EA-PSM Electric: Arc Flash validation case

Arc flash calculations according to IEEE 1584-2018

Introduction

Before each new release of EA-PSM Electric, validation cases are prepared, thus ensuring new
features are working properly. At this validation case, arc flash scenarios for three-phase medium
voltage and low voltage systems according to the IEEE 1584-2018 standard are analysed.

System Description

A simple single-line diagram to simulate an arc flash scenario in one of the busses is created. System
consists of 2 busses, transmission line between them and a fuse.

Figure 1 Single line diagram

Case 1: Vertical conductors/electrodes inside a metal box/enclosure VCB

Medium-voltage system

System parameters are provided at Table 1.

Table 1. Case 1 (MV, VCB) parameters

Gap Enclosure
Fault Working
Configuration Voltage between
current distance
electrodes Width Heigh Depth

Vertical VOC, kV rms Ibf, kA rms mm mm mm mm mm

conductors/electrodes inside
a metal box/enclosure (VCB) 4,160 15 914,4 104 762 1143 0

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Arcing currents

Intermediate average arcing currents are defined using 1.1. equation:

6 5 4 3 2
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐𝑉𝑂𝐶 = 10(𝑘1+𝑘2𝑙𝑔𝐼𝑏𝑓+𝑘3𝑙𝑔𝐺) (𝑘4𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘10), (1.1)

where

Ibf is the bolted fault current for three-phase faults (symmetrical rms) (kA)
Iarc_600 is the average rms arcing current at Voc = 600 V (kA)
Iarc_2700 is the average rms arcing current at Voc = 2700 V (kA)
Iarc_14300 is the average rms arcing current at Voc =14 300 V (kA)
G is the gap distance between electrodes (mm)
k1 to k10 are the coefficients provided in standardTable 1
lg is log10

Coefficients for the further calculations are in reference to IEEE 1584-2018. Particular values for this
validation case scenarios are provided at Annex No.1 Calculation coefficients.

According to to IEEE 1584-2018, intermediate arcing currents for 600 V, 2700 V and 14 300 V must
be calculated as follows:
6 5 4 3 2
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 = 10(𝑘1+𝑘2𝑙𝑔𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘3𝑙𝑔𝐺) (𝑘4𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘10)
= 11.117 𝑘𝐴.
6 5 4 3 2
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 = 10(𝑘1+𝑘2𝑙𝑔𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘3𝑙𝑔𝐺) (𝑘4𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘10)
= 11.816 𝑘𝐴.
6 5 4 3 2
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 = 10(𝑘1+𝑘2𝑙𝑔𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘3𝑙𝑔𝐺) (𝑘4𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 + 𝑘10)
= 14,116 𝑘𝐴.

Then accordingly arcing currents are calculated as follows:

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 − 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 (1.2)

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐1 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 2.7) + 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700
2.1

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 − 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 (1.3)

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 14.3) + 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300
11.6

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 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐1 ∙ (2.7 − 𝑉𝑂𝐶 ) 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2 ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 0.6) (1.4)
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐3 = +
2.1 2.1

Then arcing currents are:

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 − 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐1 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 2.7) + 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 = 13.997 𝑘𝐴;
2.1
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 − 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 14.3) + 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 = 12.979 𝑘𝐴;
11.6
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐1 ∙ (2.7 − 𝑉𝑂𝐶 ) 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2 ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 0.6)
𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐3 = + = 12.272 𝑘𝐴.
2.1 2.1

The final arcing current for 𝑉𝑂𝐶 > 2.7 is:

𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐 = 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2 = 12.979 𝑘𝐴.

Then arc duration is determined using 𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐 from a power fuse time current characteristic (TCC). In
this case, arc duration is:

𝑇 = 197 𝑚𝑠 .

Enclosure size correction factor

Based on Enclosure type (Typical) and dimensions, equivalent width is calculated:

𝑉𝑂𝐶 + 4
𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ1 = [660.4 + (𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ − 660.4) ∙ ( )] ∙ 25.4−1 = 27.632.
20

Equivalent height:

𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡1 = 0.03937 ∙ 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = 45

Thus, equivalent enclosure size value is:

𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡1 + 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ1
𝐸𝐸𝑆 = = 36.316.
2

The correction factor for a VCB electrode configuration is:

𝐶𝐹 = −0.000302 ∙ 𝐸𝐸𝑆 2 + 0.03441 ∙ 𝐸𝐸𝑆 + 0.4325 = 1.284.

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Intermediate values of incident energy

Intermediate values of incident energy are calculated using coefficients that are in reference to IEEE
1584-2018. Particular values for this validation case scenarios are provided at Annex No.1
Calculation coefficients.

Thus, intermediate incident energy for 600 V:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 ) 1
[𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 )+log ( ))]
12.552 7
(𝑘4∙𝐼𝑏𝑓 6
+𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 5
+𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 4
+𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 3
+𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 2
+𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹
𝐸600 = ∙ 𝑇 ∙ 10
50
= 8.652 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2

Intermediate incident energy for 2700 V:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 ) 1
[𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 )+log ( ))]
12.552 7
(𝑘4∙𝐼𝑏𝑓 6
+𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 5
+𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 4
+𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 3
+𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 2
+𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹
𝐸2700 = ∙ 𝑇 ∙ 10
50
= 11.977 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2

Intermediate incident energy for 14300 V:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 ) 1
[𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 )+log ( ))]
12.552 7
(𝑘4∙𝐼𝑏𝑓 6
+𝑘5𝐼𝑏𝑓 5
+𝑘6𝐼𝑏𝑓 4
+𝑘7𝐼𝑏𝑓 3
+𝑘8𝐼𝑏𝑓 2
+𝑘9𝐼𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹
𝐸14300 = ∙ 𝑇 ∙ 10
50
= 13.367 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2

Then:

𝐸2700 − 𝐸600
𝐸1 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 2.7) + 𝐸2700 = 14.288 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2 ;
2.1
𝐸14300 − 𝐸2700
𝐸2 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 14.3) + 𝐸14300 = 12.152 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2 ;
11.6
𝐸1 ∙ (2.7 − 𝑉𝑂𝐶 ) 𝐸2 ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 0.6)
𝐸3 = + = 10.667 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2 .
2.1 2.1

The final incident energy is:

𝐸 = 𝐸2 = 12.152 𝐽/𝑐𝑚2 .

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Arc Flash boundary

Intermediate values of arc-flash boundary are calculated using coefficients that are in reference to
IEEE 1584-2018. Particular values for this validation case scenarios are provided at Annex No.1
Calculation coefficients.

Thus, intermediate arc-flash boundary for 600 V is calculated from equation:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 ) 1 20
𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 )+log( )−log( ))
(𝑘4∙𝐼7𝑏𝑓 +𝑘5𝐼6𝑏𝑓 +𝑘6𝐼5𝑏𝑓 +𝑘7𝐼4𝑏𝑓 +𝑘8𝐼3𝑏𝑓 +𝑘9𝐼2𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹 𝑇

𝐴𝐹𝐵600 = 10 −𝑘12 ;

𝐴𝐹𝐵600 = 1.285 × 103

Intermediate arc-flash boundary for 2700 V:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐2700 ) 1 20
𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐600 )+log( )−log( ))
(𝑘4∙𝐼7𝑏𝑓 +𝑘5𝐼6𝑏𝑓 +𝑘6𝐼5𝑏𝑓 +𝑘7𝐼4𝑏𝑓 +𝑘8𝐼3𝑏𝑓 +𝑘9𝐼2𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹 𝑇

𝐴𝐹𝐵2700 = 10 −𝑘12 ;

𝐴𝐹𝐵2700 = 1.591 × 103

Intermediate arc-flash boundary for 14300 V:

(𝑘3∙𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 ) 1 20
𝑘1+𝑘2∙log(𝐺)+ +(𝑘11∙log(𝐼𝑏𝑓 )+𝑘12∙log(𝐷)+𝑘13∙log (𝐼𝑎𝑟𝑐14300 )+log( )−log( ))
(𝑘4∙𝐼7𝑏𝑓 +𝑘5𝐼6𝑏𝑓 +𝑘6𝐼5𝑏𝑓 +𝑘7𝐼4𝑏𝑓 +𝑘8𝐼3𝑏𝑓 +𝑘9𝐼2𝑏𝑓 +𝑘10𝐼𝑏𝑓 )0 𝐶𝐹 𝑇

𝐴𝐹𝐵14300 = 10 −𝑘12 ;

𝐴𝐹𝐵14300 = 1.591 × 103 𝑚𝑚

The final value of arc-flash boundary is determined:

𝐴𝐹𝐵2700 − 𝐴𝐹𝐵600
𝐴𝐹𝐵1 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 2.7) + 𝐴𝐹𝐵2700 = 14.804 × 103 ;
2.1
𝐴𝐹𝐵14300 − 𝐴𝐹𝐵2700
𝐴𝐹𝐵2 = ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 14.3) + 𝐴𝐹𝐵14300 = 1.606 × 103 ;
11.6
𝐴𝐹𝐵1 ∙ (2.7 − 𝑉𝑂𝐶 ) 𝐴𝐹𝐵2 ∙ (𝑉𝑂𝐶 − 0.6)
𝐴𝐹𝐵3 = + = 1.468 × 103 .
2.1 2.1

The final arc-flash boundary is:

𝐸 = 𝐸2 = 1.606 × 103 𝑚𝑚 .

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EA-PSM Calculations

Calculations using EA-PSM are performed for the test scheme that is depicted at Figure 1. Conductor
configuration and enclosure parameters are defined at Bus properties (Figure 2), while protection
device parameters are defined depending on device.

Figure 2. Arc flash bus description window at EA-PSM

Calculation results are presented at the EA-PSM table and can be exported to .xlsx file format.
EA-PSM also allow to print a warning label for required safety measures such as presented at Figure
3.

Figure 3 Arc-flash warning label

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EA-PSM Calculation results: Case 1. Vertical conductors/electrodes inside a metal
box/enclosure (VCB)

Results comparison between validation calculations based on IEEE 1584-2018 standard [1] and
calculations performed using EA-PSM are depicted at Table 2

Table 2. Comparison of calculation results

Arc flash Incident

Fault current Arc current Clear time
boundary energy
I, kA I, kA m J/cm2 s

Validation calculations 15 12,979 1,606 12,152 0,197

EA-PSM Electric 14,998 12,978 1,612 12,195 0,198

Error, % 0,01% 0,01% 0,37% 0,35% 0,51%

Conclusions

Difference between validation calculations based on IEEE Std 1584-2018 and EA-PSM calculations
differ insignificantly by not more than 0.51%.

As shown by this test case, EA-PSM is a reliable tool for correctly calculating Arc flash parameters.

References

IEEE Std 1584-2018

IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations

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Annex No.1 Calculation coefficients

Case 1: Vertical conductors/electrodes inside a metal box/enclosure VCB

Coefficients for Arcing currents

Coefficients for this case for 600 V:

k1=-0.04287, k2=1.035, k3=-0.083, k4=0, k5=0, k6=-4.783 10-9, k7=1.962 10-6, k8=-0.000229,
k9= 0.003141, k10= 1.092.

Coefficients for this case for 2700 V:

k1=-0.0065, k2=1.001, k3=-0.024, k4=-1.557 10-12, k5=4.556 10-10, k6=-4.186 10-8, k7=8.346 10-7,
k8=-5.482 10-5, k9= 0.003191, k10= 0.9729.

Coefficients for this case for 14300 V:

k1= 0.005795, k2=1.015, k3=-0.011, k4=-1.557 10-12, k5=4.556 10-10, k6=-4.186 10-8,
k7=8.346 10-7, k8=-5.482 10-5, k9= 0.003191, k10= 0.9729.

Coefficients for incident energy

Coefficients for intermediate incident energy for 600 V:

k1=0.753364, k2=0.566, k3=1.752636, k4=0, k5=0, k6=-4.783∙10-9, k7=0.000001962, k8=-0.000229

k9= 0.003141, k10=1.092, k11=0, k12= 1.598, k13=0.957.

Coefficients for intermediate incident energy for 2700 V:

k1=2,40021 k2=0.165, k3=0.354202, k4=-1.557∙10-12, k5=4.55∙10-10, k6=-4.783∙10-8, k7=8.346∙10-7,

k8=5.482∙10-5, k9= -0.003191, k10=0.9279, k11=0, k12= -1.569, k13=0.9778.

Coefficients for intermediate incident energy for 14300 V:

k1=3.825917 k2=0.11, k3=-0.999749, k4=-1.557∙10-12, k5=4.56∙10-10, k6=-4.186∙10-8,

k7=8.346∙10-7, k8=5.482∙10-5, k9= -0.003191, k10=0.9279, k11=0, k12= -1.568, k13=0.99.

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Coefficients for Arc-flash boundary

Coefficients for intermediate arc-flash boundary for 600 V:

-9
k1=0.753364, k2= 0.566, k3=1.752636, k4 =0, k5= 0, k6=-4.783,∙10 , k7= 0.000001962,
k8= 0.000229, k9= 0.003141, k10= 1.092, k11=0, k12=-1.598, k13=0.957

Coefficients for intermediate arc-flash boundary for 2700 V:

-12 -10 -8
k1= 2.40021, k2= 0.165, k3=0.354202, k4 =-1.557,∙10 , k5= 4.55∙10 , k6=-4.186,∙10 ,
k7= 8.346,∙10 -7, k8= 5.482,∙10 -5, k9= 0.003191, k10= 0.9729, k11=0, k12=-1.569, k13=0.9778

Coefficients for intermediate arc-flash boundary for 14300 V:

-12 -10 -8
k1= 3.825917, k2= 0.11, k3=-0.999749, k4 =-1.557,∙10 , k5= 4.556∙10 , k6=-4.186,∙10 ,
k7= 8.346,∙10 -7, k8= 5.482,∙10 -5, k9= 0.003191, k10= 0.9729, k11=0, k12=-1.568, k13=0.99

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