Arc - Flash Calculations Using IEEE Std 1584-2018 and Mitigation Measures - Case Study

Arc flash is one of the electrical hazards that are potential source of injury to workers in power system installations, but it is less understood. Different studies have been done using IEEE std 1584 – 2018. However, the impact of arc duration, bolted fault current and gap distance on incident energy and arc-flash boundary have not been properly quantified and documented in literature. This paper addresses this gap. A real life case study that happened in a Low Voltage auxiliary supply distribution panel of a high voltage substation in Kenya was analysed in this paper. Arc flash calculations were carried out using IEEE Std 1584–2018 based on site conditions. Analysis of the impacts of various parameters on the incident energy and arc flash boundary was done. Mitigation measures to reduce arc flash hazards in power system installations were proposed in the paper.