NFPA Research Foundation Seeks Sponsors for DC Arc Flash Safety Study
The NFPA Fire Protection Research Foundation is seeking sponsors for a new study on DC arc flash hazards to support improved electrical safety guidance and standards.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Feb 09, 2026
The Fire Protection Research Foundation, an affiliate of the National Fire Protection Association, is seeking sponsors for a new research project focused on direct current (DC) arc flash hazards.
According to the NFPA, the project will examine arc flash behavior in DC systems, including how incident energy is generated and how hazards may differ from those in traditional alternating current (AC) environments. The goal is to improve safety guidance and support future updates to standards and best practices.
Arc flash incidents can cause severe burns, explosions, and other serious injuries, making electrical safety a priority for employers in construction, manufacturing, utilities, and maintenance operations. As workplaces increasingly adopt DC-powered technologies, including renewable energy systems, battery storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure, understanding DC arc flash risks has become more important.
The Foundation said the research will help identify knowledge gaps and provide technical findings that can support hazard assessments, PPE selection, and worker protection strategies.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.