Abstract
Arc flashes in power system result in a huge amount of incident energy that can injure human workers. Strict safety measures have to be applied in the work place for safety of technical personnel. Computation of the incident energy is imperative to determine the corresponding safety requirements. Arcing current, and hence incident energy, is a function of some system parameters which may vary due to different reasons. This research work considers the problem of parameter variability in arc flash calculations and its effect on hazard mitigation. A mathematical basis is set forth for the impact of the variation in gap between electrodes and system voltage on the incident energy value. Findings of this work emphasize that small variations in system parameters can yield inaccurate values of incident energy and misleading hazard categories. Therefore, parameter variation has to be carefully accommodated in the arc flash calculations to result in the proper hazard mitigation precautions.
Highlights
This research work considers the problem of parameter variability in arc flash calculations and its effect on hazard mitigation
Arc flash calculations are presented in light of the IEEE 1584 Guide underlining the arcing current, normalized energy, incident energy, and protection boundary
The technical studies on the empirical formulae given in the IEEE 1584 Guide and their suitability to address accurate values of arc flash variables are highlighted
Summary
The most important factor that has to be taken into consideration in the electrical systems design is safety. As a result of the collaboration between OSHA and NFPA a standard called NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical safety in the Workplace) was developed This standard provides guidance for a safe workplace in the electric installations industry. It addresses the electric shock and arc flash. There is no specific limit on fines against a corporation that is found guilty, and individual representatives of a corporation can receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment [4] Due to this law, safety has become the primary concern for companies and many have invested to eliminate or reduce the electric shock and arc flash. CSA Z462 has been revised and we are following the 3rd edition, which was published in January 2015
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