Comparison of IEEE 1584–2018 Predictions with Tests on Real-World Equipment: Copyright Material IEEE Paper No. ESW2021-33

IEEE 1584-2018 contains a significant update to industry models for predicting the incident energy from arc flash. These models include different box sizes, voltages, and electrode geometries. Predictions from these models are compared to tests on medium-voltage equipment. Equipment includes circuit-breaker cabinets, live-front switches, and live-front transformers. Results show what input assumptions are most applicable for each type of equipment (including vertical and horizontal electrodes). For some equipment, particularly with horizontal electrodes, the 1584-2018 predictions underpredicted measurements of incident energy, so multiplier factors may be needed.