What is an arc flash analysis?

An arc flash analysis, also known as arc flash hazard analysis, evaluates the risk of an electrical arc flash event, a type of electrical explosion caused by a rapid release of energy due to a fault in an electrical system. The analysis is performed to identify and assess the potential hazards associated with electrical equipment and systems and to determine the likelihood of an arc flash event occurring and the potential consequences if such an event were to occur.

The analysis typically includes several steps, such as:

1. Collecting data on the electrical equipment and systems, including the voltage levels, the type of equipment, and the protective devices in place.
2. Performing calculations to determine the incident energy, which is the amount of energy that would be released in an arc flash event, and the arc flash boundary, which is the distance from the equipment at which the incident energy would be high enough to cause injury or damage.
3. Develop recommendations for protecting workers and equipment, such as changes to the electrical equipment and systems, changes to safety procedures, or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
4. Implementing and maintaining the recommendations over time

Professional electricians or engineers typically perform it, sometimes in coordination with safety experts or consultants, using specialized software tools and following industry standards such as NFPA 70E. The output of an arc flash analysis is often used in safety procedures, training, and electrical equipment labeling to remind workers of the hazards and necessary precautions. It’s also important to note that the arc flash analysis is not a one-time study and should be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the equipment or systems.