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What is Arc Flash? A Guide to its Dangers and Safety Measures

What is Arc Flash? A Guide to its Dangers and Safety Measures

Updated on: February 3, 2026 2 MINUTE WATCH Published on: Feb 12, 2024

Working with electrical equipment is a serious hazard if personnel are not properly informed on the basics of electrical safety & how to protect themselves. This video helps explain the basics to get you started. DuraLabel features easy to understand Best Practice Guides on OSHA and industrial topics such as Arc flash, GHS, Floor Marking, and more.

Get Your Free Arc Flash Instant Action and Labeling Guide

Additional Resources:

• Read Meeting Industry Standards: Arc Flash Label Printing Requirements

• Educate and Protect Your People 5 Easy Ways to Prevent Burns

• Check out our Portable DuraLabel Toro Max Industrial Label Printer

What's Arc Flash?

Video Transcription

When electrical current jumps through the air between two points, it's called an arc. Remember the last time you reached for a metal doorknob and felt a shock? That was an arc.

Lightning works the same way, but with a lot more power. With high powered electrical equipment, an unexpected arc can cause an explosive burst of heat and light. It's like lightning in a box, and it's called an arc flash.

Because of the deadly power involved, any equipment that poses a risk of an arc flash needs to be labeled with a warning. Everyone who works with that equipment should be aware of the danger and know what they need to do to stay safe.

The most widely used standard for arc flash labeling is NFPA 70E. The NFPA 70E guidelines require the following items on every arc flash label. One, the nominal system voltage. Two, the arc flash boundary. And three, at least one of the following. Either the available incident energy and working distance or the NFPA's arc flash PPE category for the equipment.

The minimum arc rating of clothing required, or a site specific description of the PPE required. For more information about Arc Flash label requirements visit DuraLabel.com or follow the link and receive your free copy of our Arc Flash Best Practice Guide.