The Arc Flash study is performed in conjunction with the three-phase ANSI / IEEE or IEC short-circuit calculations. It determines the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) arc rating, along with the appropriate NFPA 70E approach limits for powering parts for shock protection. Arc Flash software also helps to design safer power systems and comply with OSHA regulations using NFPA 70E or IEEE Std. 1584 and 1584 calculations.
The Arc Flash study estimates the incident energy released in the event of a failure and determines the required protection limit.
The article 130.5 of the NFPA 70E requires
employers to perform Arc Flash risk assessment for electrical equipment and to update the study every five years.
It is important to study the Electric Arc to determine which is the best PPE to be used, keep the installations up to date and increase reliability.
For these reasons, it is necessary to seek methodologies in international standards and carry out a study of Arc Flash and Incident Energy. This study is based on empirical models developed from this need and is described in the IEEE 1584-2018.
