Arc flash typically occurs when the electrical insulation or isolation between live conductors is severed or can no longer withstand the applied voltage. Near the high power electrical equipment, the short-circuit power available is high and consequently so is the energy associated with the electrical arc in case of a fault. In Europe, regulation and standardization are mainly aimed at protecting workers against the risks of direct contact during work and interventions on and near electrical installations. The risks in the case of electric arc and the means to prevent them are mentioned but not developed.The effects of the electric arc: The electric arc produces intense light and heat, high noise, high overpressure Heat and splashes of molten metal can cause lethal burns Noise can lead to permanent or temporary hearing loss, a flash of vision disorders The overpressure can open and project the doors of electrical cabinets or cause falls during work at height In addition to personal injury, an arc flash can result in serious damage to electrical equipment. which can cause disruption to electrical systems in manufacturing and process industry environments or tertiary buildings. The cost of downtime can be considerable. elec calc™ Arc Flash module provides the professionals of the electrical industry with a fundamental tool in the sector, as the user will be able to develop its safety analysis in the vicinity of switchboards and panels. By design, elec calc™ has almost all the data allowing the calculation of the figures of the arc flash, from which the user will be able to elaborate his security analysis near the tables and boxes.

1. Arc Flash
An essential factor for safety

2. INDEX
1. What is an Arc Flash?
2. The effects of the electric arc
3. Risk assessment and arc flash analysis
4. elec calc™ Arc Flash module
Arc Flash

3. 1. What is an Arc Flash?
Arc Flash

4. Arc Flash is a dangerous condition associated with
the release of energy caused by an electrical arc.
Arc Flash

5. Arc flash typically occurs when the electrical
insulation or isolation between live
conductors is severed or can no longer
withstand the applied voltage.
Near the high power electrical equipment, the
short-circuit power available is high and
consequently so is the energy associated with
the electrical arc in case of a fault.
Arc Flash
1
2
3

6. In Europe, regulation and standardization
are mainly aimed at protecting workers
against the risks of direct contact during
work and interventions on and near
electrical installations. The risks in the case
of electric arc and the means to prevent
them are mentioned but not developed.
Arc Flash

7. In some countries, particularly in North
America, these risks are better taken into
account for human, material and financial
aspects, and regulations are much more
stringent in this area.
Arc Flash

8. 2. The effects of the electric arc
Arc Flash

9. The electric arc produces
intense light and heat, high
noise, high overpressure
Arc Flash
1
2
3

10. Heat and splashes of molten
metal can cause lethal burns
Arc Flash

11. Noise can lead to permanent
or temporary hearing loss, a
flash of vision disorders
Arc Flash

12. The overpressure can open and
project the doors of electrical cabinets
or cause falls during work at height
Arc Flash

13. 3. Risk assessment and arc flash analysis
Arc Flash

14. Arc Flash
There is no method of analysis
and risk assessment by IEC or
European standards.

15. Arc Flash
In contrast, the United States
has the following documents:
NFPA 70E (Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace) takes
into account all electrical risks including those due to electric arcs
recommends PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to be used
depending on the level of risk.
IEEE 1584-2002 (Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard
Calculations) gives the methods to calculate the incident energy in
case of electric arc and allows determining an arc flash protection
boundary.

16. 4. elec calc™ Arc Flash module
Arc Flash

17. Arc Flash

18. Arc Flash
Risk management
and prevention
have always been
important aspects of
the safety programs
within the electrical
industry.
The correct
assessment of the
risk level of the arc
flash can help reduce
downtime and ensure
a safer working
environment.

19. Arc Flash
The arc flash module provides the
professionals of the electrical industry
with a fundamental tool in the sector,
as the user will be able to develop its
safety analysis in the vicinity of
switchboards and panels.
The correct assessment of
the risk level of the arc flash
can help reduce downtime
and ensure a safer working
environment.

20. Arc Flash
By design, elec calc™ has almost all
the data allowing the calculation of the
figures of the arc flash, from which the
user will be able to elaborate his
security analysis near the tables and
boxes.

21. Arc Flash
❑ It calculates the corresponding cut-off
times of the concerned protective
devices.
❑ Specific data of the equipment can be
completed or modified by the user
through a simple interface.

22. Arc Flash
From the operating modes described in a
project, elec calc™ determines the
maximum and minimum three-phase
short-circuit currents that can occur on a
distributor.

23. Arc Flash
The following results are provided
according to the calculation methods of
the IEEE 1584-2002 guide (empirically
derived model or method of Lee
depending upon the characteristics of
the installation):

24. Arc Flash
• The maximum incident energy at the
working distance
• The protection boundary for the
boundary energy
• The glove class (PPE) to be used to
prevent the risk of electric shock (IEC
60903 and ASTM D 120)

25. Arc Flash
Warning labels

26. Arc Flash
elec calc™ allows the edition of the
labels to be affixed on the concerned
equipment or the export of the
corresponding results to make possible
the customization of the labels.

27. Arc Flash
The format of the label is consistent with
the recommendations of the document
NFPA 70E (edition 2018).
In addition, elec calc™ monitors the
evolutions of the installation and
prevents the obsolescence of previously
published labels.

28. Trace Software International commits itself to conceive software solutions
capable of guaranteeing electrical safety and system protection.
More than 30 years of experience in the industrial engineering sector has
allowed us to guarantee the highest standards of quality and reliability, as well
as the complement of local and international regulations in terms of safety.
Technical Support

29. Since 1987, Trace Software International has been committed to the
development of software solutions and services dedicated to the industrial
engineering, with a unique expertise in the design of electrical installations.
www.trace-software.com

30. Trace Software France
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