Technical Articles

Jim Phillips - Electrical Safety Discussion

Welcome to the Brainfiller Technical Library.

This is the place to find technical articles and information developed by Jim Phillips. Everything from Electrical Power Systems, Arc Flash, Electrical Safety, IEEE 1584, National Electrical Code, NFPA 70E and more!
This material is compiled from Jim’s more than 40 years of experience in the electrical industry along with his leadership positions in both United States and International Standards organizations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is No Substitute for Knowledge

Artificial Intelligence is no Substitute for Knowledge! The Risks of Misinformation in Electrical Safety: The Role of AI and Online Resources Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force

NFPA 70E 110.3 (J) Incident Investigations

The purpose of these investigations is not only to determine the root cause but also to refine work practices, update operating procedures, and, in some cases, suggest design modifications.

2026 NEC and Dates on Arc Flash Labels – Update

2026 NEC and Dates on Arc Flash Labels – Update Although the 2026 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is still a work in progress as of writing this

Electrical Design and CYA – “Suspected” Electrical Fire

Electrical Design and CYA – “Suspected” Electrical Fire Fire Scene Examination Report I’m sure you have heard the acronym CYA before. Cover your…. I mentioned CYA quite a bit in

Safety by Design: A Technique That Incorporates Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment

Safety by Design: A Technique That Incorporates Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment Most electrical power systems are considered “legacy” systems, meaning they are older and may not utilize the latest

arc flash label, incident energy, ieee 1584, nfpa 70e

Date on the Arc Flash (Equipment) Label?

Date on the Arc Flash Label? A common question that I receive during both my NFPA 70E and Arc Flash/IEEE 1584 classes: Is the date required to be the arc

Questions about arc flash, electrical safety, NFPA70E and IEEE1584

Arc Flash Studies – Confused?

Arc Flash Studies – Confused? It has been over 20 years since IEEE 1584, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations turns was first introduced to the world on September

2024 NFPA 70E Updates by Jim Phillips and Brainfiler. Learn about the new changes to this very important electrical safety standard.

2024 NFPA 70E: Major Changes

Jim Phillips, P.E. 2024 NFPA 70E Changes and Refresher Training Register for Jim Phillips’ 8 Hour 2024 NFPA 70E Changes and Refresher Training! February 13 – 14, 2024 April 24

Electric Current through Tissue and Air – Shock and Arc Flash Hazards

Electric Current through Tissue and Air Shock and Arc Flash Hazards Figure 1: Absence of voltage tester | Panduit Corp. Basic electrical theory is that the greater the load is,

The 2022 Edition of IEEE 1584.1 was just published

2022 IEEE 1584.1 Just Published!

I’m happy to announce the latest Edition of IEEE 1584.1 “IEEE Guide for the Specification of Scope and Deliverable Requirements for an Arc-Flash Hazard Calculation Study in Accordance with IEEE

Fig. 4 Staged Arc Flash Test

How to Perform an Arc Flash Study – Part 5 Incident Energy and Arc Flash Boundary Calculations

The final part of this series examines incident energy and arc flash boundary calculations for the 480V panelboard example used in this series. IEEE 1584—IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash

Figure 1 - TCC basics

How to Perform an Arc Flash Study – Part 4 Arc Duration and Time Current Curves

The duration of an arc flash is typically defined by how long it takes an upstream overcurrent device to operate and clear the fault. This requires using the device’s time

International Expert​

Jim is the International Chair of Geneva, Switzerland based International Electro-Technical Commission’s TC 78 for Live Working. He is also Vice-Chair of IEEE 1584, Technical Committee Member of NFPA 70E and active with many other standards organizations. 

He continues to travel the globe typically flying over 150,000 miles a year to work with various U.S. and international standards organizations and speak at many conferences and training events.

Jim and his wife of over four decades live in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

Multi-Award Winning: Best Paper at PCIC Conference and Electrical Safety Excellence recipient - to name a few.