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Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Info-Gram
August 2000
Electrical Arc
A recent electrical accident occurred when an electrical foreman
received serious burns to both hands and face from an electrical
arc. The electrical foreman and an electrician replaced a
480-volt circuit breaker panel with a 1000-volt circuit breaker
panel. After installing the 1000-volt circuit breaker panel, the
7200-volt transformer power was re-energized. Upon energizing the
transformer, the AMR-type ground check circuit would not allow
the newly installed 1000-volt circuit breaker panel to be
energized. The electrician turned and started to look at the
ground check relay to see if it was closed. At this time, an
electrical arc occurred. After the smoke cleared, the electrician
turned toward the electrical foreman and observed the 1000-volt
circuit breaker panel leaning outward. The newly installed
circuit breaker panel had been unbolted by the electrical foreman
and the energized line side 995-volt connections had contacted
the transformer frame. This produced the electrical arc,
resulting in burns to the electrical foreman. The 7200-volt power
to the transformer was tripped out by the transformer as the
result of the short circuit.
BEST PRACTICES
- Ensure that equipment is de-energized, grounded, and locked
and tagged out before performing electrical work.
- Use proper equipment (gloves, etc.) when performing
electrical work.
- Have proper qualifications and training before performing
electrical work.
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This information was provided by concerned
miners in an effort to eliminate accidents. Accident or "close
call" information within District 8 may be shared by contacting
the MSHA office at (812) 882-7617.
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