Over the last few decades, arc-fl ash hazards have been a significant concern for many electrical workers and employers. Many methods have been developed through the years to assess incident energy.
The most common is that of the IEEE 1584, Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. These equations have remained the same since the standard was first published in 2002. Based on the results of more than 1,800 tests, the 2018 edition of the guide provides new formulas that are both more accurate and more complex. These formulas also take more parameters into account now, including the conductor orientation at the arc’s location and the compartment enclosure dimensions where the arc occurs.
2002 VS. 2018 EDITION: WHAT PARAMETERS TO USE
Given its complexity and need for more parameters, before using this new method for first time, it is important to understand the differences in results compared to the 2002 edition. First, should users of the 2018 edition expect higher or lower values for the same piece of equipment? Second, how will a parameter error affect the results?
Read the article in the Intelligent Power Today Magazine. 2021 Issue 1
