An arc flash is a dangerous release of energy caused by an electric arc in a power system. The result—intense heat, pressure, and molten metal—can cause severe injury or death to anyone nearby. Arc flash analysis quantifies that hazard so you can select the right protective equipment, define safe work boundaries, and reduce risk.
What Is Arc Flash Analysis?
Arc flash analysis combines short-circuit studies and coordination analysis with NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 methods to calculate the incident energy and arc flash boundary at each piece of equipment. You get clear, equipment-specific answers: how much energy workers could be exposed to, what PPE is required, and where the limited and restricted approach boundaries are.
Without this analysis, facilities often rely on worst-case assumptions or outdated labels. That can mean over-specifying PPE (reducing mobility and comfort) or, more seriously, under-specifying it and putting workers at risk.
When Is an Arc Flash Study Required?
NFPA 70E and OSHA generally expect an arc flash study when workers might be exposed to energized electrical equipment. Common triggers:
- New or significantly modified electrical systems
- Major changes to protective devices, transformer sizes, or conductor runs
- Older installations that have never been studied
- Insurance, client, or internal safety requirements
Best practice is to treat the study as a living deliverable: update it when the system changes and revalidate on a defined schedule (often every five years) or when gaps are found during maintenance or audits.
What Does an Arc Flash Study Deliver?
A complete study typically includes short-circuit and coordination reports, incident energy and arc flash boundary calculations, and field-ready labels for each piece of equipment. Many clients also use the underlying model for planning upgrades, evaluating mitigation options, or training. The goal is documentation that integrates into your safety program and stays useful over the life of the asset.
Next Steps
If you're commissioning a new system, modifying an existing one, or bringing an older facility up to current expectations, an arc flash study is a core part of electrical safety. Our electrical simulation services include arc flash and short-circuit studies tailored to your system and standards. Request a consultation to discuss your site and timeline.