Arc Flash Analysis

A Conversation with Jesse Walker, Electrical Technician at Guidant Power Most people never see the precise, solitary work that goes into preventing electrical accidents. Yet for technicians like Jesse Walker, that behind-the-scenes diligence is a way of life. Jesse travels across the country conducting field data collection for arc flash analyses, ensuring that every hazard label Guidant Power produces is built on precise, firsthand information. Jesse wearing arc rated PPE We

Every few years, facilities ask us the same question: “Why isn’t the update a fraction of the original price? Can’t you just rerun the old data?” It’s a fair question. And the answer is important for leaders, EHS managers, facility teams, and anyone responsible for electrical safety. Arc flash studies aren’t “one-and-done.” NFPA 70E and NFPA 70B both require a review at least every five years — and the reasons are practical, not bureaucratic. Electrical systems drift, utiliti

By Jesse Walker, Electrical Technician at Guidant Power When I board a 6 a.m. flight on Monday, my luggage isn’t exactly typical. Two 50-lb checked bags, a duffel, and a backpack. By Friday, those labels will be on energized equipment across a facility I’d never seen on Monday morning. That’s the job: travel, observe, document, verify, and keep people safe. My Background I’ve been an electrician since high school. Years in residential and commercial work, then a decade on the

NEC 2026 Section 110.16 update series You see an arc flash label on a piece of equipment — it looks professional, durable, and official. But can you trust the numbers printed on it? As the NEC 2026 Section 110.16 update expands labeling requirements , more equipment will carry arc flash stickers. Unfortunately, not all of them are based on valid engineering data. A label applied without proper calculations is worse than useless, because it gives a false sense of safety. This

NEC 2026 Section 110.16 update series The 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) introduces major updates to Section 110.16 – Arc-Flash Hazard Marking, broadening the range of electrical equipment that must display arc-flash hazard labels. a Guidant Power arc flash label Hazard Labels Now Required on a Wider Variety of Equipment In previous NEC editions, labeling was only required on service equipment or feeder-supplied equipment rated 1,000 amps or higher. Under

When budgets get tight, safety programs often get pushed to the back burner. corporate executives discussing safety budgets Arc flash...

Proactive assessment protects your people and your business, it prevents injuries or fatalities, and also avoids costly downtime.

Everyday scenarios—and how to stay safe when the stakes are high Imagine this: you’ve operated the same equipment safely for 20 years....

When customers see a different label on one MCC door, they often question whether it's an error. Beware it may not be a mistake but may indicate the presence of a component that increases the arc flash hazard.

480V systems are among the most dangerous when it comes to arc flash. It’s not just the voltage—it’s the perfect combination of high fault current and sustained clearing time that makes 480V the “sweet spot” for serious incidents. Learn what makes it so hazardous and how to protect your team.

When you get a quote for an arc flash analysis, it’s tempting to look for alternatives. But shortcuts like table methods or extra PPE don’t guarantee safety or compliance.

Presenting Jouleene, our new team member, ready to help 24/7!

Trying to determine arc flash PPE using NFPA 70E’s Category tables is tricky, and mistakes are likely. Learn why incident energy calculations are better for determining arc flash protection.

Guidance to avoid severe injuries or fatalities caused by electrical arcs.

What is MAFC (Maximum Available Fault Current) and why is vital to understand it.