{"id":847,"date":"2022-04-25T15:29:36","date_gmt":"2022-04-25T19:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pioneerpwr.com\/?p=847"},"modified":"2022-04-26T11:40:01","modified_gmt":"2022-04-26T15:40:01","slug":"the-importance-of-conducting-an-arc-flash-study-during-a-time-of-supply-chain-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pioneerpwr.com\/articles\/the-importance-of-conducting-an-arc-flash-study-during-a-time-of-supply-chain-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Conducting an Arc Flash Study During a Time of Supply Chain Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nearly\u00a0one-third of manufacturing<\/a>, wholesale, and retail traders report supply chain disturbances. So it’s safe to say this international issue is a hot topic.<\/p>\n

So, here we examine supply chain issues surrounding electrical equipment. We will discuss how this affects the global industry. In particular, we’re focusing on how an Arc Flash study could help.<\/p>\n

We’ll\u00a0learn how they can help mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions. We’ll also explore how Pioneer Power Group is helping customers to navigate the problems we’re facing in our industry.<\/p>\n

So, stay tuned to learn how your business can expedite approved equipment and manage shipping delays.<\/p>\n

First, let’s discuss the problem and then the solutions…<\/p>\n

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The State of the Switchgear and Electrical Market<\/h2>\n

The pandemic brought worldwide disruptions to supply chains across the globe. Yet, it also brought increased demand for the switchgear industry.<\/p>\n

In 2020, the North American market was valued at over\u00a0$16 billion<\/a>, with an expected 6% growth in the next 7 years. The unprecedented growth despite the pandemic is attributed to global energy demands soaring.<\/p>\n

More widely, the electrical industry grows at a compound growth rate (CAGR)\u00a0of\u00a011.2%<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More and more countries are using switchgear products for commercial use. This is because of a global push toward infrastructural development.<\/p>\n

Why?<\/p>\n

For starters, remote working stimulated a renewed demand for newer, faster electronic equipment.<\/p>\n

Yet, it is harder to protect workers due to surges in demand. In 2020, OSHA reported over\u00a01,600 energy-related<\/a>\u00a0control procedure violations. There were another\u00a01451\u00a0attributed to failures to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).<\/p>\n

The Effect of Supply Chain Disruptions<\/h2>\n

In part, shortages in PPE were symptomatic of broader supply chain issues. For example, labor shortages led to significant delays in shipping and delivery. Needless to say, this contributed to the rise in the number of OSHA incidents.<\/p>\n

As businesses scramble to respond to demand, these incidents appear almost inevitable. Further delay risks can also arise from insufficient supplier research.<\/p>\n

As companies order new products, they have to deal with quality assurance issues. As a result, there is an increased risk of ordering poor-quality equipment. This can result in further delays and costs.<\/p>\n

As shortages move down the supply chain, intermediaries’ failings can significantly impact end-users.<\/p>\n

Additionally,\u00a0reports\u00a0state<\/a>\u00a0that the cost of installing protective measures remains high. This, coupled with a lack of regulatory implementation, hampers efforts to prevent OSHA violations.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, we see that the Arc Flash protection market is booming. The market is forecasted to reach $2.41 billion this year, with a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.38%.<\/p>\n

Current costs may be high but\u00a0 increased expenditures on electrical networks and infrastructural development continue. We can expect that the growth of this market will reduce costs over time.<\/p>\n

Arc Flash Study Benefits<\/h2>\n

So, how can businesses\u00a0use electrical systems studies such as Arc Flash <\/a>\u00a0to benefit rather than hinder their operations? Arc Flash studies are created to detect and mitigate the risks of Arc Flash hazards and improve safety across the board.<\/p>\n

With increased demand and operation maintenance, equipment deterioration and faults occur. This can pose a significant threat to the smoothness of your operations.<\/p>\n

Yet, with the findings from an arc flash study, it is possible to cut potential hazards and cut costs. Businesses also need to protect themselves against legal risks. Failure to meet regulatory compliance can be expensive.<\/p>\n

Short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies can help companies understand electrical safety and legal requirements. These are necessary to prevent hazardous electrical exposures.<\/p>\n

Employers have an ethical responsibility to protect workers. But there are also financial benefits to arc analysis. By cutting down on incidents, businesses can save on labor costs.<\/p>\n

Accidents mean time off and labor shortages. By protecting workers, companies can ensure they can still meet their performance targets.<\/p>\n

With these factors in mind, comprehensive arc flash studies are crucial.<\/p>\n

How Pioneer Power Group Addresses These Issues<\/h2>\n

Pioneer Power Group advises businesses on the best:<\/strong><\/p>\n