ARC FLASH ANALYSIS

What is Arc Flash?

• An arc flash happens when electric
current flows through an air gap
between live conductors.
• The term “arc flash” is used to
describe low impedance connections
in an electric system, which allows
movement of electric current through
the air from one voltage phase to
another, or to ground.
• This leads to a rapid rise in
temperature and pressure in the air
between electrical conductors, causing
an explosion known as arc blast.
• When air between two conductors is
ionized then arc flash occure.
CAUSES OF AN ARC FLASH
• Arc flash occurs when several electrical conductors are placed very
close to each other, with significant fault currents flowing through
them.
• In this situation, ionization of the air can take place due to differences
in potential which leads to a low resistance path and allows current to
flow through the air gap between conductors.
• Sparks due to gaps or breaks in the insulation.
• Dust, corrosion or other impurities on the surface of the conductor.
What are effect of arc flash
• Large shock waves that can blow personal off their feet.
• Loss of memory or brain function.
• Hearing loss from ruptured eardrums. The sound associated with the
blast can greatly exceed the sound of a jet engine.
• Shock hazards due to touching energize conductors.
• Other physical injuries from being blown off ladders, into walls etc.
• The degree of injury depends upon on power of an arc flash, distance
of a personal at the time of arc flash and personal protective
equipment (PPE) worn by individual during arc flash.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES

• By using ETAP we will get values

as incident energy (arc flash
power), safety distance from the
equipment and PPE required
according to NFPA (National Fire
Protection Association).
• We can produce a label by using
ETAP program arc flash studies,
which show different
requirements.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES
• Working distance: The distance between a
person and the point of origin of an arc
flash.
• The point of origin of an arc flash will
typically be inside a piece of electrical
equipment, at an energized conductor or
bus.
• If you are wearing 1.2 cal/cm2 PPE, then you
would be safe at inches from source of arc.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES

• The arc flash boundary is calculated to 1.2 cal/cm2 of incident energy.

• That’s the distance where a worker without appropriate PPE would
receive second degree burn.
• It is the line no one should pass without training and PPE.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES

• Limited approach boundary: it is possible to be exposed to a shock

hazard.
• Non-qualified workers should stay away outside of this boundary
unless wearing proper PPE and with specialized trainings.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES

• Restricted boundary: The area closest to the live, exposed equipment

is within the restricted boundary.
• In order to pass this boundary, you must be a qualified worker with the
proper training and PPE.
ETAP BENEFITS USING ARC FLASH STUDIES

• Prohibited approach boundary: Distance from and exposed energized

component where the effect of an electric arc would be the same as
actually touching the live part.
• No one should be within this boundary while equipment is energized.
• In this example 0.1 ft nearly 1.2 inches.
PPE LEVELS 2009 NFPA 70E PPE Category Level
Chart
PPE LEVELS