Introduction to Arc Flash

Guest Lecturer: Jon Leman, P.E.

University of Idaho: BSEE 2001, MSEE 2010
U.S. Navy Physics/Electrical Engineering Instructor (4 years)
POWER Engineers, Inc. Electrical System Studies (10 years)

Arc Flash - Description

Arc Flash = Short Circuit Through the Air

Temp. can reach 5000 F

Hot Gassing
Molten Metal
Severe Pressure Wave

Arc Flash - Description

Arc Flash = Short Circuit Through the Air

Temp. can reach 5000 F

Hot Gassing
Molten Metal
Severe Pressure Wave
Shrapnel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp1JdVwbN_U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA-w0QAaxRU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDy6fixKVxc&list=UUa8eW
ErXv1OSBLpQemGEkog

Arc Flash - Description

Arc Flash - Theory

Thermal aspects of arc flash were first described

mathematically by Ralph Lee in a 1982 paper called
The Other Electrical Hazard: Electric Arc Blast Burns.
His approach made use of the maximum power transfer
Theorem.

Arc Flash - Theory

Ralph Lee Method (significant limitations)

Arc Flash Calculations

(Energy)

(Power Time)

(Voltage Current Time)

Energy on a surface at a distance d from the source is inversely

proportional to the distance squared
Energy (Voltage Current Time)
Distance2
=>Easily seen in the Lee equations Not easily seen in
IEEE equations.

Incident Energy is reported in Joules per cm2 or Calories per cm2

Arc Flash - Theory

IEEE 1584 Method: Empirical Equations

Arc Flash Industry Standards

National Electrical Code (NFPA-70, Revised 2014)

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 (Revised in 2014)

IEEE 1584 (Revised in 2002, revision pending)

NFPA 70E (Revised 2015)

Software

Most programs use the IEEE 1584 approach

Non IEEE 1584 methods:

Duke Heat Flux

ArcPro (by Kinectrics)

Arc Flash - Description

PPE = Personal Protective

Equipment

Arc Flash Calculations

1.
2.
3.
4.

Gather System Data

Identify Voltages and Equipment Types
Select Working Distances
Relate computer model to physical equipment

7.

Determine Modes of Operation (Worst)

Determine Bolted Fault Currents
Determine Arcing Fault Currents

8.

Determine Duration of Arcs

9.

Calculate Incident Energies

Calculate Flash Protection Boundaries

5.
6.

10.

Arc Flash Calculations

Note: relays are inserted below breaker they

control. This not typical and was done to get
around a software limitation.

http://www.apt-power.com/wp-content/uploads/Medium-Voltage-Switchgear-Distribution-Switchgear-APT.pdf
Used with permission

Arc Flash Considerations

Always relate electrical models to the actual physical

system.
Pick the right location for worst case analysis
Be aware of available evacuation space or lack thereof

Higher fault currents and longer clearing times compete for

worst case arc flash conditions

Be aware of interrupting device ratings. If fault currents

are too high, it may not be safe to assume the device clears
the fault. Poorly maintained equipment can also fail to
interrupt a fault.

Remember that it takes breakers a finite time to clear a

fault (typical 3-5 cycles).

Arc Flash Mitigation

Arc resistant gear

More PPE

Administrative constraints such as prohibiting energized

work or other procedures that eliminate or reduce
exposure.

Faster clearing times

Reduce pickup/time dial (may need to be temporary and include a

lock-out procedure)

Cubicle flash detecting instantaneous element (arc flash/optical relays)

Remote operation

Reduce fault currents (series reactors).

Questions?