Arc Flash Studies
We help clients identify electrical hazards, understand system risk, and make safer, more informed decisions with practical arc flash studies built around real-world facility conditions.
An arc flash study helps facilities better understand the potential energy released during an electrical fault and the hazard that may exist for personnel working on or near energized equipment. At SOMOS, we approach arc flash studies as more than a compliance exercise. We see them as an opportunity to help clients better understand their electrical system, identify gaps in available information, and improve the safety and reliability of how their systems are operated and maintained.
For heavy industrial facilities, arc flash information is only useful if it reflects the system as it actually exists in the field. That is why our approach focuses on practical data gathering, system understanding, and results that can support real decision-making.
What is an arc flash study?
An arc flash study evaluates electrical equipment and system conditions to estimate the incident energy that could be present during an arc fault event. The study helps determine the level of hazard at different pieces of equipment and supports safer work practices, labeling, and planning.
In simple terms, it helps answer questions like:
- Where are the highest hazards in the system?
- Does the available information still reflect the current electrical system?
- What equipment may require updated labeling or further review?
- Are there opportunities to reduce risk through system changes or better coordination?
When facilities typically need an arc flash study
Facilities often need an arc flash study when:
- Existing labels are outdated
- One-line diagrams do not reflect current conditions
- Equipment has been added, replaced, or modified
- Protective device settings have changed
- The facility wants better visibility into electrical hazards and system condition
- Per NFPA 70E Article 130.5G, the arc flash risk assessment shall be reviewed periodically, at intervals not to exceed 5 years.
In many facilities, the challenge is not just whether a study was done at one time. The challenge is whether the study still reflects the current system.
What SOMOS evaluates
Our arc flash study work is built around understanding the system as it exists today. Depending on the project, our work may include review of:
- one-line diagrams
- available utility and fault current information
- equipment nameplate data
- breaker, fuse, relay, and protective device information
- system configuration and operating scenarios
- field conditions that affect the analysis
- available documentation and identified data gaps
Our goal is to provide results that are technically sound and practically useful, while also helping clients see where missing or outdated information may limit confidence in the current system record.
What clients receive
Depending on project scope, clients may receive:
- modeled arc flash results
- equipment-specific hazard information
- updated or recommended labeling information
- identified documentation gaps
- prioritized recommendations
- technical support to help interpret findings and next steps
We believe the value of a study is not only in the final report, but in helping the client better understand their system and what actions matter most.
Why SOMOS
SOMOS brings a practical heavy industrial perspective to arc flash work. We understand that industrial facilities are often dealing with aging infrastructure, changing field conditions, incomplete documentation, and limited outage windows. That reality matters.
Our approach is grounded in:
- practical understanding of industrial electrical systems
- appreciation for field conditions and constructability
- awareness of how outages and operations affect execution
- a focus on actionable results, not just technical paperwork
Common issues we often see
In many facilities, common issues include:
- outdated one-line diagrams
- undocumented field modifications
- incomplete protective device information
- equipment labels that may no longer reflect system conditions
- gaps between historical records and current installation
Identifying these issues is often one of the most valuable parts of the process.