Calculation Flowchart
The flowchart shown in Figure 14.21 shows the logic used by the calculations. The data entry boxes, shown in green, correspond with the descriptions shown and the short circuits currents and R/X values mentioned previously are shown in the first three boxes. The orange boxes correspond to the calculations for which a description is given below.

Figure 14.21 Flowchart

Electrode Gap in mm (d) – DATA ENTRY
This is the minimum gap between the conductors measured in millimetres.

Current Limiting Factor (K_B)– DATA ENTRY
The current limiting factor is simply applied to the minimum short circuit current I”_k3min to produce an arcing current.

Minimum Arcing Current in kA (I_kLB) - CALCULATED
This is calculated from the current limiting factor and minimum short circuit current.

Disconnection Time in seconds (tk)– DATA ENTRY
This is the time to clear the minimum arcing current above and is obtained from the time current curve of the upstream protective device. See Chapter 4: Prediction.

Short Circuit Power in MVA (S”k)- CALCULATED
This is simply the maximum available power based upon the maximum short circuit current I”_k3max and line voltage. (√3VI"_k3max)

Normalised Arc Power K_p - CALCULATED
The normalised electric power is a factor which accounts for the arc formation and geometry of the conductors. For worst case conditions it is calculated from the equation:

Electric Arc Power P_LB (MW) - CALCULATED
Electric arc power Is the power transferred to the arc based upon the Short Circuit Power (S”k) times the normalised electric power (K_p).

Arc Energy (Anticipated Value) W_LB - CALCULATED
The anticipated value of arc energy takes into account the electrical arc power and the disconnection time. W_LB = P_LB x tk

Arc Protection Class of PPE W_LBP_APC1 & W_LBP_APC2– GIVEN VALUES
The arc protection class of PPE is given from the DGUV guide, and the latest figures are W_LBP_APC1 = 168 kJ and W_LBP_APC2 = 320 kJ. This value is the protection level of APC1 or 2 at a distance of 300mm. (The sample set up distance for the box testing of PPE)

Transmission Factor K_T – DATA ENTRY
The transmission factor is derived from whether the arc is enclosed (in a box), semi enclosed, in air but against a rear wall or in open air. A diagram of the three configurations is shown in Figure 14.22.

Figure 14.22 Transmission Factors

Working Distance (a:) - DATA ENTRY
Distance in millimetres from the arc to the person’s body (torso).

Protection Level of Clothing W_LBS_APC1 and W_LBS_APC1 - CALCULATED
Protection level of the clothing is obtained by extrapolation of the box test parameters to the arc location.

PPE Selection
This is the final step which is to compares arc energy (anticipated value) W_LB with the protection level of the clothing W_LBS. Protection is given if the following is true.