Arc Flash - cal/cm2 for 3rd Degree Burns

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taylordk

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I've been doing some web research and can't seem to find the answer to my question. How many cal/cm^2 is required to create a 3rd degree burn? I understand that it is generally accepted that 1.2 cal/cm^2 causes a 2nd degree burn. I would also appreciate a cited source if possible. Thanks for any help!
 
I appreciate your quick response. However, the article you linked is referring to tons of radiation as opposed to an electrical arc flash. I should have been more specific in my original question.
 
From Bussman Safety Basics Table V(B) (top left of page 18)

110 F 6.0 hours Cell breakdown begins

158 F 1.0 second Total cell destruction

176 F 0.1 second Curable second degree burn

205 F 0.1 second Incurable third degree burn

not cal/cm^2 but units one can relate to. BTW that Safety Basics book has a lot of good info in it.

It's better to be safe a billion times than get killed once.
 
The 2000 NFPA 70E had a curable burn distance formula, then realized "Who cares? Lets prevent 2nd degree burns and not worry about 3rd" I used to have that info somewhere, I will look around but I think it was based on 1.5cal/cm2 (0.1 sec)
 
The dose or amount of energy transferred to an individual involved in an electrical incident can be conceptualized by considering how efficiently the coupling between the energized source and the individual is during the energy release.
This efficiency is a function in part of the current,exposure durration, distance from the source,barriers used, surface area of the body exposed, and the material properties of biological tissues , including the.
>tissue conductance;
>tissue impedance;
>tissue resistance;and
>absorbance of human biomaterials
IE the water,lipids,fats,protiens,and minerals that contitute the body.
Therefore it is not that simple to predict the possible energy transfer.
 
Heat exposure in bright sunlight:2 cal/cm2
White paper ignites at ~ 5 cal/cm2, (magnifying glass)
Fabric ignites at ~20-40 cal/cm2depending on color & material
1stdegree burn ~ 3 cal/cm2(sunburn)
2nddegree burn ~5 cal/cm2(skin loss, no scars, >25% body ?hospital)
3rddegree burn ~8 cal/cm2(destroy skin nerves, scarring,no cell regeneration; >50% ?fatal)
 
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