Electrical faults and short circuits are enormously dangerous and potentially fatal to personnel. Arc flash happens when electrical conductors come into contact and cause the air to ionize, creating a burst of intense energy. Arc Flash Hazard Studies are conducted to assess risks, alert individuals to potential hazards, and instruct them on the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) they should use. Now we will discuss the services included in arc flash risk assessment.
Services Included in Arc Flash Risk Assessment
Collection of Technical Data
A comprehensive survey is conducted to gather detailed electrical data, such as system configurations, protection settings, equipment ratings, and load profiles. The collected data is cross-checked with existing documentation and necessary updates are performed to maintain the accuracy.
Network Model Preparation in PTW Software
The collected data is entered into PTW (Power Tools for Windows) software by SKM Systems Analysis, Inc. A Comprehensive network model is created to reflect the electrical system, such as all buses, switchboards, panels, generators, transformers, and protective devices. The network model is validated by practicing load flow analysis and comparing results with real-time measurements to ensure the model’s accuracy.
Short Circuit Studies and Equipment Evaluations
The short circuit is analyzed to calculate fault currents at various points in the electrical system. Then, the computed fault currents are compared with equipment ratings to figure out the potential over-stressing of equipment. The recommendations for equipment upgrades or replacements are based on the evaluation results to enhance system safety and reliability.
ARC Flash Calculations and Hazard Identification
ARC Flash hazard is analyzed at each bus, panel, and switchboard to check the incident energy levels and boundary distances. The potential ARC Flash hazards are identified and existing protection coordination is evaluated to ensure that adequate safety measures are in place. Suitable Personal protective Equipment is recommended based on the calculated incident energy levels.
Supply and Application of Safety Gear and Warning Labels
The required PPE and safety gear are supplied including ARC-rated clothing, face shields, gloves, and other necessary protective equipment. The ARC Flash warning labels are printed and supplied to indicate boundary distances, energy levels, and required PPE for various electrical panels and switchboards. Finally, the warning labels are applied to the appropriate electrical panels and switchboards to ensure clear hazard communication.
What are the Causes of Arc Flash Incidents?
Arc flash incidents are often linked to human error when tasks are carried out on or near live electrical equipment. Now we will discuss the incidents that can be avoided with arc flash risk assessment.
Accidental Contact
Accidents happen when you work around exposed and live parts that present a hazard. Accidents around electrical equipment can occur when a tool is dropped or physical contact is made with a live part, triggering an arc flash that instantly produces an energy explosion with temperatures exceeding 35,000˚F.
Testing and troubleshooting equipment
The need for uptime in critical processes is often important for troubleshooting on live equipment. During routine checks, if a test probe accidentally creates a phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground connection, it can cause personal injury and downtime. Using the correct tools for the job helps reduce the risk and likelihood of an arc flash incident.
Installing and Using Live Equipment
Removing or adding circuit breakers, contactors, or components in charged control circuits or motor control center (MCC) buckets, or removing or installing MCC buckets from a live bus, can cause an arc flash. The routine operation of breakers and disconnect switches, particularly when racking breakers in or out of both low- and medium-voltage switchgear, poses a risk of arc flash if the equipment has not been properly installed, tested, and maintained.
Conclusion
Electrical faults and short circuits are highly dangerous and potentially fatal. One can reduce the chance of electrical faults or circuits by arc flash risk assessment. Techlabs offers advanced engineering and power system solutions. Consult our experienced team from our website at https://www.tridenttechlabs.com/