Arc Flash Services

We are an experienced arc flash consultancy specialising in arc flash studies, risk assessment and management of arc flash. We follow the guiding principles of Predict, Prevent and Protect and have services to support you from initial hazard identification through to a complete arc flash management strategy.

We are formally trained in the application of the internationally recognised IEEE 1584 methodology for calculating the arc flash incident energy. We can determine results for your site and advise on practical ways to reduce incident energy and protect your people and equipment.

What is an Arc Flash?

An electrical arc flash happens when two conducting surfaces inadvertently come into contact, often during testing or maintenance when a tool can be dropped or a mechanism becomes misaligned. A large electrical fault current flows, forcing the surfaces apart and leading to an electrical arc. This releases a huge amount of energy which can cause serious injury, or death, or result in serious equipment damage.

Should you be addressing Arc Flash?

Arc flash is identified in the United Kingdom's Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 as one of the hazards of working with electricity. As such, site owners and operators have a legal duty to understand and control the risks posed by arc flash.

Our Approach

Predict

Where might arc flash occur, who could be hurt, and how big could the impact be?

Predicting arc flash is all about understanding your site electrical equipment and the types of activities taking place on or near it.

We will gather information about your equipment, model your network and use the IEEE 1584 methodology to calculate incident energy as part of an Arc Flash Study. Combined with an understanding of the likelihood of arc flash we can then risk assess your site.

Prevent

What mitigation measures are appropriate to reduce the risk from Arc Flash?

We can assess your existing equipment to see if improvements are possible. If this isn’t sufficient we can advise on engineering solutions to reduce the arc flash hazard level taking into account the practical aspects of your site and the activities you do.

We follow the hierarchy of controls to determine the measures with the highest integrity.

Protect

How do we protect people and equipment from arc flash?

Once you know what the risks are and the mitigation measures needed, you must communicate this to those responsible for work on site so they can make informed decisions.

We can advise on equipment labelling, updates to permits and procedures, and selection of PPE appropriate to your hazard level and activities, as well as delivering training and education.

Our Arc Flash Services

Initial Arc Flash Hazard Assessment

If you are unsure of the best way to tackle arc flash at site then an initial hazard assessment is our recommended way to start. Learn more here.

Data Gathering and Site Surveys

Understand your electrical network including switchgear, transformers, feed-ins, motors and protection.

Power System Modelling

Build a digital model of your site’s distribution network for the most accurate analysis.

Arc Flash Study

Determine the potential energy released in an arc flash through evaluation using the IEEE 1584 methodology. Learn more here.

Arc Flash Risk Assessments

Assess the risk level from arc flash for electrical equipment across a site.

Arc Flash Hazard Reduction Studies

Identify ways to reduce the arc flash risk according to the Hierarchy of Controls.

Protection Coordination Study

Reduce the arc flash severity by adjusting protection settings.

Arc Flash Warning Labels & Drawings

Provide site personnel with arc flash information to help with risk assessments and PPE selection.

Task Risk Assessment Materials

Incorporate the arc flash hazard into your existing risk assessment process.

Arc Flash Training and Awareness Materials

Educate your site personnel around the arc flash hazard, the results of studies, and the ways to manage arc flash safely at site.

Selection and of PPE

We can identify the most appropriate PPE selection based on the results of arc flash study work that complement risk assessment processes and the activities taking place.