This post was submitted from the VBCPS Office of School Plant Services, which is overseen by Brian Baxter, director.

With safety in our facilities being our number one goal, it is important to discuss a situation called arc flash, which is governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

An arc flash is an undesired electric discharge that travels through the air between conductors or from a conductor to a ground.  The resulting explosion can cause fires and serious harm to equipment and people.  Due to this occurrence, it is also important to note that only qualified personnel shall reset breaker panels.

Circuit breakers trip either through malfunction or an overload on the circuit. School Plant personnel have been trained and have the personal protective equipment should an accident occur. Recurring events should be submitted on work orders through Maintenance Direct so that a cause can be determined and corrected. Emergencies should always be called to School Plant at 263-2500. Some examples of Circuit Configurations are shown below:

ON – This is the normal condition for a breaker.  Typically there is no action required for this position.  OFF – This is a condition that puts the circuit in a secured state.  School personnel can turn certain breakers on and off for the following conditions:

• Breaker is the only means to turn on and off a load.  Perfect example for this is a set of lights.  Some gymnasiums, foyers or larger spaces may not have an actual light switch and the breaker serves this purpose.
•  In the case of an emergency.  If something is smoking, on fire, making a load noise, etc. this breaker can be turned off.
• Breakers for HVAC units should not be turned on and off from breakers unless a casualty situation is present.  The DDC system controls the units and cutting breakers on and off can significantly reduce the life span of these units.

TRIPPED – Either an overload or fault has occurred.  Do not touch; call School Plant immediately for service.

ON – This is the normal condition for a breaker.  Typically there is no action required for this position. OFF – This is a condition that puts the circuit in a secured state.  School personnel can turn certain breakers on and off for the following conditions:

• Breaker is the only means to turn on and off a load.  Perfect example for this is a set of lights.  Some gymnasiums, foyers or larger spaces may not have an actual light switch and the breaker serves this purpose.
•  In the case of an emergency.  If something is smoking, on fire, making a load noise, etc. this breaker can be turned off.
•  Breakers for HVAC units should not be turned on and off from breakers unless a casualty situation is present.  The DDC system controls the units and cutting breakers on and off can significantly reduce the life span of these units.

TRIPPED – Either an overload or fault has occurred.  Do not touch; call School Plant immediately for service.

ON – This is the normal condition for a breaker.  Typically there is no action required for this position. OFF – This is a condition that puts the circuit in a secured state.  School personnel can turn certain breakers on and off for the following conditions:

• Breaker is the only means to turn on and off a load.  Perfect example for this is a set of lights.  Some gymnasiums, foyers or larger spaces may not have an actual light switch and the breaker serves this purpose.
• In the case of an emergency.  If something is smoking, on fire, making a load noise, etc. this breaker can be turned off.
• Breakers for HVAC units should not be turned on and off from breakers unless a casualty situation is present.  The DDC system controls the units and cutting breakers on and off can significantly reduce the life span of these units.

TRIPPED – Either an overload or fault has occurred.  Do not touch; call School Plant immediately for service.

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