ARC FLASH HAZARDS AND THEIR ANALYSES

In the past, industrial electrical systems in the United States have been designed considering prevalent standards, that is, ANSI/IEEE, NEC, OSHA, UL, NESC, and the like, and arc flash hazard was not a direct consideration for the electrical system designs. Electrical arcing signifies the passage of current through what has previously been air. As opposed to arc flash, which is associated with thermal hazard and burns, arc blast is associated with extreme pressure and rapid pressure buildup. The chapter also provides an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book is confined to the analysis of arc flash thermal damage and calculation of arc flash boundary, subsequently defined, according to IEEE 1584 Guide equations. It concentrates on the various design, planning, and protection strategies by which the arc flash hazard can be reduced.