The distribution utility lineman, servicer, and
meter technician play an active role in the operation,
installation, and maintenance of 120-volt and 240-volt
equipment on a daily basis. The arc flash risks faced by utility
workers operating equipment energized at 240 V or less were
investigated for activities involving meter enclosures, meter
installations, meter maintenance, and the connection of
conductors in energized transformers and power pedestals.
The investigation led to conclusions regarding the likelihood of
an injury due to an arc flash exposure to utility workers
performing low voltage work. The investigation included tests
conducted at an installation located immediately adjacent to a
substation to achieve fault currents near 12,000 amps, more
than which is typically expected for the daily activities
performed by utility linemen on voltages 240 Volts and below. It
was concluded that the low voltage arc flash energy level to
which these workers are exposed is very low. The
methodology and results will be explained.
Index Terms — Arc hazard analysis, low voltage arc flash,
arc sustainability, utility worker.