Arc flash energy limitations using low-voltage circuit breakers

A series of previous papers has provided information regarding the arc flash hazard and methods of calculating its potential impact on persons working on or near the equipment. This paper extends that base of information by focusing on the arcing current level and duration in low-voltage circuits protected by circuit breakers (CBs). It describes a method of calculating incident energy and the flash protection boundary due to arcing occurrences in equipment protected by CBs. This method provides convenient procedures for determining these values for generic situations in which some details of the CB are not known. Further, it provides a process for determining these values in typical feeder and branch circuit applications involving common transformers and cable sizes and lengths. The values are needed to determine safe work practices and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to comply with NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.