Arc Flash Hazard Calculation In 9 Steps Using IEEE 1584 (photo credit: complyworks.com)IEEE spent many years developing these methods. They are based on empirical testing of class RK1 and class L fuses, low voltage molded case circuit breakers , insulated case circuit breakers and low voltage power circuit breakers as well as theoretical modeling.Included in IEEE 1584 are spreadsheet programs that simplify the calculation of incident energy and flash-protection boundaries.IEEE 1584 does not address the Safety related Work Pratices in the same manner as NFPA 70E. It concerns itself primarily with performing the calculations that may be necessary to determine safe practices. The calculation methods in Annex D of NFPA 70E are based on IEEE 1584, but do not contain all the data or descriptions of how these methods were developed.IEEE 1584 outlines 9 steps necessary to properly perform an Arc Flash hazard calculation //Step #1Collect the system and installation data.Depending on whether you are doing a complete site analysis or looking at one individual portion, this step can take a few minutes or several weeks to perform. Begin by reviewing the latest up-to-date of the equipment or system you are analyzing.
If single line diagrams are not available, you must create them! The utility can provide you with the available fault MVA and X/R ratio at the entrance to your facility.If you generate your own electricity, or if you have emergency or standby generators and large motors, a more detailed analysis must be performed.In order to calculate the bolted fault current available at the point of your application, you must record on your single line diagram all transformers and their ratings, circuit breakers or fusible distribution circuits and their ratings, MCC’s, and all other equipment between the power source and the area you are concerned with. Step #3Determine the bolted fault currents.You can perform hand calculations or use commercially available software programs to calculate the bolted fault currents at all points between the utility and the distribution or control equipment you are analyzing.It will be necessary to plug in all of the data you have recorded about the transformers, cable sizes and lengths, and type of conduit, etc. Software programs automatically calculate the distance based on the arc fault current, system voltage, arc gap, and arc flash duration.If the overcurrent protective devices (OCPD) are something other than those covered by IEEE 1584, or if the voltage levels and short circuit currents exceed the IEEE 1584 limitations, then the opening times of the overcurrent protective devices must be analyzed and the corresponding Flash Protection Boundary and incident energy must be calculated by another method.Reference // Electrical Safety Hazards Handbook – Littelfuse.
IEEE 1584 explains how to calculate the arc flash. Just put it in Excel and calculate.The way people try to impress me with a protected Excel file with locked forms, is bad. Just look at the layout!! If I want to to calculate the arc flash at different distances I have to insert the data over and over again. And the layout. My screen is completely filled.
As if it is so important.If I do not insert all data there is an error message“ERROR! PLEASE KEY-IN ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION” The program can not tell what information is missing.There are four checkboxes at the bottom. Without an explanantion.Competely black I think it’s about the equimpment. But I do not know what happens when I select them.
3 Fluke Corporation How to use the new arc-flash PPE tables in the 2018 Edition of NFPA 70E Figure 1 Table 130.5(C) “Likelihood of Occurrence of an Arc Flash Incident for ac and dc Systems” Partial From 2018 Edition of NFPA 70E A worker has to assess all factors involved with the equipment and task about to be performed.
I have to look in the help file. I can select all checkboxes!!
I if I do I get a message “PLEASE SELECT ONE”. I would have used radio buttons.If I close it Excel quits. Why?I did the same.
I even created a data table where I can insert several transformers. It’s not properly aligned here, but that’s detail1000kVA630kVA400kV250kVA147,3227,0521,613,978,840,117,914,710,16,70,589,773,750,333,3100,6,1221,0150,9101,6201,2134,8There is no way to upload my Excel otherwise I did.Frans Eilering.