Designing a Site Electrical System With Arc Flash Energy Under 20 cal/cm².

There have been recent advances in equipment de- sign and arc flash hazard assessment. It is possible to design a complete site electrical system, from transmission to distribution to utilization voltage, with the estimated arc flash energy below 20 cal/cm² (80 J/cm²) for all equipment. This paper describes a preferred design, where all workers can have proper arc flash personal protective equipment by using single-layer flame resistant everyday clothes and add a single-layer coverall for the higher energy tasks. Inherently safer design is in our future to reduce hazards and keep our workers safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]