USING IEEE std 1584-2002

(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)

TO CALCULATE INCIDENT ENERGY FOR
APPLICATIONS UNDER 1kV
Disclaimer: The NESC does not indicate how a utility is required to perform an arc-flash hazard
analysis other than considering available fault current, clearing time, and worker distance. There are
many variables associated with determining available fault current, clearing time and worker distance,
and yet more variables which are considered in determining how to use the requirements of the
NESC. Because MLGWs immediate need to address compliance with the requirements of the NESC, I
offer the following information, but do not claim significant expertise in this area.

Constants and definitions for

voltage < 1000 Volts

Ibf = 3-phase short-circuit current in kA

V = line-to-line system voltage in kV
G = conductor gap in millimeters
K = -0.153 (open air arcs)
K = -0.097 (arcs in a box)
K1 = -0.792 (open air arcs)
K1 = -0.555 (arcs in a box)
K2 = 0 (ungrounded or high Impedance)
K2 = -0.113 for grounded
Cf = 1.5 (for calculations under 1kV)

IEEE 1584
Factors for Equipment and Voltage Classes
System

Type of

Voltage

Equipment

(kV)
0.208 to 1

>1 to 5

Open-Air

Conductor

Distance

Gap (mm)

X-factor

10 - 40

2.000

Switchgear

32

1.473

MCC's and Panels

25

1.641

Cables

13

2.000

Open-Air

102

2.000

13 - 102

0.973

13

2.000

13 - 153

2.000

Switchgear

153

0.973

Cables

13

2.000

Switchgear
Cables
Open-air

> 5 to 15

Typical

IEEE 1584
Factors for Equipment and Voltage Classes
System

Type of

Voltage

Equipment

(kV)
0.208 to 1

>1 to 5

Open-Air

Conductor

Distance

Gap (mm)

X-factor

10 - 40

2.000

Switchgear

32

1.473

MCC's and Panels

25

1.641

Cables

13

2.000

Open Air

102

2.000

13 - 102

0.973

13

2.000

13 - 153

2.000

Switchgear

153

0.973

Cables

13

2.000

Switchgear
Cables
Open-Air

> 5 to 15

Typical

Example Application

IEEE std 1584-2002

(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)

Calculating Three-Phase Arcing Current (Voltage <= 1kV)

Ia = 10

log (Ia)

Where: Log (Ia)= K + [0.622 * log (Ibf)] + [0.0966*(V)] +

[0.000526 * G] + [0.5588 * (V) * (log(bf))] [0.00304 * G
* log (Ibf)]

Log (Ia)= 0.662 Log(Ibf) + 0.0966V + 0.000526G + 0.5588V (log (Ibf))- .00304G (log (Ibf)) + K

.662 x Log (Ibf)

0.0966 x V
0.000526 x G
0.5588 x V x log (Ibf)
-0.00304 x G x Log(Ibf)
+K
Log(Ia) =

= .662 x log (50)

= .0966 x .48
= .000526 x 32
= 0.5588 x .48 x log(50)
= -0.00304 x 32 Log(50)
= -0.097 (arc in a box)
sum of eqt components

=
=
=
=
=
=
=

1.12472
0.04637
0.01683
0.45570
-0.16528
-0.097
1.38134

Ia= 10 raised to 1.38134 power =

24.06

IEEE std 1584-2002

(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)

Calculating Three-Phase Incident Energy for Voltage <= 15kV

log Ea

Ea = 10

= Incident Energy

Where: Log Ea= K1 + K2 + [1.081 x (log Ia)] + [(0.0011)*G]

Normalized for 610mm (24) and .2s

log Ea

= Incident Energy
Where: Log Ea= K1 + K2 + [1.081 x (log Ia)] + [(0.0011)*G]
Ea = 10

(Result is normalized for clearance time of .2s and distance of 610 mm (24 inches))

Ia = 24.06 kA
G = 32 mm

K1 = -0.555 (arc in a box)

K2 = -0.113 (for grounded)

1.0811 x Log (Ia)

0.0011 x G
K1
K2
Log (Ea) =
Ea = J per cm squared
multiply by .24

= 1.0811 x log(24.06)
= 0.0011 x 32

sum of components
10 raised to the Log Ea
to get cal per cm squared

=
=
=
=
=
=
=

1.38129
0.03520
-0.55500
-0.0113
0.85019
7.2
1.728

Equation if working distance

and clearance time are known

E= (4.184)*Cf* Ea*[(t/0.2)*(610x / Dx)]

D = 18 = 457.2mm
t = arcing time in seconds = .167 (11cycles)
X = 1.473 from table
Cf = 1.5 (for V <= 1kV)
Ea = 7.2 (from previous slide)
E = 57.9 J/cm2
E = 13.8 cal/cm2 (mult by .24)

Was 1.728 at 24 inches and .2s