Reducing the Risk of Arc Flash with Grace Engineered Products

Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) are electrical components hardwired to a source of voltage(s) and installed into electrical systems. These enable engineers to validate zero electrical energy without being exposed to voltage. PESDs inherently minimise arc flash and electrical shock hazards because they reduce voltage exposure, provide voltage labelling on all sources and provide 24/7 visual and/or audible indication of voltage.

When engineers can determine a zero electrical energy state without any voltage exposure to themselves, their electrical safety program is safer. Verifying the proper operation of a meter and testing for absence of voltage before working on an electrical conductor (“test before touch”) for all practical purposes should always remain a habitual practice for engineers. The goal of PESDs is to ensure that when engineers “test before touch”, that they test only de-energised conductors.

Without PESDs, a failure of an isolator may go undetected until the engineer discovers live voltage after opening the control panel. This exact scenario is a common cause of arc flash. A direct short circuit may result from one mistake by the engineer while checking voltage.

Voltage detectors are a low-cost, redundant voltage verification tool that reduces arc flash risk, increases safety and adds productivity at a low installed cost.

We stock a wide range of “Safeside” voltage indicators and portals from Grace Engineered Products, who are a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner. We also supply customised communications GracePorts and IR Windows that allow engineers to access control panels easily through closed doors.

Take a look at the video below on Grace Engineered Products at Automation Fair 2012.

For more information on voltage indicators click here.

To browse and purchase our range online please visit our website.

If you require more information please email info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 1000.