Arc-Flash Personal Protective Equipment Selection: A Simplified Constant-Energy-Line Based Table Method

Abstract

A challenge faced by employers and workers is determining the appropriate rating of arc-flash personal protective equipment (PPE) when an engineering calculation has not been performed. Some standards include tables to assist the user in selecting arc-flash PPE for specific equipment types and voltage ranges. However, to use these and similar tabular methods requires the user to determine the fault current and the fault clearing time (FCT). Determining these values is at best difficult for the electrical worker, and in some circumstances, all but impossible.