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  • IEEE 1584-2002 to 2018 CHANGES EXPLAINED

    On November 30 2018, IEEE published IEEE-1584-2018, a new mathematical model and calculation procedure that is more comprehensive, accurate, and complex than before, the first update since 2002. In fact, Eaton worked with IEEE to create this new guide.
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On November 30 2018, IEEE published IEEE-1584-2018, a new mathematical model and calculation procedure that is more comprehensive, accurate, and complex than before, the first update since 2002. In fact, Eaton worked with IEEE to create this new guide. 

Here’s what you need to know:

IEEE 1584-2002

Based on 300 laboratory tests

IEEE 1584-2018

Based on more than 1,800 laboratory tests

Eaton’s recommendation
Excluded <240V locations fed from transformers smaller than 125kVA 

Further testing has shown that it may be possible for an arc to sustain at those locations, so the exception has been removed, thus expanding the analysis scope.

While it is less likely for an arc to sustain at equipment locations below 240V with a short circuit current of 2000A, an arc flash is still possible.

All 3 phase locations should be included in the arc flash scope and calculations.

Even for locations with available short circuit current below 2000A, it is still possible for an arc to occur. Excluding small equipment should be determined on a case by case basis.

Two vertical conductor configurations

• Vertical conductors in open air

• Vertical conductors in a metal box enclosure

Five electrode configurations must be considered, adding complexity to the analysis.

The equipment conductor and enclosure arrangement that most closely resembles the actual equipment electrode configuration must be identified for arc flash analysis

Added configurations:

  • Horizontal conductors in open air
  • Horizontal conductors in a metal box enclosure
  • Vertical conductors that end at an insulating barrier

Evaluate the type and class of equipment to determine the possible bus configurations that a worker would be exposed to.

Identify the equipment conductor and enclosure arrangement that most closely resembles the actual equipment electrode configuration.

Choosing the worst-case electrode configuration can lead to overly

Typical enclosure dimensions for various classes of equipment provided Can now specify the actual equipment enclosure dimensions equipment for increased accuracy of calculation, in addition to several new typicalequipment classes. 

Careful consideration and expertise is needed to determine cost-benefits of actual vs. typical dimensions

While using actual field-measured values may result in more accurate results, consideration must also be given to the time, effort, and increase complexity in obtaining dimensions for all enclosures. Eaton recommends that this trade-off be considered when performing arc flash studies.

IEEE 1584-2002 Based on 300 laboratory tests

IEEE 1584-2018 Based on more than 1,800 laboratory tests

Eaton’s recommendation

Excluded <240V locations fed from transformers smaller than 125kVA

Further testing has shown that it may be possible for an arc to sustain at those locations, so the exception has been removed, thus expanding the analysis scope.

While it is less likely for an arc to sustain at equipment locations below 240V with a short circuit current of 2000A, an arc flash is still possible.

Further testing has shown that it may be possible for an arc to sustain at those locations, so the exception has been removed, thus expanding the analysis scope.

While it is less likely for an arc to sustain at equipment locations below 240V with a short circuit current of 2000A, an arc flash is still possible.

Two vertical conductor configurations
• Vertical conductors in open air
• Vertical conductors in a metal box enclosure

Five electrode configurations must be considered, adding complexity to the analysis

The equipment conductor and enclosure arrangement that most closely resembles the actual equipment electrode configuration must be identified for arc flash analysis

Added configurations:

• Horizontal conductors in open air
• Horizontal conductors in a metal box enclosure
• Vertical conductors that end at an insulating barrier

Evaluate the type and class of equipment to determine the possible bus configurations that a worker would be exposed to.

Identify the equipment conductor and enclosure arrangement that most closely resembles the actual equipment electrode configuration.

Choosing the worst-case electrode configuration can lead to overly conservative calculations.  

Typical enclosure dimensions for various classes of equipment provided 

Can now specify the actual equipment enclosure dimensions equipment for increased accuracy of calculation, in addition to several new typical equipment classes

Careful consideration and expertise is needed to determine cost-benefits of actual vs. typical dimensions

While using actual field-measured values may result in more accurate results, consideration must also be given to the time, effort, and increase complexity in obtaining dimensions for all enclosures. Eaton recommends that this trade-off be considered when performing arc flash studies.