Arc flash testing of typical 480-V utility equipment

A test program was completed to measure arc flash incident energy from actual 480-V utility equipment to determine the most appropriate flame resistant clothing for utility workers. The equipment tested included self-contained and CT-rated meters, padmounted transformer secondary cubicles, power panels, and network protectors. Testing was performed to determine the sustainability of low voltage arcs in actual utility equipment, the most appropriate calculation method to predict the measured incident energy, and to identify any key variables that would effect both duration and heat from this type of equipment.