Arcflash.ca Wants To Keep Your Employees SAFE This Winter!

Erin M • November 13, 2019

It may be cold outside - but things are heating up in the world of workplace electrical safety! Check out some great electrical safety tips below, as well as new courses and workshops.

Don’t Automatically Reset a Circuit Breaker that Trips!

This article was originally authored by Mr. Jim Phillips- Brainfiller. com

The circuit breaker just tripped. Production is down, alarms are sounding in the background. Panic time. For many, this scenario would mean quickly re-set the circuit breaker and “see what happens.” Not the best idea – the question needs to be asked – why did the circuit breaker trip? This situation can become an even larger problem if the circuit breaker has setting adjustments. Before I go any further, let’s back up a few steps.

Adjustable Circuit Breakers

Many circuit breakers have setting adjustments that can be used to define how the device responds to short circuit currents. Adjustable circuit breakers as a minimum, will have an adjustable instantaneous setting that defines the level of current where it will trip with no intentional time delay. a.k.a. instantaneous trip. If the abnormal current exceeds this current level, the device trips instantaneously – if the current is less than this level, it will trip in the time delay or overload region.

Other more complex devices such as electronic trip and digital breakers can have a multitude of settings that are used to define an elaborate tripping characteristic. The preferred method for determining the settings for these devices is to perform a coordination study. This requires that the various protective device in the electric power system be analyzed to determine how they should be set so only the device furthest downstream nearest the load trips in the event of an abnormal current. This allows the other devices towards the source to remain closed and results in the minimum amount of an outage.

However, there is another objective and that is to ensure that the protective device also responds quickly enough to provide suitable protection of the conductors, transformers, motors and other electrical equipment. The recommended settings should take into account both selective coordination

and

protection.

Changing the Setting

As mentioned, when a protective device trips, often the first response is to simply reset it and see what happens. More often than not, if a breaker tripped once, it will probably trip again because simply resetting it did not solve the root cause of the problem. The second time the device trips, many “experienced” people will increase the setting thinking that it tripped because the setting was too low and not considering why it tripped. Changing a device setting without proper analysis of its impact could reduce selective coordination with other devices and quite possibly reduce the level of protection.

Unintended Consequences – Arc Flash Hazard

Increasing a protective device setting can create a potentially larger and more dangerous problem – Increasing the Arc Flash Hazard! Depending on the arcing short circuit current that could flow during an arc flash, increasing a protective device setting may cause the protective device to take longer to trip during an arc flash. The amount of incident energy from an arc flash is directly proportional to the duration which is defined by the time a protective device takes to operate. An increase in the device setting does not guarantee it will take longer to operate but it could happen. A detailed analysis of the effect that the circuit breaker setting change has on the arc flash hazard is necessary to know for sure.

As an example, let’s say a calculated incident energy is 5.4 calories/centimeter2 (cal/cm2) and the protective device takes 3 electrical cycles (3/60th of a second) to operate. If a setting change causes the device to now take 15 cycles (15/60th of a second) to operate, the incident energy would increase by a factor of five to 27 cal/cm2!

The protective device setting’s impact on the arc flash hazard is so important that CSA Z462 - Incident Energy Analysis Method requires that the arc flash risk assessment “shall take into consideration the characteristics of the overcurrent protective device and it’s fault clearing time” and “shall be updated when changes occur in the electrical distribution system that could affect the results of the analysis.” In addition, the “Incident energy analysis shall also be reviewed for accuracy at intervals not to exceed 5 years.” This is to account for changes which can include protective device settings that can affect the results of the of the arc flash risk assessment.

Don’t!

So, if a circuit breaker trips, – don’t simply re-set it until you find out why it tripped. Not because I said so, but because NFPA 70E says so. According to the 2018 Edition of NFPA 70E:

130.6(M) Reclosing Circuits After Protective Device Operation:

After a circuit is de-energized by the automatic operation of a circuit protective device, the circuit shall not be manually re-energized until it has been determined that the equipment and circuit can be safely energized. The repetitive manual reclosing of circuit breakers or re-energized circuits through replaced fuses shall be prohibited. When it is determined from the design of the circuit and the overcurrent devices involved that the automatic operation of a device was caused by an overload rather than a fault condition, examination of the circuit or connected equipment shall not be required before the circuit is re-energized.

If you ultimately make a setting change, review its impact not only on the protection and coordination but also on the calculated incident energy because the next time it trips, there could be a very large BOOM!

Canada Classes – Arc Flash Studies / IEEE 1584

FIRST TIME IN CANADA!
How to Perform an Arc Flash Calculation Study
2018 IEEE 1584
By Jim Phillips, P.E.

With special guests:
Len Cicero and Jim Pollard

Toronto, Ontario – November 4 – 5, 2019
Vancouver, British Columbia – February 24 – 25, 2020

DETAILED AGENDA/REGISTER

For the first time ever, Jim Phillips is bringing his Arc Flash Studies class based on the 2018 IEEE 1584 to Canada! This very intense 2 day course includes an in depth discussion of:

Five different electrode configurations to enable more detailed modeling
More choices for enclosure types and sizes
Enclosure correction factor calculation to adjust for specific enclosure size
The effect of grounding has been eliminated
An arcing current variation factor calculation replaces the 85% factor
Calculations performed at 1 of 3 voltage levels with interpolation to actual voltage
The 125 kVA transformer exception was eliminated

Each calculation is now performed in 2 steps which includes an initial calculation based on one of three voltage levels and a second calculation interpolating to the specific system voltage. The 125 kVA “exception” was replaced. Learn why and what has replaced it. What about the 2 second rule?

Loaded With Hands-On Calculation Problems

This class will be packed with many hands-on calculation examples using Jim’s worksheets. The calculations will illustrate the various changes with the new edition and provide comparisons between the results using the 2002 Edition of IEEE 1584 and the 2018 Edition.

Hands-On Calculation Examples include:

• Arcing Short Circuit Current – Intermediate and Final
• Necessary Extrapolation and Interpolation
• Enclosure Size Correction Factor
• Incident Energy – Intermediate and Final
• Arc Flash Boundary – Intermediate and Final
• Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Calculations
• DC Arc Flash Calculations

Jim will be joined by special guests Len Cicero and Jim Pollard who will be discussing CSA Z462 requirements for arc flash studies and how the study results are used to select appropriate arc rated clothing and PPE.

Movember 2019!

It is the month of "Movember" and to commemorate this, Burlington firefighters have Rescue Unit 312 in black to remind us all of men's health issues. See pictures below!

Have You Heard About The ***NEW*** Arcflash.ca Course: The Safe Application of Fuses For Industrial Mechanics & Millwrights?

 

This course is intended to provide Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics with a better understanding of Canadian fuse products and their applications in order to minimize the possibility of misapplication, ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel. In addition to providing, through practical scenarios the safe application of fuses to avoid personal injury.

 

1 day- 6.0 hours

 

Contact us today for more information.

 

Workplace Electrical Safety Online Course - $100 Per Person

 

The workplace electrical safety online course is based on the 2018 edition of CSA Z462. The course has been developed for workers who are performing electrical work on energized systems. It provides guidance on industry best practices for the prevention of injury from arc flash and shock.


 

Electrical Safety Assistance? There’s An App For That!

 

Don’t forget, our NEW Arc Flash Electrical Worker Quick Field Guide APP is available on Google Play for just $2.99!



 

We hope you enjoyed all of the information in our Novmeber Newsletter and look forward to hearing from you, as well as bringing more up-to-date electrical safety information and tips in our next newsletter! As always, you are invited to contribute a story or a question that you would like to bring forward to other readers, related to workplace electrical safety or lockout, including PPE and safety equipment.

 

 Please send your stories and questions to Len at len@arcflash.ca . You can also continue the conversation with us on our Linkden Workplace Electrical Safety Communications group!

 

Electrician in hard hat and safety vest inspecting electrical panel, smiling.

What Should I Ask an Electrician Before Hiring Them?

By Sara DeSantis • October 27, 2025
Hiring an electrician is a decision that directly impacts the safety and functionality of your home or business. Electrical work is not a DIY project; it requires specific skills, knowledge, and adherence to strict safety codes. Choosing the wrong person for the job can lead to faulty wiring, fire hazards, and costly repairs down the road. To ensure you hire a qualified and reliable professional, it’s essential to ask the right questions upfront. This guide will walk you through the critical questions you should ask any electrician before they start work. By gathering this information, you can make an informed decision and gain peace of mind knowing your property is in capable hands.
Two engineers in safety vests and hard hats in a factory, one pointing at a blueprint, the other smiling.

Understanding Workplace Arc Flash Safety Training

By Sara DeSantis • September 22, 2025
Working with or near electrical equipment comes with inherent risks. One of the most severe dangers is an arc flash—a sudden, explosive release of energy caused by an electric arc. These events can produce intense heat, light, and pressure, leading to devastating injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. Proper training is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a critical component of a safe workplace. This post will explore the essentials of arc flash safety training, who needs it, and how specialized programs can create a more secure environment for everyone. An arc flash is a source of potential injury or damage to health associated with the energy released from an electric arc. The consequences are severe, including third-degree burns, blindness, hearing loss, and injuries from the concussive blast. Effective arc flash safety training equips workers with the knowledge to recognize these hazards, assess risks, and apply safe work practices to prevent incidents. It's about building a culture of safety where every team member understands their role in preventing electrical accidents.
Woman in a hard hat and vest using a multimeter; another person in background.

Is Arc Flash Training Required for Electrician Apprentices?

By Sara DeSantis • August 18, 2025
When electrician apprentices begin their journey into the electrical trade, they face numerous safety challenges that could have life-altering consequences. Among the most dangerous hazards they'll encounter is the arc flash, a phenomenon that can cause severe burns, permanent injury, or death in milliseconds. This raises a critical question: Is arc flash training a mandatory part of apprentice education? The answer isn't just yes, it's absolutely essential. Arc flash training serves as a cornerstone of electrical safety education, equipping future electricians with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize hazards, prevent incidents, and protect both themselves and their colleagues from potentially catastrophic electrical events.
A group of construction workers are putting their hands together in a huddle.

Who Needs Arc Flash Training?

By Sara DeSantis • July 22, 2025
When it comes to workplace safety, particularly in industries dealing with electricity, arc flash training is non-negotiable. This specialized training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognize electrical hazards, prevent incidents, and protect themselves and others from dangerous arc flash incidents. But who exactly needs arc flash training? The answer may surprise you, as it extends beyond just electricians. Let's break it down.
Two construction workers are working on a train in a factory.

Why Electricians Need Arc Flash Training

By Sara DeSantis • May 21, 2025
Safety is paramount in any profession, but for electricians, it’s non-negotiable. Working around high-voltage systems and live electrical components means the risks are significant. One of the most critical, yet sometimes overlooked, elements of ensuring electrician safety is arc flash training. But what is arc flash training, why is it essential, and how can it save lives? Let's explore.

What is an Arc Flash and How to Prevent It

By Sara DeSantis • April 28, 2025
For electrical engineers, electricians, and safety managers, "arc flash" is a term that carries significant weight. Arc flash incidents are one of the most dangerous and potentially catastrophic hazards in the electrical industry. But what exactly is an arc flash, and more importantly, how can you prevent it? This blog will explain what arc flash is, why it occurs, and practical ways to safeguard your workplace and team from its dangers.
A group of men are working on a computer in a room.

Everything You Need to Know About Arc Flash Training

By Sara DeSantis • March 7, 2025
Electrical safety is a critical concern for professionals like electrical engineers, safety managers, and electricians. Among the many hazards in the field, arc flash incidents rank as some of the most dangerous, capable of causing severe injuries, equipment damage, or worse. If you work in Hamilton or Burlington, understanding what arc flash training involves and how it can protect individuals and assets is essential.
A group of men in blue overalls are giving each other a high five in a factory.

Why Electricians Need Arc Flash Training (And How to Get)

By Sara DeSantis • February 21, 2025
Working with electricity comes with inherent risks, and one of the most dangerous hazards is an arc flash. Every year, countless electricians, safety managers, and construction supervisors face incidents related to arc flash, which can cause severe injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. The solution? Comprehensive arc flash training. For electricians, staying safe isn’t just about wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE); it’s about understanding the risks, knowing how to prevent accidents, and being confident in addressing safety challenges. If you're in Hamilton or nearby, arcflash.ca offers high-quality training to equip you with this crucial knowledge.
Three men wearing hard hats and yellow vests are looking at a blueprint

Should You, as an Electrician, Have Arc Flash Training?

By Sara DeSantis • January 27, 2025
When working in the electrical industry, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. The risks of working with electricity are extensive, and arc flash incidents are some of the most dangerous and potentially fatal hazards electricians, safety managers, and construction workers face. This brings us to an important question: Should you undergo arc flash training? The answer is a resounding yes, no matter how experienced you are with Electrical systems.
A sign on a chain link fence warns of electrical safety

Understanding Arc Flash – What Every Employee Needs to Know About Electrical Safety

By Sara DeSantis • December 19, 2024
Electrical safety is a critical concern in many workplaces, especially for those who work directly with or near electrical systems. One of the most serious hazards in these environments is an Arc Flash. This sudden burst of electrical energy can cause devastating injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the risks and learning how to protect yourself is essential for anyone working around electricity. Here’s what every employee needs to know about Arc Flash and electrical safety.