Arc Flash Analysis Services

Arc flash analysis

Arc Flash Hazard Consultants

Elliot Engineering is a leading engineering firm in performing power system studies. Our Professional Engineers ensure that the arc flash hazard analysis assessments we perform, and which our customers provide to their personnel, are backed up by solid engineering calculations and practices while following regulations.

Arc flash incidents pose significant risks to personnel and facilities, leading to severe injuries, equipment damage, and costly downtime. Elliot Engineering offers comprehensive Arc Flash Analysis services designed to identify, assess, and mitigate these hazards while ensuring compliance with NFPA 70E, IEEE, and OSHA standards.

We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the arc flash hazard solutions assessment requirements of your facility with you. Contact us for more information today!

Let’s talk.

Get in touch with Elliot Engineering for your next project, or if you have any questions on our power systems engineering services or power systems engineering electrical consulting services.

Why Choose Elliot Engineering?

Elliot Engineering is committed to delivering exceptional Arc Flash Analysis services that prioritize safety and compliance. Our team of professional engineers ensures that each assessment is backed by solid engineering calculations and practices, adhering strictly to OSHA regulations.

Expertise and Autonomy – Our dedicated power system engineers manage every step of the arc flash study, from data collection to reporting and labeling, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Comprehensive Process – We conduct detailed risk assessments aligned with industry standards, including incident energy analysis, to effectively mitigate hazards. Elliot Engineering conducts protective device coordination studies to reduce arc flash hazard levels and improve system protection and performance.
Proven Experience – With over 20 years of experience, we follow rigorous methodologies and use advanced data verification techniques to ensure reliable results.
Client-Centric Approach – We prioritize clear communication, compliance guidance, and customized solutions to fit your facility’s unique needs.

Get Started with Elliot Engineering

Protect your workforce and ensure compliance with industry-leading Arc Flash Testing and Analysis services. Contact Elliot Engineering today to schedule a consultation.

Our Arc Flash Analysis Process

Step 1: Data Collection

Our engineers gather critical data on electrical equipment, protective devices, and transformer specifications. Required information includes:

Data from the utility, including available fault current, operating voltage, and specifics regarding the utility’s protective equipment at the point of service.
Specifics for each protective device in the electrical system, including manufacturer, model, available time/current settings, and short-circuit interrupting rating.
Transformer impedance, tap settings, and ratings.
Conductor specifics, including lengths, sizes, and types of all overhead lines, bus ducts, and cables.

Step 2: Power System Modeling

We develop detailed one-line diagrams to visualize system configurations and analyze power distribution. If you already have one-line diagrams, we will update the data and work from them, if possible.

Accurate electrical system drawings are necessary to identify power sources, voltage levels, electrical equipment, and protective devices.

Elliot Engineering utilizes SKM Power Tools for Windows for system modeling & Analysis.

Step 3: Short Circuit Study

A short circuit study is required to determine the magnitude of current flowing throughout the power system at critical points at various time intervals after a “fault” occurs. These calculations will be used to determine the bolted fault current, which is essential for the calculation of incident energy and interrupting ratings of your equipment.

Comparison of equipment ratings with calculated short circuit and operating conditions will identify underrated equipment. We perform this study in accordance with ANSI Std. C37 and IEEE Std. 141-1993 (Red Book).

Step 4: Protective Device Coordination

Protective device coordination should be performed to ensure selection and arrangement of protective devices limits the effects of an over-current situation to the smallest area. Results will be used to make recommendations for mitigation of arc flash hazards.

Although this is an optional study, arc flash mitigation cannot be performed without completing this step. We perform this study in accordance with IEEE Std. 242- 2001 (Buff Book).

Step 5: Arc Flash Calculations

Using industry standards (NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584), we calculate incident energy levels and determine arc flash boundaries.

These calculations are based on available short circuit current, protective device clearing time, and distance from the arc. Calculations of incident energy levels and flash protection boundaries will be completed for all relevant equipment busses.

The magnitude of arc hazards is determined using methods from NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, or NESC Tables 410-1 and 410-2, as applicable.

Step 6: Reporting & Mitigation Recommendations

We provide a detailed Arc Flash Report, including actionable mitigation strategies to enhance safety. This will be supplied to you for a short review period, during which your team can review mitigation recommendations.

At this point, we can hold a Management Summary meeting to interpret the report results. Upon approval, we will provide a final report and full sized one-line diagrams, stamped by our Registered P.E. The drawings and report will also be supplied to you in a digital format.

Step 7: Arc Flash Labeling & Training

We generate and install customized hazard labels and offer tailored training programs to educate employees on arc flash safety.

Hazard labels identify incident energy and working distance, nominal system voltage, and the arc flash boundary. In addition to standard requirements, our labels also include Limited, Restricted, and Prohibited approach boundaries, date, upstream protective device, and recommended personal protection equipment.

We can also provide bolted fault current if desired. We provide labels that are compliant with NFPA 70E 130.3

By adhering to this comprehensive process, we ensure that your facility is well-protected against arc flash incidents, safeguarding both personnel and equipment.

What Is an Arc Flash and Why Does It Matter?

An arc flash occurs when electrical current deviates from its intended path, traveling through the air and releasing extreme heat and energy. These incidents can cause severe burns, blindness, hearing loss, and even fatalities. Proper arc flash hazard analysis is critical to prevent injuries and ensure workplace safety.

What is the result of an arc flash?

The result of an arc flash is extremely high heat that can cause severe burns, blinding light, and an explosion that can result in hearing damage and potentially fatal injury. Multiple arc flash incidents occur every day in workplaces across the United States.

The safety of your employees and contractor employees from an arc flash should be always at the forefront. This means employees have the proper PPE at all times and follow the rules and regulations of OSHA. There’s an urgency to completing arc flash risk assessments and shock risk assessments: According to changes made for NFPA 70E, these arc flash assessments must be conducted before any person is exposed to electrical hazards. The risk of an arc flash explosion occurring at your facility is not negligible, and the trend of increased power use combined with aging electrical infrastructure across the U.S. heightens the danger. The Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) estimates direct and indirect costs to an employer from a fatal electrical accident in the millions of dollars.

What are the requirements for Arc Flash Hazard Analysis & Assessment?

Navigating all of the requirements, conditions, and exceptions that result from these arc flash assessments requires a great familiarity with the new standard. Specifically, NFPA 70E Section 130.4 requires that a shock risk assessment is performed before beginning energized work, and NFPA 70E Section 130.5 requires that an arc flash risk assessment be performed to:

Determine whether an arc flash hazard exists
If a hazard exists, determine:
1. The appropriate safety-related work practices
2. The arc flash boundary
3. The correct PPE to be worn

Does OSHA Require an Arc Flash Study?

Yes. OSHA mandates that workplaces comply with NFPA 70E regulations, which require arc flash risk assessments before any energized work is performed. Failure to comply can result in penalties and increased liability.

Arc flash testing should be conducted:

Every 5 years (as per NFPA 70E recommendations)
After major electrical system modifications
Following an incident or near-miss event

Speak with an expert today!

Tell us about your project needs. Whether it’s a big idea or just needing some inspiration, we are here to help. From concept to creation, let us inspire you.