When using IEEE 1584 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations for the incident energy analysis method, available fault currents should be calculated for all the various scenarios, such as different switch scenarios and motors running and not running scenarios.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Only some scenarios

Answer: (A)

Arc-flash incident energy depends on the available fault current at the fault location, and that current changes with how the system is configured. In the IEEE 1584 method, you model each plausible configuration—different switch positions, motors running or not, feeders connected or opened—and calculate the available fault current for that exact setup. This is necessary because starting a motor or changing a switch state can dramatically affect the fault current, which in turn affects the calculated incident energy. By evaluating multiple representative scenarios, you identify the highest energy the system could present, ensuring the PPE and labeling reflect the worst-case condition. So yes, available fault currents should be calculated for all the various scenarios to get an accurate and safe assessment.