Arc-flash sensitivity is the focus of our latest Electrical Building Design Show. Arc-flash calculations play an important part in ensuring electrical safety, and they use several key inputs to accurately predict the potential hazards involved. The two main inputs used in arc-flash calculations are arcing time and fault current. Today we take a closer look at the other inputs that also have an impact on the results of electrical safety.
Highlights explored include:
- Electrode Configuration: Four primary electrode configurations can affect incident energy: open air versus enclosed arc-flashes, and horizontal versus vertical conductors.
- Enclosure Size: The size of the enclosure plays a significant role in determining how much energy is reflected during an arc-flash.
- Gap Between Conductors: The distance between conductors, or the gap, influences both the arcing current and the incident energy.
- And more…
The Bottom Line:
Understanding necessary key inputs is essential for determining accurate arc-flash calculations. These parameters help control the incident energy workers might be exposed to during an arc-flash and guide the selection of appropriate protective equipment and procedures. While software simplifies the calculation process, knowing how each factor contributes to the final result can lead to better safety practices in the field.
At Design Master, our approach is to develop simple, easy-to-use software that helps electrical engineers with their calculations. ElectroBIM is an add-in for Revit that calculates the arc-flash incident energy at each panel in a project.
To learn more about ElectroBIM for Revit, visit https://www.designmaster.biz/revit/index.html.
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