San Juan Strengthens Electric Arc Risk Prevention

Sustained growth in power consumption in San Juan has opened a new focus area for industrial safety. At a technical workshop held at EPSE, engineer Alejandro Albarellos discussed the risks associated with electric arc in installations subject to high power demands.

Albarellos, president of PYRE S.A., explained that prevention measures typically concentrate on direct contact accidents, although electric arc can also generate severe consequences. According to his remarks, its occurrence is mainly linked to the presence of high power levels and not exclusively to elevated voltage levels.

The provincial landscape faces increased pressure from the arrival of major mining projects, which drives expansion of supplier activity, commerce, construction, and residential consumption. This is compounded by greater incorporation of air conditioning equipment, with impact on household electricity demand.

During the presentation, the need was emphasized to evaluate each installation through specific engineering studies and mathematical analysis tools, following international standards. This assessment allows for determining the level of exposure and defining measures to reduce risk.

Among preventive actions mentioned were continuous operator training, planning of safe operations, and the use of technical clothing and personal protective equipment in accordance with the identified hazard level. The objective is to limit the consequences of potential technical failures or human errors in electrical installations.

The workshop focused on anticipating the effects of growing demand and preparing organizations to operate under higher power conditions, both in the industrial and mining sectors as well as in other sectors linked to the province's energy development.

Information from Panorama Minero.