Arc Flash Calculator
Arc flash is an electric arc event where current flows through the air between phase conductors and thermal energy is dissipated which may cause serious injury or death.
Switchboards above 50 V AC or 120 V DC must be evaluated for arc flash and shock protection.
For a comprehensive guide refer to our article Understanding Arc Flash Hazards.
This online arc flash calculator is based on IEEE Std. 1584-2018 and determines incident energy and arc flash boundaries based on arcing currents for safety labels and to define arc flash clothing.
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Select PPE Category
Body protection is required using arc flash rated clothing when the calculated incident energy at the body is capable of causing a second degree (curable) burn (1.2 cal/cm2 or above).
Based on the maximum calculated incident energy above (cal/cm2) select the appropriate PPE Category from the image below of reference [1].
For alternative PPE categories refer to reference [2].
Electrode configurations:
References:
[1] Electrical Arc Flash Hazard Management Guideline-2019.
[2] NFPA 70E-2021, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
[3] IEEE Std. 1584-2018, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations.
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