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Incident Energy Studies (Arc Flash Analysis)

An incident energy study — commonly called an arc flash study — measures how much thermal energy would be released at each point in your electrical system during an arc fault, so you know the exact hazard level at every panel. Bowtie Engineering performs these studies to NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910, and IEEE 1584 standards, led by licensed Professional Engineers. You receive incident energy values in cal/cm², calculated arc flash boundaries, required PPE per location, and printed labels for every piece of equipment — the documentation OSHA and your insurer expect to see.

What's included in a Bowtie incident energy study?

Bowtie Engineering’s arc flash assessment process follows NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910, and IEEE 1584 guidelines. Every project is handled by experienced electrical engineers and safety professionals who understand the dangers of arc flash at a practical level.

Each study includes:

We also document where energized electrical equipment presents a high risk, helping you identify special equipment that may require advanced controls or additional protective equipment.

What is an arc flash, and why does it happen?

An arc flash occurs when electrical energy exits its intended path and travels through the air between conductors or from a conductor to the ground. This unplanned arc fault can trigger an explosive force known as an electrical arc flash.

Causes of arc flash incidents include:

Without proper controls and personal protective equipment, workers exposed to these electrical hazards face serious injury. That’s why arc flash safety must be integrated into every facility’s broader safety program and compliance efforts.

How do incident energy studies go beyond compliance?

What’s Included in a Bowtie Arc Flash Study

Bowtie Engineering’s arc flash assessment process follows NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910, and IEEE 1584 guidelines. Every project is handled by experienced electrical engineers and safety professionals who understand the dangers of arc flash at a practical level.

Each study includes:

We also document where energized electrical equipment presents a high risk, helping you identify special equipment that may require advanced controls or additional protective equipment.

Arc Flash Studies That Go Beyond Compliance

Every arc flash incident is different but many are preventable. Bowtie’s arc flash studies are designed to deliver more than compliance paperwork. We help your teams:

With our help, you can map every panel, identify at-risk systems, and train your team to respond confidently even in high-pressure environments.

Bowtie also offers optional arc flash training that goes hand-in-hand with your arc flash study. These instructor-led or proctor-based sessions teach:

All training is aligned with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard and includes documentation of successful completion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main purpose of an arc flash study?

An arc flash study identifies risks in your electrical system and calculates incident energy levels at specific points. This helps determine arc flash boundaries, label panels, and recommend protective equipment.

They uncover hidden electrical hazards and help prevent electrical injuries through proper labeling, documentation, and PPE recommendations.

The study includes field evaluations, fault current calculations, arc flash labels, PPE recommendations, and compliance documentation.

Every 5 years or after major electrical changes, per NFPA 70E. If your system has changed recently, it’s time to reassess.

Yes. We provide recommendations for arc flash mitigation, including remote operation tools, system upgrades, or adjusting working distance.

Cost depends on the size and complexity of your electrical system — primarily the number of buses and pieces of equipment to be modeled, the condition of your existing one-line 

drawings, and site access. Because every facility differs, Bowtie quotes each study individually after a short scoping conversation. Call 866-730-6620 for a quote on your facility.

Timeline depends on facility size and how current your electrical documentation is. Field data collection is scheduled around your operations, and much of it can be performed without a shutdown. Bowtie provides a projected timeline with your quote so you can plan around it. 

In Short

A Bowtie incident energy study (arc flash study) calculates the hazard level at every point in your electrical system and delivers the labels, boundaries, and PPE requirements you need for NFPA 70E and OSHA compliance. Studies are led by licensed Professional Engineers and performed to IEEE 1584 standards for facilities nationwide.