ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Arc Flash Understanding??

Can anyone give me a common sense way of understanding the Arc Flash calulations.

In Layman terms.

Unfortunately there is no layman's version of arc flash calcs.
If you understand what an arc flash is (essentially a fault that uses the air as a conduction path resulting in heat, molten metal, light, sound, shrapnel, etc), then the calc tell us how much energy is may occur during one of them. With that incident energy, we can pick proper protective equipment.
Are you looking for actual formula? Have you reviewed NFPA 70E?

Yep gone thur 70e Thats why I asked , seems likes in somewhat simple terms its rms with trip rating mixed in. But theres gotta be a better way to explain it to the average electrican in the field.

Yoopersup,
I've moved this thread into the Occupational Safety area where it might get more response.

Mike.