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Arc Flash Analysis

Employers are responsible for providing safe working conditions anytime employees or contract personnel are working near electrical equipment. An Arc Flash Analysis can help make sure you’re meeting electrical safety requirements and protecting your employees.

With our Arc Flash Analysis, our experts will:  

  • Help you be compliant with OSHA, NEC, NFPA compliance (NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584)
  • Offer safety-related work practices
  • Calculate arc flash energy value for each electrical equipment panel
  • Assign category risk level to arc flash energy value
  • Establish electrical equipment approach boundaries
  • Recommend PPE (personal protective equipment) required to meet category risk level
  • Develop one-line electrical diagrams, color-coded to match category risk level
  • Conduct fault coordination study
  • Identify breaker trip settings or proper coordination
  • Create arc flash, electric shock and PPE labels for all electrical equipment
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What is an Arc Flash?

An arc flash in simple terms is a big explosion or fireball. It’s a phenomenon when a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through an air gap from one conductor to another, or to ground. This results in a release of electrical energy that ionizes the surrounding air, generating an enormous amount of light, heat and sound…an explosion.

It can be caused by many things:

  • Human Error – dropping a tool, accidental touching with an uninsulated tool

  • Environmental Factors – buildup of dust or debris, condensation

  • Equipment Failure – faulty parts or installation, corroding insulation, normal wear and tear

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Protect Against the Risks of an Arc Flash

When an arc flash does occur, it can cause:

Burns and Fires

Non flame-resistant clothing can burn onto skin, and fire can spread rapidly throughout the area

Blast Pressure

Upward of 2,000 pounds per square foot

Sound Blast

Noise can reach 140 dB – as loud as a gun

Heat

Upwards of 35,000 degrees F – hotter than the surface of the sun

Flying Objects

Often creates molten metal

Arc Flash Analysis

80% of electrical-related accidents and fatalities involving “qualified workers” are caused by arc flash. - OSHA