What Are the Steps of an Arc Flash Analysis?
Are you at risk for an arc flash incident? As one of the most significant dangers associated with electrical wiring, routine maintenance and assessment are vital for everyone’s safety, as well as the efficiency of your operations. At MCL Power, we know that Arc Flash assessments aren’t just necessary for compliance, they help keep your staff informed about any potential hazards, as well as how to handle them in the future. We’re proud to offer detailed arc flash analysis for clients in the Edmonton Capital region, as well as locales in Northern and Central Alberta.
Read on to learn more about the steps taken during an arc flash assessment and the benefits of partnering with MCL power!
What is an Arc Flash Analysis?
Arc flash coordination studies evaluate the safety of a workplace facility, specifically concerning the electrical systems and devices onsite. An arc flash study will be used to label equipment with appropriate risks, fault current and coordination analysis, and assess any necessary changes that need to be made for compliance and the integration of appropriate PPE gear. Arc flashes are extremely dangerous to workers, often resulting in minor or major injuries, as well as permanent disabilities and even death. To prevent this risk, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z462 guidelines require facility owners to perform an arc flash hazard analysis before allowing any work on energized equipment.
What Steps Are Taken?
While the detailed specifics of an assessment may vary slightly from job site to job site, the standard process typically involves the following:
1. Reviewing As-Built Documentation
The first step is to look at blueprints and plans detailing electrical drawings for the worksite. Without existing documentation, onsite one-lines will need to be developed through a detailed survey.
2. Field Verification
Before anything is loaded into our arc flash analysis programs, engineers will verify the drawings to ensure nothing is missed, and your results are as accurate as possible. This may require additional inspection or even revisions if incongruences are found.
3. Data Input
Once everything is verified, we’ll input your site data into our software to run short circuit, coordination, and arc flash analysis. From here, MCL’s team will review 3 phase and ground fault currents against your protective device’s “duty rating” to make sure nothing is being over-taxed and primed for failure. If fault currents are higher than your duty rating, the risk of an arc flash increases dramatically, demanding immediate attention.
4. Coordination Studies
The next step is to run a coordination study which will determine if the set-up of your system is equipped to have the protective device upstream from a fault to prevent electrical distribution from travelling up the line and creating further problems.
5. Arc Flash Evaluation
Arc flash evaluations assess the as-is condition of electrical equipment and determine the incident energy levels, as well as how your risk factor can be lowered efficiently.
6. System(s) Evaluation
Once the above is completed, a finalized arc flash study will include the production and application of accurate flash labelling, as well as comprehensive recommendations and training for your staff to help lower your risk on-site. This includes suggestions for PPE, addressing any active hazards, and recommendations for long-term maintenance.
Arc Flash Coordination Studies and more at MCL
Set yourself up for safety and success in 2023 with MCL Power! Since 1993, our team has proudly offered extensive assistance for all things electrical, including:
- Arc flash analysis
- Coordination analysis
- Short circuit analysis
- Single-line generation/updates
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Pre and post-construction evaluations
- Power quality analysis and more!
We believe in the power of prevention and are pleased to partner with clients across the province to give you support when it matters most!Find out why MCL Power is one of Alberta’s most trusted service providers in the electrical field by contacting our team today.