ARC FLASH STUDY
An arc flash is an electrical explosion caused by a low impedance connection through air to ground, phase to ground or phase to phase. This electrical energy can cause substantial damage, harm, fire or injury. Arc flash temperatures can reach or exceed 19,400 degrees Celsius (35,000 degrees Fahrenheit) at the arc terminals. This massive energy released in the fault will rapidly vapourize the metal conductors involved, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward with extraordinary force.
Since the risk of serious and fatal injury is severe, WorkSafeBC requires employers to protect employees from an arc flash. Many risk management companies, insurance companies and electrical inspectors are demanding an arc flash study is performed at certain facilities. Liability costs for an arc flash occurrence can be enormous and can easily be avoided with a risk assessment.
Our arc flash analysis will include the following:
- Data collection: Data collection is critical and can sometimes take up to 60% of the labour involved. We will perform an exhaustive review of the electrical distribution system. eg. Transformer impedances, panel ka ratings etc….
- Single Line Diagram: Your price of the study will be less if you have an up to date single line drawing of your facility. If not, we will provide you with an updated drawing based on our data collection.
- Engineering Analysis: Provide a report which includes the short circuit analysis, arc flash evaluation, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and protection boundaries.
- Field Labelling: Provide and install arc flash labels with detailed data required by the latest CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E standards. Note the CSA Z462 standard requires the arc flash label to include the date of the arc flash analysis. Plus NFPA 70E requires the analysis to be reviewed at least once every five years, or whenever the circuit is altered, and labels must be updated whenever the relevant information has changed.
short circuit study
A short circuit study will ensure your equipment is protected against the existing fault levels. This study is automatically done with every arc flash analysis.
Our fault study will include the following:
- Determine the maximum short circuit current on all equipment.
- Ensure the equipment ratings meet the short circuit requirements.
- Confirm if your electrical distribution system is series rated or fully rated.
coordination study
The objective of a coordination study is to keep the power system stable by isolating only the components that are under fault, whilst leaving as much of the network as possible still in operation.
Our coordination study will include the following:
- Produce time-current curves to optimize device coordination.
- Adjust existing devices based on the results of the coordination study.
We will ensure that all the above services are done in a timely manner. Our company is in the safety business and will provide you with the highest level of service. We have over 25 years of experience in the electrical industry.