How are arc flash boundaries determined?

An arc flash boundary is the distance from the equipment in question to the point where the energy that would be present in an arc flash is 1.2 cal/cm2. This is the level at which it will cause only second-degree burns rather than third-degree. Calculating where the boundary will be in any given situation is something that should be done by an electrical engineer. When they are performing this task, here are the things that they will need to do.

How to Calculate the Arc Flash Boundary

Calculating an arc flash boundary is going to be based on the voltage of the equipment that would cause the arc flash. The exact method of calculation is different for AC and DC systems as well, so it is critical to have this information available.

Most companies will use software programs where they can enter in the voltage information about a piece of equipment, and it will calculate the arc flash boundary automatically. This will provide accurate information that can be used to set the distances in your facility.

If your business doesn’t have this software, or wants to double check the results manually, there are two main methods of calculating the boundary. Looking each one up will provide you with the exact calculations needed to get the distances. The options are:

• NFPA 70E – NFPA 70E offers a formula for calculating the incident energy of a machine.
• IEEE 1584 – This option uses an empirically-based formula that uses lab-tested information, and is typically seen as more accurate than the NFPA option.

Regardless of what method you choose, or even if you use the software, you must be absolutely certain that you have the voltages correct. If you enter this information in incorrectly, the arc flash boundary that is measured will be incorrect, and employees and the entire facility will be at greater danger.