Arc Flash calculation software (480V & below)0V

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MIEngineer

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Hello All,

Does anyone have any recomendatins for arc flash, breaker coordination, short circuit calculation software for systems 480V & below? I have looked into ETAP but was informed that it only analyses systems down to the 480V level.

A better question may be how does one approach the systems below 480V? IEEE 1584 says "Equipment below 240 V need not be considered unless it involves at least one 125 kVA or larger low impedance transformer in its immediate power supply." & also 37kW and larger motors.

Does "need not be considered" imply CAT 0 arc flash clothing? NFPA 70E indicates CAT 1 or 0 clothing depending on the task, with the included short circuit limitations.

I have spoke with engineering firms that can offer the calculation services but would like an idea to be sure I am getting what I am expecting.

Thanks for any assistance.
 
Highly debated topic, has been discussed here many times. First off, that IEEE statement implies that an arc will not be self sustaining below that level, meaning you do not have to rely on a protective device to clear the arc, that does NOT mean there is not an arc flash hazard. Some peoplle I know some companies that have done testing on arcs at KEMA labs swear that in fact they have created arcs that self sustained below the IEEE threshhold.

Most companies have used this value to determine the bottom end of thier arc flash analysis and have labeled the equipment below the IEEE limit based on the 70E tables HRC's
 
zog said:
Most companies have used this value to determine the bottom end of thier arc flash analysis and have labeled the equipment below the IEEE limit based on the 70E tables HRC's
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Thank you,

Do you know of any of the software packages(ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, others) that continue the short circuit current analysis to the 208V level to be sure it is within the bounds of the 70E tables?
 
MIEngineer said:
Thank you,

Do you know of any of the software packages(ETAP, SKM, EasyPower, others) that continue the short circuit current analysis to the 208V level to be sure it is within the bounds of the 70E tables?
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I know that both SKM and Easypower apply the short circuit and incident energy formulas of IEEE 1584 over their entire ranges which includes 208V.

However, remember that software is only a tool for making calculations easier, software does not interpret codes and standards. You as an employer are responsible for creating an Electrical Safe Work Practices program for your employees based on your work environment.
 
SKM will calculate arc flash at 208 volts, no problem. However, it won't do single phase systems.

Steve
 
zog said:
Sure it will, you just have to buy the module.
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SKM can calculate short circuit current for single phase, but what will it use to calculate arc flash incident energy? IEEE 1584 does not have formulas for single phase AFIE.
 
jim dungar said:
SKM can calculate short circuit current for single phase, but what will it use to calculate arc flash incident energy? IEEE 1584 does not have formulas for single phase AFIE.
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There is a way to do it, one of our other enginers did one last fall, we consulted with SKM on how to do it, I dont remmember exactly what we did, wasnt my project and I dont work at that company anymore.
 
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