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 ARC FLASH ANALYSIS

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In addition to MEP consulting services, KTA provides Arc Flash Study Services on new and existing electrical distribution systems to help determine the severity of arc flash hazards and the appropriate course of action required to minimize them. The study will also categorize the arc flash hazards at particular equipment based on the identity of the Arc Flash Protection Boundary and the incidence energy. The KTA Arc Flash Study will include:

• Develop accurate existing power distribution riser diagrams.

• Perform a short circuit analysis and breaker coordination study.

• Prepare an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis for the entire system.

• Print and apply labels to each piece of equipment.

• Provide NFPA 70E training to staff electricians.

• Furnish Personal Protective Equipment packages.

• Maintain system records and update and replace labels when modifications occur.

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What is Arc Flash?

Arc Flash is the result of a rapid release of energy due to an arcing fault between a phase bus bar and another phase bus bar, neutral or aground. During an arc fault, the air is the conductor. These are generally limited to systems where the bus voltage is in excess of 120 volts. Lower voltage levels normally will not sustain an arc. An arc fault is similar to the arc obtained during electric welding and the fault has to be manually started by something creating the path of conduction or a failure such as a breakdown in insulation. Unlike electrical shock, an arc fault may cause fatal or severe burns through the dangerous release of radiant heat (up to 35,000F degrees) to individuals up to 10 feet away. The vaporization of metal and heating of the air creates blast pressures that can result in hearing loss and the spray of molten metal covers a wide area