Introduction to IEEE Standard 1584: Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, 2018 Edition
Daleep Mohla, Wei‐Jen Lee, Jim Phillips, Albert Marroquin
Abstract
Since it was first published in 2002, IEEE standard 1584 has been the premier standard for arc-flash hazard arcing current, incident energy, and arc-flash boundary (AFB) calculations for an arc-flash incident. After extensive testing and model development and a validation period, the long-awaited revision of IEEE 1584 has been published. The purpose of this article is to introduce IEEE Standard 1584-2018, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, to the industry. The model range and the rationale used for parameter selection is discussed for quantities such as voltage, bolted root-mean-square (rms) short circuit current, the gap between conductors, enclosure dimensions, fault duration, working distance, and system frequency. The rationale is provided for the selection of electrode configurations and various enclosure (box) sizes and arrangements. This model is based on more than six times the tests performed for the model used in the 2002 standard. It provides additional modeling of electrode configurations which were not included in the 2002 version. Some guidance on identifying electrode configurations is provided.