0513EPSp16,18,20_Company Spotlight 5/3/13 11:38 AM Page 16
FEATURE • Facility Results
A Grounded Approach to
Arc Flash Analysis
By Bryan Rupert
very arc flash analysis is not created equal. The only way to know that your organization is getting its money’s worth is to recognize the best features of a sensible arc flash analysis plan and the potential pitfalls of a plan that is not well thought out.
E
lectors, and even when they do, the estimating part of arc flash analysis is not an exact science. That’s because data collection points (aka: “points”) can be counted differently by each contractor. One may be estimating based on counting every nameplate or where the label will be placed,
Work with a qualified contractor you trust The first rule of thumb is to pick a contractor you can be comfortable with over the long term. Right now you may only be concerned with getting an initial analysis done, but compliance is an ongoing requirement. That means every time your facility experiences a change to its electrical system, the NFPA 70E standard requires that all major modifications or renovation shall be updated in the analysis in a timeframe that is “not to exceed five years.” The alternative to picking a long-term partner is orienting a new contractor every time you need to update your analysis. Each time you work with a new contractor, you increase your potential for wasting time and money. Remember, not every contractor sends out qualified electrical data col-
16
Electrical Products & Solutions • May 2013
while another only estimates for those points with protected devices. The only way to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when having the project quoted is to have a clear scope of work defined and a consistent definition of what is to be considered a point. Continued on page 18