A flash hazard analysis is used to determine the incident energy exposure of a worker (in calories per square centimeter). This incident energy exposure level shall be based on the working distance of the employee's chest and face areas from a prospective arc source for the specific task to be performed.

One of the computer programs that can determine the energy level of a hazard is the Duke Heat Flux Calculator, which is free software available here. The Electric Arc Heat Flux Calculator was developed by Alan Privette of Duke Power to give the user an estimate of the potential hazard associated with live current. The software calculates the heat that could result should an electric arc jump potentials, measured in cal/cm2 (calories per square centimeter)

The software is DOS-based and will function on any PC running and version of Windows,

The software asks for 5 inputs:

1. Available Fault Current (amps): Check with your utility company if you do not know the power service being delivered to you.
2. Arc Gap (Inches): Distance between the different potentials. The larger the gap the greater the explosive power.
3. Supply Voltage (volts): Common 120V, 265V, and 480V (voltage to ground). Or voltages exceeding 13,200V. Check with your power supplier.
4. Distance (inches) from Arc to Receiving Surface (person)
5. Number of Cycles: Typical values are 8-20 cycles for normal fuses, 6-12 for circuit breakers (assuming a 50-60 Hz system)

Download the Electric Arc Heat Flux Calculator (25 kb Zip file)

Please note: A+ Electrical Safety Equipment provides no warranties, express or implied, for the Electric Arc Heat Flux Calculator software. A+ Electrical Safety Equipment will not be held liable for ant damages incurred from use or misuse of this product. The software provides reasonable estimates within the range of 1KA and 10KA. However, outside of this range, extreme caution should be used due to potential inaccuracies.