Holcim Albion Park Arc Flash Study
Customer: Holcim Albion Park Quarry, Croom NSW
Project type: Electrical Engineering
Standard: IEEE Std 1584-2018 / NFPA 70E / AS/NZS 3000
Touchstone Systems was engaged by Holcim to conduct a comprehensive arc flash and protection coordination study for the electrical network at Albion Park Quarry. The study involved developing a complete SKM Power Tools (PTW) electrical model, covering the full network from the high voltage point of connection through to low voltage switchboards, motor control centres, and distribution boards across the entire site.
The arc flash study determined incident energy levels at every bus location across the site, with results categorised across five PPE hazard levels to define the minimum personal protective equipment required for personnel working on or near energised equipment. The protection coordination study assessed the selectivity and interaction of all protective devices across the network, presented as Time-Current Characteristic (TCC) curves.
Key deliverables included:
- Development of a full-site SKM PTW electrical network model from HV supply through to LV distribution, informed by site audits conducted by Touchstone Engineers and data provided by Endeavour Energy
- Arc flash incident energy calculations for all bus locations across the site’s four transformer networks, with results classified against five PPE categories in accordance with IEEE 1584-2018
- Immediate recommendations for protection setting changes on several circuits to reduce arc flash hazard levels.
- Protection coordination analysis across TX1–TX4 networks, identifying MCCB discrimination issues with general recommendations for trip curve setting adjustments to prevent nuisance upstream tripping
- Arc flash equipment labelling requirements in accordance with NFPA 70E, Article 130.5
The completed report provides Holcim with a site-wide arc flash hazard register and a clear set of prioritised recommendations to support personnel safety, regulatory compliance, and ongoing electrical safety management at the quarry.
