When is an arc flash study required?

An arc flash study is typically required when a new electrical installation is being designed or when major changes are being made to an existing electrical installation, such as adding or modifying existing equipment. The study is typically required to ensure that the electrical system is designed and maintained to minimize the risk of an arc flash incident, which can cause serious injury or death to personnel, as well as damage to equipment and facilities.

An arc flash study may also be required by local, state, or federal regulations or by industry standards such as OSHA or NFPA 70E. For example, OSHA requires employers to assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitates the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and to select appropriate PPE for employee use based on the hazards identified.

Additionally, in some cases, an arc flash study may be conducted voluntarily by a facility owner or operator to improve the overall safety and reliability of the electrical system or to reduce the likelihood of an arc flash incident occurring.

There are many different methods for conducting an arc flash study, and the specific requirements for a study will depend on the facility and the studied electrical system. A good practice to check is NFPA-70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

Arc Flash Study Overview