High voltage interrupting switch failure results in arc flash

Location: Nanaimo

Regulated industry sector: Electrical - High voltage electrical system (greater than 750V)
 

Impact

Injury
 

Injuries: 0

Injury description: NA

Injury rating: NA

Incident rating: Major
 

Incident overview

During a routine isolation process to install equipment and record measurements to facilitate future retrofit installations of breakers, a main high voltage interrupting switch for a transformer failed when opening, resulting in an arc flash and damage to the equipment.