What is
an arc flash study?
According to NFPA 70E, it is a study that:
- Identifies
arc flash hazards
- Estimates
the likelihood (risk) and the severity of injury
- Determines
additional protective controls including engineered barriers, circuit
redesign and of course PPE
This study goes by many names including Arc Flash Risk Assessment
and Arc Hazard Assessment. Depending on what jurisdiction the work takes place,
the governing standard changes but by and large it is required to do so by law.
In North America this comes from OSHA guidance and standards such as NFPA 70E
while countries in Europe and elsewhere rely on other local requirements.
What are the typical inputs needed for an incident energy method
approach to the study?
- Nominal
Voltage
- Short
circuit current
- Working
distance
- Electrode
orientation
- Presence
of enclosure
- Protection
clearing time
The first step in protecting your workers from
electrical hazards is to analyze exactly what arc hazards may be available in
each unique industrial and utility location. Determining the actual arc hazard
is another premier service of Kinectrics. Determining safety measures such as
protection coordination measures and the correct PPE level follows that.
Kinectrics has conducted
thousands of AC and DC arc flash tests at its High Current Laboratory as well
as hundreds of arc flash studies for corporations across North America and
hence, has unmatched understanding of the limitations of each analysis tool and
methodology. The vast majority of PPE fabrics used in North America are
tested at Kinectrics’ high current facility. As a result, Kinectrics is able to
provide realistic results on the scenarios assessed; results would not lead
into overdressing personnel, creating other types of safety issues.
We are also closely
involved with the development various standards committees in the arc flash
mitigation space and as such are intimately aware of requirements in
IEEE1584-2018 and many others.
Kinectrics can offer support to your organization in terms of:
- Arc
Flash and Arc Hazard Assessment Training
- Consulting
– mix of mitigation measures, best in class practices
- Arc
Flash Studies
- Arc
Hazard Incident Energy software tools - ArcPro
Kinectrics has the
capabilities and a wealth of experience performing the following:
- Site
visits to gather field data
- Development
of new single line diagrams
- Download
protective relay settings
- Make
realistic assumptions as needed
- Short
circuit study
- Equipment
evaluation
- Protection
coordination study
- Arc
hazard analysis
- Arc
flash mitigation
How do we
do it?

Through engineering analysis — using the latest
in analytical tools — Kinectrics defines inputs for the above variables and
computes for the end user, the amount of radiant and convected thermal energy
available at particular sites. Kinectrics can then recommend to clients the
protective clothing that is suitable for workers who may be accidentally
exposed to electric arc in their facilities. The Kinectrics advantage is a
comprehensive understanding of the necessary input variables, and outputs, of
the various computation techniques. Kinectrics’ staff understand — and can
accurately and appropriately apply — the requirements of the many industry standards
such as:
- IEEE
1584
- NESC
- NFPA
70E
- CSA
Z462
- CAN/ULC
S801
- OSHA (Occupational
Safety and Health Administration) on Arc Hazard Assessment
Kinectrics has successfully completed numerous
projects for major North American utilities and has provided
advanced technical support for international research and testing projects
designed to increase scientific understanding of issues related to arc flash
phenomena.
Arc
Hazard Engineering Training
Learn from the Experts – Kinectrics’ practical expertise and
leading-edge knowledge in arc hazard testing and assessment is now available
through our specialized training courses. Kinectrics’ courses are taught by
experts, and include case studies and demonstrations in our world class labs
and state-of-the-art testing facilities.
Kinectrics’ courses are developed using the energy industry’s
Systematic Approach to Training for Adult Learning. Attend a public session at
Kinectrics, or call us if you wish to have a dedicated course on-site at your
location or Kinectrics’ offices.
Kinectrics’ full Arc Hazard Engineering Course is
designed for engineers in utilities and industry, safety officers, program
managers, and procurement staff who are responsible for arc hazard assessment
in the selection of protective equipment and clothing. This one-day course
covers in-depth training in arc flash calculations and PPE and can be offered
as a certified course for PDH (Professional Development Hours) or CEUs
(Continuing Education Units).
ArcPro™
Software for Arc Hazard Assessment & PPE Selection
Kinectrics’ courses are developed using the energy industry’s
Systematic Approach to Training for Adult Learning. Attend a public session at
Kinectrics, or call us if you wish to have a dedicated course on-site at your
location or Kinectrics’ offices.
A state-of-the-art program, ArcPro™ includes a physics-based model
of electric arcs. The software models high power arcing by taking into account
such complex variables as gas properties, arc electrode materials, thermal
radiation and convective energy dissipation. ArcPro™ considers the arc current,
arc duration, arc gap, worker’s distance from the arc, and a number of other
factors required in the accurate assessment of arc exposure. ArcPro™
computations have been verified by live arc testing in Kinectrics’ High Current
Laboratory.
Learn more about it HERE - ArcPro™ 4.0
Arc Hazard Assessment Software | Kinectrics
Map of
where Kinectrics’ arc flash assessment products and services are offered
