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DC Arc Flash Calculations

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by TAGarfield, Sep 26, 2007.

  1. TAGarfield Junior Level

    Does anyone know of any DC forumlas for Arc Flash yet? What are people doing with regard to DC systems?
    TAGarfield, Sep 26, 2007
    #1

  2. brainfiller Administrator

    Performing DC Arc Flash calculations, and how to handle DC Arc Flash protection is a pretty common question because there is not a very straight forward answer - yet! During the IEEE 1584 committee meeting a few weeks ago, we were told that some DC testing was FINALLY completed this year. As probably many people know, there has not been much testing in a while. IEEE and NFPA joined forces for the next effort and those efforts just recently began. The DC results are not yet public but formulas will be devloped based on the tests. What I did hear from one of the people directly involved in the test is the results were not exactly as expected. i.e. you would think the RMS AC current might produce a similar arcing energy as it's DC conterpart for the same duration. This was not the case. The duration and effect of zero crossing vs. no zero crossing was looked at as well.

    For now, many people use the hazard risk tables under the premise that it is better than doing nothing.

    When I hear more details that I am allowed to pass on, I will post them here.
    brainfiller, Oct 2, 2007
    #2

  3. BSafe Junior Level

    DC Arc Flash

    Will the new formulas be suitable for DC traction power systems?
    BSafe, Oct 4, 2007
    #3

  4. Michael Furtak Junior Level

    Michael Furtak, Jun 25, 2008
    #4

  5. J Farrow Junior Level

    Just to bring this to the top. I am interested in the results of the DC studies, although I believe the 2009 guidelines will put our low voltage Solar Panels in the category of not needing Arc Flash analysis. We are waiting for our copy of the 2009 NFPA.
    J Farrow, Oct 29, 2008
    #5

  6. Terry Becker Sparks Level

    DC arc flash tests were completed by Bruce Power

    The actual tests were completed already at the Kinetrics lab in Mississauga, ON, Canada by Bruce Power.

    The results are available, but they will not release any information at this time.

    Results will most likely be released via the IEEE NFPA collaborative project.

    Regards;
    Terry Becker
    www.esps.ca
    Terry Becker, Nov 29, 2008
    #6

  7. RobGOlson Junior Level

    Any Progress on DC Arc formulas?

    Does anyone know what is the current best practice is for calculating Arc Flash Boundaries for DC and HVDC (+/- 200 kV DC)? The only thing I've been able to find on DC is a limit of approach in the NESC Table 441-4.
    RobGOlson, Dec 14, 2009
    #7

  8. Riani Junior Level

    DC Arc Flash

    Is there any new information in how to perform arc-flash in DC systems?

    How industrial plants deal with it? Sometimes is impossible de-energized the DC equipment and use IEEE-1584 to estimate arc-flash is not the right thing to do.

    Is there any comment in the NFPA-2009 edition? Is there any prevision when IEEE group will publish the guidelines do DC systems?
    Riani, Feb 17, 2010
    #8

  9. arcflash71 Sparks Level

    It's been a few months, has anyone heard anything?
    arcflash71, May 17, 2010
    #9

  10. brainfiller Administrator

    brainfiller, May 17, 2010
    #10

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