IEEE Publishes Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations to Help Reduce Burn Injuries Suffered by Electricians Due to Equipment Failure

IEEE Publishes Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations to Help Reduce Burn Injuries Suffered by Electricians Due to Equipment Failure

IEEE 1584TM-2018 provides mathematical models for designers and facility operators to apply in determining arc-flash hazard distances

PISCATAWAY, NJ, 19 Dec. 2018 – IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for humanity, and the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA), today announced the publication and immediate availability of IEEE 1584™-2018—IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. Sponsored by the IEEE Industry Applications Society, Petroleum & Chemical Industry (IAS/PCIC), this new technical standard is the result of extensive research and laboratory testing conducted by the Arc Flash Research Project. This project is an ongoing collaboration between IEEE and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) with the mission of providing improved models and an analytical process to enable calculation of predicted incident thermal energy and the arc-flash boundary.

“Our extensive, collaborative work with the NFPA has resulted in an IEEE standard that dramatically improves the prediction of hazards associated with arcing faults and accompanying arc blasts,” said Konstantinos Karachalios, managing director of the IEEE Standards Association. “Contractors and facility owners will benefit from IEEE 1584 by being able to more thoroughly analyze power systems to calculate the incident energy to which employees could be exposed during operations and maintenance work, allowing them to provide appropriate protection for employees in accordance with the requirements of applicable electrical workplace safety standards.”

IEEE 1584-2018 includes processes that cover the collection of field data, consideration of power system operating scenarios, and calculation parameters. Applications include electrical equipment and conductors for three-phase alternating current (ac) voltages from 208 V to 15 kV.

“The update to IEEE 1584 has empowered thousands of engineers conducting Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations,” said Daleep Mohla, chair, IEEE 1584 Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations Working Group. “These efforts, conducted in partnership with the NFPA, have armed all stakeholders involved in Arc-Flash hazards to better protect employees and contractors in the working environment.”

IEEE 1584-2018 is available for purchase at the IEEE Standards Store.

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About the IEEE Standards Association

IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is a collaborative organization where innovators raise the world’s standards for technology. IEEE SA provides a globally open, consensus-building environment and platform that empowers people to work together in the development of leading-edge, market-relevant technology standards, and industry solutions shaping a better, safer and sustainable world. For more information, visit https://standards-qa21.ieee.org.

About IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice in a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers, and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power, and consumer electronics. Learn more at https://www.ieee.org.

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