Free Calculators

ELEK logo symbol only large size Kittl white - Arc Flash Calculator
ELEKTM Power Engineering Software
ELEKTM Software

Arc Flash Calculator

This calculator is based on the IEEE 1584-2018 (AC) standard for 3-phase arc flash analysis for voltages up to 15 kV and bolted fault current up to 65 kA.

Refer to the sections underneath the calculator for technical guidance.

Your Calculated Arc Flash Results:

Why This Result?
An arc flash occurs when a fault (arcing) current jumps across an air gap between energized conductors. Lower arcing current leads to longer clearing times which often results in higher incident energy. Therefore, the maximum and minimum short-circuit are both necessary to be considered.

Incident energy is the amount of thermal energy generated during an electric arc event impressed on a surface (or person), at the working distance from the source.

Arc flash boundary is the distance from the arc source at which the incident energy is calculated to be 5.0 J/cm2 (1.2 cal/cm2 likely to cause the onset of a second-degree burn.

Arc Flash Analysis Software

A laptop, tablet, and smartphone display cable sizing software with various graphs, tables, and settings for cable installation and protection.

Cable Pro Software provides advanced capabilities for fast and easy assessment of arc flash hazards and incident energy analysis for complete electrical networks including actual fault currents and protection devices. The software performs AC and DC arc flash analysis according to multiple standards. Prints labels.

A laptop, tablet, and smartphone display cable sizing software with various graphs, tables, and settings for cable installation and protection.

How to use

Frequently asked questions

How do you select PPE for an arc flash hazard?

Body protection is required using arc flash-rated clothing when the calculated incident energy at the body is capable of causing a second-degree (curable) burn (1.2 cal/cm2 or above).
Based on the maximum calculated incident energy above (cal/cm2) you can select the appropriate PPE Category from the image below of the Electrical Arc Flash Hazard Management Guideline.
For alternative PPE categories refer to NFPA 70E and DGUV 203-077.
Figure 1 - PPE categories from the Electrical Arc Flash Hazard Management Guideline
Figure 1 - PPE categories from the Electrical Arc Flash Hazard Management Guideline

How do you calculate arc flash for single-phase systems?

How do you calculate arc flash for DC systems?

Calculator inputs explained

Electrode configuration

The orientation and arrangement of the electrodes.

Arc Flash Study Electrode Configurations ELEK Software - Arc Flash Calculator

Voltage (Vac)

System open circuit voltage. Three-phase AC voltage up to 15 kV for IEEE 1584-2018.

Fault current (kA)

The maximum prospective short-circuit current in the faulted switchboard. Up to 65 kA for IEEE 1584-2018.

Arcing time for Iarc (ms)

The total protection clearing time at arcing current.

Arcing time for Iarc_min (ms)

The total protection clearing time at reduced arcing current.

Working distance (mm)

The distance between the potential arc source and the face and chest of the worker performing the task.

Enclosure width (mm)

The actual width of the enclosure housing the electrodes.

Enclosure height (mm)

The actual height of the enclosure housing the electrodes.

Enclosure depth (mm)

The actual depth of the enclosure housing the electrodes.

Gap between electrodes (mm)

This is the distance between two electrodes or conductors.

IEEE Std 1584-2018 is applicable for electrode gap ranges of: