Tables 130.7(C)(15)(a), (b), and (c) may be used in lieu of an incident energy analysis. What analysis do these tables replace?

• A. Incident energy analysis
• B. Flash boundary calculation
• C. Voltage drop calculation
• D. Thermal analysis

Answer: (A)

These tables are a shortcut for arc flash assessment. They give pre-calculated incident energy values and the corresponding flash protection boundary for common equipment configurations, voltages, available fault current, and clearing times. When your situation matches one of the table entries, you can skip performing a detailed, calculation-heavy incident energy analysis and directly determine the incident energy (to pick PPE) and the boundary distance from the table. That’s why these tables are used in lieu of an incident energy analysis. If the equipment or conditions don’t fit the table, you’d need to do the full incident energy calculation. The other options aren’t what’s being replaced; the tables specifically streamline the incident energy determination (and provide boundary guidance).