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In the hospitality industry, guest experience is paramount. From luxury hotels to bustling resorts, the focus is often on aesthetics, comfort, and service. But behind the scenes, complex electrical systems power everything – from lighting and HVAC to kitchens and elevators. One often-overlooked risk in these systems is arc flash – a dangerous electrical explosion that can cause severe injury, equipment damage, and operational downtime.
What Is Arc Flash?
An arc flash occurs when electrical current jumps through the air between conductors or from a conductor to earth. This can happen due to equipment failure, human error, or poor maintenance. The result is a sudden release of energy, with temperatures reaching up to 20,000°C – hotter than the surface of the sun.
The heat can vaporise metal, ignite fires, and cause life-threatening burns, blindness, or hearing loss. In environments like hotels, casinos, and convention centres, where staff and guests are constantly present, the consequences can be catastrophic.
Why Hospitality Infrastructure Is Particularly Vulnerable
Unlike industrial facilities, hospitality buildings often have:
- High foot traffic and public access, increasing the risk of accidental contact with electrical systems.
- A mix of legacy and modern equipment, which can create unpredictable electrical loads and stress on systems.
- Limited awareness among non-technical staff, who may unknowingly interact with electrical panels or equipment.
Moreover, hospitality venues often operate 24/7, leaving little room for scheduled maintenance or shutdowns. This can lead to deferred inspections and overlooked hazards.
Real-World Impacts
Arc flash incidents in hospitality settings have led to:
- Evacuations and business interruptions, resulting in lost revenue and reputational damage.
- Injuries to maintenance staff or contractors, sometimes with long-term consequences.
- Insurance claims and regulatory scrutiny, especially when safety protocols are found lacking.
In one case, a hotel in a major city suffered an arc flash during routine maintenance, causing a fire that shut down operations for days. The investigation revealed outdated switchgear and a lack of proper PPE for staff.
Mitigating the Risk: Practical Steps
Hospitality operators can take several proactive measures:
- Conduct Arc Flash Studies
A detailed analysis of electrical systems to identify potential arc flash hazards and calculate incident energy levels. When the study results are available make protection setting changes to reduce high levels of incident energy i.e. reduce the hazard.
- Label Equipment Clearly
Use standardised arc flash labels to inform staff and contractors of PPE requirements and safe working distances.
- Train Staff and Contractors
Ensure that anyone working near electrical systems understands the risks and follows safe procedures.
- Upgrade Legacy Systems
Replace outdated switchgear and panels with modern, safer alternatives that include arc-resistant designs.
- Schedule Preventive Maintenance
Regular inspections, partial discharge monitoring and thermal imaging can detect issues before they escalate.
- Implement a comprehensive Electrical Safety Management System
Put in place a GESS (Global Electrical Safety Standard), measure and monitor Electrical Safety Performance and ensure compliance with the GESS by regular auditing.
A Call to Action
Arc flash risk is not just an engineering concern—it’s a business continuity and safety issue. Hospitality leaders must recognize that electrical safety is integral to guest experience and operational resilience.
By investing in arc flash mitigation, the industry can protect its people, assets, and reputation as well as reduce the likelihood of arc flash events and therefore reduce or eliminate the costs incurred from these events. It’s time to bring this hidden hazard into the spotlight and make safety a visible part of hospitality excellence.
