A summary of arc flash energy calculations

Recent research has been published on the hazards of an electrical arc flash. The calculations required for determining arc-flash incident energy exposure for electrical workers are involved and sometimes difficult. The authors have completed arc-flash energy studies for many industrial sites, from small facilities to large chemical plants. This paper provides a summary of the results of these studies, with an emphasis on the wide range of results that were found. Learnings about electrical equipment design, installation and operation are discussed that were found to be associated with high arc-flash energy values. In addition, some methods are described to evaluate the arc-flash energy values for a facility that can help the owner determine the most effective arc flash hazard management policy.