Arc flash refers to an accidental phenomenon, wherein a flashover of an electric current leaves its path and flows from one conductor to another or to the ground. The result of this mishap is often violent; if a human is in vicinity of the arc flash, it may cause perilous injury or even death.
Arc flash systems protection essentially refers to the systems or equipment used to identify and mitigate the arc flash hazards. Arc flash is the major cause of injuries, occurring due to electrical accidents taking place at manufacturing, construction, and industrial sites.
Arc flash hazards are caused by corrosion or deterioration of equipment, dust accumulation leading to material or equipment failure, condensation, and faulty installation. The market for arc flash protection is expected to gain momentum, led by the implementation of stringent regulations such as The 2018 NFPA 70E Standard and OSHA, increasing electrical safety awareness, and the inculcation of safe working habits among workers.
Rise in demand for power generation is expected to significantly influence the arc flash protection market due to the current power deficit scenario, especially in Asia Pacific. The power generation industry involves activities that may lead to electrical accidents and arc flash injuries. Furthermore, the market for arc flash protection is expected to expand significantly in the near future due to the increase in need to maintain safe working conditions in order to ensure safety, health, and welfare of people at work.
North America has held the dominant share of the arc flash protection market in 2016 with increased education and understanding of arc flash hazards to increase arc flash protection.