AN INTRODUCTION TO: ARC FLASH STUDIES
Determining your safety needs.
BENEFITS What are Arc Flash Hazards?
Workers are exposed to arc flash hazards any time they open live electrical panels
Safer workplace for with a voltage exceeding 50V. Workers most commonly open live electrical panels
personnel. for the purposes of troubleshooting and metering.
Hazard labels for electrical
distribution equipment. All buildings have arc flash hazards. An arc flash event can result in large amounts
Reduction in employee of rapid energy transfer. In an arc flash event, it only takes a fraction of a second
downtime resulting from
to produce: fire, severe burns, explosions, hearing and/or vision loss, and even
injuries.
Documented report with fatality. The cost of treatment for the injured worker can exceed one million
study conclusions and dollars per case.
recommendations.
Potential for insurance How Can I Protect My Workers Against Arc Flash?
incentives, such as discounts Workers can be protected against existing arc flash hazards by wearing personal
or credits. protective equipment (PPE) that is appropriate for the level of hazard. In
Updated single-line some cases, workers can be further protected by implementing equipment
document for your facility. modifications to reduce the arc flash hazard present.
ARC FLASH TASKS
How Can I Determine the Right Type of PPE for my Workers?
Identify the risk of personnel To determine the appropriate PPE for your workers who work on live electrical
injury as a result of exposure panels, you and your workers need to understand the hazard (incident energy)
to incident energy released that may occur at each piece of equipment. This can be determined through
during an arc flash event the use of look up tables in CSA Z462 or it can be determined through an arc
for each specific electrical flash study in which a model of your electrical system is prepared to quantify the
component. hazard present at each piece of electrical equipment.
Identify the current
appropriate ratings of
personal protective Why Should I Consider an Arc Flash Study?
equipment (PPE). An arc flash study is the most accurate way to assess the arc flash hazards in your
Establish the Flash facility. Another key advantage to completing an arc flash study is that it provides
Protection Boundary clear documentation that the hazard level has been assessed, documented, and
(approach limit distance) as this information is clearly accessible to your workers. After an arc flash study is
required by NFPA 70E and completed, a hazard label is placed on each piece of equipment to quantify the
CSA Z462. hazard. This will enable your workers to determine the correct class of PPE to
Place arc-flash hazard wear based on the level of hazard that exists.
warning labels on electrical
distribution equipment.
In some cases, an arc flash study may identify individual pieces of equipment
Provide methods for
mitigating the hazard risk, with a particularly high arc flash hazard. In these cases, mitigation strategies can
where applicable, in order to be reviewed to reduce the arc flash risk present in your facility, which can reduce
reduce PPE ratings. the amount of PPE required to keep your workers safe.
Provide a full report.
Provide training to owners,
personnel, and electricians
(if required).
THE ARC FLASH STUDY PROCESS
Our Services:
Data Collection and Electrical System Verification
During the data collection stage, we work with a qualified electrician to collect detailed information on your electrical
system. This procedure allows us to confirm and validate your single line drawing and is used as a basis to model your
electrical power system.
Programming and Calculation
Programming is used to simulate your electrical power system. Calculating the incident energy at each piece of
equipment takes into account the available fault current, personal protective equipment rating, and the flash protection
boundary. This procedure is accomplished using computer software that applies the latest arc flash industry standards.
Result Analysis
In order to ensure the accuracy of the final result, we comprehensively analyze many factors, such as the system setting,
the short current and arc fault current values, protective device tripping time, and protective device coordination. We
will also investigate potential arc flash hazards and provide recommendations.
Labelling and Final Report
Clearly legible arc flash hazard warning labels are recommended for all electrical panels in the facility as well as any
other equipment that is subject to possible maintenance and worker exposure. The labels identify the incident energy;
limited and restricted approach distances; the flash protection boundary distance; and the shock hazard when a cover
is removed. Following labelling, a final arc flash study report will be prepared. The report offers an overall view of our
study, including conclusions and recommendations which are helpful for the owner to improve the electrical system
and mitigate arc flash hazards. We provide high quality labels which are suitable for outdoor applications.
Training
Our arc flash expert can provide training to the owners personnel and electricians. This includes learning to read arc
flash hazard warning labels and understanding basic knowledge of arc flash hazards as well as methods to mitigate arc
flash hazards during maintenance.
WHY WALTERFEDY?
WalterFedy has been in business since 1951 and has over 10 years experience completing arc flash studies. We have
completed arc flash studies for a broad range of building types including: industrial, commercial, healthcare and
educational. Our arc flash study is comprehensive and meets the requirements of CSA, NFPA 70E, and IEEE 1584. The
study is suitable for all types of existing, updated, or newly constructed electrical power systems. Because WalterFedy
does not sell electrical equipment, we offer an objective evaluation of your facility that is not motivated by our desire
to sell replacement equipment.
Contact us today:
675 Queen Street South, Suite 111
Kitchener, Ontario N2M 1A1
T: 519-576-2150 | F: 519-576-5499
www.walterfedy.com | communications@walterfedy.com
