In this article, we’ll provide answers to the following questions:

• What is an arc flash study?

• Why is an arc flash study important?

• Is an arc flash study required by law?

• When is an arc flash study necessary?

• How often should an arc flash study be conducted?

• Who is qualified to perform an arc flash study?

• What is the cost of an arc flash study?

Dangerous electrical explosions cause over 400 deaths and 30,000 injuries annually. Arc Flash Studies provide vital information to protect workers from these incidents.

 

What is an Arc Flash Study and Why is it Important?

An Arc Flash Study is crucial for ensuring the safety of your workers—whether they are employees or contractors. Without this study, there’s no way for them to accurately assess the hazards associated with the electrical equipment they’re working on.

Electrical safety is fundamentally about understanding two key concepts: hazard and risk. An Arc Flash Study helps identify the hazard, specifically the severity of potential risks ranging from second-degree burns (1.2 cal/cm²) to fatal levels of heat. The risk is better understood through Arc Flash Training, which equips workers with the knowledge to protect themselves based on the identified hazards.

An Arc Flash Study involves several key steps:
– data collection, where electrical system details are gathered without disrupting operations.
– computer modeling, where engineers use software like ETAP to analyze the data and run calculations.
– review, ensuring accuracy and involving the client in verifying the model.
– labeling, which provides essential safety information on hazards.
– and reporting, where the final study results, including one-line drawings, are compiled and signed by a Professional Engineer.

Is an Arc Flash Study the Same as a Short Circuit Study?

No, they are not the same. A short circuit study is an essential component of an Arc Flash Study. It calculates the potential fault current that could occur during a short circuit. The results of the short circuit study are then used in the Arc Flash Study to determine the incident energy levels, based on the equipment’s protective device settings and trip times.

Accurate data collection is the foundation of the entire process, as it directly impacts the reliability of risk assessments and safety measures.

Legal Requirements and Liability

Is an arc flash study required? Yes, it is! Under NFPA70E, CSAZ462:24 and OSHA 1910.132(d) and 1910.335(a)(1)(i), employers must assess the workplace, identify electrical hazards, and train qualified employees on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safer work environment. Compliance isn’t just a regulation—it’s a critical step in protecting workers from electrical risks.

Is an Arc Flash Study Required by OSHA?

Yes, OSHA mandates that employers provide a safe working environment, which includes performing hazard analyses such as Arc Flash Studies, especially in high-risk environments. These studies help ensure that appropriate safety measures, including proper training and personal protective equipment (PPE), are in place.

When is an Arc Flash Study Required?

An Arc Flash Study is required when electrical equipment poses a potential arc flash hazard. This includes new installations, major system modifications, and when existing systems are due for re-evaluation based on updated standards or incident energy changes. Regular reviews (at least every 5 years) are also necessary to account for any modifications to the system.

Who is Responsible for the Arc Flash Study?

The responsibility for initiating and maintaining an Arc Flash Study lies with the employer or safety manager. However, the study must be conducted by a qualified and licensed professional engineer with expertise in electrical systems and Arc Flash hazard analysis.

Is the Arc Flash Study Date Required on the Labels?

Yes, it is crucial to include the date of the Arc Flash Study on the labels. This ensures that the information is up-to-date and reflects the latest hazards and safety protocols.

 

 

Benefits of Arc Flash Study

The ultimate goal of an Arc Flash Study is to improve the safety of your workers. Here are several benefits it provides:

Arc Flash Labels Posted on Equipment

The most visible result of an Arc Flash Study is the posting of Arc Flash Labels on equipment. These labels give workers essential hazard information, including:

• Incident energy level (measured in cal/cm²)

• Arc flash boundary (the distance within which a person could be harmed by an arc flash)

• Assumed working distance (the typical distance a worker will be from the equipment during operation)

Shock Hazard Information

An Arc Flash Study also evaluates shock hazards, which are closely related to the voltage level of equipment. This information, along with PPE requirements, should be included on the arc flash labels to ensure comprehensive safety precautions.

Clear PPE Requirements

One of the key outcomes of an Arc Flash Study is defining the proper PPE for your workers. The study helps identify the appropriate personal protective gear based on the identified hazards, ensuring workers are well-equipped to handle the risks involved.

 

Safe Working Distances

There are three critical safe working distances that should be included on the labels:

1. Arc Flash Boundary: The distance at which a person could still suffer from second-degree burns if exposed to an arc flash.

2. Limited Approach Boundary (shock hazard): The distance from which unqualified personnel should remain away from the electrical source.

3. Restricted Approach Boundary (shock hazard): The distance where electrical workers must wear shock protection PPE.

Updated Single Line Diagrams

Having up-to-date single line diagrams is essential for ensuring electrical safety. These diagrams are not only legally required but also foundational for understanding your electrical system and its safety protocols. Without current diagrams, workers may struggle to identify the correct disconnects, jeopardizing safety during work.

Proof of Due Diligence

In the event of a serious incident, investigators will assess whether the employer took reasonable steps to mitigate risks. This includes ensuring that hazards were identified (via Arc Flash Study and proper labeling), appropriate training was provided, and safety policies were followed.

 

Getting an Arc Flash Study Done

Who Can Perform an Arc Flash Study?

An Arc Flash Study must be conducted by a licensed professional engineer who has specialized knowledge in power system studies and hazard analysis. The study can be performed by in-house engineers, external engineering firms, or specialized Arc Flash study providers.

Developing an Arc Flash Study Cost Estimate

The cost of an Arc Flash Study depends on several factors, including:

• The size of your facility

• The amount of electrical equipment

• The quality and completeness of existing system data

Creating Your Arc Flash Study Scope of Work

The scope of work should clearly define the tasks and expectations for the study. This includes:

• Data collection and system review

• Single line diagram verification

• Power system modeling and Arc Flash calculations

• Final report with recommendations and updated Arc Flash labels

Keeping Things Up-to-Date

To maintain the effectiveness of your Arc Flash Study, it’s important to keep it updated. Regular reviews are necessary, especially if there have been changes to the electrical system or updates to industry standards. A study should be reviewed at least every 5 years, but changes to the system should be reflected as they occur.

Arc Flash Mitigation

Once an Arc Flash Study is complete, the next step is mitigation. This involves engineering solutions to reduce the incident energy levels and overall risk. Examples of mitigation techniques include:

• Zone-selective interlocking

• Differential relays

• Arc flash detection systems

• Current-limiting protective devices

Arc Flash Training

Training is a crucial element of an effective Arc Flash safety program. Workers should receive electrical safety training if they’re not directly involved in electrical work, and more in-depth training for electrical workers. This training ensures that employees:

• Understand the severity of Arc Flash hazards

• Know how to protect themselves

• Are familiar with the correct PPE and work practices

Arc Flash Study Results

An Arc Flash Study does more than just produce labels—it also helps uncover potential risks such as inadequate interrupt ratings or improper protective settings. Through advanced analysis tools like time-current curves (TCCs), engineers can recommend improvements to protective devices and settings, further enhancing safety.

 

Conclusion

An Arc Flash Study is a critical part of ensuring electrical safety in your workplace. It not only helps identify potential hazards but also provides the necessary tools to mitigate risks, train employees, and ensure compliance with legal standards. If you’re ready to take the next step or need further clarification, feel free to reach out.

At e-WorkSAFE Inc. we specialize in accurate data collection and comprehensive Arc Flash assessments, ensuring your team has the information they need to work safely and confidently. Because when it comes to electrical safety, prevention is everything.

Is your workplace prepared? Let’s talk.

e-WorkSAFE  – Operational Excellence Through Safety and Efficiency