Electrical systems are essential to your operations but carry significant hidden dangers, including the risk of arc flash—a sudden, high-temperature electrical explosion that can cause severe injuries, equipment damage, and operational downtime. Conducting an arc flash study is not optional for modern facilities; it is a critical safety requirement.
What is an Arc Flash Study?
An arc flash study involves a comprehensive analysis of your facility’s electrical systems to determine the potential incident energy levels at different points in your network. It helps in calculating the arc flash boundaries and identifying the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required for personnel working on or near energized equipment.
The study typically includes:
- Data collection of electrical systems, protective device settings, and equipment layout.
- Short circuit analysis.
- Protective device coordination.
- Incident energy calculations and arc flash boundary determination.
- Recommendations for system modifications and PPE requirements.
Why is an Arc Flash Study Important?
✅Protects Your Workforce: Prevents severe injuries from burns and explosions by ensuring workers are equipped with the right PPE and safe work practices.
✅Compliance with Safety Standards: Aligns with NFPA 70E, IEEE 1584, and Indian safety guidelines, ensuring your organization meets regulatory requirements.
✅Reduces Downtime and Liability: Arc flash incidents can lead to extended downtime and potential legal liabilities. An arc flash study helps prevent these incidents.
✅Optimizes System Protection: Identifies areas where protection devices can be optimized, reducing the potential for arc flash while improving operational reliability.
Elion’s Approach to Arc Flash Studies
Elion Technologies brings a systematic, engineering-driven approach to arc flash studies:
- Detailed onsite data collection and verification.
- Using advanced simulation software to calculate incident energy levels accurately.
- Providing clear, actionable reports with hazard labels and PPE recommendations.
- Training your teams on arc flash awareness and safe work practices.
Case Study
A large pharmaceutical company engaged Elion for an arc flash study after concerns over workplace safety. The study revealed critical areas with high incident energy levels. By implementing Elion’s recommendations, the company optimized protective relay settings and adjusted system configurations, significantly reducing arc flash risk and enhancing personnel safety.
Take Action Now
Don’t wait for an incident to highlight the need for arc flash protection. Ensure your team is safe, your facility is compliant, and your operations are secure.
🌐Learn more about Arc Flash Study services here
