07

CHAPTER
Data Collection for an
Arc Flash Hazard Study

Arc-flash calculations are only as accurate as the

model used as the basis of the calculations. Creating
an accurate model requires collection of system
data, either from existing documentation, field data
collection, or more commonly, a combination of
the two. Data collection and system modeling can
require a considerable amount of time and effort—
often more than actually performing the study. Any
existing documentation or previous studies should
be used to reduce the amount of time required for
field data collection.

This document is a reprint of Chapter 7 of the

Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards book.
You can download the entire free book at
www.easypower.com/arcflashbook.
CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

Introduction
Like any other project, data collection requires prior planning and should take into
consideration the following concerns.

• What existing documents are available and how accurate are these documents?

• What is the scope of the study and how much of the system is included?

• Where are the interfaces between the system to be evaluated and the local
utility or other entities?

• How much field data collection will be required and how will it be done?

• What are the responsibilities of the facility team versus the study team?

• How will the safety of the data collection team be addressed?

Based on the answers to these questions, the arc-flash risk assessment may need
to be broken up into different phases. It might be better to collect data and build
the one-line model from the medium and high voltage distribution downstream to
the individual low voltage substations, collecting data for each feeder serving a
switchboard, MCC and panelboard. Typically, arc-flash incident energies are higher
at these locations than in other low voltage equipment further downstream in the
system. After the intermediate study has been completed, then additional data
may be collected and added to the EasyPower model to perform the arc-flash risk
assessment. The scope of the study and the best approach to sequencing the work
should be discussed with the facility staff and well-documented.

The scheduling and sequencing of data collection will depend on who will be doing
the on-site work: a member of plant staff, a contracted individual who is normally
on-site, or a consultant or contracted individual who has traveled to the site. If site
personnel will be responsible for data collection, it will be important to communicate
clearly regarding what data is required.

Obviously, the amount of time required for data collection depends on many factors,
including:

• Size and complexity of the electrical system.

• Physical access constraints.

• Quality of data available from existing documentation.

• Number of people available to do the data collection.

The following steps can serve as rough mileposts for the data collection process,
recognizing that every facility and situation will have unique aspects.

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

1. Review available documentation, especially one-line diagrams and physical

layout drawings, including site plans. In many cases, these may be available
electronically, but for older facilities, hard copy documents and drawings
may be the only option. It is also important to capture notes and red-lines
on existing drawings that indicate changes to the system subsequent to the
original document. Even if the documentation is not totally current or needs
field verification, review of this information can save hours of on-site field
work. For arc-flash studies, the following documents can be helpful:
• Existing one-line diagrams.
• Previous electrical system studies, including short circuit, coordination,
and any previous arc-flash studies.
2. Discuss with site staff any known issues with the documentation and system
changes that they are aware of. Also, make note of any previous system
studies that may be available along with shop drawings, bills of materials, and
test reports.
3. If possible, based on the available documentation, develop a preliminary
one-line diagram to get an overall understanding of the system, making note
of additional data that will be required. This preliminary one-line diagram
is helpful for identifying missing data and developing the necessary data
collection forms where field data collection is necessary.
4. For larger systems, it may be helpful to create a rough physical map or
layout of the key components including transformers, sources, switchgear/
switchboards, and distribution points (MCCs, panels, etc.). A simple hand
drawing will do for a start. Plant engineers and electricians typically have
knowledge of the layout of the system. Consultants can obtain information
from plant personnel or existing drawings to create this rough map.
5. Based on the preliminary one-line diagram and the physical layout sketch,
develop a list of data needed and plan for on-site data collection. Data collection
forms or templates can be helpful for keeping track of details, organizing
information, and saving time. A few example templates are included later in
this chapter in the Data Collection Template section.
6. Coordinate with the plant personnel for the site visit. If data collection is to
be done by persons not familiar with the facility, it is necessary to have a site
electrician assist with the location of all equipment. In some cases, it may not
be possible to obtain the required data if it becomes necessary to open some
equipment covers, as that may require de-energization and interfere with
the plant operation. The information may be obtained later during scheduled
maintenance or reasonable assumptions may be made. Any assumptions
made should be noted in the study report.
7. Use a digital camera if possible. The pictures often reveal more information
than what you record in your notes. If you have difficulty understanding any of

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

the equipment data, you can obtain help from experienced people using the
picture.
8. Most equipment has nameplates that show the equipment ratings. Note the
details from the nameplates and take a photo if possible.
9. For equipment with adjustable settings, note the range of available settings
and the current setting. The status of switching devices should also be noted
(open or closed).
10. Create a one-line diagram showing all the equipment such as utility
connections, transformers, cables, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, loads,
switchgear, etc. Make sure that their interconnection is correctly represented
in the drawing. Mark each equipment item with the ID names and enter the
relevant data. Commercial power system software like EasyPower can create
one-line diagrams, store all the necessary equipment data, and perform arc-
flash risk assessment. ID names are also important for placing arc-flash labels
in the appropriate locations after the equipment incident energy has been
determined.
11. The more knowledge the electrician (plant personnel) has of the facility, the
better the final model will be. You may need to consult with several plant
individuals before you understand or gather data you need.
12. If you have information from previous studies with recommended settings or
drawings, be sure to verify the data. The facility may not have been updated
after the previous study, fuses may have been changed, or the instantaneous
trip functions may have been adjusted due to nuisance tripping.
13. Before beginning data collection, understand the purpose and scope of the
data collection. What kind of study are you performing and what areas of the
facility must be modeled?
14. Strive to collect all necessary data while in a particular area to minimize the
need for additional site visits or data requests. Take photographs of equipment
whenever possible.
15. The electrical safety of the data collection team is the first priority and needs
to be included in a comprehensive Job Safety Plan document for the data
collection project.
This book is focused on performing arc-flash hazard assessment studies, but if other
studies could be performed in the future using the one-line model developed for the
arc-flash study, you may want to consider collecting additional information while
performing this study. The data to be collected as described in this chapter will allow
for short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and arc-flash studies

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Items Useful for Data Collection

The following material and items may be required or useful while collecting power
system data:

• A signed energized electrical work permit if required.

• Clipboard, pencils, highlighter, graph paper, or notebook.

• Existing one-line diagrams.

• Facility drawings.

• Templates for protective device settings.

• Tables of protective device settings (such as relay setting sheets).

• A non-conductive flashlight.

• A non-conductive mirror and handle, so that you can view difficult locations
and avoid blind reaching.

• A digital camera or cell phone camera.

• A laptop or tablet for entering information directly into EasyPower.

Safety Tips for Data Collection

Although not comprehensive, keep the following tips in mind:

• Whenever possible, perform data collection on de-energized equipment unless

it is not feasible.

• Avoid opening equipment doors on energized equipment unless truly necessary.

Electrician opening the door should be wearing appropriate PPE. Everyone else
should be behind the arc-flash boundary and the Restricted Approach Boundary
while the door is opened.

• Remain behind the Restricted Approach Boundary at all times while collecting
data.

• Some data may not be safely obtainable through field inspection. If the
equipment is energized and all the necessary information cannot be obtained,
perform data collection during a scheduled shutdown, or obtain data from shop
drawings, test reports, or other documentation. In some cases, reasonable
assumptions must be made. Any assumptions should be noted in the report. Do
not take unnecessary risks when collecting data.

• Electrical hazards such as shock and arc flash are not the only hazards that

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

exist during data collection. Follow all site safety policies regarding the use of
ladders and lifts for work above the floor and use fall protection as required. If
necessary, shutdown and lockout conveyors or other moving equipment.

• Watch for loose screws, bolts, or other metallic parts.

• Do not touch any equipment unless necessary and avoid leaning or sitting on
equipment.

• Keep track of all tools, cameras, phones, and backpacks, and avoid leaving
things behind. All equipment should be left in the same condition as found.

• Do not open any enclosure doors or covers without permission or without

proper PPE. It is preferable for the plant maintenance staff to open and close
all equipment doors.

Estimations and Assumptions

During data collection, there may be some estimations or assumptions that must be
made when information is not available or cannot be safely obtained.

Be sure to document all assumptions in the report in case any questions or issues
should arise in the future.

Common Items that may need to be assumed or estimated:

• Missing or unreadable nameplates. Review existing drawings or data sheets to

obtain available information. If drawings or data sheets are unavailable, base
your assumptions on similar equipment installed close by or at the same time
as the equipment you are documenting.

• Conductor length. It can be difficult to determine cable, busway, and

transmission line length due to walls, high ceilings, or difficulty tracking conduit
or cable tray. Length estimates within 10% of the actual length are generally
acceptable. Do not forget the vertical portions of the cable and conduit runs.
The importance of cable length on short circuit calculations increases as the
voltage level decreases. For example, ignoring a 50-foot conductor at 13.8 kV
may not affect calculations, while ignoring a 50-foot conductor at 480 V or 208
V may affect calculations more significantly. 208 V arc-flash calculations are
highly sensitive to cable length data.

• For molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) with an unknown instantaneous

setting, assume it is at the maximum available setting. This will always be
conservative for arc-flash calculations.

• For MCCs and panelboards, it may not be necessary to collect data and model
every feeder completely. If no arc-flash label is needed at the downstream

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

equipment, it may be sufficient to record the type of load present. If labeling is

not required at individual motors, the motor loads fed from each MCC may be
grouped based on size. For a typical MCC, the minimum data required is listed
below.
- Main breaker/fuse.
- Largest feeder breaker/fuse and load/motor information.
- Protective device and conductor information for any equipment that needs
to be modeled for arc-flash analysis, such as a sub-panel or sub-MCC.
- Group total <50hp motor horsepower.
- Group total >50hp motor horsepower.
This grouping of motor load is only applicable for constant-speed motors. Motors
fed from adjustable frequency drives do not generally contribute fault current
so must be modeled separately. Also, any downstream equipment that requires
an arc-flash calculation and label must be included in the model explicitly.

A template showing the minimum recommended MCC information is shown in

the Data Collection Template section.

• For long runs of bus duct with numerous taps, it may be time consuming to
collect data for all the equipment served from the bus taps. If time or access
to the bus plugs are an issue, consider collecting feeder data for an assortment
of bus plug sizes along the length of the bus duct. For example, if a bus plug
is 200 feet in length, you might consider collecting data at the beginning (0
feet), middle (100 feet) and end (200 feet), for different bus plug sizes (30 A, 100
A, 200 A). Then in the EasyPower software, model a bus at each of the three
bus duct locations and add the generic feeder data for each of the bus plug
sizes at each bus. An example is shown in the following figure. As long as the
conductor length is similar, using the generic arc-flash incident energy should
be sufficient. If the length is much longer, then these cases should be modeled
individually. Also, it is recommended that any bus plugs 400A or larger should
be modeled individually. Since an EasyPower bus is required to show taps from
the bus duct, it is reasonable to group the taps at buses instead of creating a
bus for each tap. It is important to get an approximation of the total length of
the bus duct and model the bus duct system such that the modeled length is
roughly equal to the actual length.
kV

kV

kV

BD B BD M BD E
48

48

48

800A-(Generic) 800A-(Generic)
0.

0.

0.

CU, 100' CU, 100'

30A 100A 200A 30A 100A 200A 30A 100A 200A
0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

0 . CU, 100', [Conduit]

1-1/C-3/0 AWG

1-1/C-3/0 AWG

1-1/C-3/0 AWG
1-1/C-10 AWG

1-1/C-10 AWG

1-1/C-10 AWG
1-1/C-2 AWG

1-1/C-2 AWG

1-1/C-2 AWG
kV

kV

kV

kV

kV
kV

kV

kV

kV
48

48

48

48

48
48

48

48

48

BD 30A B BD 100A B BD 200A B BD 30A M BD 100A M BD 200A M BD 30A E BD 100A E BD 200A E

Figure 7.1: Generic Bus Duct Example

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

• There are books and papers from manufacturers available that provide typical
data for equipment. A book that has quality data that can be used as estimations
is A Practical Guide to Short-Circuit Calculations by Conrad St. Pierre. The book
can be purchased by contacting EasyPower.

Time Current Curves and Arc Duration

In certain situations, the published manufacturer’s time-current curves do not provide
sufficient information to determine a precise arc time. EasyPower determines the
duration of the arcs based on the following IEEE 1584-2018 recommendations:
• Where the current-limiting fuse equations are not applicable or not used, the
manufacturer’s time-current curve information is used. If the manufacturer’s
curve includes both minimum melt and total clearing time curves, the total
clearing time is used as the arc time. If the manufacturer’s curve has only
the average melt time, an additional 10% of the average melt time plus 0.004
seconds is added to that time to determine the arc time. If the total clearing
time at the arcing fault current is less than 10 milliseconds, use 0.01 seconds
for the time.
• For relays operating in their instantaneous region, a minimum time of 16
milliseconds (on 60 Hz systems) is used for the relay trip time. The breaker
clearing time is always added to this relay time for medium and high-voltage
circuit breakers. This default minimum time of 16 ms can be adjusted by the
user in the Advanced section of the Arc Flash Options.
For situations where the arc time cannot be determined based on time-current
curves, EasyPower provides for use of a “User-Defined” arc time that can be set in
the arc-flash options for any bus. An example of the use of a User-Defined time is
to provide an arc time for equipment protected by differential relays or arc-flash
detection relays.

Data Collection Templates

In this section, sample templates are provided for a low-voltage substation and an
MCC that show the type of data collection that is generally required. These templates
may be used directly or as a guide for creating your own templates. It also may be
more convenient for you to create spreadsheets instead of using one-lines.

The third template is for data collection of low voltage power circuit breakers with
associated trip units. The template includes all the different device types and settings
that are required to properly model the breaker and trip units in the EasyPower
software. For other types of protective devices, data collection templates may be
created based on the software requirements.

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Substation Data Collection Template

SUBSTATION DATA - SUB:

PRIMARY

PRIM BKR
PRIMARY FEEDER:

Cond/Phase:
Cond Size:
Cond Matl:
Length:

Rcwy Size:
Rcwy Type:

FUSED SWITCH:
TRANS PRI
Fuse Type:
Fuse Size: FS-1
Switch Amps:
Short Ckt:
C&L:

TRANSFORMER DATA

kVA:
Voltages:
Taps:
XFMR
Impedance:

Main Breaker Data Winding Config:

Secondary Grounding:
Breaker Mfg: = Cooling:
Breaker Type: = Temp Rise:
Trip Type: =
LTPU: =
LTD: =
STPU:=
STD: =
INST: =

SUB-MAIN
kV

SUBSTATION
48
0.

SECONDARY FEEDER:
SUB-1 SUB-2 SUB-3
Cond/Phase:
Cond Size:
Cond Matl: Feeder Breaker Data
Length:
Breaker Mfg: =
Rcwy Size Breaker Type: =
Rcwy Type Trip Type: =
kV

LTPU: =
48

LTD: =
0.

PANEL
PNL-1 STPU:=
STD: =
0 kVA

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

MCC Data Collection Template

MCC DATA -- MCC:

Substation:
FEEDER DATA:

Cond/Phase:
SUB-1 Cond Size:
MCC LOAD DATA:
Cond Matl:
Constant-Speed Motors:
Length:
Total Motor > 50 hp:
Total Motor < 50 hp:
Rcwy Size:
Rcwy Type:
Total AFD Load:

Total Non-motor Load:

Meter Data:

Main Breaker Data:

kV
Manuf: MCC-MAIN 48
Type: MCC 0.
Frame: MCC-1 MCC-4
Amp Rating:
Inst Setting:
M-1 M-2 M-3 L-1 L-2
Interrupting Rating:

LARGEST FEEDER:
LARGEST MOTOR:
Name:
(Constant-Speed)
Smallest Breaker Data: Load:
(Lowest I.C.) Bkr Type:
Name:
Frame:
HP:
Manuf: Trip:
Bkr Type:
Type: Short Circuit:
Frame:
Frame: Inst. Trip:
Trip:
Amp Rating:
Short Circuit:
Inst Setting:
Inst. Trip:
Interrupting Rating:

84
 Breaker Breaker Frame Size Trip Unit Plug Long Long Short Short
Time Time I2 T Inst. Ground Ground
Time Interupting
ID Mfr/Type Rating Comments
Sensor Mfr/Type Rating Pickup Delay Pickup Delay Pickup Pickup Delay
Form for Low Voltage Breaker with Trip Units

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Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards
CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

Equipment Name Plates and EasyPower Data

In this section, you will see how to use name plates to collect data as well as where it
will be placed in EasyPower power system software, for later arc flash analysis.

Solid State Trip (Example A)

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Solid State Trip (Example B)

From
Breaker Style

87
CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

Thermal Magnetic Breaker (Example A)

E38773

P93083

Wire range :
MERLIN GERIN 14AWG - 350MCM Cu
compact 10AWG - 350MCM Al
60/75°C - 15 to 125A only
NSF 250 N
Circuit breaker OFF Torque value
14AWG - 1/0
: lb.in (N.m)
: 150 (17)
600V 50/60Hz 2/0 - 4/0 : 200 (23)
250 - 350MCM : 275 (32)
UL interrupting ratings
UL/CSA

240V 65kA
480V 35kA
600Y/347V 18kA
IEC947-2 Icu
220/240V 85kA Accessory terminals
behind this cover.
380/415V 36kA Caution: Open circuit
-breaker
l power
and disconnect contro
cover.
before removing this
UNE NEMA
UTE VDE BS CEI
made in France

250A
push
to
trip
TM 250 DP
Im 250A / 40°C
10
Ir 5

250A 9
6
8
1 0,9 0,8 7
x 250 A
Ir Im

Compact® NSF250N Circuit Breaker

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Thermal Magnetic Breaker (Example B)

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

Low Voltage Fuse (Example A)

Low Voltage Fuse (Example B)

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Generator (Example A)

Model S4
Power Factor 0.8
kVA 512
kW 410
RPM 1800

Reactances Class H / 480 V - Time constants (ms)

VS2 S4 S5 M7 M8 L9 L9 (6w.)
Kcc Short-circuit ratio 0,36 0,36 0,32 0,40 0,31 0,35 0,36
Xd Direct axis synchro. reactance unsaturated 349 335 373 319 376 344 338
Xq Quadra axis synchro. reactance unsaturated 209 201 223 191 225 206 203
T’do Open circuit time constant 1738 1855 1855 1930 1958 1997 1997
X’d Direct axis transient reactance saturated 20,1 18 20,1 16,5 19,2 17,2 16,9
T’d Short circuit transient time constant 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
X"d Direct axis subtransient reactance saturated 14,1 12,6 14 11,6 13,4 11,8 12,1
T"d Subtransient time constant 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
X"q Quadra. axis subtransient reactance saturated 19,1 16,9 18,8 15,3 17,8 15,6 15,8
Xo Zero sequence reactance unsaturated 0,1 0,4 0,1 0,1 0,9 0,9 0,4
X2 Negative sequence reactance saturated 16,6 14,8 16,5 13,5 15,6 13,7 14
Ta Armature time constant 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

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CHAPTER 7 | Data Collection for an Arc Flash Hazard Study

Generator (Example B)

Multiply Per Unit Reactances by Press Calculate

100 for Percent values. for X/R value

Transformer (Example A)

Press Calculate for Z0%

and X/R Ratio values

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 Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

Transformer (Example B)

Press Calculate for

Z0% and X/R Ratio
values

Medium Voltage/High Voltage Breaker

Press
Calculate for
all SC values

93