What is Arc Flash?

Arc Flash is the result of an arcing fault between a phase bus bar and another bus bar, neutral or a ground. The resultant energy released can cause severe injury to personnel and damage to equipment.

 

 

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Why is an Arc Flash Study needed?

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) mandates that employers provide a safe workplace for their employees. As part of that responsibility, employers must assess their facilities for electrical hazards and the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Details on how to comply with this requirement are left up to the employer, however the employer is expected to use the best means available. This is accomplished with adherence to the industry consensus standard NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Article 130.3 of NFPA 70E defines the need to perform an arc flash hazard analysis in order to protect personnel from the possibility of being injured by an arc flash.

What can I expect from JRJE?

The first step is to gather all of the information mentioned above. We will then review your electrical system drawings and update the power single line drawing to reflect any changes found in the field. Next we will perform a short circuit study at the major points in the system. This is necessary to determine the energy available in the event of an electrical fault. The calculations will then be made according to IEEE standards for each of these points to determine the incident electrical energy available in the event of an arc fault. This is necessary to determine the safe working boundaries and the level of PPE needed in order to satisfy the requirements of NFPA 70E. Labels for your electrical equipment will be provided listing the safe working boundaries and PPE needed. At the completion of the project, we will provide you with a complete report of the results, along with recommendations to improve your electrical safety.

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