Arc Flash Risk Assessment- PE Required?

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Brad45

Brad45

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Midland, TX, USA
Hello to all,

I am in the process of doing some Arc Flash Risk Assessment work and was hoping that anyone who is familiar with this matter might offer their opinion regarding the involvement of a professional engineer (PE) in this process. I have been told on more than one occasion that this is not by any means a requirement. The nature of the locations I am assessing is very simple, in most cases my sites consist of: 12, 470 dist. >> 480 step down transformer with 3A-5A cutouts on primary, main disconnect (60A) >> motor control panel (50A), 25-30 HP motor on pump jack. For sites such as these I simply can't imagine why a PE would have to be involved or review and stamp the work upon completion. Even for slightly more complex sites such batteries, SWD, Pump Stations, etc., they are all 100% fused and relatively simple configuration. I could understand if we were talking large facilities with higher kVA, more complex OCPD coordination, etc., but for simple sites like this should be no need, do you agree?

Thanks a million to anyone with any experience in this area for your willingness to provide input and offer guidance. Look forward to reading your posts.
 
Brad45 said:
Hello to all,

I am in the process of doing some Arc Flash Risk Assessment work and was hoping that anyone who is familiar with this matter might offer their opinion regarding the involvement of a professional engineer (PE) in this process. I have been told on more than one occasion that this is not by any means a requirement. The nature of the locations I am assessing is very simple, in most cases my sites consist of: 12, 470 dist. >> 480 step down transformer with 3A-5A cutouts on primary, main disconnect (60A) >> motor control panel (50A), 25-30 HP motor on pump jack. For sites such as these I simply can't imagine why a PE would have to be involved or review and stamp the work upon completion. Even for slightly more complex sites such batteries, SWD, Pump Stations, etc., they are all 100% fused and relatively simple configuration. I could understand if we were talking large facilities with higher kVA, more complex OCPD coordination, etc., but for simple sites like this should be no need, do you agree?

Thanks a million to anyone with any experience in this area for your willingness to provide input and offer guidance. Look forward to reading your posts.
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Whether or not a PE needs to get involved depends on who is asking for the calculations. If the insurance company, customer, or AHJ say they want a PE to stamp the calculations then that's what will have to happen. Otherwise, I would agree that the calculations tend to be more "cookbook" than anything else and don't require a great deal of what might be considered engineering judgement.
 
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