GENETEK
ARC FLASH STUDY
General Description
An arc flash study, also known as an arc
flash hazard analysis, is a detailed
assessment conducted to evaluate the
potential risks associated with electrical arc
flashes in a given electrical system or
facility. An arc flash is a sudden release of
energy caused by an electrical fault that
travels through the air, creating an electric
arc. This arc produces intense heat, light,
pressure, and sound waves that can cause
serious injuries, fires, and equipment
damage.
The primary objectives of an arc flash study
are:
Equipment Labeling
The study results are often used to create
labels for electrical equipment that indicate
the arc flash hazard level, required PPE, and
other safety information. These labels serve
as valuable visual reminders for workers
and maintenance personnel.
Determining Arc Flash Hazards
CSA Z462
The study aims to identify areas within an
electrical system where an arc flash could
occur and estimate the potential
energyrelease in terms of incident energy,
arc flash boundary, and protective clothing
requirements. Incident energy is the
amount of thermal energy generated by an
arc flash event.
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Z462 - Workplace Electrical Safety
Personal Protective Equipment Selection
Based on the incident energy calculations,
the study helps in recommending
appropriate levels of personal protective
equipment (PPE) that workers need to wear
when working on or near electrical
equipment. Proper PPE can significantly
reduce the risk of injuries in case of an arc
flash.
Standart of Arc Flash Study
NFPA 70E
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
70E - Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace
Mitigation Strategies
An arc flash study might also provide
recommendations for engineering controls,
equipment modifications, and other
strategies to minimize the likelihood and
severity of arc flash incidents. This could
involve selecting circuit breakers, fuses,
and protective devices that help limit fault
currents and reduce incident energy levels.
Conducting an arc flash study involves
several steps to accurately assess the
potential hazards and risks associated with
electrical arc flashes. The specific steps
can vary based on the complexity of the
electrical.
System and the goals of the study:
Data Collection
Gather detailed information about the
electrical system, including equipment
types, ratings, configurations, single-line
diagrams, and conductor lengths.
System Modeling
Create a detailed model of the electrical
system using specialized software. This
model should accurately represent the
arrangement and characteristics of the
equipment, conductors, and protective
devices.
IEEE 1584-2018
“Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard
Calculations”
OSHA Regulations
Occupational
Safety
and
Health
Administration (OSHA) regulations related
to electrical safety, including 29 CFR 1910
Subpart S – Electrical
Regulatory Compliance
IEC 60909
In many countries, electrical safety
standards and regulations mandate the
assessment and mitigation of arc flash
hazards to ensure the safety of workers. An
arc flash study helps organizations comply
with these regulations and standards.
International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) 60909 - Short-Circuit Currents in
Three-Phase AC Systems
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Steps of Arc Flash Study
National Electric Code (NEC) 110.16
(Arc Flash Safety Label requirement)
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GENETEK
Short-Circuit Analysis
Perform a short-circuit analysis to
determine the magnitude of fault currents
that could occur at various points in the
system.
and severity of arc flash incidents. This
might involve adjusting protective device
settings or modifying equipment flash
hazards.
This analysis helps understand the
potential energy release during an arc flash
event.
Protective Device Coordination Study
Analyze the coordination of protective
devices, such as circuit breakers and fuses,
to ensure that the device closest to the fault
clears the fault while minimizing the impact
on downstream devices.
When and How Often Do You Need
Arc Flash Study?
Arc flash studies should be periodically
updated to reflect changes in the electrical
system, such as modifications to
equipment, changes in protective device
settings, or adjustments to the system
layout. Depending on the complexity of the
system and industry standards, this could
be done every 3 to 5 years. This helps
account for any gradual changes or wear
and tear that may affect equipment
characteristics.
In general, an arc flash study should be
conducted by a qualified electrical
engineer with expertise in power systems
and protection devices.
Please contact GENETEK if you are looking
for an arc flash study and consultant who
delivers consulting services to help with
your project or for other purposes related
to your electrical system.
Review and Verification
Review the study results with relevant
stakeholders, including electrical engineers,
maintenance personnel, and safety
professionals, to ensure accuracy and
feasibility.
Training and Implementation
Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
Use the fault current information and
system parameters to calculate incident
energy levels, arc flash boundaries, and
required PPE. This step provides a clear
understanding of the potential hazards and
safety measures needed.
PPE Recommendations
Based on the calculated incident energy
levels, recommend appropriate PPE for
workers who might be exposed to arc flash
hazards.
Labeling and Documentation
Generate labels for equipment that indicate
the potential arc flash hazard, required
PPE, and other safety information.
Document the results of the study,
including calculations, findings, and
recommendations.
Mitigation Strategies
Recommend engineering controls and
mitigation measures to reduce the likelihood
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Provide training to workers and maintenance
personnel on the findings of the study, safe
work practices, and the proper use of
recommended PPE.
Input Data
Single-line diagram(s)
installation data.
to
reflect
the
Information on gap between conductors
(or range of gaps) to be used in the
arc-flash hazard hazard calculation study.
Information on the enclosure sizes to be
used in the arc-flash hazard calculation
study.
Information on the working distance
values to be used in the arc-flash hazard
calculation study.
Contact Information
The impedance of all components in the
electrical system, such as transformers,
cables, and motors.
P: +90 (262) 341 45 33
E: info@genetek.com.tr
W: www.genetek.com.tr
Three-phase rms bolted fault current and
protective device setting data from the
utility.
Modes of operation and system.
Overcurrent protective device diagrams
(fuses, relays, circuit breakers, etc.),
settings.
Yeniköy, Merkez Mh. Vatan Cd.
KOU Teknopark No:83 C-13
Başiskele, Kocaeli, TÜRKİYE
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