Heine Construction Offers Arc-Flash Analysis Services

At Heine Construction, we offer comprehensive Arc-Flash Analysis services to help you maintain a safe working environment and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

This service is essential for any organization’s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or Compliance department to manage the risks associated with electrical hazards.

What is an arc flash?

An arc flash is the result of a phenomenon known as electric arcing. In very simple terms, an electric arc forms when an electric current is sustained outside of its normal conductive pathway, such as in the air. Although air is normally nonconductive, air that has become ionized—meaning its particles have gained and lost electrons—creates a conductive, gas-like material known as plasma, through which electric current can flow. Electric arcs usually form as a result of a number of factors, such as high voltages or currents, moisture content, and damaged or degraded insulation. [ref — National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)]

Arc flashes have been found to be capable of producing temperatures exceeding 35,000°F (19,400°C). The surface of the sun is about 10,000°F (5,600°C). Within milliseconds, these temperatures can ignite clothing, vaporize surrounding materials, and even melt metal.

Preventative Safety Measures and Services Heine Construction Offers:

Detailed Facility Assessment:

We conduct a thorough assessment of your facility’s electrical infrastructure, including power sources, switchgear, distribution centers, load centers, bus ducts, and control cabinets.
Our team will document all necessary information and create a one-line diagram of your electrical system.

SKM Software Analysis:

Using SKM software, we calculate the hazard energy levels at different points in your electrical system.
The analysis identifies safe working areas, required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) categories, and provides precise labeling on all relevant equipment.

Comprehensive Arc-Flash Reports:

Hazard Mitigation Solutions: We provide potential solutions to reduce identified hazards.
Coordination Study: A limited coordination study to address and correct mis-coordinated equipment.
Short Circuit Study: A detailed short circuit analysis with recommendations for equipment replacement if it fails the evaluation.
Energy Labels: Proper labeling indicating hazard levels and PPE requirements.

In-Depth Arc Flash Study:

We perform a short circuit analysis that determines available bolted short circuit current levels at each designated point in your system.
This study includes all power sources from the local utility to individual motor circuits, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage for all equipment.

Arc Flash Evaluation:

Based on the Short Circuit Study results, we calculate the arcing fault current through protective devices and determine the arc duration using Time Current Coordination (TCC) curves.
We assess the approach boundaries, incident energy, and arc flash boundaries for each location according to NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584 standards.
This allows us to specify the appropriate PPE Hazard Level for each area, ensuring compliance and safety.

Heine Construction is here to help you navigate the complexities of arc flash safety and compliance. With our Arc-Flash Analysis service, you can confidently maintain safety margins and protect your workforce.