Arc Flash Analysis

Excel Engineering, Inc. has a department that focuses on arc flash analysis (or arc flash study). Our department has completed hundreds of arc flash studies around the country---from small industrial plants to very large corporate campuses. We welcome the opportunity to understand your unique situation and assist you with all your arc flash needs.

Arc Flash Hazards

An electric arc flash is the result of the intense heat created when an electrical short circuit occurs. The arc flash itself can vaporize copper or aluminum conductors almost instantly. The electric short circuit which causes the arc flash can be caused by equipment failure and/or accidental contact with an electrical component by an employee with a conductive item such as a tool or piece of wire. Even though the flash may only last a fraction of a second, it can result in devastating personal injury and significant property damage. An arc flash analysis will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of these hazards. This knowledge along with labeling, training, personal protective equipment (PPE) and appropriate work procedures will mitigate the risk of personal injury and property damage.

For more arc flash information and resources, visit our resources page

Why should you be concerned about arc flash?

In order to provide an electrically safe working environment for your workers, you need to assess the arc flash hazards in your facility.

NOTE: Even though arc flash burns accounted for 38% of the total electrical related injuries, they caused a disproportionately high number of days lost from work because of the "burn type" nature of arc flash injuries.

A combination of NEC and NFPA standards require that arc flash hazards be labeled and that personnel are properly warned of the hazards. Even highly skilled electricians will not be aware of the level of the hazard that may be present, or the proper PPE required to work on equipment, if the label and information are not available. Other reasons to be concerned with arc flash include:

Minimizing expensive down time and equipment damage
Minimizing the chances of a large fine from OSHA
Minimizing the chances of a personal injury lawsuit that may follow "lost time injury accidents" that are associated with OSHA violations

What is the NFPA 70E?

NFPA 70E is a standard for electrical safety in the work place, which can be thought of as the "how to" standard. It provides guidance as to the specific steps that must be taken by a facility owner and worker (whether employee or contractor) in order to comply with the more general statements and safety regulations made by OSHA.

A subtle but important difference between the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E) is that the NEC applies to installations, whereas NFPA 70E applies to workplaces.

NFPA 70E states that facility owners must provide:

Arc flash hazard analysis
Arc flash labels on equipment with incident energy or PPE level
Required PPE for the workers
Tools for safe work
A safety program with defined responsibilities
Training for the workers

How can Excel Engineering Help?

We can perform a comprehensive arc flash analysis, as well as provide a facility owner with recommendations to reduce and/or properly address arc flash hazards which are present. Based on the results of the study we provide custom arc flash labels, as well as assistance in selecting the proper PPE and tools for OSHA/NFPA 70E compliance. Additional benefits of a study can include:

An electrical equipment rating study/evaluation to determine if existing electrical equipment is properly rated for the available electrical system fault duty
An electrical system fuse, circuit breaker and relay selective coordination study/review to determine the settings of the equipment to ensure problems on the electrical system, should they occur, are isolated and not allowed to cascade throughout the system causing more systems to be shut down than was necessary

Safety Policies and Training

In addition to an arc flash analysis, it is important to have a good safety program and training. For your safety program and training needs, we recommend our business partner Hilmerson Safety Services, Inc. You can contact them at 952-224-9390 or email at info@hilmersonservices.com. For more information on their services, visit their website at www.hilmersonservices.com.