Task-Specific Arc-Flash Incident-Energy Analysis and Protection Criteria Using Field Incident Data and PSCAD in the Electric Power Industry

This study develops task-specific arc-flash incident-energy analysis and protection criteria using 41 accidents in power facilities from 2018 to 2023. Each case was reconstructed in PSCAD/EMTDC with system impedance, fault type, working distance, equipment geometry, and protective-device characteristics. Incident energy was calculated using IEEE Std 1584-2018 and a high-voltage arc model. The results ranged from 1.37 to 127.1 J/cm² for 14 low-voltage cases and from 12.7 to 613.6 J/cm² for 27 high-voltage cases. Low-voltage metering work was dominated by delayed upstream-fuse clearing, whereas high-voltage transformer, switchgear, VLF, and MOF tasks were affected by long clearing times or short working distances. Only the NFPA 70E incidentenergy analysis method was used for PPE selection; the PPE category table method was not applied. PPE arc ratings must equal or exceed residual incident energy after engineering controls, and de-energized work is prioritized when inputs are uncertain or residual energy exceeds the available protection system.