Arc Flash Data Collection: How to Maximize Efficiency and Long-Term Value

At Site Electric Services, we understand that performing anArc Flash Study in the Bay Area is a significant undertaking. It requirescoordination between your maintenance staff, engineers, and safety teams—oftenpulling them from other critical operations. To make matters more challenging,upper management may not fully recognize the compliance and safety value that aproperly conducted Arc Flash Study provides.

However, the data collection process, when strategicallyplanned, can be transformed from a compliance task into a long-term asset. Donecorrectly, it strengthens your organization’s reliability, improvesdocumentation, and enhances overall safety.

Every Arc Flash Study is only as accurate as the data it’sbased on. Incomplete or disorganized data introduces risk and can lead toinaccurate labels, improper PPE recommendations, and noncompliance with OSHAand California Title 8 regulations.

But data collection isn’t just about compliance. With a strategic approach,the process also provides:

·      Verified records of your electricalinfrastructure

·      Accurate breaker and relay settings

·      Baselines for retrofits and future electricalupgrades

·      Better support for shutdown coordination andtroubleshooting

Arc Flash studies require verified electrical system datafrom four categories: system sources, impedances, protective devices, andlayout/configuration.

System Sources:

·      System voltage (e.g., 480V, 208V, 13.2kV)

·      Available short-circuit current at the mainservice

·      X/R ratio to determine fault current behavior

Impedance Data:

·      Transformer kVA, primary/secondary voltages, andimpedance %

·      Cable types, sizes, insulation, and estimatedrun lengths

·      Equipment electrode configuration

Protection Devices:

·      Circuit breaker models, frame sizes, and ampratings

·      Trip unit types and protective settings (LS,LSI, LSIG)

·      Relay models and settings (if applicable)

Efficient data collection requires preparation. Before any fieldworkbegins, we recommend the following:

·      Ensure single-line diagrams are at least 80%accurate

·      Assign unique equipment tags that appear ondrawings and in the field

·      Prepare blank equipment datasheets withpre-filled headers and tag numbers

·      Label all gear consistently, includingswitchboards, transformers, and distribution panels

Clear and consistent equipment tagging is a cornerstone of an effectiveelectrical safety program. Inconsistent labels cause confusion during:

·      Lockout/tagout procedures

·      Breaker coordination studies

·      Field troubleshooting and shutdowns

Our field technicians use ruggedized tablets with customized datasheetsthat organize each piece of equipment's data on-site. We embed:

·      Nameplate photos

·      Breaker and relay settings

·      Equipment tags and ratings

·      Maintenance notes or special conditions

This eliminates the need for post-fieldwork photo sorting orfile matching. Each record is saved as a fillable PDF, which your operationsand maintenance teams can use for future upgrades, shutdowns, ortroubleshooting.

A clean dataset doesn't just serve the Arc Flash report—it becomes alasting asset that supports:

·      Faster diagnostics and field response

·      Safer energized work practices

·      Future facility upgrades or utility coordination

·      Staff training and safety audits

·      5-year compliance updates required under NFPA70E and OSHA

Site Electric Services provides Arc Flash compliance consulting, NFPA 70Eelectrical safety training, and turnkey system modeling for industrial andcommercial clients across:

Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield, Napa, Concord, Martinez,Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

We’ve worked with:

·      Industrial manufacturers

·      School districts and universities

·      Data centers and medical campuses

·      Property managers and facility engineers

If you're planning an Arc Flash Study or updating yoursafety program, let us help you extract the most value from the process. Ourteam delivers efficient field data collection and practical solutions tailoredto your site.

Contact Site Electric Services today to schedule aconsultation or request a proposal: https://www.site-electric.com/contact

‍