Turnkey Incident Energy Analysis
Turnkey Incident Energy Arc Flash Analysis: Complete, Turnkey, Engineered Arc Flash Program & Consultation
As part of our Turnkey Incident Energy Analysis, Facility Results will provide a comprehensive model of your power distribution system, including a thorough electrical safety analysis and complete written program, containing many of the following components:
ANSI Compliant Labeling
One-Line Diagram
Short Circuit Analysis
Hazard Mitigation
Device Coordination
Hazard Category Outcomes
Site-specific Training
Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
Tooling Recommendations
Ongoing Compliance Audits
A State-of-the-Art Change Management Program
An Ongoing Managed Glove Program
Facility Results has the experience and know-how to guide you through the complex and confusing OSHA & NFPA regulations that are now required by all employers. Together we will find real-world, practical solutions for compliance and implementation. Facility Results has the field experience required to assess the needs of your facility and recommend a complete solution—from labels to training—and the latest technology available in personal protective equipment. We offer a full-service Turnkey Incident Energy Analysis and Safety Solution focused on providing value to the end-user.
Allow Facility Results to step you through the process of compliance and stay with you through the life of your electrical safety program. With the addition of FlashTrack™, our data collection software tool, we can help you keep your facility compliant in real-time.
Other Related Services:
Onsite Arc Flash Training
Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) Assessment
Engineer-Assisted Incident Energy Analysis
FlashTables™ based on IEEE 1584
What is an Arc Flash Analysis (Study)?
An arc flash study is a detailed analysis of the electrical system in a facility that is designed to identify and evaluate the potential hazards associated with electrical arcs. These hazards can pose a significant risk to the safety of workers and equipment, as well as the integrity of the facility itself. As a result, it is important for facilities to conduct arc flash studies to ensure that appropriate precautions and safety measures are in place to prevent or mitigate the risk of an arc flash event occurring.
An arc flash event is a sudden and high-energy release of electrical energy, typically as a result of a fault in an electrical system. It can result in serious injury or death, as well as damage to equipment and facilities. Arc flash events can occur in a variety of settings, including industrial, commercial, and residential facilities.
Conducting an arc flash study involves a thorough analysis of the electrical system and equipment in the facility, as well as the potential arc flash hazards that may be present. The study typically involves the use of specialized software and testing equipment to accurately assess the potential hazards. The results of the study are used to determine the necessary safety measures and precautions that should be taken to prevent or mitigate the risk of an arc flash event occurring.
The process of conducting an arc flash study typically involves the following steps:
- Gathering data: The first step in conducting an arc flash study is to gather data on the electrical system and equipment in the facility. This data may include information on the type and age of the equipment, the type and size of the electrical conductors, and the type and size of the electrical panels. It may also include information on the type and size of the electrical loads that are connected to the system, as well as the type and size of the electrical protection devices that are in place.
- Analyzing the electrical system: Once the data has been collected, the next step is to analyze the electrical system to identify any potential arc flash hazards. This analysis may involve the use of specialized software and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and circuit analyzers, to accurately assess the potential hazards present in the system.
- Determining the arc flash hazard level: Based on the results of the analysis, the arc flash study will determine the level of arc flash hazard present in the electrical system. This hazard level is typically expressed in terms of the amount of energy that is released during an arc flash event, as well as the distance from the arc flash source that is required to protect against the hazard.
- Developing recommendations: Once the arc flash hazard level has been determined, the next step is to develop recommendations for addressing the hazard. These recommendations may include the installation of additional protective devices, such as circuit breakers or fuses, as well as the implementation of protective measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by workers.
- Implementing recommendations: The final step in the arc flash study process is to implement the recommendations that have been developed. This may involve the installation of additional protective devices, the implementation of protective measures, or the development of procedures for safely working around the electrical system.
It is important to note that an arc flash study is just one component of a comprehensive electrical safety program. Other measures, such as training, regular inspections, and maintenance, are also important for ensuring the safety of workers and equipment.
In summary, an arc flash study is a comprehensive analysis of the electrical system in a facility that is designed to identify and evaluate the potential hazards associated with electrical arcs. The study involves gathering data on the electrical system and equipment, analyzing the system to identify potential hazards, determining the arc flash hazard level, and developing recommendations for addressing the hazard. The
What is an Arc Flash Study?
An arc flash study, also known as an arc flash hazard analysis or arc flash risk assessment, is a study that identifies arc flash hazards, estimates the likelihood of severe injury, and assists in determining the additional protections (controls and personal protective equipment (PPE)) required for a given electrical system/installation, as defined by NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Simply put, an arc flash study provides information regarding the incident energy available at the electrical components/devices that personnel would be exposed to while maintaining or otherwise interacting with that equipment and aids in determining safe approach distances and PPE for maintenance work.
Why is an Arc Flash Analysis Necessary?
To determine the utmost amount of energy that could be released by equipment requiring maintenance, an arc flash study is required. Moreover, an arc discharge study can advise a designer on how to eliminate or reduce the risk of danger. Without an arc flash study, it is impossible to determine the appropriate elimination, reduction, mitigation, and protection techniques for creating a secure work environment around electrical equipment and installations.
When is a study of arc flash required?
Arc flash studies are the result of a number of codes referencing the need to provide a secure working environment for personnel maintaining equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) are among the organizations that have established this requirement. In addition, certain jurisdictions, including Washington (WAC296-45-325), require the performance of an arc flash hazard analysis.
As you may know, OSHA provides employers with health and safety requirements. On the basis of the information presented in NFPA 70E, OSHA’s electrical safety standards (CFR 29 Part 1910 and Part 1926) are formulated. Employers are required by CFR Part 1910.132 to identify workplace hazards and protect their employees from those hazards.
Electrical equipment and installations all carry a certain level of risk, particularly when they must be maintained or operated while energized. This includes the use of enclosed circuit breakers, testing and/or troubleshooting, and any exposure to live elements during maintenance. CFR Part 1910.132 also requires that the employer verify the required hazard assessment has been performed with written certification. Understanding this enables you to recognize the presence or prospective presence of hazards in any electrical installation. These hazards must be identified and designated in accordance with OSHA 1910.132 so that the appropriate PPE can be determined. Here, NFPA 70E enters into play.
The title of NFPA 70E is “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.” Section 110.1 specifies the electrical safety requirements for employers. It stipulates that “the employer shall implement and document a comprehensive electrical safety program that directs activity based on the risk of electrical hazards.” When an employer’s comprehensive occupational health and safety management system exists, the electrical safety program must be implemented as part of that system.
Section 130.5 provides information regarding shock and arc flash hazard risks, as well as standards for identifying and quantifying both hazards. It mandates the performance of an arc flash analysis to determine the incident energy at the required working distance, also known as the arc flash boundary, and the appropriate level of PPE to be used within the arc flash boundary. In addition, Section 130.5 mandates the labeling of all apparatus “likely to require examination, adjustment, service, or maintenance while energized…” The label must contain the following data: arc flash risk identification, severity of the risk, arc flash boundary and required PPE, among other requirements.
What is Required to Conduct an Arc Flash Study Correctly?
There are numerous software programs that can be used to conduct arc discharge studies, but the required information is quite specific. An accurate and comprehensive representation of the electrical installation to be analyzed is the most essential aspect of performing an arc flash study. However, field verification of conductor lengths should be conducted to ensure that the study accurately reflects the as-built conditions. If existing documentation is unavailable or insufficient, a field survey of the installation is necessary. The following data are required to create an accurate model:
Useful information
Power supply voltage
Available fault current Protection apparatus at the service point
In parallel Information sources, such as multiple services, generators, or alternative emergency power systems.
Electrical equipment details
Manufacturer Varieties
The sizes of
Current time/date parameters
Short-circuit rating interruption
Cable/conductor variety, dimensions, and lengths
System-connected motors’ horsepower rating
NEMA conformance
Transformer Efficiency
Impedance levels
Tap options
Who Can Conduct Arc Flash Studies?
Performing an arc flash study is deemed “practicing engineering,” which requires a professional engineer license in most jurisdictions. Therefore, when an arc flash study is required, it must be conducted by a licensed entity in the location of the endeavor.