Equipment Evaluation

An equipment evaluation compares the available short circuit current with the interrupt rating (IAC) of the device at that point in the distribution to determine whether the device is capable of safely interrupting current in a fault condition. Devices with insufficient interrupt rating will not properly interrupt current as they are designed, but instead will cause a catastrophic failure resulting in significant equipment damage and additional potential arcing event.

Panelboards, switchboards, motor control centers, and other electrical equipment must be able to withstand the available fault current. An equipment evaluation is performed:

• To determine if the electrical equipment is rated to handle the available fault current present at that node in the system
• To determine if components responsible for interrupting current have a sufficient interrupt rating
• Identify what grade equipment to purchase for upgrades or equipment replacement.

NEC Article 110.9 states that "Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating sufficient for the nominal circuit voltage and current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment."

Arc Flash Studies

• Arc Flash Hazard Analysis (AFHA) NFPA-70E
• Single-line Diagrams
• Short Circuit Studies
• Overcurrent Protective Device Coordination
• Equipment Evaluation
• Arc Flash Results
• Arc Flash Labeling
• Customized Site-Specific NFPA-70E Arc Flash Training
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Arc Flash Codes and Regulations

Arc Flash Hazard Analysis | Power Engineering
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