Arc Flash assessment determines the degree to which a worker may be exposed to potential Arc Flash Hazards and what kind of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required to protect workers from the heat, light, and blast associated with Arc Flash accident
The amount of thermal energy impressed on a surface, a certain distance from the source, generated during an electrical arc event.
Incident energy is measured in calories/cm2
1.2 cal/cm2 of heat energy can cause a second degree burn to unprotected skin
The distance from the source of the arc flash blast where the incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm2
In order to protect workers, one would have to stand outside of this boundary or be dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE) that has a withstand rating exceeding the level of exposure at a given distance (working distance of 18 to 24 inches)