Professional Certificate of Competency in Arc Flash Protection

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Months
Mode Online
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Closing soon June 2027

Course Overview

The Professional Certificate of Competency in Arc Flash Protection from the Engineering Institute of Technology is designed for electrical engineers and technicians seeking to deepen their understanding of electrical hazards and safety protocols. You will explore the critical dangers of arc flash incidents, their profound impact on personnel and equipment, and the essential strategies for prevention and mitigation. This online, part-time certificate equips you with the knowledge to navigate complex power systems, understand fault current calculations, and implement robust safety measures, making it ideal for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in electrical safety and compliance.

Delivered online over three months on a part-time basis, this certificate course comprises 12 comprehensive modules. You will delve into power system fundamentals, protection strategies, and the intricacies of arc flash studies, referencing key international standards like NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584. The curriculum culminates in a project where you will apply learned principles to calculate arc flash boundaries and prepare hazard warning labels. You will graduate with enhanced practical skills and a certificate from EIT, ready to contribute to safer electrical work environments and advance your career in electrical safety management.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This certificate program provides a comprehensive understanding of arc flash protection, covering electrical hazards, the effects of arc flash events, and fundamental power system concepts. Participants will learn to calculate fault currents, understand power system protection, and explore codes and standards like OSHA and NFPA 70E. The course details the procedures for arc flash studies, data collection, system modeling, and determining hazard risk categories, concluding with methods for reducing arc flash hazards and selecting appropriate personal protective equipment.

1 Module 1: Electrical Hazards

Hazards with examples: electric shock, arc flash events, working at heights, working in confined spaces, fire and explosion, mechanical hazards

2 Module 2: Arc Flash and its Effects

Definitions
Reasons for arc flash events
What really happens in an arc flash event?
Insulation failure/violation of clearances
Arc flash mechanism
Impact on equipment
Hazards to personnel in the vicinity
Burns
Organ damage due to pressure wave
Hearing damage
Shrapnel effects

3 Module 3: Fundamentals of Power Systems

Configurations
Equipment used
System earthing and its role
Protective earthing and its role
Faults and types of faults
Bolted faults and arc faults

4 Module 4: Calculation of Fault Currents

Fundamentals of short circuit calculations
Simplifying assumptions
Ohmic impedance and per unit impedance
Infinite bus
Base KVA of a system and its use in calculations
Network theorems commonly used
Equivalent diagrams
Fault calculation approach for a simple system
Earth faults and the importance of system earthing
Mitigation of fault levels in a system

5 Module 5: Protection in Power Systems

Fundamentals of power system protection
Protection attributes
Protective devices (fuses, built-in release and relays)
Time-current characteristics
Impact of bolted faults on tripping time
I2t: the important factor in deciding the hazards of faults
Commonly used protection approaches

6 Module 6: Arc Flash Studies – Codes and Standards

OSHA 29 C FR – part 1910
National Electrical Code N FPA 70E – standard for electrical safety in the workplace
Safety-related work practices
Installation safety requirements
Table 130.2(C
IEEE Standard 1584
Guide for arc flash hazard analysis
Definitions used in arc flash study

7 Module 7: Arc Flash Study Detailed Procedure

Flash protection approach boundary
Detailed arc flash study
Calculation of working distance and flash boundary as per IEEE Standard 1584

8 Module 8: Data Collection and System Modeling

Data for calculation of fault currents
Modes of operation
Lower short circuit conditions with long tripping times

9 Module 9: Determining Arc Flash Hazard Risk Category

Detailed examples and exercises simplified tables approach
Matrix table
Single line diagram approach
Short circuit study report coordination
Hazard risk category for metal-clad switchgear 1kv and above
NFPA 70E table 130

10 Module 10: Reducing Arc-Flash Hazard

Mitigation of energy by reduced short circuit current and faster protection
Overvoltage protection to reduce insulation failure risk
Reducing the risk of arc flash by better equipment design (clearances, creepage, insulation)
Providing arc vents to direct arc away from operator
Containing internal arc flash by switchgear that is arc resistance
Avoid local operations and live work
Better maintenance practices
Insulation status and PD monitoring
Contacts and joint status-monitoring through thermography

11 Module 11: Personal Protective Equipment Made of FR Clothing

The evolution of Flame Resistant (FR) fabrics
The various types of FR fabrics that are available in the marketplace
FR fabrics and the effects of undergarments
Limitations of FR fabrics
Test method ASTM F 1959
Garment construction standard ASTM F 1506-02a

12 Module 12: Project Work

Apply the principles learned and calculate the arc flash protection boundary and incident energy for a panel and prepare an arc flash label

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 979.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 979.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 641.00 - USD 1,522.00
Food & Groceries USD 6,400.00 - USD 8,000.00
Transport USD 1,061.00 - USD 1,350.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,206.00 - USD 1,359.00
Estimated Total USD 8,667.00 - USD 9,109.00

Living cost estimates are based on Melbourne Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

79%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Beverage Production & DistributionClinical & Medical ServicesCoal & Energy MineralsConsumer Finance & Credit ServicesCustomer Experience & SupportInsurance & Risk ManagementInvestment Management & Asset ManagementMining Technology & InnovationNetworking & Internet ServicesPrecious & Base Metals

Top Employers Hiring for this course

ANZ

Acwa Operations

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)

BHP

Botswana Power Corporation

Cementation Africa

Chevron

Debswana Diamond Company

Why Study Professional Certificate of Competency in Arc Flash Protection at Engineering Institute of Technology

What makes this program stand out

June 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in June 2027

Life at Engineering Institute of Technology in Australia

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Professional Certificate of Competency in Arc Flash Protection at Engineering Institute of Technology

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during breaks in Australia. No separate work permit is necessary.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, you need an IELTS score with a listening score of 5.0, an overall score of 5.5, and at least 5.0 in reading, speaking, and writing. Proficiency in English is essential for success in the course.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue job titles such as Electrical Engineer, Safety Coordinator, Compliance Officer, Arc Flash Analyst, or Electrical Technician.

What will I actually study in this course?

This certificate focuses on electrical hazards and safety protocols, exploring critical dangers of arc flash incidents and prevention strategies. It includes 12 modules covering power system fundamentals and relevant international standards like NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The next intake for the Professional Certificate of Competency in Arc Flash Protection is in June. It's an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills in electrical safety and compliance.
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