IEEE 1584 provides empirical formulas for determining arcing fault current, flash protection boundaries, and incident energy. The formulas are valid for systems ranging from 208 V to 15 kV. Theoretical formulas are provided for conditions outside this range.
IEEE 1584 establishes a nine-step process for gathering information and calculating arc flash hazards. The steps are:
1. Collect electrical system data
2. Determine modes of operation
3. Determine bolted fault currents
4. Determine arc fault currents
5. Determine protective device characteristics and duration of arcs
6. Document voltages and equipment classes
7. Establish working distances
8. Determine incident energies
9. Determine Flash Protection Boundary (FPB)
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