New NFPA-Backed Research Targets DC Arc-Flash Hazards

What happened

The Fire Protection Research Foundation has launched a three-year project focused on improving models for direct-current arc-flash phenomena. NFPA, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton, ABB, and Mersen are supporting the research.

Why it matters

DC power is expanding across data centers, battery energy storage systems, photovoltaic installations, EV infrastructure, and industrial applications. As technicians encounter more high-energy DC systems, reliable arc-flash hazard calculations become increasingly important for risk assessment and safe work planning.

What to know

The project is intended to improve the technical understanding used to calculate DC arc-flash hazards. This is research work, not an immediate change to an NFPA requirement or calculation method, so existing applicable safety requirements and procedures remain in effect.

Source

NFPA / Fire Protection Research Foundation — October 2, 2026
https://www.nfpa.org/en/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2026/fire-protection-research-foundation-leading-dc-arc-flash-research-project

PSA Discussion

Are you seeing more DC arc-flash analysis in BESS, UPS, photovoltaic, or data-center work?