IEEE 1584–2018 Published — 2018 IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations
In this blog, we will talk about the most important changes in the newly approved IEEE 1584–2018 standard (A guide for performing Arc flash hazard calculations).
Till now, at the time of writing, IEEE has published three (3) IEEE 1584 standards;
- 1584–2002 — IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations
- 1584a-2004 — IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations — Amendment 1
- 1584b-2011 — IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations — Amendment 2
- 1584.1–2013 — IEEE Guide for the Specification of Scope and Deliverable Requirements for an Arc-Flash Hazard Calculation Study in Accordance with IEEE Standard 1584 (TM)
Introduction — What’s the need for IEEE 1584–2018?
The newly revised edition of IEEE 1584–2018 which was approved on 27th September 2018, provides a mathematical incident energy model for electrical designers, professionals, managers and facility operators and working personnel in determining the arc-flash hazard boundary and the incident energy to which workers could be exposed during their work on or near electrical equipment in any facility.
The Journey from IEEE 1584–2002 to IEEE 1584–2018
There were some objections to the IEEE 1584 1st Edition from all around the world. The professionals began to inquire about different areas covered in that standard. So it was decided to step it up to a new level.
As a first step in the making of the new edition, a collaboration was made with the NFPA during 2003 to 2006 that was termed IEEE/NFPA collaboration. The budget was higher and it was then decided to fundraise about $6.5 million!
Major Changes in the Approved IEEE 1584–2018 Standard
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Different Bus Bar Electrode Combinations
In the previous edition of IEEE 1584–2002, there was only one electrode combination i.e. three electrodes in a vertical configuration.
The IEEE 1584 latest edition adds 4 more electrode combinations.
2. Voltage Range & Conductor Gap Information
The voltage range remains unchanged in the IEEE 1584–2018 edition, however, the range of short circuit currents, conductor gap and working distance has been revised. Have a look at the changes here!
3. Information Provided for Box Width/Height/Depth
In the new standard of IEEE 1584–2018, the dimensions of the metal box enclosure for VCB, VCBB, and HCB electrode configurations is explained in detail. Typical dimensions are selected based on the bus voltage and equipment type.
4. Arcing Current Variation Correction Factor (Iarc_min)
Instead of a fixed 85% factor rule, IEEE 1584–2018 has used a more detailed Arcing current variation adjustment/correction factor in the calculation that has completely replaced the 85% rule for increased accuracy.
5. Arc Flash Tests
Before producing the draft, it was important to carry out several tests that may aid in gathering accurate and adequate information. The 2002 Edition of IEEE 1584 was based on a little more than 300 arc flash tests.
Further changes led to the new edition of IEEE standards 2018 which has been approved after conducting hundreds of tests.
It is imperative to go through the updated IEEE edition before performing arc flash hazard calculations in an electrical facility. Some of the important amendments which should be taken into consideration are discussed here in detail!
Let us know if you have any queries regarding this topic and do provide us with your feedback in the comments.
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About The Author
Abdur Rehman is a professional electrical engineer with more than eight years of experience working with equipment from 208V to 115kV in both the Utility and Industrial & Commercial space. He has a particular focus on Power Systems Protection & Engineering Studies.
Abdur Rehman is the CEO and co-founder of allumiax.com and creator of GeneralPAC by AllumiaX. He has been actively involved in various roles in the IEEE Seattle Section, IEEE PES Seattle, IEEE Region 6, and IEEE MGA.
