NEN-EN 50110
Arc flash
Vlamboog (arc flash)
A short-circuit arc through air between live parts, reaching ~20,000 °C with a pressure wave; caused by switching under fault, a tool short-circuit or insulation failure. The incident energy (cal/cm²) sets the arc-rated PPE required. NEN 3140 / EN 50110 require a risk assessment before working near live parts.
Practical example
Arc flash. Before measuring in a 400 V distribution board, a risk assessment is performed and the technician selects a face shield with an arc rating matching the calculated arc energy.
Common mistake
Arc flash. Common mistake: Opening a live distribution board 'to measure' without arc-flash PPE — most arc incidents occur during such routine operations.
See also
Related terms
In-depth guides
- → Arc flash — risk, energy and PPE
- → Working De-energized — The 5 Steps (LOTO)
- → IEC 61230 (aardingsset) Earthing and short-circuiting sets — periodic testing per IEC 61230
- → Inspectie Testing the RCD — trip time and residual current (NEN-EN-IEC 61557-6)
- → Inspectie ATEX explosion-hazard zones — classification & inspection
- → IEC 60079-14 ATEX cable entries — why an Ex e gland does not simply fit onto an Ex d enclosure
- → IEC 60079-0 Decoding the ATEX Ex marking — what does "Ex db IIC T4 Gb" mean?
- → IEC 60079-17 Periodic inspection of explosion-protected equipment (IEC 60079-17)
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