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The 5Ws and H of Arc Flash Study - 07 March 2025
Why should you consider one?
To prevent an arc flash incident, a study is to be conducted. An arc flash is caused by a sudden release of energy caused by an electrical fault or short circuit that is defined as an explosion that can cause severe injury or even death to nearby people. To prevent an arc flash incident, a study is to be conducted.
What exactly is it?
An arc flash study evaluates the potential for an arc flash event and calculates the energy that would be released. It considers factors such as the available fault current, the equipment’s rating and design, the configuration of the electrical system, and the type of protective devices.
When should you get one?
According to NFPA 70E Standard Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Article 130.5, an arc flash study needs to occur when there is a significant change in the electrical system or “reviewed for accuracy at intervals not to exceed 5 years.” So, what does that entail? Essentially, arc flash hazard assessments are required when new facilities are constructed, equipment is replaced or retrofitted, system changes or modifications have occurred, and for safety program compliance.
Where does it occur?
Arc flash hazard analyses occur on electrical equipment that can carry incident energy. These include panelboards, switchboards, switchgears, motor control centers, enclosed circuit breakers, fused disconnect switches, and large starters/drives.
Who should conduct the analysis?
An arc flash analysis should only be performed by experienced and qualified electrical engineers familiar with power quality, short circuit studies, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 1584. We at Wilson & Cofield are uniquely qualified to partner alongside you to complete these services and help your business be as safe as it can be for you, your employees, and all your clientele.
How do you complete the study?
Arc flash studies are a multi-step process. These include: acquiring as-built documentation (or creating electrical one-line diagrams if the originals do not exist), conducting a field verification of the provided documentation, utilizing software that runs short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies, and analyzing the results. Once all of this is complete, a final evaluation is completed with the generation of arc flash labels and training of the electrical staff. The nominal voltage and arc flash boundary are required on all labels and at least one of the following: available incident energy with the corresponding working distance, minimum arc rating of clothing, or specific level of PPE. The electrical safety training should be provided to any staff who might work on the electrical gear and it is the final step to complete the arc flash analysis.
We at Wilson & Cofield are eager to partner with you as you dive into the world of arc flash hazard assessment. Reach out to us today!
We service Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, the Triangle, and the Triad. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
The 5Ws and H of Arc Flash Study - 07 March 2025
Why should you consider one?
To prevent an arc flash incident, a study is to be conducted. An arc flash is caused by a sudden release of energy caused by an electrical fault or short circuit that is defined as an explosion that can cause severe injury or even death to nearby people. To prevent an arc flash incident, a study is to be conducted.
What exactly is it?
An arc flash study evaluates the potential for an arc flash event and calculates the energy that would be released. It considers factors such as the available fault current, the equipment’s rating and design, the configuration of the electrical system, and the type of protective devices.
When should you get one?
According to NFPA 70E Standard Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Article 130.5, an arc flash study needs to occur when there is a significant change in the electrical system or “reviewed for accuracy at intervals not to exceed 5 years.” So, what does that entail? Essentially, arc flash hazard assessments are required when new facilities are constructed, equipment is replaced or retrofitted, system changes or modifications have occurred, and for safety program compliance.
Where does it occur?
Arc flash hazard analyses occur on electrical equipment that can carry incident energy. These include panelboards, switchboards, switchgears, motor control centers, enclosed circuit breakers, fused disconnect switches, and large starters/drives.
Who should conduct the analysis?
An arc flash analysis should only be performed by experienced and qualified electrical engineers familiar with power quality, short circuit studies, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 1584. We at Wilson & Cofield are uniquely qualified to partner alongside you to complete these services and help your business be as safe as it can be for you, your employees, and all your clientele.
How do you complete the study?
Arc flash studies are a multi-step process. These include: acquiring as-built documentation (or creating electrical one-line diagrams if the originals do not exist), conducting a field verification of the provided documentation, utilizing software that runs short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies, and analyzing the results. Once all of this is complete, a final evaluation is completed with the generation of arc flash labels and training of the electrical staff. The nominal voltage and arc flash boundary are required on all labels and at least one of the following: available incident energy with the corresponding working distance, minimum arc rating of clothing, or specific level of PPE. The electrical safety training should be provided to any staff who might work on the electrical gear and it is the final step to complete the arc flash analysis.
We at Wilson & Cofield are eager to partner with you as you dive into the world of arc flash hazard assessment. Reach out to us today!
We service Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, the Triangle Area, and the Triad. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
The 5Ws and H of Arc Flash Study - 07 March 2025