USING IEEE std 1584-2002

(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)

TO CALCULATE INCIDENT ENERGY FOR

APPLICATIONS UNDER 1kV
Disclaimer: The NESC does not indicate how a utility is required to perform an arc-flash hazard
analysis other than considering available fault current, clearing time, and worker distance. There are
many variables associated with determining available fault current, clearing time and worker distance,
and yet more variables which are considered in determining how to use the requirements of the
NESC. Because MLGW’s immediate need to address compliance with the requirements of the NESC, I
offer the following information, but do not claim significant expertise in this area.
Constants and definitions for
voltage < 1000 Volts

 Ibf = 3-phase short-circuit current in kA

 V = line-to-line system voltage in kV
 G = conductor gap in millimeters
 K = -0.153 (open air arcs)
 K = -0.097 (arcs in a box)
 K1 = -0.792 (open air arcs)
 K1 = -0.555 (arcs in a box)
 K2 = 0 (ungrounded or high – Impedance)
 K2 = -0.113 for grounded
 Cf = 1.5 (for calculations under 1kV)
IEEE 1584
Factors for Equipment and Voltage Classes
System Type of Typical
Voltage Equipment Conductor Distance
(kV) Gap (mm) X-factor

0.208 to 1 Open-Air 10 - 40 2.000

Switchgear 32 1.473
MCC's and Panels 25 1.641
Cables 13 2.000
Open-Air 102 2.000
>1 to 5 Switchgear 13 - 102 0.973
Cables 13 2.000
Open-air 13 - 153 2.000
> 5 to 15 Switchgear 153 0.973
Cables 13 2.000
IEEE 1584
Factors for Equipment and Voltage Classes
System Type of Typical
Voltage Equipment Conductor Distance
(kV) Gap (mm) X-factor

0.208 to 1 Open-Air 10 - 40 2.000

Switchgear 32 1.473
MCC's and Panels 25 1.641
Cables 13 2.000
Open Air 102 2.000
>1 to 5 Switchgear 13 - 102 0.973
Cables 13 2.000
Open-Air 13 - 153 2.000
> 5 to 15 Switchgear 153 0.973
Cables 13 2.000
Example Application
 IEEE std 1584-2002
(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)
Calculating Three-Phase Arcing Current (Voltage <= 1kV)

 Ia = 10 log (Ia)

 Where: Log (Ia)= K + [0.622 * log (Ibf)] + [0.0966*(V)] +

[0.000526 * G] + [0.5588 * (V) * (log(bf))] – [0.00304 * G
* log (Ibf)]
Log (Ia)= 0.662 Log(Ibf) + 0.0966V + 0.000526G + 0.5588V (log (Ibf))- .00304G (log (Ibf)) + K

.662 x Log (Ibf) = .662 x log (50) = 1.12472

0.0966 x V = .0966 x .48 = 0.04637
0.000526 x G = .000526 x 32 = 0.01683
0.5588 x V x log (Ibf) = 0.5588 x .48 x log(50) = 0.45570
-0.00304 x G x Log(Ibf) = -0.00304 x 32 Log(50) = -0.16528
+K = -0.097 (arc in a box) = -0.097
Log(Ia) = sum of eqt components = 1.38134

Ia= 10 raised to 1.38134 power = 24.06

 IEEE std 1584-2002
(Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations)
Calculating Three-Phase Incident Energy for Voltage <= 15kV

log Ea
 Ea = 10 = Incident Energy

 Where: Log Ea= K1 + K2 + [1.081 x (log Ia)] + [(0.0011)*G]

 Normalized for 610mm (24”) and .2s

 log Ea
Ea = 10 = Incident Energy
Where: Log Ea= K1 + K2 + [1.081 x (log Ia)] + [(0.0011)*G]

(Result is normalized for clearance time of .2s and distance of 610 mm (24 inches))

Ia = 24.06 kA K1 = -0.555 (arc in a box)

G = 32 mm K2 = -0.113 (for grounded)

1.0811 x Log (Ia) = 1.0811 x log(24.06) = 1.38129

0.0011 x G = 0.0011 x 32 = 0.03520
K1 = -0.55500
K2 = -0.0113
Log (Ea) = sum of components = 0.85019
Ea = J per cm squared 10 raised to the Log Ea = 7.2
multiply by .24 to get cal per cm squared = 1.728
Equation if working distance
and clearance time are known
 E= (4.184)*Cf* Ea*[(t/0.2)*(610x / Dx)]
 D = 18” = 457.2mm
 t = arcing time in seconds = .167 (11cycles)
 X = 1.473 from table
 Cf = 1.5 (for V <= 1kV)
 Ea = 7.2 (from previous slide)
 E = 57.9 J/cm2
 E = 13.8 cal/cm2 (mult by .24)
 Was 1.728 at 24 inches and .2s