What We Need to Learn Burns are the most commonly reported
effects of arc flash. Validation and extension of information
relating electrical energy to burn potential will be conducted.
Past incidents and some research have demonstrated that an
arcing fault generates a pressure wave. More information is
needed to predict the intensity of the pressure wave and
determine its consequences. Specifically, the maximum amount of
pressure in addition to the pressure differential that a worker
might encounter would identify potential injuries and protective
strategies. As part of this study, the mitigating or
complicating effects of enclosure construction and geometry will
be considered. Pressure from arcing faults can result in hearing
damage to workers. More information is needed about the
intensity of these sound pressure waves. As part of this
evaluation, research will determine what methods of hearing
protection are most practical and how effectively personal
protective equipment (PPE) can attenuate sound. The com