Arc flash study provides actual calculated short circuit currents, tripping times and incident energy (arc flash energy). Arc flash assessment also reviews coordination to mitigate arc flash energy levels while focusing on eliminating nuisance tripping, both during a ground fault and/or phase fault condition.
The objectives of the flash arc assessment are to:
- Identify arc flash hazards
- Estimate the likelihood of occurrence and potential severity of injury or damage to health
- Determine whether additional protective measures are required.
The arc flash study will calculate the short circuit current and the tripping time (opening or breaking of the electrical safety). Arc flash assessment is also carried out by reviewing coordination to reduce incident energy levels while focusing on eliminating disturbances, both during ground faults and/or inter-phase fault conditions.
Currently the majority of studies and assessments of arc flash hazard risk refer to IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E. According to the NFPA 70E standard, arc flash studies must be carried out every 5 (five) years or whenever major modifications are made to the facility.
