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AFCESA conducts final arc flash test on military uniforms

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cody Chiles
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency conducted its final arc flash test on military cotton and nylon blend uniforms at the Air Force Research Laboratory's test range Aug. 4.

"The testing was essential, ensuring that when our Airmen use the appropriate personal protective equipment, the heat from an arc flash will not melt their uniform to their skin and cause additional injury," said Dr. Daryl Hammond, AFCESA Chief Electrical Engineer.

An arc flash is a dangerous electrical explosion from a rapid release of concentrated energy due to a short circuit.

"As some of our Airmen try to improve the infrastructure in deployed locations, such as Afghanistan and Iraq, they face unstable and non-standardized wiring methods. These situations increase their likelihood of being exposed to an arc flash," Dr. Hammond said. "Being a part of AFCESA, it is my job to do all I can to set our troops up for success and ensure they come home safely."

Air Force personnel working on potentially dangerous energized equipment are mandated by Air Force Instruction 32-1064 to wear PPE; however, Dr. Hammond's year of research shows current requirements do not adequately address the types of military clothing that must be worn with PPE to protect Airmen during an arc flash incident.

Dr. Hammond will present his findings to the Air Force Safety Center and collaborate with the Air Force Uniform Board to establish new uniform material requirements.

"This project has really educated our folks on the necessary actions we have to take to keep our Airmen safe," Dr. Hammond said.

The current Airman battle uniform consists of a 50 percent nylon and 50 percent cotton blend. Only career fields with potential exposure to extreme heat and electrical work are likely to need uniform modifications.

An arc flash can cause substantial damage, fire or injury. The massive energy released in an arc flash rapidly vaporizes the metal conductors involved and creates a blast wave that propels molten metal and heat outward with intense force.

The final arc flash tests were hazard/risk category two arc flashes; a common risk category for an Airman to be exposed to during routine electrical work. Each consisted of approximately 5,000 amps of arcing, lasting about 1/2 of a second.

"Each arc flash vaporized about 1/2 of an inch of metal from the arcing electrodes and instantaneous produced a temperature of approximately 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit," said Dr. Hammond.

Temperature readings recorded by sensors located near the arcing electrodes were compared to the protective capabilities of the PPE and the heat damage a uniform would take in a similar circumstance.

This testing will decrease the chance of a burn, said Master Sgt. Dale Andrews, 823rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, Detachment 1, NCOIC heating ventilation air conditioning contingency. "It also validates the safety aspect of the equipment."

Dr. Hammond said the Air Force has three to four arc flash incidences that injure our Airmen annually.