Getting Started
When it comes to writing an arc flash study request for quote (RFQ), things may be a little more complicated than you think. There are a few areas that you will want to be sure are included, so that when you do end up with several proposals, you will be able to compare them all equally.
Know the Incident Energy
First of all, the goal of an arc flash study is to run incident energy calculations on your electrical equipment so that you and your team will be aware of the potential severity of arc flash hazards within your facility. Once you know how much incident energy is available at each piece of equipment, then you will be able to purchase the proper electrical PPE to keep your team safe in the event of an arc flash.
When writing the scope of work, you want to be sure to follow IEEE® 1584.1 IEEE Guide for the Specification of Scope and Deliverable Requirements for an Arc-Flash Hazard Calculation Study in Accordance with IEEE Std 1584,which states that all equipment 208 volts/3 phase and above should be included in the arc flash study. Some providers stop at 480 volts, so be sure to write this in your scope so all equipment is properly captured.
Know How Much Time Can Be Spent on the Project
Another detail you will want to confirm is how much time (or resources) your organization needs to dedicate to the project. For example, an arc flash study project starts with data collection, and this is done on-site where electrical equipment will be opened to collect the needed data. In your scope, it will be important to write “who” will be opening this equipment. Also, please note that an escort is crucial, so plan for this.
Accessing Files
One topic that comes up often is having access to the native engineering files. Popular engineering software used by power systems engineers for arc flash studies include SKM, ETAP and Easypower. Having full access to these files means you have the ability to transfer a significant and critical amount of information to a new vendor if necessary. Some vendors will not give you access to these files, and that can be risky if the vendor goes out of business, or the partnership ceases for whatever reason.
Using another vendor for an arc flash study is always a possibility, of course, but without the proper files, one will have to start the project from scratch, which leads to much higher costs for your arc flash study renewals and/or updates.
Prepare to Train Your Electrical Workers
Once the arc flash study is complete, conducting NFPA® 70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace training for your team is a recommended next step, so this might be something you want to add into the scope. Your site has changed, and there are now arc flash labels throughout your facility. You want to be sure that everyone knows how to interpret and read these labels—as well as completely understand how to use the one-line electrical drawings and the arc flash reporting that are all part of the deliverables.
Know the Hazards and How to Mitigate Them
Mitigation is an important step at the end. Conducting mitigation can allow for lowering your risk possibly by adjusting your settings or replacing certain fuses. By doing this, you can possibly reduce the incident energy to a much safer level in the event of an arc flash.
Consider Performing Infrared Scanning
Finally, if your service provider or staff is opening and accessing your equipment, it may be a great time to perform your thermographic (infrared) scanning as mandated by NFPA® 70B®: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. This is a major cost savings if both mandatory requirements are checked off at the same time.
Other e-Hazard Blogs of Interest
Contact e-Hazard
If you want to find out more about e-Hazard’s arc flash study, IR scan, or another engineering service, please see the e-Hazard Arc Flash Engineering page.
If you have questions about any of our engineering services, you can contact our sales team.
Excellent article Jim, especially how you tied training of employees after an arc flash hazard analysis has been completed. Conducting the analysis without training your workers on how to understand and keep themselves safe from the hazards, is like running the ball to the 50 yard line then claiming we scored a TD.