ARC FLASH & Relay Coordination

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion or discharge that results from a low-impedance connection through air to ground or another voltage phase in an electrical system.

Arc flash temperatures can reach or exceed 35,000 °F (19,400 °C) at the arc terminals. The massive energy released in the fault rapidly vaporizes the metal conductors involved, blasting molten metal and expanding plasma outward with extraordinary force. A typical arc flash incident can be inconsequential but could conceivably easily produce a more severe explosion. The result of the violent event can cause destruction of equipment involved, fire, and injury not only to an electrical worker but also to bystanders. During the arc flash, electrical energy vaporizes the metal, which changes from solid state to gas vapour, expanding it with explosive force.

We at WIRE, use the tested and proven software ETAP and DIGSILENT to perform short circuit study, relay coordination study, and arc flash study. These assessments meets the new regulation noted on NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, NESC (National electric safety codes), OSHA.

Studies can be customized to include any and all of the following:

  • Load flow analysis
  • Short circuit withstand capacity of the device
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Level recommendations
  • Labelling of Arc Flash Equipment
  • Fault current and protective device coordination analysis
  • Arc flash hazard calculations with Incident energy and bolted energy calculations
  • Incident Energy Mitigation Strategies
  • Written Electrical Safety Programs

Process of arc flash and relay coordination study:

Software Analysis chart