Integrating Arc-Flash Analysis: A Look at Protective Device Coordination

Author

Brooks, Christopher Lee

Author_Institution

Syst. Planning & Anal. Group, ESC Eng. Inc., Fort Collins, CO, USA

Volume

20

Issue

3

fYear

2014

fDate

May-June 2014

Firstpage

14

Lastpage

23

Abstract

This article introduces a novel method for integrating arc-flash analysis with protective device coordination on time-current coordination (TC) plots. A new concept, called the human damage curve (HDC), is included in the coordination process, which relates directly to calories/cm² energy levels of personal protective equipment (PPE). Each curve in an HDC family holds to a set of consistent arc-flash assumptions based on those found in the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and IE 1584 standards. That set of assumptions includes values for the working distance, voltage level, arc gap width, open air/cabinet conditions, and the full consideration of escape time.

Keywords

IEEE standards; arcs (electric); electrical safety; fault currents; power system protection; HDC family; IE 1584 standards; NESC; National Electrical Safety Code; PPE; TC plots; arc gap width; arc-flash analysis; arc-flash assumptions; energy levels; human damage curve; open air-cabinet conditions; personal protective equipment; protective device coordination; time-current coordination plots; voltage level; working distance; Arc discharges; Fault currents; Fuses; Hazards; National Electrical Safety Code - c2; Time current coordination;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1077-2618

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MIAS.2013.2288381

Filename

6755487