Paladin DesignBase

AC & DC Arc Flash Evaluation Manual

Based on NFPA 70E & IEEE 1584

Power Analytics Corporation 16870 West Bernardo Drive, Suite 330 San Diego, California 92127 USA
Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved

Version 6.70.00

May 2011

AC & DC Arc Flash

Table of Contents
1. 2. Whats New in 6.70.00 .......................................................................................................... 1 Arc Flash Program Overview ................................................................................................ 1 2.1. Program Capabilities ..................................................................................................... 2 2.2. Arc Flash Study ............................................................................................................. 3 2.3. Exposure Defined .......................................................................................................... 4 2.4. Personal Protective Equipment Defined ........................................................................ 4 2.5. Arc Resistance Defined ................................................................................................. 6 2.6. Key Concepts ................................................................................................................ 6 2.7. References .................................................................................................................... 7 3. Tutorial .................................................................................................................................. 8 3.1. Introduction .................................................................................................................... 8 3.2. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems / Single Branch Case................. 9 3.2.2. Arc Flash Program: Screen 3 ......................................................................... 17 3.2.3. Arc Flash Results ........................................................................................... 20 3.2.4. Arc Flash Annotations .................................................................................... 28 3.2.5. Arc Flash Database ........................................................................................ 29 3.3. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems / Multiple Branch Case ............ 31 3.3.1. Enabling PDC ARC Flash Activity Trace ....................................................... 39 3.4. Standalone Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems ........................................................ 41 3.5. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems .................................................. 46 3.6. Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems ....................................................... 52

AC & DC Arc Flash

List of Figures
Figure 1 - Circuit for Arc Model........................................................................................................ 1 Figure 2 - Arc Flash Zones .............................................................................................................. 3 Figure 3 - Arc Flash Categories....................................................................................................... 9 Figure 4 - Network under study, showing a cycle fault analysis at BUS-05 .............................. 10 Figure 5 - PDC Study for Motor on BUS-05 .................................................................................. 11 Figure 6 - Assigning Arc Flash Environment to Buses. ................................................................. 12 Figure 7 - Defining Breaker Short Circuit Characteristics. ............................................................ 13 Figure 8 - Arc Flash Toolbar. ......................................................................................................... 13 Figure 9 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 1. ....................................................................................... 14 Figure 10 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Bus Selection. .......................................................... 15 Figure 11 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Environment. ............................................................ 16 Figure 12 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Working Distance. .................................................... 16 Figure 13 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Calculation Option. ................................................... 17 Figure 14 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 3. ..................................................................................... 18 Figure 15 - PDC Information Transferred into the ARC Flash Calculation.................................... 19 Figure 16 - Clothing Required for Different Standards .................................................................. 20 Figure 17 - Energy vs. Distance Plot ............................................................................................. 21 Figure 18 - Label Options .............................................................................................................. 22 Figure 19 - Label Format One .................................................................................................... 23 Figure 20 - Label Format Two .................................................................................................... 24 Figure 21 - Label Format Three.................................................................................................. 24 Figure 22 - Choice of the Task for Work Permit ............................................................................ 25 Figure 23 - A Partial Sample of the Work Permit .......................................................................... 25 Figure 24 - Creating a Summary IEEE-based Report ................................................................... 26 Figure 25 - Summary Arc Flash Report ......................................................................................... 26 Figure 26 - Custom Report Options............................................................................................... 27 Figure 27 - Custom Arc Flash Report ............................................................................................ 27 Figure 28 - Arc Flash Annotations. ................................................................................................ 28 Figure 29 - Arc Flash Database..................................................................................................... 29 Figure 30 - Fabric Material Library ................................................................................................ 29 Figure 31 - Glove Class Library ..................................................................................................... 29 Figure 32 - IEEE 1584 Table ......................................................................................................... 30 Figure 33 - Label Options .............................................................................................................. 30 Figure 34 Limited Approach Boundary ....................................................................................... 30 Figure 35 - Network topology for job-file IEEEPDE.axd showing cycle fault results for Bus4 ............................................................................................................ 31 Figure 36 - Simplified view of Bus 4 and its fault contributing branches (1/2 cycle Sym. Currents) ............................................................................................ 32 Figure 37 - PDC Study for Bus 4 including all 6 connected branches. Currents are plotted at 13.8 kV.................................................................................... 33 Figure 38 - IEEEPDE File opened in Paladin DesignBase CAD Environment ............................. 34 Figure 39 - Arc Flash Screen Two / Multiple Branch Case ........................................................... 35 Figure 40 - Arc Flash Screen Three / Multiple Branch Case ......................................................... 36 Figure 41 - Determining Controlling Branch .................................................................................. 37 Figure 42 - Visual Verification of the Obtain Tripping Times ......................................................... 38 Figure 44 - Creating New Standalone AC File .............................................................................. 41 Figure 45 - Standalone Welcome Window .................................................................................... 42 Figure 46 - Creating New Standalone AC File .............................................................................. 42 Figure 47 - Creating Excel Report STANDALONE.csv File .......................................................... 43 Figure 48 - Excel Report................................................................................................................ 43 Figure 49 - Label Colors ................................................................................................................ 44 Figure 50 - Chose Buses to Create Labels ................................................................................... 44 Figure 51 - Label printed ............................................................................................................... 45

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AC & DC Arc Flash Figure 52 - Arc Flash Tools ........................................................................................................... 45 Figure 53 - DC Arc Flash: Assigning the Arc Flash Environment ................................................. 46 Figure 54 - DC Arc Flash: The Initial Screen................................................................................. 47 Figure 55 - DC Arc Flash: Bus Selection ....................................................................................... 47 Figure 56 - DC Arc Flash: Environment, Distance and Option Selection ...................................... 48 Figure 57 - DC Arc Flash: Tripping Times ..................................................................................... 49 Figure 58 - DC Arc Flash: Generating Plots and Graphic Labels ................................................. 50 Figure 59 - DC Arc Flash: Generating Excel Results .................................................................... 51 Figure 61 - Creating New Standalone DC File .............................................................................. 52 Figure 62 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Bus and Fault Information ................................................ 53 Figure 63 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Environment, Distance and Calculation Option ............... 54 Figure 64 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Tripping Times.................................................................. 55 Figure 65 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Generating Plots and Graphic Labels .............................. 56 Figure 66 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Generating Excel Results................................................. 57

List of Tables
Table 1 - Typical Thermal Performance of Various Fabrics in Cal/ cm2 ......................................... 5 Table 2 - NFPA-70E Flash Hazard Risk Categories ....................................................................... 5 Table 3 - Glove Classes .................................................................................................................. 5 Table 4 - Network-based AC Arc Flash Exposure: Detailed Results ............................................ 39 Table 5 - DC Arc Flash Exposure: Detailed Results ..................................................................... 51

Note:

You can view this manual on your CD as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. The file name is:

AC DC Arc Flash Evaluation

Arc_Flash.pdf

You will find the Test/Job files used in this tutorial in the following location: C:\DesignBase\Samples\ArcFlash Test Files: IEEEPDE, ARCHEAT_SB, DC_SC2

Copyright 2011 All Rights Reserved

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AC & DC Arc Flash

1. Whats New in 6.70.00

Additional annotation options New label style Extended precision for Incident Energy from 1 decimal to 2 decimal digits. Worst Case function implemented in previous considered only consecutive scenarios. Function improved to consider scenarios that are out of order.

2. Arc Flash Program Overview

The Paladin DesignBase Arc Flash Exposure Program uses empirical equations based on test results given in IEEE-1584 to provide an estimate of the energy falling on a surface removed from a fault. As an option, personal protective equipment (PPE) based on NFPA-70E is provided. The circuit used in Error! Reference source not found. is a simplified model for arc current calculations. The power dissipated in the arc radiates to the surrounding surfaces. The further away from the arc the surface is, the less the energy is received per unit area.

Figure 1 - Circuit for Arc Model Calculation of maximum short-circuit current, used for equipment evaluation, considers zero arc resistance. When the fault does contain an arc, the heat released can damage equipment and cause personal injury. It is the latter concern that brought about the development of the heat exposure program. The heat exposure due to an arc can harm, or burn, bare skin or protective clothing. The Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, NFPA 70E, provides information on the protective performance of various fabrics, which would limit heat exposure to second-degree burns. In addition to burns, there are other exposure risks to arcing faults, such as: Electrical shorts due to touching energized conductors Arc blasts, due to expanding gases, that can cause flying debris, knock a person off balance, and cause ear damage Exposure to arc plasma can result in temporary or permanent blindness

AC & DC Arc Flash

Arc plasma or heat can result in a fire Metal vaporization can condense on cooler materials.

Clearly, any exposure to an arcing fault can be hazardous.

2.1. Program Capabilities Arc Flash Exposure based on IEEE 1584 Arc Flash Exposure based on NFPA 70E Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems/Single Branch Case Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems/Multiple Branch Cases Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems Network Arc Flash Exposure on DC Networks Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on DC Systems Exposure Simulation at Switchgear Box, MCC Box, Open Area and Cable Grounded and Ungrounded Calculate and Select Controlling Branch for Simulation of Arc Flash Test Selected Clothing Calculate Clothing Required Simulated Arc Flash Exposure at User Selected Buses User Defined Fault Cycle for 3-Phase and Controlling Branches User Defined Short Circuit Algorithm User Defined Distance for Subject 100% and 85% Arcing Current 100% and 85% Protective Device Time Automatic Scenario Comparison Protective Device Setting Impact on Arc Exposure Energy User Defined Labels Plot Energy for Each Bus Write Results into Excel View and Print Graphic Label for User Selected Bus(s) Work permits

AC & DC Arc Flash

2.2. Arc Flash Study Figure 2 shows three arc flash zones that can have different calculated arc flash energy levels for each fault location; although the bus fault current level is the same, the fault clearing time can be different. Zone 1 extends from the secondary main breaker to the transformer primary upstream protective device. A Zone 1 fault on the transformer secondary (to within the secondary main breaker) has to be cleared by an upstream device with a backup fault clearing time. Zone 1 also covers main breaker racking-in and racking-out conditions. In the EDSA program, a dummy bus is usually furnished with the breaker symbol on the source side of the breaker.

Zone 2 includes the load side terminals of the secondary main breaker, main bus, feeder breaker load terminals, and tie breaker (not shown). The Zone 2 bus/breaker zone is protected by the secondary main breaker and would also include feeder breaker racking-in and racking-out conditions. When the secondary main breaker is not provided, Zone 1 would also include Zone 2.

Zone 3 includes the feeder breaker load terminals to the downstream device (load, sub-bus or MCC or panel breaker). Typically, with selective protective systems, Zone 2 fault clearing time is greater than the Zone 3 clearing time. In the Paladin DesignBase program, a dummy bus is usually furnished with the breaker symbol on the load side of the breaker.

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Figure 2 - Arc Flash Zones

AC & DC Arc Flash

2.3. Exposure Defined The amount of heat from an arc depends on the voltage across the arc, the current, single phase or multi-phase arc, confinement of the arc, and the distance the subject is away from the arc plasma. Most of the data collected for heat exposure have been staged, since the modeling of the arc is very complex [5, 6, 7, 8, 12]. The power in the arc (VARC * IARC) is radiated out as incident energy falling onto a surface. Test results are often used to compare the amount of energy produced in the arc and radiating to a surface at some distance away. As expected, the radiated energy depends whether the arc is unrestricted in free air, or semi-confined, or directed as it would be in a switchgear cubicle with a panel removed or the door open. The latter directs the radiating energy toward the open area, greatly increasing the incident energy falling onto a surface. The arc produces quickly-expanding gases. These gases heat the surfaces they contact. Thus, the energy of an arc can burn contacted surfaces due to both radiant and convection heat transfer. Low voltage switchgear type of equipment can have bare buses and a line-to-ground or a line-to-line fault and can quickly become a three-phase arcing fault with the corresponding increase in arcing energy. Arcing faults beginning as line-to-ground faults in cables and on insulating buses must burn through the second insulating material before a multi-phase fault can result. This can last up to tens of cycles depending on the energy in the fault.

2.4. Personal Protective Equipment Defined Personal protective equipment includes many items, such as gloves, tools, face protection and glasses, as well as the clothing to be worn. The main arc flash consequences are burns to the body that could cause death. Therefore, the head and chest areas are more critical. While burns on the persons limbs are serious, they are not likely to cause death. For example, when working on electrical equipment, gloves are voltage rated to protect from electrical shock while fire retardant overalls have only a thermal rating. When gloves are worn, some thermal protection is also provided. Error! Reference source not found. and Error! Reference source not found. provide guidance to the thermal capabilities of some clothing articles. Error! Reference source not found. is from NFPA 70E. NFPA 70E has divided the personal protective clothing (PPE) requirements into four (4) risk categories Error! Reference source not found.. These hazard risk categories are listed below. Error! Reference source not found. gives the voltage capabilities of gloves up to 40-kV.

AC & DC Arc Flash

Table 1 - Typical Thermal Performance of Various Fabrics in Cal/ cm2

Material
Bare skin (clean) Bare skin (dirty) Untreated cotton Single layer FR cotton Single layer FR cotton PBI fiber blend Nomex III Nomex III Nomex III A Nomex III A Cotton (4 oz) under FR cotton (8 oz) Nomex (2 layers) Nomex (8oz) over FR cotton (8 oz) Switching suit of FR coverall

Total
4.0 7.5 12.5 4.5 4.5 6.0 4.5 6.0 12.0 12.2 16.0 24-30

Weight
oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2 oz/yd2

Rating (Cal/cm 2)
0.5 1.0 2.0 6.0 13.8 6.1 9.1 13.7 9.2 13.1 12.5 22.6 31.1 40.0+

Table 2 - NFPA-70E Flash Hazard Risk Categories

Flash Hazard Risk Range of Calculated Category Incident Energy 0 0-1.2 cal/cm2 1 1.2+ to 4 cal/cm2 2 4+ to 8 cal/cm2 3 8+ to 25 cal/cm2 4 25+ to 40 cal/cm2 Min. PPE Rating N/A 4 cal/cm2 8 cal/cm2 25 cal/cm2 40 cal/cm2 Clothing Required 4.5-14.0 oz/yd2 untreated cotton FR shirt and pants Cotton underclothing plus FR shirt and pants Cotton underclothing plus FR shirt, pants, overalls or equivalent Cotton underclothing plus FR shirt, pants, plus double layer switching coat and pants or equiv.

FR = Fire resistance fabric

Table 3 - Glove Classes Glove Class 00 0 1 2 3 4 Use Voltage (kV) 0.5 1.0 7.5 17.5 26.5 36.0 Max. Test Voltage (kV) 2.5 5.0 10 20 30 40

AC & DC Arc Flash

2.5. Arc Resistance Defined Short-circuit arc resistance is a highly variable quantity that changes non-linearly with the arc current during a cycle and on a cycle-by-cycle basis. As the current increases, so does the ionized area, and, consequently, the resistance becomes lower. The voltage across the arc varies non-linearly with the length and current flowing in it. Arcing short-circuit current magnitudes on low-voltage systems (<1000 V) are more affected by arc resistance than they are on higher voltage systems. Arc resistance results in the short-circuit currents smaller than in the bolted short-circuit current. On high voltage networks, the short-circuit arc resistance and resulting arc voltage are often low compared to the circuit voltage; the arcing fault and bolted fault current can be approximately the same. Arcing ground short-circuits have been known to have short-circuit currents that range between zero and 100% of the bolted short-circuit current depending on the system voltage and the type of arcing short circuit involved. [1] The environment in which the arcing short circuit takes place affects the arc resistance and its continuity. An arcing short circuit in a confined area is easily perpetuated due to the concentration of ionized gases allowing easy current flow. An arc occurring on open conductors is elongated due to heat convection, thereby lengthening the arc allowing cooling of ionized gas, so the arc may extinguish itself. The results of tests show that arcing short-circuit currents are very erratic in nature and do not provide a constant resistance during any one cycle. Over several cycles the arc reignites, due to uncooled ionized gases, almost extinguishes, and then fully reignites. There is not an exact equation available to determine arc resistance. The references by Alm, Brown and Strom [2, 3, 4] provide approximations to the arc resistance.

2.6. Key Concepts Open Arc This term is used to describe a non-enclosed Arc in which the energy is radiated equally in all directions. An arcing fault on an overhead line would be an example of an open arc topology. Directed Arc This term, also known as arc in a box, describes an Arc that occurs in a partially enclosed area such as an MCC or a Switchgear cubicle. In this case the energy radiated includes the energy reflected from the enclosure walls. A fault in a switchgear cubicle with the door open would be an example of a directed arc. Radiant Energy This term refers to the energy as the light, which is released by an Arc during a fault.

Blast Energy This term describes the energy released by an Arc, in the form of convection. When the Arc occurs, the gaseous mass surrounding the area is violently displaced and heated. The energy contained in this rapid moving mass, as it collides with surrounding objects, is called the Blast Energy of the Arc.

AC & DC Arc Flash

2.7. References 1. Kaufmann, R. H. and J.C. Page, "Arcing Fault Protection for Low Voltage Power Distribution Systems - The Nature of the Problem", AIEE Transaction, PAS vol 79, June 1960, pp 160-165. (Note: the value in Table 1 should be multiplied by 2 due to the correction with CT probe ratio.) Alm, Emil, " Physical Properties of Arcs in Circuit Breakers", Transactions of the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, No. 25, 1949. Brown, T. E., "Extinction of A-C Arcs in Turbulent Gases", AIEE Transaction Vol 51, March 1932, pp 185-191. Strom, A. P., "Long 60-Cycle Arcs in Air", AIEE Transaction, March 1946, Vol 65, pp 113-118, (See discussion PP 504-506 by J. H. Hagenguth). Wagner C. F., and Fountain, L.L., "Arcing Fault Currents in Low-Voltage A-C Circuits." AIEE Transactions. 1948, vol 67, pp 166-174. R. Lee, The Other Electrical Hazard: Electrical Arc Blast Burns. IEEE Trans. Ind. Appl. Vol. 18-1A, May/June 1982, pp 246-251. R.A. Jones et al, Staged Tests Increases Awareness of Arc-flash Hazards in Electrical Equipment. Conf. Rec. IEEE PCIC Sept 1996, pp 298-281 J.R. Dunki-Jacobs, The Impact of Arcing Ground Faults on Low-voltage Power System Design, GE publication GET-6098 Lawrence Fisher, Resistance of Low-Voltage AC Arcs, IEEE Trans. Ind. Appl. Vol. IGA-6, Nov./Dec 1970, pp 607-616. Richard Doughty et al, Predicting Incident Energy to Better Manage the Electric Arc Hazard on 600-V Power Distribution Systems. IEEE Trans. Ind. Appl. Vol. 36-1, Jan/Feb 2000, pp 257-269. O.R. Schurig, Voltage Drop and Impedance at Short-Circuit in Low Voltage Circuits, AIEE trans, Vol 60, 1941, pp 479-486. IEEE Std 1584-2002, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, NFPA 70E, 2004

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3. Tutorial

3.1. Introduction This tutorial will illustrate how to conduct ARC FLASH EXPOSURE analyses on both AC & DC distribution systems. The exercise will be presented as explained below.

Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems This application allows the user to evaluate the heat exposure caused by arcing faults, based on an existing AC network file. Arc Flash program automatically performs short circuit analysis, calculates arcing currents and reads the fault clearing times of the appropriate protective devices. In terms of the analytical standards that can be used, the user can choose between ANSI IEEE 1584, NFPA 70E or CSAZ462. The program also incorporates the ability to analyze arcing faults on buses that are fed from multiple power supplies. In such cases, the Arc Flash algorithm will scan all the protective devices that control the current contributions into the fault. Once the scan has been completed, the program selects the Controlling branch: the significant branch with the slowest tripping time.

Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on AC systems In this option, a single line diagram/network file is not required. The AC ARC FLASH program will rely on short circuit and tripping-time information being provided by the user.

Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems This application allows the user to evaluate the heat exposure caused by arcing faults, based on an existing DC network file. Once a complete short-circuit analysis is performed on the subject file, the relevant results are automatically passed on to the DC ARC FLASH program for analysis.

Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems Consistent with the explanation given above, this option does not require a network file. It relies on DC Short Circuit information being provided by the user.

AC & DC Arc Flash

IMPORTANT NOTICE In order for the program to analyze a bus, the user MUST specify its Arc Flash Category. Categories are assigned from the job file editor as the file is being constructed. The screen capture shown below illustrates how to classify a bus directly from the editor during the construction of the file.

ARC Flash Categories

Figure 3 - Arc Flash Categories

3.2. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems / Single Branch Case This section of the tutorial is based on the file ARCHEAT_SB.axd. The topology of the network is shown in Figure 4 below in conjunction with back-annotated cycle short-circuit results. The tripping times of the breaker protecting the motor are defined in a coordination study that has been previously carried out on the network (Motor PDC Study). The TCC graph on the next page shows the phase coordination settings of the realy, along with bus and branch fault currents.

AC & DC Arc Flash

GRI D

BUS-01

BKR-01 500 A

BUS-02

TRX-01 250 0-3-L

BUS-03 BKR-02 800 A

50 51

BUS-04

Cycle 3-P Symmetrical Branch Fault Current: 9426.61 Amps.

FDR-01 500 -5KV 942 6.61 A

BUS-05 112 00.52 A

Cycle 3-P Symmetrical Bus Fault Current: 11200.52 Amps.

Figure 4 - Network under study, showing a cycle fault analysis at BUS-05

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AC & DC Arc Flash

1000

Motor 303 Amp Motor

100

S Motor Relay GE 139 OL 2.000 TD 4.500 Tap 500/5 CT 176.0 InstTap

10 1 Time in Seconds

9427 SCA current 2400V through BKR-02 (BKR-02)

Branch fault

.1

.01

11201 SCA current 2400V at BUS-05 (BUS-05)

.5 1 10 100 Current in Amperes X 100 Time-Current Characteristic Curves 1000 10000 04-25-2011 16:24:28 C:\DesignBase4\Samples\ArcHeat\ARCHEAT_SB.PDC

Bus fault

2400 Volt Phase 1 - Motor PDC Study

Figure 5 - PDC Study for Motor on BUS-05

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Illustration of the necessary steps to perform Arc Flash analysis follows. Open the file ARCHEAT_SB file from the DesignBase > Samples > ArcHeat folder. Double click on each of the nodes/buses and make sure that a proper Arc Flash classification has been given to each one of them. For example, double click on Bus-04 to verify the Arc Flash setting as shown in the figure below. The Arc Flash designation for each node of this network is shown in the figure below. The designations chosen are not to be considered typical; they are only intended to serve as examples.

GRID

BUS-01

Open Grounded

BKR-01 500 A

BUS-02

Open Grounded

TRX-01 2500-3-L

BUS-03 BKR-02 800 A

50 51

Open Grounded

BUS-04

Box Grounded

FDR-01 500-5KV Sym : 9426.62A

BUS-05 Sym : 11200.52A

Box Grounded

Figure 6 - Assigning Arc Flash Environment to Buses. Enter/verify that all the protective devices have been properly characterized from the short circuit point of view. In this exercise, emphasis will be made on breaker BKR-02 since it is the one protecting the motor on BUS-05. BUS-05 will be the objective of the following arc flash analysis. Also remember that the relay associated with this breaker is shown in Figure 5. Double click on BKR-02 to invoke its respective editor, and select the Breaker Data tab.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Complete all the required ANSI settings, paying special attention to the Interrupting Time in cycles. This number is very important since it plays a role in the total time in which an arcing fault can be cleared. In this case, notice that this is a 5-cycle breaker.

Figure 7 - Defining Breaker Short Circuit Characteristics. Finally if there is an intentionally added Relay Trip Delay (for example, aux. Tripping Relays), user should enter it here. For this example enter 0. Next proceed to create a PDC study for the branch under analysis. For this example, a PDC study has already been created and it is shown in Figure 5. From the DesignBase toolbar select the AC Arc Flash icon. Appropriate Arc Flash Toolbar will be displayed.

Figure 8 - Arc Flash Toolbar.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Click on Analyze button within the Arc Flash toolbar, open, as shown in Figure 9.

. Arc Flash program window will

Figure 9 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 1. Carefully read the initial Arc Flash screen and make sure that you understand the programs usage guidelines before proceeding. Click Next to proceed with calculations. The second screen of Arc Flash program will open, Figure 10.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.2.1.

Arc Flash Program: Screen 2

Figure 10 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Bus Selection. Bus selection tool, Figure 10enables the user to select buses to be studied by the Arc Flash program. Notice that the Arc Flash Buses field contains all the buses in the project that: Are not suppressed from the system (nodes are supressed by default; user needs to unsupress them) Have assigned Arc Flash enviroment

User can transfer buses from Arc Flash Buses to Selected Buses field, using Add, Add All, Remove and Remove All buttons. These commands work in common fashion as in other DesignBase applications (Short Circuit for example). For this example we will select buses BUS04 and BUS-05 as shown in the above figure.

Also notice the Show Bus pull-down menu at the bottom of the screen as shown in Figure 10. User can choose one of the selected buses using this feature. All the properties of the chosen bus will be shown in this and subsequent Arc Flash screens.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

The first important property for the Arc Flash calculation is bus environment (see Figure 11). Arc Flash environment of the selected bus, BUS-04, is displayed in this section. The environment is selected using the bus editor (Figure 3). User can also select/verify that the Arc Flash Grounding Category for the selected bus has been properly assigned. The program has automatically assigned the category that was entered into the model by the user as it was being built. Finally user can change grounding of all the selected buses using Grounding Control box. The default option of grounding control is Bus Editor. Using this option user confirms the selection done through bus editor (Figure 3). Selecting All Buses Grounded (or ungrounded) user overwrites the editor information for all the selected buses.

Figure 11 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Environment.

User should next enter the working distance over which the Arc Flash energy is to be calculated. The user can enter actual known values or use the IEEE 1584 defaults if deemed safe for the application.

Figure 12 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Working Distance.

Next, select the Calculation option. In this example we will ask the program to calculate the minimal protective clothing required for the application. Select Calculate Clothing Required. This is a common application of the program. Alternately, user could select Test Selected Clothing in order to verify pre-selected clothing level.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 13 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 2 Calculation Option. User should also choose which cycle of fault current to use in the analysis and which short circuit calculation method. The default option are cycle and AC classical. After all of the options of the current Arc Flash screen have been defined user should click on the button. Program will run short circuit calculation before opening subsequent screen.

3.2.2.

Arc Flash Program: Screen 3

The last Arc Flash screen is shown in Error! Reference source not found.. User should refresh fault duration from PDC and use this screen for printing the results. Before using Refresh Duration from PDC make sure that you have already injected all Protective Device Curves in the model; the opening time of device is related to the amount of Arc Flash Exposure and energy available at the bus. Important: Refresh Duration from PDC is option that provides results for current scenario. If model has multiple scenarios, and if user is interested in worse case results through all the scenarios, Worst Case button should be used instead.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Use the Show Bus window to select BUS-05. Next click on Refresh Duration from PDC button as indicated in Error! Reference source not found.. PDC result will be displayed in the screen.

Figure 14 - Arc Flash Program; Screen 3.

The following information is worth noting: Using IEEE 1584 formulas, program has calculated arcing currents. Arcing currents are smaller than bolted fault current (see Figure 4). User can enter/verify the Phase Gap and Cf factors.

User can set maximum tripping time for all the buses in the system. If the fault duration is higher than maximum tripping time, the maximum time will be used Tripping times that correspond to the arcing controlling branch currents are calculated and entered into the respective fields. The user can change the trip time to represent differential relay trip time. Detailed explanation of the results is given in Figure 15.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Breaker Opening Time 5 cycles = 0.08 sec.

1.8 sec.

0.08 sec

Relay Tripping Time 1.803 sec.

Figure 15 - PDC Information Transferred into the ARC Flash Calculation

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.2.3.

Arc Flash Results

The clothing required for the IEEE 1584 calculation on the BUS-05 is shown as Category 3. From the Calculation Standards section, user could switch over to NFPA 70E. User should press the Calculate button to refresh the analysis results. The recalculated rating for the NFPA 70E selection instead of IEEE 1584 is, in this case, more conservative (Category 4).

Figure 16 - Clothing Required for Different Standards

Energy Plot: To generate the respective Energy vs. Distance plot of the results, select IEEE 1584 standard and then click on the Plot button (see Figure 17). The red area of the plot marks the distances with energy greater than 1.2 cal/cm^2 and special clothing requirement. Green area has energy less than 1.2 cal/cm^2. User can use the cursor to read the energy level for various distances as shown in Figure 17. Additionally user can zoom, save, plot or edit the properties of a generated plot using the tools available in the plots toolbar.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 17 - Energy vs. Distance Plot

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Graphic Labels: Select Graphic Label button to generate the equipment-warning labels. Before printing the labels, user can choose their colors and decide for which buses the labels should be printed, Figure 18.

Figure 18 - Label Options

Next, click on the Display Labels icon on arc flash toolbar and labels will be shown in main DesignBase window. Once labels are displayed, the Arc Flash toolbar will change to enable additional manipulation of label style and appearance. Several label formats are shown in Figure 19, Figure 20 and Figure 21. The following toolbar functions apply on labels: - Label Options. Using this function user can choose between different label layouts and label sizes - Print Labels - Print All the Labels in MS Word - Navigate through labels - Close the Current Label window - Open previously saved labels - Save labels

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 19 - Label Format One

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 20 - Label Format Two

Figure 21 - Label Format Three

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Work Permits: to generate the work permits. Use the pull down menu to Select Work Permit button select a task for Work permit. Once the task is selected click OK and the permit will be generated. The work permit appears as a word document, which the user can edit, print and save. A partial sample of the work permit is shown below.

Figure 22 - Choice of the Task for Work Permit

ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT

Job/Work Order Number: PART 1: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE REQUESTER
(1) Description of circuit / equipment / job location / bus name:
BUS-04

(2) Description of work to be done:

Work on energized parts, including voltage testing

(3) Reasons why the circuit / equipment cannot be de-energized or the work deferred until the next scheduled outage:

_________________________________________________

______________________________________

Requester / Title

Date

PART II: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE ELECTRICALLY QUALIFIED PERSONS DOING THE WORK: Check When Complete ____ (1) Detailed job description procedure to be used in performing the above detailed work:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____ (2) Description of the Safe Work Practices to be employed: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Flash Boundary Shock Hazard Required PPE

776.7 in 2.4 kV 3

Flash Hazard 23.8 cal/cm^2 Working Distance Restricted Approach 26.0 in Glove Class Cotton underclothing plus FR shirt, pants, overalls or equivalent

35.8 in 1

(3) Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the work area:

____

Figure 23 - A Partial Sample of the Work Permit

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Text Based Output report: To produce a text-based output report, proceed as follows: Select a Summary, Detailed or Custom report Select the Calculation Standard to be used Select Results to Microsoft Excel

This will create a report and save it to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Use the settings shown below for this example and specify the name and a folder in which to save the report. Click Save.

Figure 24 - Creating a Summary IEEE-based Report The summary report is shown in the next figure.The following variables are reported: Bus and protective device name Bus voltage Bus and branch bolted fault current Critical case (100% or 85%): the case with the highest Arc Flash energy. Trip delay time, breaker oppening time and fault duration Arcing current, Arc Flash energy, Arc Flash boundary and required IEEE 1584 PPE class Bus configuration and working distance

Figure 25 - Summary Arc Flash Report

26

AC & DC Arc Flash

To produce the most elaborate Arc Flash report user should select detailed output report and Both standards. User can also select custom report. The following dialog box will appear if the custom report is selected. Using this dialog box user can choose which data is to be reported.

Figure 26 - Custom Report Options An example of custom Arc Flash report is shown in the next figure. Notice that 85% results are not applicable since the bus voltages are higher than 1000V.

Figure 27 - Custom Arc Flash Report

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.2.4.

Arc Flash Annotations

User can display Arc Flash results back on the drawing using the back annotation icon from the

. The following items, Figure 27, can be displayed. The annotated results Arc Flash toolbar are also shown in the figure.

Figure 28 - Arc Flash Annotations.

User can also color code the zones with respect to different PPE category. To do that it is necessary to click Select Label Colors button within annotation dialog box. User can change the colors according to his/her preferences.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.2.5.

Arc Flash Database

At any time during the Arc Flash calculation user can view the Arc Flash database.

Figure 29 - Arc Flash Database Choosing the Database > Fabric Material Library option user can review and edit the following NFPA table:

Figure 30 - Fabric Material Library Glove Class library will be displayed if Database > Glove Class Library option is chosen.

Figure 31 - Glove Class Library

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AC & DC Arc Flash

IEEE 1584 table with the appropriate coefficients used in Arc Flash calculation will be displayed if Database > 1584 Table option is chosen.

Figure 32 - IEEE 1584 Table Label Options enables the user to include/ take off particular options in Arc Flash labels.

Figure 33 - Label Options Finally user can choose between fixed and movable parts, to determine the value of limited approach boundary.

Figure 34 Limited Approach Boundary

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.3. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems / Multiple Branch Case This section of the tutorial is based on the network-file IEEEPDE.axd. The complete topology of the network is shown in Figure 35 below. The Arc Flash analysis described in this section is based on Bus4 of this network. Figure 36, shows a simplified view of Bus4 along with the 6 faultcurrent contributing branches. Only three of these branches are significant; these branches carry short circuit contributions from the sources. The rest of the branches carry motor contribution and the program wont analyze them.

Figure 35 - Network topology for job-file IEEEPDE.axd showing cycle fault results for Bus4

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 36 - Simplified view of Bus 4 and its fault contributing branches (1/2 cycle Sym. Currents)

The tripping times of the protective devices injected in the branches are derived from a coordination study that has been previously carried out on the network (BUS 4). The TCC graph shown in Figure 37, shows the phase coordination settings of all the protective devices.

32

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 37 - PDC Study for Bus 4 including all 6 connected branches. Currents are plotted at 13.8 kV

33

AC & DC Arc Flash

Proceed to open the file IEEEPDE.axd available in DesignBase2 > Samples > ARCHeat folder.

Figure 38 - IEEEPDE File opened in Paladin DesignBase CAD Environment

Select the AC Arc Flash command (Figure 8). Carefully read and make sure that you understand the programs usage guidelines before proceeding (Figure 9). Click on the Next button.

34

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 39 - Arc Flash Screen Two / Multiple Branch Case

From the pool of Arc Flash buses, select the Bus 4 and add it into Selected Buses pool, Figure 39. Verify that all the data in the Arc Flash screen appear exactly as shown Figure 39. Click Next to run Short Circuit analysis.

35

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 40 - Arc Flash Screen Three / Multiple Branch Case Click on the Refresh Duration from PDC button. Arc Flash will produce the results as shown in the figure above. There are a total of 6 branches contributing to fault current at Bus 4. The Arc Flash program only considers branches leading toward sources to determine Arc Flash controlling branch. The following summary provides a high-level overview of the methodology used by the program: Determining the Controlling Branch 1) The fault currents for each adjacent branch to the bus are analyzed to determine the paths leading to sources. To that end, steady state short circuit currents (30-cycles) are used. 2) Arcing current is calculated from the bolted fault current using the criteria given in IEEE 1584-2002, section 5.2. 3) Program checks along each path (identified in Step 1) and finds minimum clearing time for each path. The device with the shortest clearing time on each path is recorded, then (using the shortest clearing times of each path) the path with the longest clearing time is used in the Arc Flash calculation. It is realized that the opening of the other major contributing branches before the controlling branch would reduce the arcing current, but holding the initial arcing constant for a longer time helps provide conservative cal/cm2. 4) The path with the slowest tripping time is used as the controlling branch and the cal/cm2 is calculated from total arcing and this tripping time

36

AC & DC Arc Flash

Exceptions to this rule are as follows: If a path is encountered that has no protective device, message No PDC found is generated. Resulting Arc Flash energy and PPE are set to N/A If a path is encountered that has protective devices but they do not trip, message No PDC trip is generated. Resulting Arc Flash energy is set to N/A while PPE is set to Extreme danger

Looking at the fault currents in Figure 41, it can be determined that the greatest contribution into the fault originates from the Tiebreaker branch (contribution from Bus 3). However, since the relay labeled Trans f2 (contribution from Bus 2 through the Util-Transformer2) takes longer to open, it is the Trans f2 branch that is used as the Arc Flash controlling branch, see figure below.

Figure 41 - Determining Controlling Branch

37

AC & DC Arc Flash

The following diagram puts in perspective the numbers obtained in the previous screen.

Figure 42 - Visual Verification of the Obtain Tripping Times

38

AC & DC Arc Flash

To finalize the analysis, user should click on Results to Microsoft Excel button. The following table shows the results of the analysis using both IEEE 5184 and NFPA 70E Standards. Table 4 - Network-based AC Arc Flash Exposure: Detailed Results
Bus Name Protective Device Name LL Voltage (kV) 3P Bolted Fault (Amp) Protective Device Rating (Amp) 3P Arcing Current (kA) at 100% Trip Delay Time (sec) Breaker Opening Time (sec) 3P Fault Duration (sec) Configuration Gap (mm) 3P Arc Flash Boundary (inch) at 100% Working Distance (inch) 3P Energy (cal/cm^2) at 100% Required IEEE 1584 PPE Class PPE Description Required NFPA 70-E PPE Class PPE Description Unit System IEEE Calculation Factor IEEE 1584 Distance Factor (x) Restricted Shock Distance (inch) Bus4 Trans f2 13.8 24309 960 23.24 2. 68 0.083 2.77 Box - Grounded 153 3004 35.8 88.9 Extreme danger Level exceeds NFPA-70-E - Never work on or near energized system. 4 Cotton underclothing plus FR shirt, pants, plus double layer switching coat and pants or equiv. US 1 0.973 26

3.3.1.

Enabling PDC ARC Flash Activity Trace

Detailed PDC Arc Flash navigation on the one-line along with calculated values can be viewed by enabling the PDC Arc Flash Activity Trace. The Activity Trace is typically used for troubleshooting as well as V&V purposes, and can be enabled by opening C:\DesignBase2\Config\PDCOORD.INI using NOTEPAD (or other text editor) and changing the value Enabled to 1 under the section [DebugMode]. Each bus analyzed by PDC Arc Flash will generate a trace log that pops up in a notepad window. It is advised to turn on the Activity Trace only when analyzing one bus at a time.

Arc Flash Trace Sample

############# Fault Current/Voltage(20662.85 Amps/13800.00 Volt) for 85% at Node Bus4(BUS4 Fault Ratio for 85% is 0.958654 Gap: 153 K: -0.097000 ) &&& Arc

+++++++++ Path 1 for 85% +++++++++: Branch Name: 0039 Trip/Open Time: 3.2704/0.08s Fault/Arc: 4630/4438.76Amps Branch Name: Util-Transformer2 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 926/887.75Amps Branch Name: CB2_UTILITY Trip/Open Time: 5.6622/0.05s Fault/Arc: 926/887.75Amps Branch Name: SW2_UTILITY No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 926/887.75Amps +++++++++ Path 2 for 85% +++++++++: Branch Name: CB4_BUS4 Trip/Open Time: 0.0100/0.08s Fault/Arc: 7146/6850.30Amps Branch Name: BUS4 ->BUS24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 7146/6850.30Amps Branch Name: SW_Gen24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 3345/3207.09Amps

39

AC & DC Arc Flash

+++++++++ Path 3 for 85% +++++++++: Branch Name: CB4_BUS4 Trip/Open Time: 0.0100/0.08s Fault/Arc: 7146/6850.30Amps Branch Name: BUS4 ->BUS24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 7146/6850.30Amps Branch Name: FU_Gen25 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 3345/3206.86Amps +++++++++ Path 4 for 85% +++++++++: Branch Name: 0041 Trip/Open Time: 1.3358/0.08s Fault/Arc: 7444/7135.98Amps Branch Name: 0038 Trip/Open Time: 2.3815/0.05s Fault/Arc: 6059/5808.62Amps Branch Name: Util-Transfomer1 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1212/1161.72Amps Branch Name: CB1_UTILITY Trip/Open Time: 4.2308/0.08s Fault/Arc: 1212/1161.72Amps Branch Name: SW1_UTILITY No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1212/1161.72Amps &&& Max contributing branch is 0041 with branch current 7444Amps &&& Controlling branch set to Slowest device branch is 0039 with Fault/Arc: 4630/4438.76Amps &&& Tripped Branch Name: 0039 Trip/Open Time: 3.2704/0.08s index: 0

############# Fault Current/Voltage(24309.23 Amps/13800.00 Volt) for 100% at Node Bus4(BUS4 ) &&& Arc Fault Ratio for 100% is 0.956009 Gap: 153 K: -0.097000 +++++++++ Path 1 for 100% +++++++++: Branch Name: 0039 Trip/Open Time: 2.6826/0.08s Fault/Arc: 5447/5207.66Amps Branch Name: Util-Transformer2 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1089/1041.53Amps Branch Name: CB2_UTILITY Trip/Open Time: 4.7386/0.05s Fault/Arc: 1089/1041.53Amps Branch Name: SW2_UTILITY No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1089/1041.53Amps +++++++++ Path 2 for 100% +++++++++: Branch Name: CB4_BUS4 Trip/Open Time: 0.0100/0.08s Fault/Arc: 8407/8036.94Amps Branch Name: BUS4 ->BUS24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 8407/8036.94Amps Branch Name: SW_Gen24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 3936/3762.63Amps +++++++++ Path 3 for 100% +++++++++: Branch Name: CB4_BUS4 Trip/Open Time: 0.0100/0.08s Fault/Arc: 8407/8036.94Amps Branch Name: BUS4 ->BUS24 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 8407/8036.94Amps Branch Name: FU_Gen25 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 3936/3762.37Amps +++++++++ Path 4 for 100% +++++++++: Branch Name: 0041 Trip/Open Time: 1.2132/0.08s Fault/Arc: 8757/8372.11Amps Branch Name: 0038 Trip/Open Time: 2.0413/0.05s Fault/Arc: 7128/6814.82Amps Branch Name: Util-Transfomer1 No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1426/1362.96AmpsBranch Name: CB1_UTILITY Trip/Open Time: 3.6269/0.08s Fault/Arc: 1426/1362.96Amps Branch Name: SW1_UTILITY No PDC Device Fault/Arc: 1426/1362.96Amps &&& Max contributing branch is 0041 with branch current 8757Amps &&& Controlling branch set to Slowest device branch is 0039 with Fault/Arc: 5447/5207.66Amps &&& Tripped Branch Name: 0039 Trip/Open Time: 2.6826/0.08s index: 0

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AC & DC Arc Flash

3.4. Standalone Arc Flash Exposure on AC Systems In order to start Stand-alone AC Arc Flash program, select the AC Arc Flash icon without opening any file. In the newly opened window assign the file name as shown in Figure 41.

Figure 43 - Creating New Standalone AC File

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Once the first program window (identical to the one in Figure 9) is opened, carefully read and make sure that you understand the programs usage guidelines before proceeding. Select Next.

Figure 44 - Standalone Welcome Window

The following window is displayed:

Figure 45 - Creating New Standalone AC File

The program inserts the default data. The user can overwrite the initial data as needed. Enter the data as given in the Figure 44 above. The program, automatically computes the data displayed in the light green columns

42

AC & DC Arc Flash

Note: Manually enter the tripping times for the protective devices that correspond to 85% and 100% of the arcing current. Also enter the Breaker Opening Time in seconds. For this example, use the numbers shown in the Figure 45 above. Select the equipment type from the pick list. Also specify the Phase Gap in mm and the working distance. To produce a text-based output report, click the Export to Excel button. The Excel File window is displayed; insert the file name: STANDALONE and then click Save button:

Figure 46 - Creating Excel Report STANDALONE.csv File

The report is generated by the program as can be seen in the figure capture below:

Figure 47 - Excel Report

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AC & DC Arc Flash

To print the Label click the Graph Label button:

Figure 48 - Label Colors

Select the Label Color and then click the OK button.

The following window is displayed:

Figure 49 - Chose Buses to Create Labels

Click OK button. The label is displayed.

44

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 50 - Label printed

Figure 51 - Arc Flash Tools Within this environment the user can further: Select the label style options Print the current label Close the current label window Open the label for further editing Save the label

45

AC & DC Arc Flash

3.5. Network-Based Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems Arc Flash study can be performed on DC systems within EDSA program environment. Proceed to open the file C:\DesignBase4\Samples\ArcHeat\Dc_sc2.axd. Double click on each of the nodes/buses and make sure that a proper Arc Flash classification has been given to each one of them. For example double click on CHARGER and assign Switchgear Box Arc Flash environment. From the toolbar select the DC Arc Flash command, .

Figure 52 - DC Arc Flash: Assigning the Arc Flash Environment

Carefully read and make sure that you understand the programs usage guidelines before proceeding. Select Yes in the Run Short Circuit dialog to produce the most recent short circuit results. Press Next to continue.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 53 - DC Arc Flash: The Initial Screen.

From the pick-list, select an individual bus to be analyzed. For this example, select BATT-1A. Press Next to continue.

Figure 54 - DC Arc Flash: Bus Selection

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Select/verify that the Arc Flash environment has been properly assigned. In this case the environment was not assigned within the GUI. The user can still define it using Arc Flash program. For this example we will select Open as shown in the figure bellow. Enter the working distance over which the Arc Flash yield is to be calculated. The user can enter actual known values or use the IEEE 1584 defaults if deemed safe for the application. Select the Calculation Option. In this example we will ask the program to calculate the minimal protective clothing required for the application. Select Calculate Clothing Required. Press Next to continue.

Figure 55 - DC Arc Flash: Environment, Distance and Option Selection

Enter the tripping time that corresponds to the protective device present in the network. For this example use 0.2 seconds as shown below. Enter/verify the Phase Gap and the Cf factor. Press Next to continue.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 56 - DC Arc Flash: Tripping Times

The clothing required for the application is shown as Category 1. Select Plot to generate the Energy vs. Distance plot of the results. Select Graphic Label to generate the equipment warning label. Label options are shown in the figure below.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 57 - DC Arc Flash: Generating Plots and Graphic Labels

To produce a text-based output report, proceed as follows: o Select All Buses to be reported o Select Detailed report o Select Results to Microsoft Excel This will create a report and save it into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Specify the name and a folder in which to save the report. Press Save. The complete report is shown in the figure below.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 58 - DC Arc Flash: Generating Excel Results

The following table shows the results of the analysis using both IEEE 5184 and NFPA 70E Standards, for Bus BATT-1A.

Table 5 - DC Arc Flash Exposure: Detailed Results Bus Name LL Voltage (kV) DC Bolted Fault (Amp) DC Arcing Current (kA) at 100% DC Fault Duration (sec) Configuration Gap (mm) BATT-1A 0.25 47734.8 11.765 0.2 Open 32

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AC & DC Arc Flash

DC Arc Flash Boundary (inch) at 100% Working Distance (inch) Energy (cal/cm^2) at 100% Required IEEE 1584 PPE Class PPE Description Unit System IEEE Calculation Factor IEEE 1584 Distance Factor (x) DC Arcing Current (kA) at 85% DC Fault Duration at 85% (sec) DC Energy (cal/cm^2) at 85% DC Arc Flash Boundary (inch) at 85% Restricted Shock Distance (inch)

30.2 17.9 3.4 1 FR shirt and pants US 1.5 2 10 0.2 2.8 27.6 12

3.6. Stand-Alone Arc Flash Exposure on DC systems In order to start Stand-alone DC Arc Flash program, we will select DC Arc Flash icon without opening any file. In the newly opened window we will assign the file name as shown in figure below.

Figure 59 - Creating New Standalone DC File Once the first program window (identical to one in Figure 9 and Figure 46) is opened, carefully read and make sure that you understand the programs usage guidelines before proceeding. Select Next.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Type a name and a description for the bus to be studied.

To enter the bus voltage click on User Defined Voltage button located below the voltage display. Set the voltage to 480 V.

To enter the bolted fault short circuit information click on the User Defined Short Circuit button located below the current displays. Set currents to 47735A (identical to the previous section).

Figure 60 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Bus and Fault Information Press Next to continue.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

Select the Arc Flash environment. Enter the working distance over which the Arc Flash is to be calculated. The user can enter actual known values or use the IEEE 1584 defaults if deemed safe for the application. Select the Calculation option. In this example we will ask the program to calculate the minimal protective clothing required for the application. Select Calculate Clothing Required. Press Next to continue.

Figure 61 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Environment, Distance and Calculation Option

Manually enter the tripping times for the protective devices that correspond to 85% and 100% of the arcing current. Also enter the Breaker Opening Time in seconds. For this example, use the numbers shown below. Also specify the Phase Gap in mm and the IEEE 1584 Calc. Factor; use the default IEEE 1584 values. Press Next to continue:

54

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 62 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Tripping Times

The clothing required for the application is shown as Category 1. Select Plot to generate the Energy vs. Distance plot of the results. Select Graphic Label to generate the equipment warning label. Label options are shown in the figure below:

55

AC & DC Arc Flash

Figure 63 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Generating Plots and Graphic Labels

56

AC & DC Arc Flash

To produce a text-based output report, proceed as follows: o Select Detailed report. o Select Results to Microsoft Excel This will create a report and save it into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Specify the name and a folder in which to save the report. Press Save. The complete report is shown in the figure below.

Figure 64 - DC Standalone Arc Flash: Generating Excel Results The above results are identical to those obtained using network-based DC Arc Flash program.

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AC & DC Arc Flash

4. Using Arc Flash for Single Phase Circuits

Using Arc Flash energy levels for arcing faults on single-phase circuits and line-to-ground faults or Line-to-line on three-phase circuits is not covered by the program. None of the tests that were done for the IEEE 1584 equation development were for a single phase circuit or for a line to ground faults. Therefore empirical equations are not available. From over 350 tests performed, 4 tests were for a line-line fault at 2.4-kV. The furnished data did not state if the arc stayed a single-phase arc or went to a three-phase arc. On the tests that were made for three-phase faults the initial "in a box" three-phase arcs also jumped between the conductors to the box sides. This occurred whether the box was grounded or ungrounded. Therefore, for the initial lineto-line it would be expected that the arcing became three-phase before the test ended resulting in a higher energy level than if the fault stayed single-phase. In these line-to-line tests the energy was approximately 65 to 80% of the similar 3-phase tests. Drawing a conclusion from the data would be just an estimate. Logically a single-phase or line-toground would have less energy than a 3-phase arc, one could be conservative and use the 3phase Arc Flash results for the single-phase and line-to-ground faults. One could also deduce that a single-phase or line-to-ground condition would be approximately 33% of the three-phase condition and use a factor greater than 33% for an estimate. Using 40% to 50% of the threephase could be an option.

58