ARC FLASH STUDY

To identify the appropriate level of INCIDENT ENERGY (IE) The

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT amount of thermal energy
(PPE) required for arc flash protection, impressed on a surface, a certain
you need to perform an arc flash distance from the source,
analysis using software like ETAP or generated during an electric arc
consult relevant industry standards event. The incident energy is
NFPA 70E and guideline calculated at the working
distance. Incident energy
increases as the distance from
the potential arc source
decreases, and the incident energy
decreases as the distance increases.

• ARC FLASH BOUNDARY (AFB) A distance from a

prospective arc source at which the incident
energy is calculated to be 5.0 J/cm2 (1.2
cal/cm2). An incident energy of 5.0 J/cm2 (1.2
cal/cm2) is likely to cause the onset of a second-
degree burn.

ARC CURRENT: 3Φ bolted fault

current from short circuit analysis as
per IEEE 551.Open circuit voltage
level. Type of configuration

WORKING DISTANCE: The distance

between the potential arc source and
the face and chest of the worker
performing the task.
FAULT CLEARING TIME (FCT). This is
the calculated time in seconds, which
is needed by the protective device to
completely open and clear the arc
fault (extinguish the arc)