Fast charging stations, fleet depots, and parking lot charging sites rely on a high-power AC supply infrastructure, often a substation. The charger itself converts AC power to DC at levels of hundreds of volts. Therefore, arc flash study at the charging site consists of two separate parts: AC and DC.

Critical equipment at the charging station.

• Transformer substation and charging area main distribution panel
• Sub-distribution panels that power the chargers
• Power cabinets for DC fast chargers
• Battery storage system and solar power plant on site, if any.

Calculation approach

IEEE 1584-2018 defines incident energy calculations for three-phase AC systems at voltages between 208 V and 15 kV and frequencies of 50/60 Hz. Single-phase and DC systems are not included in the model; the standard only refers to methods in the literature (Ammerman, Das, Doan, Klement) for DC (clauses 4.11 and 4.12). AC supply panels of the charging site are calculated within this scope.

DC components (battery banks, DC side of inverters, PV arrays, DC distribution) are not calculated using IEEE 1584. In these components, incident energy is calculated separately using DC methods from the literature and reported separately from AC results; the method and assumptions used are clearly stated in the report. Manufacturer data (DC output voltage, breakdown current contribution, protection elements) is required for the internal components of DC fast chargers.

Data required in charging field study

• Charging site single-line diagram and transformer data.
• Brand, model, power, and quantity of chargers.
• Charger manufacturer's technical data regarding the DC side.
• Battery storage and solar power plant data, if available.

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Reducing incident energy

The calculation results are used not only for selecting PPE but also for reducing risk at its source. The report provides panel-specific recommendations; commonly applied methods include:

• Reconfiguring protection settings to take incident energy into account.
• Fast-trip (maintenance mode) settings enabled during maintenance.
• Arc detection relays (light and current sensing)
• Remote switching and remote racking of withdrawable breakers.
• Current limiting protection elements in charger power supplies.

De-energized work always comes first; energized work is permitted only when justified and under an energized electrical work permit.

The scope of AES Innovation

We conduct arc flash analysis end-to-end, including data collection, modeling, incident energy calculation, reporting, and labeling. Reports can be prepared in Turkish, English, or bilingually. For general process and pricing factors, please contact us. arc flash analysis and labeling You can check out our page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the inside of the charger also labeled?

The AC panels supplying power to the charger are labeled. The internal DC components of the device are evaluated separately using manufacturer data; maintenance of these components is generally carried out according to the manufacturer's procedures.

Are chargers of the same model calculated individually?

Devices of the same model connected to the same power supply and with the same protection can be grouped together.

What happens if there is battery storage on site?

The battery system is modeled as a separate DC source, and its results are reported separately.