Impact of Arc Flash Hazards on Medium-Voltage Switchgear

This paper discusses the arc flash ramifications associated with the design and selection of medium-voltage switchgear. Three case studies are presented to demonstrate the impact of performing arc flash hazard analysis on the proposed and/or existing medium-voltage installation at the design stage. This paper proposes the following: 1) changes in the National Electrical Code, Article 110.16, to provide mandatory requirements for a) performing arc flash analysis at the design stage and b) placement of warning labels on switchgear to warn qualified persons of potential arc flash hazards and 2) a need to promulgate regulations requiring a utility company to notify its customers of changes in a) the available fault duty at the point of common coupling with a customer's facility and b) utility upstream protective device settings.