An Incident Energy Analysis is the foundation upon which an accurate Risk Assessment is built. Once you have the Incident Energy Analysis you can complete your Risk Assessment and provide proper PPE and work practices for your workers. Make sure your Engineering choice adheres to a standardized process in performing every Arc Flash Incident Energy Analysis. This correlates with IEEE Standard 1584, Chapter 4 and IEEE 1584.1.

Prior to beginning the actual study, hold a project meeting (via conference call or on site) with all personnel who will be involved, to establish roles, responsibilities and the plan for data gathering. A standard analysis will apply to three phase equipment rated 240 volts or greater and rated lower than 240 volts when served from a transformer 125 kva and larger.*  You will need to determine if you want an expanded scope that includes all 208 volt or DC equipment, or if you want a single-phase analysis.

It is always a good idea to request samples of the Arc Flash Incident Energy Analysis Report from each potential provider. While this Report is based on technical data, you need to ensure that the report uses language and all relevant personnel will easily understand formatting that.

Besides the results from each part of the study, the report should include:

• An executive summary with concise findings and recommendations
• The methodology used
• The input data used, including any assumptions in calculations
• Protective device time current curves

Sample reports and one-line diagrams are considered propriety information. For this reason, speak with your chosen Engineering Firm about your project before hand.

* IEEE 1584 working group is considering changes for its next revision.