Arc Flash Considerations for Data Center IT Space

Do IT administrators violate arc flash requirements when they turn off or reset a branch circuit breaker? What about swapping out a rack power strip? Most data center operators are familiar with fire safety and shock hazard protection but are less familiar with arc flash safety. Three IT trends have increased the severity of a potential arc flash in the IT space; higher data center capacities, higher rack densities, and higher efficiency designs. This paper discusses these three trends in the context of arc flash safety within the IT space. Arc flash is explained, potential areas of concern in the IT space are identified, and compliance with associated regulations is discussed.