Sunday, December 18, 2016

Recommended Guidelines for Arc Flash Labeling

Whenever an arc-flash study is done or revised and new arc flash warning labels must be considered, it is a good idea to define exactly what information belongs on each label before starting to print anything. It is also a good idea to define how and where these labels will be applied before anyone peels the back off of the first adhesive label and sticks it onto anything. It is a very good idea to put those definitions into writing so that everyone who assists or who comes along later, has something to help them understand the original intent. This is particularly important as a means of trying to promote consistency and to avoid creating unnecessary confusion when an arc flash analysis study is spread out over extended period of time. A guideline document such as the one published here serves that purpose. The guideline describes how electrical equipment should be labeled, namely how many labels should be applied and in which locations, after appropriate data collection, modeling, short-circuit analysis and arc-flash study activities have been completed. The intent here is not to limit the number of labels applied but rather to insure that at least the required minimum number of labels are in place. This document also addressed the question of how to label devices that were subject to protection under a selectable maintenance settings scheme. This application involved two labels as shown in Figure 6.

The arc-flash labels discussed herein are required by the NEC in article 110.16 and by NFPA 70E in Section 130.7 (E)(1). There are two basic types of arc flash labels that should be used. They are a generic label - one that does not include specific calculated data but which identifies the existence of the hazard and refers the reader to the site 70E policy, and a specific label - one that includes calculated data for arc-flash incident energy or hazard/risk category and identifies specific required PPE. Figure 1 shows one of each type of label, with the generic type being the upper label. This guideline identifies what type of equipment we should be labeling and how to label that equipment. If a piece of equipment is identified by company guidelines as within the scope of equipment for which we should be calculating arc-flash exposure, then the label should be a specific label. Otherwise, the label will be a generic label and will refer to the overall site 70E policy. Wherever specific labels are applied, they shall describe all of the requisite PPE.

generic arc flash label
Figure 1A. An example of generic arc flash warning label.

arc flash warning label sample
Figure 1B. An example of specific arc flash warning label.

Many facilities have been through short-circuit and arc-flash studies conducted under previous versions of the NFPA 70E regulation. In such cases, it is possible that the labels already in place in the field reflect older hazard levels and types of PPE for some of the labeled equipment and are no longer correct for the current version of NFPA 70E. It is permissible to hand-modify the existing labels if the changes are somewhat minor, but it is often confusing to do that. The preferred approach is to relabel the equipment. However, since the current version of the regulation requires review and update on a five-year cycle, it is recommended that the labels simply be corrected during the course of the next overall update.

The generic label is a Brady product, while the specific label is a product printed as output from Arc Flash Analytic software program. Both of these labels use the ANSI Z535.4 "warning" format and an orange banner. The "danger" format with a red banner, described in the same ANSI standard, is equally acceptable.

Read more at http://arcadvisor.com/faq/arc-flash-labeling-guidelines

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Guide To Arc Flash Apps. Simple solutions for fast and accurate results.

Arc flash applications are increasing in popularity among engineers and electricians when examining hazards presented by an arc flash. Professionals search for accessible tools to help reduce dangers associated with arc flash as well as to assist in selecting adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Mobile apps for arc flash analysis can be useful for assessing the hazards before working on energized equipment. 

Contrary to many simple and complex computer programs used for power system and arc flash hazard analysis, only a handful of arc flash apps are available for purchase. Each app, available in either the Apple Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android-operated devices), vary in level of complexity and range of operations. 

Q: What are some specific benefits to workers using arc flash apps on their mobile device?

Qualified workers use mobile apps for data collection, field analysis of electrical equipment and evaluation of arc flash dangers when access to complex power system analysis computer software is limited or not available. Electrical and safety professionals can now find ways to minimize arc flash hazards using handheld gadgets while in the field by trying different protection device settings and by simulating various fault scenarios. 

The apps help in meeting the requirements of CSA Z462 "Workplace Electrical Safety" and NFPA 70E: "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace" published respectively by the Canadian Standards Association and the National Fire Protection Association. Arc flash mobile apps support calculations and functions for typical distribution systems that use fuses and circuit breaker protection devices. They provide for real-time display of incident energy and arc flash boundary results




Monday, November 21, 2016

Arcad Inc. guarantees the lowest prices

We will match the advertised price of any print job from any other printer. Here are a few things you should know in order for our price matching to apply:
  • All specs for the order must be the same.
  • Price match must be inclusive of freight, shipping, and delivery if applicable.
  • We’ll need to know the URL for the competitor’s website, for verification purposes.
  • We reserve the right to decline any job that doesn’t fit within our business model.
  • We will price match up to 7 days as long as accurate proof is provided (invoice, receipt etc.)

How do you receive the matching price?

When you find another printing company that offers the same products or print service for a lower price, contact us. A friendly customer service agent will take your job specs and competing information. We’ll override the price by up to 10% provided that the price match guarantee applies.

What if I find the lower price after I’ve placed my order?

If you find a lower price that meets all of the criteria to qualify for our price match guarantee within 7 days of placing your order with Arcad Inc., please give us a call or send us an email with all your information. We will confirm all order specs and options are the same, then credit you the difference.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

The results of arc flash assessment

The arc flash analysis should result in calculated incident energy, incident energy at arc flash boundary (AFB) and AFB at each piece of electrical equipment under study. The results of the arc flash hazard analysis would typically be shown in form of the arc flash hazard table. The table shows the parameters upon which the arc flash hazard is based. Read more at http://arcadvisor.com/faq/arc-flash-assessment-results

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Protective Device Coordination Study

Properly engineered systems will allow only the protective device nearest the fault to open, leaving the remainder of the system undisturbed and preserving continuity of service. A protective device coordination study is required to properly select and set the power systems protective devices to achieve this goal. This is accomplished by performing a time current evaluation among the protective devices.
Coordination is generally a compromise between the mutually desirable but somewhat inconsistent goals of maximum protection and maximum service continuity. With the use of molded circuit breakers it is usually impossible to coordinate the system in the instantaneous region due to the overlap of curves unless a zone interlock is utilized. For this and other reasons, such as established system design, many combinations of device settings may be classified as acceptable. The settings suggested in the arc flash hazard calculation study result from an exercise of judgment as to the best balance between competing objectives. Read more at http://arcadvisor.com/faq/protective-device-coordination-study

Short Circuit Analysis Report

A short circuit study determines the short circuit currents available at various points in the system. This information is necessary to evaluate the equipment being utilized in the system, to set the protective devices and to ensure that its ratings comply with the NEC 110.9, Interrupting Rating, and 110.10, Circuit Impedance and Other Characteristics. The available short circuit fault current is the key component in calculating incident energy and arc flash boundary. Hence, the calculated short circuit currents and a protective device evaluation should be included in the short circuit section of the arc flash hazard calculation study report. Read more at http://arcadvisor.com/faq/short-circuit-analysis-report

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Lets talk

ARCAD is proud to offer its clients real-time product & service support by chatting with a technical expert assistant live, from the convenience of your computer. Just look for the Let's Talk popup on the bottom right of any page of the company website located at http://arcadvisor.com

http://arcadvisor.com
 

Standard and custom label printing services

ARCAD INC. offers many options of custom printed arc flash labels. Our Facebook album features most popular label designs we've made and printed for our valued customers. Browse the gallery, pick the design you like and let us print labels for you. Can’t find what you need? It is easy to design and order custom stickers and labels. We will manufacture to your specifications at our manufacturing facility.
Our vinyl labels are 100% waterproof and are suitable for use on equipment that will be subjected to wet or humid environments. We use UV resistant paints that withstand the heavy wear and tear ordinarily inflicted by the Sun. We offer 5 years warranty for laminated vinyl labels. Check http://arcadvisor.com/faq/arcflash-label-printing for more information about standard and custom label printing services we offer.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Issue #32 - Developments in arc flash modeling and labeling

These are some of the latest topics on various aspects of arc flash you may find interesting:

DC ARC FLASH MODELING AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN DCAFA V3.0 SOFTWARE PROGRAM

Except for two technical papers referenced in the annex of NFPA 70E, DC arc flash equations and calculation methods are not yet part of any standard. As research on DC arc flash and DC source modeling continues, DC arc flash calculation methods will likely become part of a standard someday.
http://arcadvisor.com/faq/dc-arc-flash-boundary-modeling

SINGLE PHASE ARC FLASH ANALYSIS

There are very few software packages in the industry that can model single-phase arcs for the purpose of determining incident energy in substations. ARCAD has recently released new ArcMaster software program. The program performs comprehensive study by taking into account system voltage, available fault current and the fault power factor, equipment type, working distance and protective device time-current characteristics. The new software program is applicable for single- and three-phase systems with voltages from 50 to 30,000V AC, short circuit fault currents from 200A to 50kA, the fault X/R ratios from 0 to 50, conductor gaps from 1 mm. up to the maximum value where the arc can likely be sustained under the specified system voltage, available short circuit fault current and power factor expressed in terms of the fault X/R ratio.
http://arcadvisor.com/faq/single-phase-arc

ELIMINATION OF HRC "0"


Category 0 was removed from new NFPA 70E PPE tables because the new PPE table only specifies work within the arc flash boundary. HRC 0 would mean the worker was outside the arc flash boundary and did not need arc-rated PPE or clothing. According to note (14) on page 7, "Hazard/risk category 0 has been removed from Table 130.7(C)(16)… Hazard/risk category 0 was deleted because the new PPE table only specifies work within the arc flash boundary. If there is no arc flash hazard, then no arc flash PPE is required and it is therefore not necessary on a table devoted to PPE."
http://arcadvisor.com/faq/nfpa-70e-category-0-removed

CUSTOM LABEL GENERATION AND PRINTING SERVICES

ARCAD INC. offers many options of custom printed arc flash labels. Our vinyl labels are 100% waterproof, are suitable for use on equipment that will be subjected to wet or humid environments and come with up to five (5) years warrantly. We use UV resistant paints that withstand the heavy wear and tear ordinarily inflicted by the Sun. As you shop around for the best arc flash labels, make sure you request samples. When you compare our arc flash labels to the major competitors in the market, you will see and feel the difference. While some companies offer you paper-thin easily torn arc flash labels, we offer you 4mil thick vinyl labels with superior print and durability.
http://arcadvisor.com/faq/customized-label-printing

HOW TO PROPERLY APPLY AND REMOVE VINYL LABELS


When installing vinyl, it is important that you apply the product to an adequate surface, one to which it will readily adhere. The good news is vinyl will stick to many surfaces. In determining whether your intended surface is adequate, keep in mind that, as a general rule of thumb, vinyl will stick to almost any surface that is clean and either smooth or nonporous. To demonstrate the necessary surface qualities, we use glass versus brick as a quick example. Vinyl will stick very well to glass because of its smooth surface. On the other hand, due to its rough exterior, vinyl will not stick well to brick. The following lists contain a brief summary of acceptable surfaces along with some surfaces that are not.
http://arcadvisor.com/faq/apply-vinyl-label-decals

Monday, January 4, 2016

Product Release - ARCMASTER V1.0


PRESS RELEASE
January 4, 2016
For Immediate Release
ARCAD INC.

ArcMaster version 1  

The new software program for single- and three-phase arc flash hazard analysis & labeling is now available. 
TORONTO, ON - ARCAD INC. announces the release of ARCMASTER V1.0 software program for Windows operating systems.

Download ARCMASTER V1.0

ARCMASTER V1.0 performs comprehensive study by taking into account system voltage, available fault current and the fault power factor, equipment type, working distance and protective device time-current characteristics. The new software program is applicable for single- and three-phase systems with voltages from 50 to 30,000V AC, short circuit fault currents from 200A to 50kA, the fault X/R ratios from 0 to 50, conductor gaps from 1 mm. up to the maximum value where the arc can likely be sustained under the specified system voltage, available short circuit fault current and power factor expressed in terms of the fault X/R ratio. The program has also been code signed by use of a cryptographic hash confirming the software owner and warranting that the code has not been altered or corrupted since it was signed.

More information about ARCMASTER V1.0 software is available at http://arcadvisor.com/arcmaster-software




ARCAD INC. located in Toronto, Canada helps facilities create safer working environments for individuals who service electrical systems by providing on-line and stand-alone software resources for short circuit, arc flash hazard analysis and labeling. Visit us at http://arcadvisor.com

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