Duluth Ore Dock Arc Flash Study

In accordance with NFPA 70E’s five-year reassessment requirement, JBW Consulting Engineers was hired on to conduct a comprehensive arc flash study update for a local ore dock facility in Duluth, MN. The study aimed to enhance electrical hazard awareness, improve system protection, and ensure compliance with industry safety standards through incident energy analysis, short circuit evaluation, and relay coordination.

JBW partnered with another local contractor to conduct on-site data collection, verifying protective device settings, and power distribution layout. Key project tasks included single-line diagram updates from 13.8KV utility feed down to individual low-voltage loads. Short-circuit and coordination analysis, identifying available short-circuit current at each bus location in SKM. Arc flash incident energy calculations using IEEE 1584-2018 within SKM. Arc flash labeling and compliance documentation, including updated hazard labels and reports. Utility coordination was done with Minnesota Power to ensure accurate data for our facility SKM model.

This project presented its fair share of challenges that we were able to provide solutions for. Due to the previous SKM model being unavailable, JBW built the SKM model from scratch by using one-lines and equipment walkdowns. Site access required TSA’s TWIC credentials and site visits to align with ship schedules. In addition, we verified protective device settings and relay coordination with as-built data collection.

Removing barriers is more than just words on a wall, it’s a mission we strive to provide for every project we work on. Our client can now utilize the updated one-lines for future upgrades and maintenance with more confidence. They are now able to prioritize the replacement of old protective equipment that helps mitigate arc flash incident injuries. The client has documented NFPA 70E compliance with updated SKM model, report, and field warning labels. Electricians working at this facility can be more confident in their PPE choices while working in the field referencing the updated arc flash hazard warning labels.

While the project stemmed from a reassessment requirement, the project wasn’t just about compliance alone. It was about creating a safer working environment and ensuring long-term system reliability. JBW was able to remove barriers and provide this local ore dock facility with valuable system insights for ongoing facility management and future improvements.