Ask the Expert

David Paul, one of MAVERICK's Senior Consultants, answers our clients' questions about arc flash prevention.

Question: Our arc flash hazard analysis yielded a Category 4 rating in part of the system that has low values of short-circuit current. Why is that?

Answer: Arc flash hazard ratings measure energy, which is a product of power (watts) and duration (time). Most likely, the low fault current value failed to trip the interrupting circuit breaker on the instantaneous portion of the trip curve, resulting in a delayed circuit breaker trip. This delay probably caused the arc flash energy value to increase significantly, resulting in a high arc energy value.

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis: Ensure Safety and Reliability
As part of the arc flash hazard analysis, MAVERICK recommends electrical system modifications that yield lower arc flash hazard ratings, maintain electrical system coordination and ensure continuity of service. Implementing these improvements will help you ensure safety and reliability throughout your facility. If you have never had an arc flash hazard analysis performed, or if your existing analysis is more than four years old, contact MAVERICK to schedule one today.