace, quality manufacturers like Fluke continue to improve their test instruments to make them safer and more reliable.

Four myths about electrical safety that may surprise you

Following electrical safety regulations in industrial plants is critical. But myths about electrical safety are rampant. Understand the facts vs myths about working in energized systems.

10 dumb things smart people do when testing electricity

Anyone who makes their living by working with electricity quickly develops a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being "live." Yet the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician.

Curb Explosive Potential with Intrinsically Safe Tools

Curb explosive potential with intrinsically safe tools. For those who work in industries where flammable materials are present—such as petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants, oil platforms, refineries, pipelines, and mining—the potential for an explosion is a daily reality. All it takes is a flammable material coming into contact with air and an ignition source.

How infrared cameras help you stay safe on the job

If you troubleshoot or maintain equipment in an industrial setting, staying safe depends partly on the environment and partly on you.

How TwistGuard multimeter test leads keep you safe

Fluke TwistGuard™ Test Leads:safer, tougher, more versatile

Testing your test leads

Checking your test leads to make sure they are in good condition and rated for the job at hand is the best insurance for accuracy and safety

Checking grounding electrode impedance for commercial, industrial and residential buildings

Most facilities have grounded electrical systems, so that in the event of a lightning strike or utility overvoltage, current will find a safe path to earth. A ground electrode provides the contact between the electrical system and the earth.

Solid ground: Increasing parallel conductor ampacity

The most popular reason for paralleling conductors is to provide higher ampacity than a single conductor can provide. "In a typical building design, the largest conductors are usually 500 kcmil or 600 kcmil". "And many electrical contractors will actually object to 600 kcmil. If ampacity above 400 A is necessary, using parallel conductors is the only reasonable solution.

Grounding separately derived systems

As I promised in my last column, this "Solid Ground" column deals with transformers and grounding. Let's start by addressing some definitions. Opinions differ on the "official" definition of "distribution" transformer.

Chasing "ghost" trips in GFCI-protected circuits

This issue of "Solid Ground" talks about ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), why they are necessary, and how to troubleshoot GFCI-protected circuits.

Who is responsible for electrical safety in the workplace?

Fourth annual Fluke Safety Survey reveals opportunities to improve safety training

3 key principles to build a strong culture of safety

How to cultivate a company culture where employees take the necessary steps to build a culture of safety

3 ways the Fluke 2 Pole Voltage Tester keeps you safe

Learn how the best-selling Fluke 2 Pole electrical tester can help you safely check live voltage on double pole circuit breakers.

10 dumb things smart people do when testing electricity

Anyone who makes their living by working with electricity quickly develops a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being "live." Yet the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician.

How to clean your Fluke tools

Part 1: Electrical testing safety - Preparing for absence of voltage testing

Placing electrical equipment or systems in an electrically-safe work condition might seem simple, but there are several factors to consider.

From Test Tools to Face Shields: How Fluke is Adapting to Assist in the Fight Against COVID-19

Learn how Fluke shifted resources to meet the global demand for PPE face shields in the fight against COVID-19.

Four myths about electrical safety that may surprise you

Following electrical safety regulations in industrial plants is critical. But myths about electrical safety are rampant. Understand the facts vs myths about working in energized systems.

The busy person’s guide to assessing risk and using Energized Electrical Work Permits (EEWPs)

How to perform risk assessments when using Energized Electrical Work Permits (EEWPs). Anyone working with electricity is responsible for electrical safety and identifying hazards.

3 ways to reduce safety hazards around rotating machinery

Guide to Digital Multimeter Safety

Take digital multimeter safety precautions to handle the conditions found in your work environment. Understand multimeter CAT ratings and ingress protection (IP) codes.

Arc Flash Videos and Electrical Safety Videos

Watch Fluke electrical safety videos. Avoid dangerous arc flash explosion accidents and other deadly industrial electrical shock hazards. Select the right PPE, design and test standards, NPFA PPE table method.

Arc flash vs arc blast

Arc flash vs arc blast. When an arc fault occurs, the result is a massive electrical explosion. The light and heat emitted by the explosion is known as the arc flash, and the pressure wave is known as the arc blast.

Understanding the arc flash boundary

The arc flash boundary is the minimum “safe” distance from exposed energized conductors or circuit parts that has the potential for an arc flash. The required arc-rated clothing and PPE increases rapidly as a worker approaches the potential source of an arc flash

Why insulated tools are important

Insulated electrical tools are critical for electrical safety.

Electrical safety standards

To meet the demands of today’s high-energy, high-hazard workplace, quality manufacturers like Fluke continue to improve their test instruments to make them safer and more reliable.

Safe isolation procedures for low voltage installations

Isolating circuits and equipment require a thorough risk assessment—these tips are a good starting point. Free downloadable visual guide suggests 12 steps for isolating circuits.

Five ways FieldSense technology can help you work safer

Photovoltaic installation standards and certification

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) offers certifications and certificate programs geared toward renewable energy professionals throughout North America, including a certification program for solar electric installers.

Electrician cuts time in arc flash zone in half with wireless tools

Working on live circuits is probably most electricians' least favorite task. But sometimes it's the only way to get the job done.

Why You Care: Mixed Cabinet Electronics and Power

Mixing higher voltage 480-volt three-phase cables in the same cabinet as lower voltage 24- or 120-volt control wiring and communication cabling can result in erratic operation or even complete failure of electronic equipment inside the cabinet. Knowing what is inside the cabinet before you open it, the specific wiring issues to look for once inside, what values to measure, and simple ways to correct problems can help alleviate many erratic and sometimes "mysterious" control and communication issues on the plant floor.

Tough Places, Tough Tools

Out on the job site, concrete finishers stand ready to shape wet ready-mix into a new stretch of highway. Mixer trucks are lined up at the concrete batch plant,waiting to take on their loads. But hold on—an electrical problem has shut down the plant. It's time to call Keithly Electric.

How TwistGuard multimeter test leads keep you safe

Fluke TwistGuard™ Test Leads:safer, tougher, more versatile

Targeting Safety in Photovoltaic System Installation and Maintenance

Late on a Sunday afternoon the Kern County Fire Department responded to a call at a store on Rosedale Highway in Bakersfield, California. Crews found that a row of solar panels on the roof had caught fire. Some of the panels were still live when the crew arrived, so the fire crew had to take extra precautions until electrical power could be disconnected.

Top 5 safety tools for preventing arc flash

Limiting workers’ exposure to electrical hazards like arc flash or electrocution is a solid foundation for any electrical safety program. Combine that mindset with the right non-contact tools and more electrical workers will be kept out of harm’s way.

IEC Category Ratings: Use the Right Tools for the Job

IEC Category Ratings: Use the Right Tools for the Job.As with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), using the proper tools for the job can help keep electrical workers safe.

How to come home safely at the end of the day

Electrical safety requirements for using digital multimeters per OSHA and NFPA 70E

Fluke Lab Tortures Test Tools So Technicians Feel No Pain

Fluke Lab Tortures Test Tools So Technicians Feel No Pain

Differences in voltage testers could be shocking

Thresholds between solenoid-based testers and electronic testers are markedly different and carry consequences for safety and convenience.

Curb Explosive Potential with Intrinsically Safe Tools

Curb explosive potential with intrinsically safe tools. For those who work in industries where flammable materials are present—such as petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants, oil platforms, refineries, pipelines, and mining—the potential for an explosion is a daily reality. All it takes is a flammable material coming into contact with air and an ignition source.

Avoiding Incidents and Investigations Through Prevention and Protection

Avoiding incidents and investigations through prevention and protection

Tech tips: safety at an asphalt plant

Avoiding arc flash hazard at an asphalt plant where safety is a top expectation, with the use of Fluke wireless tools.

NEC now requires available fault current labeling

The effective date of the latest version (the 2011 edition) of NFPA 70: National Electric Code” (NEC) was August 25, 2010. It was published in September 2010.

Detecting critical inductive heating problems

Inductive heating, which typically occurs when phase conductors are routed around metal mounting channels, supports, or braces, can cause catastrophic and deadly failures in electrical distribution and control equipment.