Maximum fault levels, available incident energy and arc-flash boundaries were calculated for equipment where energized work may be performed

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis - Holyrood Thermal Generating Station

Arc flash labels are needed to help workers on a jobsite understand what personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to do their job safely. For this project, the client, Nalcor Energy, provided us with data outlining the system and equipment modifications that had been made since the last assessment was completed, and we used it to update the software model. We also completed a fault study and arc flash report detailing hazards based on the current conditions of the station. 

Maximum fault levels for all equipment were calculated along with the incident energy and arc-flash boundaries for all pieces of equipment. This included all motor control centers, load break switches, and switchgear. The calculations used in the analysis were based on the Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, which is a standard developed to help protect people from arc-flash hazard related dangers. 

With labeled equipment now in place, the information can be used to select arc resistant PPE suitable for any given task in the power system. The employees at the Holyrood Generating Station are more educated on how to better protect themselves when working on live equipment and know what to expect in terms of undesired energy release from equipment if there was an arcing fault condition. In short, the results from the study increased the safety awareness of personnel at the plant.