Arc Flash Hazard Evaluation

The Arc Flash Evaluation calculates the incident energy and arc flash boundary for each location in a power system based on the arcing fault current values and the protective device settings and trip times. The Incident energy and arc flash boundaries are calculated following the NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 standards. Special instantaneous protection schemes including photo-sensing, zone-interlocking, differential, arc reduction mechanisms can be modeled to demonstrate the mitigating affects on the arcing fault.

The source impedance and data for local generators, motors, and transformers is entered in the equipment data fields.

An arcing fault can release tremendous amounts of energy that result in extremely high temperatures and enormous blast pressure in a fraction of second. The blast can project shrapnel (equipment and vaporized metals) at a high velocity. The arc flash can cause serious injury or death to a worker.

OSHA enforces safety related practices in the workplace. Employers are required to provide a workplace assessment to determine if hazards are present, and must select the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel working on or near energized equipment. This requirement is intended to reduce the occurrence of serious injury or death due to arcing faults.

Custom Labels that display the Incident energy are available through a complete arc flash hazard study performed. These labels are generated using the results of the short-circuit study. For accurate results, the data requirements to conduct the study must reflect the as-built conditions as closely as possible. The study should consider all operating scenarios including normal utility power and backup power from generators, open and closed transition, with and without motor contribution to simulate maintenance conditions.