Arc Flash Study / Analysis Safety Program

Arc Flash Study / Analysis & Labeling Program

NFPA Arc Flash Demo Video

The Martin Technical Arc Flash Study, Labeling and Safety Program is one of the most comprehensive in the industry.

Our combination of experience, quality and dependability and focus on electrical safety has made Martin Technical one of the premier arc flash study / analysis eningeering organizations in the world.

Our team has conducted hundreds arc flash studies throughout the world with customers ranging from small facilities to large corporation and government campuses with dozens of buildings. No job is to big or too small for our team and unlike other engineering firms or electrical service & equipment providers, arc flash studies aren't something we provide on the side as a value-added service - it's our expertise !

Martin Technical Arc Flash Study & Labeling Program

objectives

1. Determine if the potential for a hazardous arc flash exists in equipment that employees work on or near while the equipment is exposed and energized.
2. Identify opportunities to reduce or eliminate as many of the potential arc flash hazards identified in the study as possible.
3. Determine the minimum safe working distance (arc flash boundary) from the equipment where an arc flash hazard exists.
4. Determine the appropriate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) required to avoid a permanent injury from an arc flash.
5. Implement arc flash hazard and electrical shock warning labels on electrical equipment.
6. Inform management and workers of the results.

arc flash analysis deliverables

1. Updated One-Line Electrical Drawings
2. Arc Flash & Electrical Hazard Study / Analysis
3. Short Circuit Study
4. Protective Device Coordination Study
5. Recommendations to Reduce Arc Flash Hazard Categories
6. Arc Flash Hazard Labels & Labeling
7. Help with OSHA & NFPA 70E compliance
8. Continuous Updates on Arc Flash & Electrical Safety Code Changes
9. Tracking Program for Changes & Updates to your Electrical System

arc flash study work process

Phase I - Data Collection

The first phase of any arc flash hazard study is the collection of field data necessary to calculate potential incident energy at power distribution equipment.  Phase I is the labor intensive phase of the arc flash hazard study, typically taking at least half of the total effort required to complete the analysis. Data is collected on-site by qualified persons (as defined by OSHA and NFPA 70E) in appropriate PPE; preferably assisted by a qualified facility employee or someone knowledgeable of the plant electrical equipment and facility layout.

Data collected for the study includes transformer nameplates, conductor sizes/number per phase/lengths, motors larger than 50HP, circuit breaker catalog numbers and settings, fuse catalog numbers, and on-site generator nameplates. Generally all the data can be collected without disturbing facility operations. Proper labeling of each disconnect as to its purpose (in accordance with NEC® 110.22), is required in order to complete an accurate analysis.

Generally as part of Phase I, the electric utility will be contacted to determine the short circuit current available at the facility’s metering point, which is the starting point of all Arc Flash Hazard Analysis Studies.

Phase II - Power System Modeling / Electrical One-Line Diagram Development

Using the information from the Data Collection in Phase I, a power system an electrical one-line diagram is developed.  Electrical elements and components are shown by standard industry accepted symbols representing each of the three phases and the connection of the power system with one line.  The diagram represents the actual facility power distribution system and path from the incoming power source to all loads and equipment.

Phase III - Engineering Calculations & Hazard Analysis / Study

Phase III is a multi-facetted phase beginning with the input of the data from single-line diagrams from Phase II and the data collected during Phase I in order to complete an Arc Flash Study / Analysis to IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E standards.  This phase is completed and / or reviewed by a licensed professional engineer knowledgeable in the use of electrical engineering software, short circuit studies, arc flash hazards and NFPA 70E..   PTW software program developed by SKM Systems Analysis, Inc. or EasyPower software is used to determine the following:

1.  Short Circuit Study

1. Ensure all equipment is properly rated to withstand a short circuit current
2. Determination of system operating modes and conditions that can impact short circuit currents and arc flash hazard energy level
3. Determine bolted fault current
4. Calculate arc fault current

2.  Device Interrupt Rating and Evaluation Study

1. Determine if protective devices have adequate interrupting capacity for the available short circuit current
2. Compare calculated values to the device and equipment interrupting rating
3. Verify that the equipment is rated to safely handle short circuit currents without creating hazardous conditions

3.  Protective Device Coordination Study

1. Determine “Total Clearing Time” at fault currents
2. Determine probable sequence of which device will open during a fault
3. Find protective device characteristics and arc duration
4. Ensure electrical system reliability and determine if arc flash hazard energy levels can be reduced

4.  Arc Flash Hazard Study Analysis

1. Calculate Incident Energy
2. Calculate Arc Flash Hazard Boundaries
3. Determine Arc Flash Hazard / Risk Category
4. Specify PPE Requirements

5.  Recommended Solutions to Problems and Identify Opportunities

1. Inadequate Interrupting Ratings
2. Improper Coordination Problems
3. Potentially Dangerous Arc Flash Energy
4. Opportunities to reduce Arc Flash Hazard / Risk category level and level of PPE required.

6.  Written Analysis Report
A written report detailing and documenting the results from the data collection and engineering studies completed.

Phase IV - Report Presentation

Phase IV includes delivery of the report and a brief presentation of the results of the five engineering studies completed including Arc Flash Hazard Study / Analysis and recommended solutions for improving the electrical distribution system.  As part of this presentation the presenter will welcome questions and encourage a discussion of the results and report.

This report is accompanied by program specific electrical one-line diagrams developed during modeling of the system. The report will be provided on a CD accompanied by the updated electrical one-line drawings in .dxf format.

Phase V - Arc Flash & Shock Hazard Labeling

The NEC® and NFPA 70E requirements include placing a label on the equipment informing the worker of the flash protection boundary, incident energy, work distance, required PPE level and the shock hazard voltage and boundaries.  The labels proposed will be high quality Brady labels, color coded to assist the workers in determining the arc flash Hazard / Risk Category. Colors based on ANSI Z535.4 are:

• Orange for H/R Category 0,1 and 2
• Red for H/R Category 3 and 4
• Red “Danger” for H/R above Category 4

 

Each piece of equipment analyzed will have a printed arc flash hazard label with an identification number to match the equipment number.

Phase VI - Post Arc Flash Study / Analysis Support

After your arc flash study is completed and labels applied, Martin Technical will continue to support your electrical safety & arc flash program with the following services:

• Updates on changes to electrical codes and standards & electrical safety practices
• A best-practices program for tracking changes to your electrical system for future arc flash study and labeling updates.

 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation on How We Can Help You with Your Arc Flash Hazard Study, Labeling & Training Needs.