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Arc Flash Calculator

Simplified IEEE 1584 incident energy estimator with PPE category and arc flash boundary

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⚠ DISCLAIMER

This is a simplified estimator for educational purposes. Actual arc flash analysis must be performed by a qualified engineer using IEEE 1584-2018 with verified short circuit study data and coordination study. Do not use this calculator as the sole basis for PPE selection or arc flash labeling. Always follow NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements.

System Parameters

0.100 seconds (6 cycles @ 60 Hz)

Arc Flash Analysis Results

Estimated Incident Energy

1.5cal/cm²

Arc Flash Boundary

1.7 ft

Distance where energy = 1.2 cal/cm²

PPE Category Required

Category 1

Required PPE

FR shirt and pants or FR coverall, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves

NFPA 70E PPE Categories

Cat.Max cal/cm²PPE Description
01.2Untreated natural fiber (cotton) shirt and pants, safety glasses, leather gloves
14FR shirt and pants or FR coverall, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves
28Cotton underwear + FR shirt and pants, FR hard hat liner, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves
325Cotton underwear + FR shirt and pants + FR coverall or flash suit, FR hard hat liner, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves
440Cotton underwear + FR shirt and pants + multilayer flash suit, FR hard hat liner, safety glasses, hearing protection, leather gloves, FR gloves
NFPA 70EStandard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace — defines approach boundaries and PPE categories
IEEE 1584Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations — the standard calculation method
OSHA 1910.333Selection and use of work practices for electrical safety — requires arc flash analysis
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