Arc flash hazard remediation at electric utility generation stations - a case study

This is a case study of an arc flash remediation project at three electrical utility generation plants. We review the engineering technologies and safe work practices utilized to reduce the arc flash incident energy values identified during the project. Several technical challenges unique to the electric utility industry had to be overcome to substantially reduce incident energy levels. This paper will present the challenges that were found and the solutions that were implemented to address these challenges. Lastly, an arc flash event that occurred after implementation of the project is described and a comparison of the protection system performance is presented. The final result of the arc flash remediation project was a substantial reduction in the arc flash incident energy levels at a majority of equipment locations in the power generation facility.