ETAP Arc Flash Module Configuration Guide v23.1

The ETAP Arc Flash Module is an advanced simulation-based tool embedded within the ETAP Power System Analysis Platform, designed to perform comprehensive arc flash hazard assessments—including incident energy, arc flash boundary (AFB), and personal protective equipment (PPE) category determination. Configuration begins with modeling accurate system topology, bus voltages, conductor impedances, and upstream source characteristics (e.g., utility short-circuit capacity and X/R ratio), all of which directly influence arc current magnitude and duration. Critical configuration steps include assigning arc flash study boundaries (e.g., working distance, enclosure type, electrode configuration), configuring protective device coordination logic (including time-current curves, relay logic, and trip delays), and defining arc flash mitigation strategies such as zone-selective interlocking (ZSI) or arc energy reduction maintenance switches (AERMS). The module leverages both empirical IEEE 1584-2018 equations and ETAP’s proprietary arc flash algorithms—including adaptive arc current calculation and dynamic clearing time estimation—to compute incident energy at each bus or point of work. Validation and sensitivity analysis features—such as arc current variation (ACV) analysis and minimum arcing current evaluation—are also configured via this guide to ensure conservative yet realistic hazard assessments aligned with regulatory compliance and risk-based safety planning.