Arc Flash Study

An Arc Flash Study (i.e. arc flash hazard analysis or arc flash risk assessment) is an investigation done at a facility to identify potential arc flash hazards, assess the risk of severe injury, and guide the implementation of necessary protective measures to ensure electrical safety. 

While no federal law in Canada and US mandates an arc flash study, certain regulations and standards indirectly necessitate it as an essential component of a comprehensive electrical safety program. Ensure compliance and prioritize safety with an arc flash study tailored to your facility's needs. 

The arc flash study process can be summarized into three steps:

1. Gather electrical system data, including equipment specifications and configurations.
2. Analyze fault currents and protective device coordination to calculate incident energy levels.
3. Assess potential hazards, identify protective measures, and provide recommendations for risk mitigation.

Arc flash studies can cost anywhere between $12,000 and $86,000 per facility. The price depends on a variety of factors including facility size, density of electrical equipment, age of the equipment, number of utility transformers, arc flash deliverables (equipment evaluation, coordination study, etc.), and more. 

From data collection to deliverables in hand, an Arc Flash Study realistically takes 9 to 16 weeks. This is for a facility size of 150,000 sq. ft. - 300,000 sq. ft. If the density of electrical equipment is high and service add-ons are created (equipment evaluations, coordination studies, etc.), the process will take longer.  

Arc flash studies must be reviewed for accuracy at intervals not exceeding five years or more frequently if significant changes occur within the electrical system or if there are updates to regulations or standards, according to the NFPA 70E, Article 130.5. Often times, updates are needed sooner due to equipment updates and changes.  

 A typical Arc Flash Study includes the following deliverables: an Arc Flash Risk analysis summary, single-line diagrams, arc flash labels, a mitigation study, a utility data report, and a fault contribution study. An equipment evaluation and coordination study are add-ons to the study option based on the facility.  

Yes, as of January 1, 2015 an Arc Flash Study is required by OSHA: “1910.269(l)(8)(ii) - For each employee exposed to hazards from electric arcs, the employer shall make a reasonable estimate of the incident heat energy to which the employee would be exposed.” There you go... doesn't get much clearer than that