![]() ![]() The distance at which an electrical arc can flash outward, which may endanger employees working on electrical equipment, where up to second degree burns are likely to occur.Ī. Once an arc flash risk assessment has been conducted, in which the arc flash boundary, the incident energy at the working distance and the personal protective equipment required has been determined, Article 130.5 (C) in the 2015 edition of NFPA 70E further dictates that the label must contain these important elements:Ī value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (e.g. When necessary, an overlaminate should be applied to protect the printed surface from harsh chemicals and exposure to sunlight. This means that the print should not fade and the adhesive should be aggressive enough to avoid peeling. It is also important to note that arc flash labels must be able to withstand their usage environment. A commonly used guideline is to use a red “Danger” header when the voltage is over 600 volts or when the incident energy is over 40 cals/cm2. Neither the NFPA 70E nor the NEC requirements specify whether to use a “Danger” or “Warning” header however, NFPA 70E does recommend identifying those situations in which there is a hazard to the worker. Currently there is not a widely-accepted symbol for indicating an arc flash hazard. ![]() Thus it is recommended that the header, message and pictogram, if used, be formatted according to ANSI standards. In Article 130.7(E)(1), the NFPA 70E standard further notes that the design and formatting of the labels should conform with ANSI Z535 Series of Standards For Safety Signs & Tags. ![]() What needs to appear on the label?Īrticle 110.16 in the NEC states that relevant electrical equipment shall be “field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards.” The key point is that the label should be easily noticeable by workers before they may be exposed to any potentially dangerous live parts. In some cases, companies choose to put the label inside the door to protect it from harsh environments however, this should only be done if the door must be opened (allowing the label to be seen) in order to remove the panel face or enclosure. Typically, the label is placed outside the panel or enclosure door. According to NFPA 70E, 130.The NEC requirement states that the marking must be in a location that is clearly visible to qualified persons before they begin work. The labels are required to meet the NEC 2014 111.21(B) code which states that where caution, warning, or danger labels are required, they must meet three requirements (the use of effective words, colors or symbols). Warning Labels should be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of equipment and contain enough information for them to select procedures and PPE. The NEC code has been amended in the 2014 update with clarification to include “switchgear”. These requirements are specified in the 2014 NEC 110.16 code and state that “all switchboards, panel boards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers” be labeled. NEC Article 110.9 states that “Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels shall have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage sufficient for the current that is available at the line terminals of the equipment.”Īn important safety objective of an Arc Flash Risk Assessment is to inform workers of the risk of an arc flash potential by labeling electrical equipment.
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