Hello!

First post and wanted to find out what the majority of the electrical people here use for Arc Flash Calculation software.

I have only used SKM and have found my work interesting sometimes when it comes to protective devices and proper settings.

With a previous employer I used ESA. I am now in the process of learning SKM.

In the process of learning Etap.

I've been useing EasyPower for a couple of years,

I would like to learn ESA. Coming from SKM how easy/hard would that be, in your opinion?

I would say that ESA was probably an easier program to use, very user friendly. You should have no trouble at all learning the ESA system.

SKM PTW 6.5.1.4 W/ 1000 BUS, CAPTOR, DAPPER, FAULT, and Arc Flash

It looks like somebody needs to do a few updates!

Does anyone here have any input on ArcAd's Analytic version 4.1 software?

Arc Flash Program

I use the SKM software. I have been using it since it was in DOS OS. I love this program, especially all the output options to deliver to the customer a (not only technically sound result) but with a great image.

I use Etap, and I think it's great software; however, I don't have any familiarity with any other.

I use Paladin DesignBase by EDSA. I have found it very easy to use compared to SKM or ETAP.

Arc Flash Analytic Software

I've been using Arc Flash Analytic version 3.2 both for the analysis and labeling.

Modelling Software-SKM Rules!

I have personally been using SKM for many years. One of my mentors has been using it since the DOS days. It seems to have a very good library and general acceptance in the industry. Some of my clients have used EasyPower. When modeling older plants, SKM seems to have excellent customizaton capabilities; e.g. when you have, say, an older AK-type breaker and are going to retrofit it with a new trip unit, it is relatively easy to make a hybrid combination low voltage circuit breaker with all of the correct ratings, settings, data and parameters included. If you get into something really strange, Yogi or one of the other guys in the SKM library group can help you out or do it for you. Many manufacturers can send you their SKM library file to include in your custom library. The TCC reports are also customizable. On large systems, I have had to export the one-line files (showing ANSI SC, Load Flow, Arc Flash results etc.) to AutoCAD and do some formatting so that it is easily readable for clients.

I currently use ETAP. Their Arc Flash Result Analyzer is much better than any other one I have tried.

I am using EasyPower. I have found it to live up to its name and the support is incredible. They are very, very responsive to questions and making additions to the library. It is also easy to add say a microprocessor trip unit to an old AK breaker.

Skm ptw32.

I use SKM but another client wants us to use etap. So I guess I have to learn another program.

I am in the process of switching from SKM to ETAP.

Curious to know why you are switching? I have heard good things about SKM and I think between SKM and EasyPower, those seem to be the most popular.