Arc Flash Hazard Analysis to Keep Your Business OSHA Compliant
An arc flash is a sudden release of heat and energy caused by an electric arc. These arc flashes can lead to serious injury, equipment damage, downtime, and fines. Most often triggered these incidents are a result of equipment failure, sparks, corrosion, condensation, dust, or other impurities on the surface of a conductor. To minimize your risk to an arc flash, it is important for a Licensed Professional Engineer to conduct a NFPA 70E compliance Arc Flash Hazard Analysis (AFHA).
NFPA 70E Arc Flash Services
The main goal of an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis study is to evaluate the electrical power system design for compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 110.16, NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584-Standards to meet OSHA Electrical Safety Program. A variety of parameters are considered when calculating the incident energy throughout an electrical distribution system which determines the amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is required by NFPA 70E. The available incident energy, combined with working distances, determines the amount of PPE that should be used when working within the Arc Flash boundary.
C.T. Male Associates’ Electrical Engineering Division uses industry standard modeling software to perform the complex calculations required to determine the level of Arc Flash hazards throughout your site’s electrical system. We can also provide expert NFPA 70E compliant training for your staff so that everyone understands the dangers associated with Arc Flash hazards and most importantly how to stay safe while working with or even just near electrical equipment.
Power Study – Short Circuit Studies & Time-Current Coordination
The NEC requires that electrical systems are coordinated against overloads and short circuits. An orderly shutdown is required to minimize the hazard to personnel and equipment. Coordination will ensure that systems are not only reliable, but safe. An overcurrent protective device time-current coordination study is an organized effort to determine the appropriate ampere ratings, types and settings for the overcurrent protective devices in an electrical system. The objective of the coordination study is to affect coordination among the devices, which achieves the desired system protection and electrical service continuity goals. To obtain reliable, coordinated operation and assure that the system components are protected from damage, C.T. Male Associates’ Electrical Engineering Division uses industry standard simulation software to calculate the available fault current at various critical points in the electrical system.
Arc Flash Services by C.T. Male Associates
C.T. Male Associates arc flash services begin with a one-on-one consultation to address your needs and ensure NFPA 70E compliance. If you are ready to get the process started, contact our electrical engineers at 518-786-7400 or fill out the contact form below. With offices in Latham, Johnstown, Glens Falls, Syracuse, Poughkeepsie and Red Hook we are able to provide arc flash services throughout the Northeast.