Case History: Arc Flash Incident on a Locked Out (LO/TO) 3.3-kV-Fused Contactor

As part of a drive to improve electrical safety in heavy industry, this paper presents a case history on an electrical arc flash accident. The accident occurred on a 3.3-kV-fused contactor which was locked out and tagged out. This paper describes the scenario leading up to the accident, the damage causing mechanisms, and concludes with certain root causes. It is envisaged that this paper will provide awareness on the importance of adequate management systems and the need to improve safety through design.