Arc Flash Analysis

Challenge

Arc flash analysis is used to assess personnel safety risks and determine hazard levels in electrical installations.

It allows to:

• calculate incident energy
• define hazard boundaries
• determine arc current
• select appropriate PPE

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What it means

An arc flash is one of the most hazardous events in electrical systems.

It can occur during switching operations, human errors, or equipment failures.

During an arc fault:

• a large amount of thermal energy is released
• intense light and pressure waves occur
• a hazardous zone is formed

This energy defines the level of risk and required protection measures.

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Applications

• commissioning of new facilities
• operation of existing installations
• PPE reassessment
• personnel safety studies

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Approach

The analysis is performed using a detailed digital model of the electrical system.

This allows to:

• account for time-varying short circuit currents
• consider current decay during fault clearing
• simulate protection operation in primary and backup zones
• evaluate protection coordination and selectivity

The study can be performed for:

• low-voltage systems (0.4 kV)
• medium-voltage systems (6–35 kV)
• transmission systems (110 kV and above)

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Standards

The analysis is performed in accordance with:

• GOST R 71959-2025
• IEEE 1584-2018

Both methodologies provide reliable and widely accepted results.

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Results

The study determines:

• arc flash incident energy
• hazard boundaries
• arc fault current
• hazard level

Based on these results:

• PPE requirements are defined
• acceptable exposure levels are determined

Warning labels are generated for installation on equipment, indicating arc flash energy levels.

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Protection Analysis

Protection system performance under arc fault conditions is additionally evaluated.

In practice:

• protection behavior differs from conventional short circuit conditions
• selectivity issues may occur
• false trips are possible

If deviations are identified:

• corrective actions are developed
• protection settings are adjusted
• clearing times are optimized

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Optimization

The analysis identifies locations with high arc energy levels.

For these points:

• protection settings are optimized
• fault clearing times are reduced
• energy levels are balanced across the installation

This allows to:

• reduce PPE requirements
• improve personnel safety
• optimize operational costs

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Customer Value

• improved personnel safety
• reduced risk of injuries
• correct PPE selection
• improved protection system performance
• reduced operational costs

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Why it matters

Arc flash risk cannot be assessed visually.

Without proper analysis:

• actual hazard levels remain unknown
• PPE selection may be incorrect
• severe incidents remain possible

Arc flash analysis converts this risk into quantifiable values and enables effective risk management.

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