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Arc-Flash Overview

This section provides an overview of how arc-flash calculations work.

The goal of arc-flash calculations is to calculate the incident energy at a specific distance from the equipment during an arc-flash event. The calculated incident energy is used to determine how to keep workers safe while working on the equipment live.

The arc-flash protection boundary is the distance unprotected workers must keep between themselves and the equipment. This distance will limit the injury for workers to second-degree burns.

There are four features you will use when performing arc-flash calculations:

  1. The Arc-Flash Settings dialog box is used to specify additional information about panels required to perform arc-flash calculations. Most of the work related to arc-flash is done using this command.

  2. The Select Curve dialog box is used to specify the time-current curve for the device's main disconnect and/or upstream overcurrent protection. The curve affects the Arcing Time section of the Arc-Flash Settings dialog box.

  3. The Insert Arc-Flash Schedule command will insert a schedule on the drawing documenting the arc-flash calculations.

  4. The Print Arc-Flash Stickers command will create stickers for each of your panels and display them in your web browser. You can then print them using a printer and sticker paper and attach them to your panels in the field.