InterNational Electrical Testing Association Contributes

Arc Flash News

InterNational Electrical Testing Association Contributes to IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Project

Multi-Year, $6.5 Million Program Aims to Better Define Arc Flash Hazards and Protect Workers

PISCATAWAY, N.J., USA, 4 March 2008 – The InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) has become sponsor of the Arc Flash research initiative organized by IEEE and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NETA’s Silver Level contribution will be funded over the next three years. 

Arc Flash is an electric current that is passed through air when insulation or isolation between electrified conductors is no longer sufficient to withstand the applied voltage. The flash is immediate, but the results can cause severe injury. Two-thousand times a year, workers are admitted to burn centers for extended injury treatment caused by arc flash. 

“Our organization is very excited to be a part of this safety-related project,” said Jayne Tanz, CMP, NETA Executive Director. “As a technical organization with a vested interest in the safety and standards, NETA’s $50,000 contribution to the Arc Flash project represents our dedication to initiatives to help improve worker safety throughout the electrical industry.” 

IEEE and NFPA have joined forces on a multi-year initiative to fund and support research and testing to increase the understanding of arc flash. The results of this collaborative project will provide information that will be used to improve electrical safety standards, predict the hazards associated with arching faults and accompanying arc blasts, and provide practical safeguards for employees in the workplace. The project is estimated to cost a total of $6-$7 million (US).

About the InterNational Electrical Testing Association

The InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA) is an accredited standards developer for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and defines the standards by which electrical equipment is deemed safe and reliable. NETA Certified Technicians conduct the tests that ensure this equipment meets the association’s stringent specifications. NETA is the leading source of specifications, procedures, testing, and requirements, not only for commissioning new equipment but for testing the reliability and performance of existing equipment. http://www.netaworld.org

About the National Fire Protection Association

The National Fire Protection Association has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building, and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international nonprofit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

About the IEEE Standards Association

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body, develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of industry together. These standards set specifications and procedures based on current scientific and technological consensus. The IEEE SA has a portfolio of over 870 active standards and more than 400 standards under development. For information on IEEE SA visit their website.

About IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional society. Through its more than 370,000 members in 160 countries, the organization is a leading authority on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Dedicated to the advancement of technology, IEEE publishes 30 percent of the world’s literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields, and has developed nearly 900 active industry standards. The organization also sponsors or co-sponsors over 450 international technical conferences each year. Additional information about IEEE can be found on their website.