What is defined as the arc flash boundary?

The arc flash boundary is defined as the distance at which the incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm². This measure is crucial for safety as it helps determine the area around electrical equipment where personnel may be exposed to arc flash hazards. Understanding this boundary allows organizations to implement appropriate safety measures, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, ensuring that workers remain at a safe distance to minimize the risk of severe injury from an electrical arc flash incident.

The significance of the 1.2 cal/cm² threshold lies in it being a standard reference for assessing the risk of thermal injuries due to arc flash events. Once personnel are outside this boundary, they are generally considered to be at a reduced risk of injury associated with potential arc flash incidents. This definition emphasizes the importance of accurate distance calculation for effective training and safety protocols in environments with electrical systems.