Recent Arc Flash Articles
Technological Innovations in Arc Flash Studies: A Look Ahead
Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of electrical safety, technological advancements play a pivotal role in reshaping the way we approach arc flash studies. As industries
The Importance of Conducting an Arc Flash Study During a Time of Supply Chain Issues
Nearly one-third of manufacturing, wholesale, and retail traders report supply chain disturbances. So it’s safe to say this international issue is a hot topic. So, here
Understanding Arc Flash Labels
An Arc Flash Label communicates the hazard of working on a piece of energized equipment, in this article we break down the labels component parts.
Why do I need an arc flash study?
You’ve been told that you need an arc flash study… Now what? We answer questions like What should you expect at the end of the arc flash study, why you might need a study and more.
What is an Arc Flash Study
You know that you need a power study and a label (or a sticker), but don’t know why, or what to expect. It might seem like your project plans have been derailed with this vague requirement – but we’re here to help – and we promise to do it quickly, properly and for the best value possible.
Pioneer Power Group provides arc flash calculations as required by the NFPA-70E Standard for electrical equipment locations such as panelboards, switchboards, switchgear, motor control centers, enclosed circuit breakers, fused disconnect switches and large starters/drives.
These results help qualified workers understand potential electrical hazards and determine the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) required to work safely.
Selecting appropriate PPE for each location is critical. Too little PPE could result in a severe injury to a worker if an arc flash event were to occur. Too much PPE becomes cumbersome for workers, limits dexterity and increases the risk of the worker causing an arc flash event to occur.
Pioneer Power Group supplies an arc flash label to be applied on each equipment location considered in the study. This ensures all critical arc flash hazard information is immediately available without having to refer back to the study. Pioneer Power’s labels also include information on the electrical shock hazard at each equipment location to further assist electrical personnel in maintaining a safe work environment.
Arc Flash Analysis
Pioneer Power Group is a leading provider of arc flash studies. The NFPA-70E Standard requires arc flash analysis performed for facilities that have electrical equipment such as motor control centers, panelboards, switchboards, enclosed circuit breakers, and fused disconnect switches, among others. The results of an arc flash study help workers understand the potential hazards associated with these electrical locations and what personal protective equipment (PPE) is needed to work safely. Pioneer Power Group works with all industries as our services help support the building and renovation of electrical facilities.
At Pioneer Power Group, we make arc flash studies easy for our customers by clearly and comprehensively laying out what system information is needed up front. Facilities trust us because we integrate the most recent electrical codes, latest software packages, and extensive industry knowledge in delivering our final report.
Why Is an Arc Flash Study Needed?
Electrical systems are constantly changing. Without a proper arc flash study, you won’t ever know the true danger level nor proper personal protective equipment (PPE) levels required to keep people safe. Quite often changes such as adding equipment to an existing system influence the arc flash energy levels, thus necessitating a study every time the system changes. Another example of changes to the system are when the utility company either changes transformers related to your facility or the closest substation undergoes changes, both of which drastically impact the arc flash energy levels.
Arc Flash Calculations
Pioneer Power Group identifies arc flash hazards using analysis performed in accordance with IEEE Standard 1584. We base these calculations on the calculated maximum available fault current and the clearing times of overcurrent protection devices. Our calculations involve arc flash incident energy, arc flash boundary distances, recommendations for proper adoption of PPE, and arc flash equipment labeling. We employ state-of-the-art tools that help us automatically calculate trip times, arcing fault values, and more.
Arc Flash Study Requirements
In order to complete an Arc Flash Study, Pioneer Power Group must first complete a Short Circuit and Coordination Study. The results of both of these studies are used to find the Incident Energy and Arc Flash Boundaries that are integral for understanding the hazard levels of equipment while energized, and what Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to keep qualified personnel safe.
In addition to the results of the Short Circuit & Coordination Studies, our engineers may ask for information such as sizing of equipment enclosures and configuration of conductors as these also play a role in determining the potential Arc Flash Hazard. Pioneer Power Group utilizes the latest versions of IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70E to ensure our customers are as protected as possible.
Arc Flash Labels
Arc flash labels are designed to keep people safe. Arc flash labelling requirements are defined by the newly updated NFPA 70E 2021 standard. The goal of this regulation is to protect personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. In short, the regulation helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities.
The information on an arc flash label is based directly on the results of the arc flash study. Although NFPA 70E sets some minimum requirements for arc flash labels, labels can vary from site to site. This is why it is so important to understand each component of an arc flash label. Our article on “Understanding Arc Flash Warning Labels” provides a comprehensive review of everything you need to know about arc flash labels.
Arc Flash Study
An arc flash study evaluates the electrical safety of a workplace facility. Pioneer Power Group offers services such as arc flash study, power system short circuit study, and coordination study to highlight the risks and potential hazards present in electrical systems.
Pioneer Power Group provides a study that results in accurate arc flash equipment labeling, fault current analysis, protective device coordination evaluation, requirements for the use of PPE, and recommendations to improve system safety and protection.
Facility owners can rely on Pioneer Power Group to provide reliable arc flash study services based on our strong technical background coupled with our industry expertise. Our team members always try to go above and beyond to serve our clients and the industry’s needs. For more information about arc flash analysis or any of our other services, contact us today.