An Overview To Arc Flash Study by ETAP

Arc Flash Study:
An Overview
Tamjid Kabir
Injuries that can result from an arc flash:
• Burn.
• Respiratory system damage.
Why it is • Hearing damage.
Important? • Skin penetration from flying debris.

• Eye and face injuries.
Skin temperature curable burn 176°F
Skin temperature causing cell death 205°F
Some key Ignition of clothing
Burning of clothing
752-1472°F
1472°F
Metal droplets from arcing 1832°F
temperature Surface of Sun
Arc terminals
9000°F
35000°F
Enhance the safety of workers against
electrical hazard by following:
• Calculate the energy available in your power

system for both shock and arc flash.
Purpose of Arc • Know the correct PPE and establish the safe
Flash Study zone of work.

• Hazards identification and implement
engineering controls and work practice
modifications to reduce personnel
exposure. Remote controls and modified
switching procedures.
Arc Flash Study in ETAP:
Quick Overview as Per IEEE-1584
Step-1 : Collect the system and installation data

Grid fault level, X/R ratio.
Transformer rating, impedance, connection, limits.
Generator rating, impedance, limits.
Motor rating
Protective device and trip matrix
CT-PT ratio
MCC/Bus Data
Cable/Conductor rating
Model the system in ETAP and input all the data
Model the system in ETAP and input all the data
Step-2 : Determine the system mode of operation
A system may operate in different configuration in different situation, model all the possible
modes of operation depends on the following:
a) One or more utility feeders in service
b) Utility interface substation secondary bus tie circuit breaker open or closed
c) Unit substation with one or two primary feeders
d) Unit substation with two transformers with secondary tie opened or closed
e) MCC with one or two feeders, one or both energized
f) Generators running in parallel with the utility supply or in standby
g) Utility system normal switching configured for maximum possible fault megavolt amperes
h) Utility system normal switching configured for minimum possible fault megavolt amperes
i) Separately derived sources (generators) – maximum capacity online
j) Separately derived sources (generators) – minimum number online
k) Shutdown or startup situation with all motors in an off condition – reduced fault contribution
Step-3 : Determine the bolted fault current
Perform Short circuit study in ETAP in different operating mode.
Feeder-A Out
Step-3 : Determine the bolted fault current
Perform Short circuit study in ETAP in different operating mode.
Feeder-B Out
Step-4 : Determine the typical gap and enclosure
size based upon system voltage
Step-5 : Determine equipment electrode
configuration
Step-6 : Determine the working distance
Arc-flash protection is typically based on the incident energy level on the person’s head and
torso at the working distance and not the incident energy on the hands or arms.
Step-7 : Determine the arc duration
Model the protective device in ETAP and perform the protection coordination study. Determine
the fault clearing time.
Step-7 : Determine the arc duration
Step-8 : Perform the Arc Flash Study
Select the bus to be faulted in Case Study.
Select the study method as IEEE-1584
Perform the arc flash study
Determine the Arc Flash Boundary
Determine the incident energy & PPE
Determine the shock protection boundary and PPE
Prepare the label for safety awareness
Some Definition (Arc Flash):
AFB (Arc Flash Boundary):It is the distance away from an arc flash that someone would
receive 2nd-degree burns if exposed to an arc flash, or where the incident energy is
1.2cal/cm2.
The threshold value of incident energy

for 2nd degree burn of the human skin
is about 1.2cal/cm2.
Incident Energy & Working Distance: The level

of incident energy a person may receive in head
and chest at the specified working distance.
Some Definition (Shock Hazard):
Limited Approach Boundary:
The Limited Approach Boundary (LAB) is the approach distance to exposed, energized electrical components
within which a shock hazard exists. It is the approach limit for unqualified persons.
Unqualified persons may only cross this boundary if they are under the direct supervision of a qualified person
and wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment for the hazards involved. Working within the LAB is
only acceptable if an Energized Electrical Work Assessment has been completed and approved.
Restricted Approach Boundary:

The Restricted Approach Boundary (RAB) is the approach limit for qualified persons to exposed, energized
electrical components where there is an increased likelihood of electric shock due to electrical arc-over combined
with inadvertent movement. Only qualified persons may cross this boundary. A qualified person required to cross
the RAB must be protected from unexpected contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. Working
within the RAB is only acceptable if an Energized Electrical Work Assessment has been completed and
approved.
Disclaimer:
It has been developed for providing an overview for beginners and raise general awareness for
enhancing human safety. Some illustrations have been taken from open source for making it
intuitive.

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Arc Flash Study:

Important? • Skin penetration from flying debris.

• Calculate the energy available in your power

Flash Study zone of work.

Step-1 : Collect the system and installation data

The threshold value of incident energy

Incident Energy & Working Distance: The level

Restricted Approach Boundary:

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