Jim Phillips

Playing with fire When I was around 10 years old, I learned the “fine art” of playing with fire. I thought it was amazing to wave my finger directly through a candle flame without being burned. I also learned (the hard way)...

The 2020 Edition of the National Electrical Code and the 2021 Edition of NFPA 70E define the term available fault current as: “The largest amount of current capable of being delivered at a point on the system during a short...

Social distancing, self-quarantining, travel restrictions. It’s no secret, COVID-19 has upended business as usual. Is 2020 over yet? Before I go further, I truly hope this column finds you and your family safe and well during...

My fascination with electricity began as a young boy, and I learned many things the hard way. One lesson involved dismantling an old record player to see how it worked. That was when I learned the famous electrical technician...

2020 NFPA Update The Word of the day: Triennial, tri·en·ni·al /trī 'enē'l/ adjective, happening every three years. Or in the case of NFPA 70E, it means: It’s time again to get ready for the 2021 edition. This article focuses...

Although not an official rule, the “two-second rule” for assumed arc durations originated with the 2002 edition of IEEE 1584—IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. It is also in the 2018 edition of the...

Selecting arc-rated clothing and personal protective equipment for protection from an arc flash hazard can be a confusing task. NFPA 70E lists two different PPE selection methods that can be used as part of an arc flash risk...

Seven decades ago, Edward, an American aerospace engineer, was working on a special Air Force project involving a rocket sled. The sled was hooked up to a series of sensors to measure the G-forces it experienced when hurtling...

I am often asked the question: “Can operating a device such as a fusible switch or circuit breaker cause an arc flash?” The exact answer is that it depends. Learning the hard way A client of a friend in Arizona found out the...

Continuing the topic of major changes from part 1 to the 2018 Edition of IEEE 1584 - IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations, this article explores the effect new electrode configurations have on the...

Since the second edition of IEEE 1584—IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations was published in 2018, many questions concerning the changes and additions have arisen. In particular, many people have wondered...

After last month, we continue to explore the many changes in the 2018 edition of IEEE 1584, Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. When calculating the incident energy and arc flash boundary as part of an arc...