Incident Energy Analysis Method

The Incident Energy Analysis Method for selecting appropriate PPE requires a detailed electrical analysis of the equipment. A series of calculations determines the incident energy at the prescribed working distance that a worker would be exposed to in the event of an arc flash. Employers are required to perform these analyses if an arc hazard is likely to exist and if the PPE Category Method (Tables Method) cannot be used.

The selected PPE ensemble must have an Arc Thermal Protection Value (ATPV) that is rated equal to or greater than the incident energy (calculated in cal/cm2).