IEEE 1584 Committee/Standard Update

UPDATE OF IEEE 1584
The committee just met again this week. The NFPA/IEEE testing is finally getting underway with some preliminary results due later this year. These tests are to be preliminary and used to evaluate where to go with further tests. There were some DC test results last year but more tests are to be conducted. It will be at least several years before a new standard is issued, this groups moves at the speed of a glacier. Right now I am hearing at least 2011 based on several discussions. The long time is because this is an enormous undertaking. They have been trying to raise money for an extensive array of tests. Seeking 6.5 million dollars, they have raised around half so far. Many of the top research scientists and engineers on the planet are involved with the testing as well as several labs globally. The goal is to address more detailed incident energy calculations, arc blast, electromagnetic radiation i.e. standing near an arc flash wearing a pacemaker (never thought of that one) toxic vapors, shrapnel and much more.

NEW STANDARD IEEE 1584.1
There is a NEW standard just beginning. I mentioned it earlier but now it has a number. IEEE 1584.1 which will be a guide for specifying and conducting the arc flash study. This is in response to many substandard studies being conducted with too many corners being cut. The draft has been completed and will be reviewed by the committee over the summer - I know because I was one of the two people that wrote it. We just finished the draft yesterday. I am sure it will be at least a year before this one gets through “the process†and is formally issued.