Short Circuit & Arc Flash Studies

Electrical switchgear inspected during a short circuit and arc flash study

Short Circuit Coordination & Arc Flash (SCCAF)

Short Circuit Coordination and Arc Flash (SCCAF) studies are essential power systems engineering services that protect people, equipment, and operations from dangerous electrical faults while supporting Code compliance and uptime. Break Engineering provides comprehensive SCCAF studies for commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities across Canada, with a focus on practical, constructible solutions that integrate seamlessly with your electrical design.

Break Engineering is a Winnipeg, Manitoba-based electrical engineering consultancy providing arc flash studies and short circuit analysis across Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. As a locally based, P.Eng.-led firm registered with EGM, PEO, APEGA, and APEGS, we deliver SCCAF studies that meet Canadian code requirements and reflect an understanding of the facilities and regulatory environment in Winnipeg and across the Prairies.

What SCCAF Studies Include

▶ Short-circuit analysis to determine available fault current at each point in the distribution system and verify that switchgear, panelboards, MCCs, and other devices have adequate interrupting and withstand ratings.
▶ Protective device coordination studies to optimize relay, breaker, and fuse settings for selective tripping, minimizing outage impact and improving system reliability.
▶ Consolidated SCCAF reporting with clear recommendations, single-line diagrams (SLD), time-current curves, and mitigation options such as revised settings, protection upgrades, and arc-resistant strategies.

Arc flash hazard analysis using the IEEE 1584 calculation methodology to determine incident energy levels and arc flash boundaries, reported in compliance with CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety requirements to establish required PPE categories for qualified workers.

Safety, Compliance, and Codes

Our SCCAF services support compliance with the Canadian Electrical Code, the National Building Code of Canada, and applicable provincial regulations. Arc flash studies are conducted using the IEEE 1584 arc flash calculation standard and reported per CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety - Canada's primary electrical safety standard governing arc flash requirements, PPE selection, and safety procedures for energized electrical work. We help owners and operators implement engineered electrical safety controls, including properly coordinated protection, documented incident energy levels, and field-applied arc flash labels on switchgear, switchboards, MCCs, panelboards, and control panels.

Deliverables and Implementation

▶ Detailed SCCAF study report summarizing fault levels, device coordination results, and arc flash calculations, supported by model outputs and engineering commentary.
▶ Time-current coordination curves identifying optimized settings to reduce clearing times and, where feasible, lower incident energy at critical equipment.
▶ Arc flash labels indicating incident energy, working distance, arc flash boundary, and minimum PPE level, prepared for application on all in-scope electrical equipment.
▶ Practical mitigation recommendations, such as revised protection settings and equipment upgrades to balance electrical safety, reliability, and project budget.

SCCAF Study Applications

Break Engineering's SCCAF services support new construction, expansions, and retrofit projects requiring short-circuit studies, protective device coordination, and arc flash analysis for commercial, industrial, and mission-critical facilities. Typical applications include data centers, manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, mining operations, and large commercial buildings that demand robust electrical safety, coordinated protection, and compliant arc flash labelling.

SCCAF studies are often performed alongside or following Power & Distribution System design - once the electrical distribution architecture is established, a short-circuit study verifies that all devices have adequate interrupting ratings and that protection is properly coordinated end-to-end. For existing facilities, our Building Assessments frequently identify aging protective devices or undocumented system changes that warrant a full SCCAF study - we can scope both together. Whether you need a standalone SCCAF study or an integrated study as part of a new distribution design, Break Engineering delivers both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an arc flash study for my Winnipeg facility?

Yes. CSA Z462 requires all Canadian facilities with exposed energized electrical equipment to have an arc flash hazard assessment. Whether your facility is in Winnipeg, elsewhere in Manitoba, or across Canada, a Short Circuit & Arc Flash (SCCAF) study is required to determine incident energy levels, establish arc flash boundaries, and select appropriate PPE for qualified workers. Break Engineering provides SCCAF studies for facilities across Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

What is included in a short circuit and arc flash study?

A comprehensive SCCAF study includes short-circuit analysis to determine available fault currents, protective device coordination to optimize breaker and relay settings for selective tripping, arc flash hazard analysis using the IEEE 1584 calculation methodology, and a final report with arc flash labels, incident energy values, arc flash boundaries, and PPE requirements per CSA Z462.

What is the difference between IEEE 1584 and CSA Z462?

IEEE 1584 is the technical standard that defines the calculation methodology for determining arc flash incident energy and boundary distances. CSA Z462 is the Canadian workplace electrical safety standard that mandates when and how arc flash assessments must be performed, what PPE must be worn, and what safety program elements must be in place. Both standards apply to arc flash studies performed for Canadian facilities including those in Winnipeg and Manitoba.

How long does an arc flash study take?

The timeline depends on facility complexity and data availability. A typical commercial building takes two to four weeks from data collection through final report delivery. Large industrial facilities with complex distribution systems may take longer. Break Engineering will provide a project-specific timeline when scoping your SCCAF study.