Importance of Arc Flash Analysis in Electrical Engineering

The demand for highly efficient electrical components is on the rise with the increasing usage of electricity. Electrical workers are often exposed to several electrical hazards while maintaining and operating equipment. One of those severe hazards is arc flash or arc blast that can lead to devastating consequences. An electric arc can occur during electrical short circuits, breakdowns, and voltage surges. Arcs can be caused by damage to protective equipment, poor or damaged insulation, human contact, or contact with other conductive materials. It can also be caused by violating the minimum safe zone of a power source. What is an arc flash? An arc flash is a rapid release of large amounts of undesired energy primarily due to an electrical arcing fault. It is an electrical explosion that results from a connection through the air to the ground or another voltage phase. Arc flash is caused by uncontrolled electrical current conduction from phase to phase, phase to land, or phase to neutral. The temperature from an arc flash can reach up to 35,000 °F. This is about four times hotter than the temperature on the surface of the sun.

Importance of Arc flash analysis

Arc flash analysis (AFA) study is significant for minimizing the electrical hazards. It provides enhanced safety for electrical workers, contractors, vendors & the company’s overall security. The arc flash analysis helps recognize the electrical risk levels. It assists in establishing safety protocols to minimize the risks of burns and injuries to contractors, employees and vendors. Arc flash analysis is used for utilities, manufacturing, commercial, industrial & any other facility with several electrical components.

It defines minimum requirements to avoid dangerous electrical exposures to personnel.

The AFA analysis ensures regulatory compliances with OSHA, NFPA & NESC

An arc flash assessment corrects system coordination and lowers incident energy levels.

It determines the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to protect workers from the heat, light, and blast associated with an Arc-Flash accident.

The arc flash label applied to all the electrical components reduces potential hazards.

Steps to perform An Arc Flash Analysis

A professional engineer registered in a state where the facility operates should perform the arc flash study. (regulations vary from state to state)

Gather an existing, accurate and up-to-date electrical single line or one-line diagram and drawings of the electrical supply system

Analyze equipment maintenance records for short circuits, faults, PD coordination, or load flow calculations

Verify if all the loads are precisely documented. Update the documentation if required

After identifying the ratings and settings of all electrical equipment like panel boards, cables, loads, and more the power systems engineer then models the system

Using the desired arc flash analysis software, the engineer enters all the required data

Perform the short circuit study. The power system engineer determines the minimum working distance, PPE level and requirement at all electrical points

Print and install all arc flash hazardous warning labels

Conclusion

The steps mentioned above would help you perform an arc flash study for the facility’s power system. You can consider outsourcing electrical engineering consultants to minimize risk from arc flash hazards.

Judith Morrison is an expert in the field of industrial engineering and writes articles related to piping, civil, equipment engineering related articles.