An arc flash is an incredibly dangerous event. It can easily happen when a tool is dropped during routine maintenance, or when there is accidental contact with electrical conductors, conductive dust buildup, or corrosion. Any of these can cause an electrical arc—and the explosive release of energy where temperatures can become four times hotter than the Sun. Instantaneously.

Valero is a leading manufacturer of petrochemical products. And the St. Charles refinery is one of their most complex facilities with operations running continuously. Because motor control centers (MCCs) are routinely accessed during maintenance, it’s crucial that personnel are aware of arc flash dangers, and know how to avoid them. But Valero wanted to go further—with proven arc-preventative technology that would lower the probability of electrical shock and enhance worker safety.

Working with Valero, Eaton developed a comprehensive program to install FlashGard MCCs throughout the refinery.

FlashGard is the first MCC of its kind. Unlike conventional MCCs, its design enables buckets to be disconnected and reconnected to the vertical bus with the door closed—and maintaining a closed door during maintenance operations increases operator safety. Multiple insulation and isolation features enable arc flash prevention. And Eaton’s remote-racking system allows Valero to extend the operator safety zone to a maximum of 15 feet while disconnecting or reconnecting to the vertical bus during maintenance or bucket replacement.