Engineering & Architectural Services
Service
Arc Flash
& Electrical System Study
Industry Leading expertise
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Kitchell: A Trusted Partner in Electrical Safety
Who We Are
While Kitchell is widely recognized as a leader in construction management, what truly sets us apart is the technical depth of our in-house Engineering and Architectural Services (EAS) Department. This multidisciplinary team includes licensed architects, engineers, commissioning professionals, estimators, BIM specialists, and mission-critical facility experts. For over 35 years, this group has delivered value far beyond traditional CM services, particularly in the area of electrical risk management.
One of our key differentiators is our ability to self-perform Arc Flash Studies, an essential service for ensuring electrical safety, regulatory compliance, and operational continuity in any facility.
Kitchell provided electrical engineering services to obtain power system studies, including arc flash risk and shock risk assessment, and thermographic surveys of electrical equipment across all campus buildings, the 12 KV distribution system, and additional buildings off campus which are part of University Housing and the University Farm. The power system studies cover equipment from the service entrance switchboard down to the panelboard level and extends to disconnect switches at HVAC equipment and other large motors such as elevators. The scope of work to prepare for the studies included a visual inspection of equipment for damage and visible code deficiencies, documentation of all equipment and conductors, and development of a Distribution System Model in ETAP analysis software.
Completion Date: June 2023
Relevant Project Experience
California State University, Chico
Arc Flash Study - Chico, CA
7
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
Our Team
The Minds Driving Innovation
Heather Brown, pe, leed ap
Engineering & Architectural
Services Executive
Sergio Rodriguez,
PE, Assoc. DBIA , LEED AP BD+C
Engineering & Architectural
Services Operations Manager
Gerald Neuffer,
PE, LEED AP O+M, CRM
Senior Registered Electrical Engineer
Kitchell Headquarters
2450 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 500
Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 648.9700
Engineering & Architectural Services
www.Kitchell.com
Golden 1 Credit Union Headquarters
Arc Flash Study - Sacramento, CA
Kitchell conducted an arc flash hazard study for the Golden 1 Headquarters facility including a short circuit study and a coordination study to determine arc flash hazard boundaries and incident arc flash energy levels at electrical distribution equipment at the Labcyte Facility. Scope of work included visual inspection of equipment for damage and visible code deficiencies, development of a Distribution System Model in ETAP analysis software, determination of Shock Hazard Boundaries and printing and installation of arc flash labels.
Completion Date: October 2024
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
6
Illumina Inc.
Arc Flash Study - Hayward, CA
Kitchell provided an arc flash hazard study for a 100,000 SF research/laboratory/office site consisting of two buildings. The electrical system consisted of approximately 100 components which needed to be analyzed for their arc flash hazard potential. Our scope of work included a site investigation to obtain all necessary data, an analysis using ETAP software to determine the arc flash hazard at each piece of equipment, and a report summarizing our findings with recommendations for adjustments to existing overcurrent protective devices.
Completion Date: February 2021
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
5
Vision Service Plan
Northern California Arc Flash Studies - Various, CA
Kitchell provided electrical engineering services for five buildings totaling 480,000 SF providing comprehensive information, documentation, analysis, and recommendations based on an electrical assessment, arc flash study, fault current study, and a protective device coordination study of existing electrical systems at Headquarters 1 through 5. The power system studies cover equipment from the service entrance switchboard down to the panelboard level and extends to disconnect switches at HVAC equipment and other large motors such as elevators. The scope of work to prepare for the studies included a visual inspection of equipment for damage and visible code deficiencies, documentation of all equipment and conductors, and development of a Distribution System Model in ETAP analysis software.
Completion Date: July 2021
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
4
Labcyte
Arc Flash Study & Report - San Jose, CA
Kitchell conducted an arc flash hazard study for a 60,000 SF office/laboratory facility including a short circuit study and a coordination study to determine arc flash hazard boundaries and incident arc flash energy levels at electrical distribution equipment at the Labcyte Facility. Scope of work included visual inspection of equipment for damage and visible code deficiencies, development of a Distribution System Model in ETAP analysis software, determination of Shock Hazard Boundaries and printing and installation of arc flash labels.
Completion Date: September 2020
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
3
Marin County - Center Campus & Fairgrounds
Electrical Assessment & Arc Flash Study - San Rafael, CA
Kitchell provided electrical engineering services for six buildings totaling 80,000 SF providing comprehensive information, documentation, analysis and recommendations based on an electrical assessment, load study, electrical as-builts and an arc flash study of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium (VMA), Exhibit Hall, Concessions Building, Shop Building, Fairgrounds, Fair Storage Building and Lagoon Park. The information obtained from the electrical investigation was used to perform an arc flash study for all switchboards, panelboards and Motor Control Centers.
Completion Date: May 2021
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
2
Marin County Civic Center
Arc Flash Study - San Rafael, CA
Kitchell provided electrical engineering services for a 470,000 SF building, providing comprehensive information, documentation, analysis and recommendations based on an electrical assessment, load study, electrical as-builts and an arc flash study of the Civic Center. The information obtained from the electrical investigation was used to perform an arc flash study for all switchboards, panelboards, disconnect switches, motor control centers, transformers, switchgears, automatic transfer switches, variable frequency drives, UPS equipment and generators.
Completion Date: November 2022
Project Team:
Heather Brown, Milutin Backovich, Gerald Neuffer, Sergio Rodriguez
1
Understanding Arc Flash Risk
An Arc Flash is a dangerous release of electrical energy that occurs when current travels through the air between conductors. These events produce intense heat, pressure, and light—and can cause severe injury, equipment damage, or even facility shutdowns.
To protect personnel and meet regulatory requirements, Arc Flash Studies are mandated by NFPA 70E and enforced by OSHA. These studies measure the potential energy of an arc event at each piece of electrical equipment and assign appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) levels. The results are displayed through warning labels placed on panels, gear, and boards, helping workers take proper precautions before performing electrical work.
Why Kitchell?
Integration into Project Delivery
For new construction, arc flash requirements are typically embedded in electrical specifications and processed as formal submittals. Kitchell’s CM teams ensure these studies are completed, reviewed, and implemented per contract documents.
For existing facilities, our in-house Facilities Management team can align arc flash updates with ongoing preventive maintenance cycles. The absence of arc flash labels often signals a reactive maintenance approach—something Kitchell helps clients correct with lasting solutions.
Why Kitchell?
Arc flash studies are not just about compliance—they’re about protecting lives, reducing liability, and preserving operational continuity. Kitchell delivers more than a report—we deliver a trusted process backed by technical depth, regulatory knowledge, and hands-on implementation.
With 75 years of industry leadership and a track record of success across hundreds of facilities, Kitchell is your trusted partner for managing electrical risk—safely, efficiently, and reliably.
Arc Flash
Kitchell’s Turnkey Arc Flash Services
Our Scope of Services
Over the past 30 years, Kitchell has performed electrical system studies for more than 200 facilities spanning public, commercial, and educational sectors. Notably, we completed a major arc flash program for Chico State University, covering over 150 buildings and more than 2,000 panels across an 18-month period. This project highlighted our ability to manage large, complex systems across decentralized campuses—an approach easily scalable to other environments.
We’ve also supported clients such as the County of Marin, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and others across California, Texas, New York, and Washington.
Experience Across Industries
Many clients extend their arc flash efforts into broader system safety and optimization initiatives. Kitchell offers:
Short Circuit Studies To verify that equipment can withstand fault currents without failure.
Coordination Studies To ensure protective devices function in proper sequence, minimizing unnecessary outages.
Infrared Thermography Coordination We work with trusted partners to scan for overheating components and loose connections during inspections.
These services can be bundled with arc flash studies for greater system insight and preventive value.
Beyond Arc Flash: Comprehensive Electrical Risk Management
Unlike many firms that outsource these studies, Kitchell manages the full process in-house through our Engineering & Architectural Services Department. This ensures a streamlined, accountable, and technically sound approach from start to finish.
From data acquisition to label installation, Kitchell maintains complete ownership of the process—delivering accurate results and clear, actionable insights.
Site Assessment: Field visits with trained electricians to gather key electrical data from switchboards, panelboards, and major equipment.
Data Collection & Modeling: We update single-line diagrams and input system information into ETAP software for accurate simulation and analysis.
Engineering Analysis: Our engineers conduct arc flash, short circuit, and coordination studies to evaluate the electrical system under fault conditions.
Reporting: We develop draft and final reports that include arc flash hazard calculations, device settings, and coordination curves. Client feedback is incorporated before finalization.
Labeling: Arc flash hazard labels are printed and installed by Kitchell staff, ensuring compliance with NFPA 70E and OSHA standards.
Revisions: Address owner comments and feedback on the draft report before preparing the final version.
Ongoing Support: We walk clients through the results, assist with PPE planning, and support future upgrades and maintenance coordination.
