Arc Flash Risk Assessment According to Different Standards Using Several Software Tools

This paper presents an arc flash risk assessment procedure using different computer tools from different countries. Different computation methods according new requirements in NFPA 70E (2018), IEEE 1584 and DGUV I 203-077 standard. Four different software are used and compared incident energy (EI) or full energy (WE), arc flash boundary and the level of Personnel Protection Equipment (PPE).Arc flash risk assessment is today a mandatory part of each risk assessment for electrical workplaces and several recommendations exist in different countries like national OSHA rules, PPE Directive in Europe and different standards (EN 50110-1, IEEE 1584, NEPA 70E, DGUV).A short circuit analysis is performed to calculate the values of arching currents and compute arc flash energy dissipated at busbars at HV and LV voltage busbars. Worst case scenario approach is used to examine what is highest level of Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV). There are different software tools where used in computation: “EasyPower Arc Flash” (USA), BSD Arc Calculator (Germany), RENblad 1710 (Norway) and ARCPRO™ 3.0 (Canada). These tools are an easy-to-use software package for the calculation of radiated and converted thermal energy from electric arcs. This highly-effective tools offer proven value in helping utilities and other industries select protective clothing (PPE) and meet workplace regulations for safety apparel and comply with OSHA regulations.A practical sample case is presented, and arc flash energy is computed, and PPE recommended for high and low voltage busbars in one stone pit facility in Slovenia. In Slovenia and we started promoting the safety of the electric arc some years ago and we continue with this activity.