PUTTING THE PIECES OF THE PUZZLE TOGETHER
AVO Electrical Engineering Division, a new division of the AVO Training Institute, Inc., is a registered professional engineering firm in the state of Texas and a leader in providing Arc-Flash consulting services to the power systems industry. Founded in 2002, we perform electrical power systems analysis for commercial, industrial, and Utility clients, specializing in Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis. We realize that Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis can be puzzling, but our engineers can help you do everything possible to protect your most valuable asset - your employees!
Why perform an Arc-Flash Analysis?
Without an Arc-Flash Hazard Analyis, you cannot properly protect your employees from an arc-flash hazard. You must know realistic values for available fault current at buses as well as clearing time for applicable protective devices to determine the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for electrical workers. Guessing or assuming an infinite bus can be dangerous because it could result in under protection of electrical workers! Many facilities have generator backups, tie breakers, and backfeeds. In some cases, electrial equipment may have been replaced or upgraded. Only a complete power system analysis can provide a proper hazards assessment and recommendations for appropriate Arc-Flash Hazard Protection.
What do the regulations say about Arc-Flash Hazard Protection?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132(d) requires employers to access the workplace to determine if hazards are present or likely to be present, and select and have each employee use the types of PPE that will protect them.......Verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the particular workplace evaluated.
Questions an Electrical Power Systems Engineer should ask before embarking on an Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis
- Has the Utility Source Impedance changed significantly over the past 10-years?
- Do my overcurrent protection devices trip in the fastest possible time and in the proper order?
- Has the facility expanded and/or added new ac induction motors or transformers?
- Are the protective devices rated to safely clear available fault current?
- What arc duration time do I use to calculate flash protection boundary distance?
- What can I do to mitigate excessingly high arc flash incident energy levels?
- Have I performed routine preventive maintenance testing on my electrical equipment and overcurrent
protective devices?
Let AVO Electrical Engineering Division provide a thorough
Arc-Flash Analysis of your power system to ensure that your electrical workers will have the proper PPE, as required.
To request an Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis proposal or to speak to one of our engineers,
please contact AVO Electrical Engineering Division today! |
