Arc Flash Labels
NFPA 70E Labels

The NFPA 70E code requires that electrical equipment installed after January 2002 be labeled to communicate the existence of an arc flash hazard. (In Canada CSA-Z462 applies.)

Currently nothing more is required by the NFPA or NEC arc flash code.

Recommendations: We suggest the label include more information about the specific hazard and required PPE. This will provide employees, vendors and contractors with the information they need, right at the point of need.

Set A Standard and Stick To It: Since there are no standards for arc flash label design, you can create your own standard or utilize formats created by label printer manufacturers. However, you should establish a standard so that the same format is used throughout your facility, or better yet your entire company. This will help prevent confusion, and communicate the information on your labels and signs more effectively.

DuraLabel Printer & DuraLabel Supplies

The printer shown at the top of this page is the DuraLabel Pro. It comes with arc flash database software, as well as Microsoft Word templates for arc flash labels.

We've been serving the labeling needs of industry, government, military, nonprofit and educational institutions since 1970. Our business is based on long-term relationships built s a result of our outstanding customer service, quality products and outstanding values.

NFPA 70E & Arc Flash

What Is NFPA 70E? Anyone working near energized electrical equipment or circuits, including employees, vendors and subcontractors, must implement the requirements of NFPA 70E, including the provision to provide training and the protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by the 2000 Edition of NFPA 70E for anyone working within the flash protection boundary of exposed electrical circuit parts.

What Requirements Are In The NFPA 70E Code? NFPA 70E describes safety-related work practices to be used if electrically live components have not been placed in an electrically safe work condition. The application of these requirements are expected to reduce the severity of or eliminate the likelihood of accident/injury. They focus on eliminating or reducing electrical hazards; providing training for those exposed to electrical hazards; having an effective electrical safety program; and ensuring only electrically qualified workers are in potentially dangerous areas, and those workers wear the required type of protective clothing.

NFPA 70 also requires the labeling of electrical equipment installed after January 2002 with a hazard warning labels for arc flash hazards. The arc flash warning labels communicate information to qualified electrical workers about potential electrical arc flash hazards and related safety requirements.

What is arc flash? - Visit our free online introductory tutorial.

Understanding NFPA 70E - An Arc Flash Glossary

Electrically Qualified Worker -- A worker who has been determined to have the skill, knowledge, and abilities to safely perform the electrical work which they have been assigned--whether it be construction, maintenance or inspection..

Flash Hazard -- A dangerous condition associated with the potential for the rapid release of energy caused by an electrical arc that suddenly and violently changes material(s) into a vapor.

Flash Protection Boundary -- This boundary is the closest anyone may approach without the use of PPE.

Limited Shock Approach Boundary -- This boundary may only be crossed by an electrical qualified worker. A person who is not "electrically qualified" may cross this boundary when accompanied by a "qualified" worker.

Restricted Shock Approach Boundary - This boundary may only be crossed by an "electrically qualified" person who is using adequate PPE, shock prevention equipment and techniques.

The above boundaries should be posted on the related equipment using arc flash labels. There is no required standard for arc flash label design, however you should use a standard established for your facilities so as to make the information on arc flash labels quick and easy to read.

Learn About Arc Flash Labels

Arc Flash Poses a Very Serious Hazard.

Below: This picture was taken at a government laboratory that had an arc flash accident. The outline of the worker's knee in the arc flash shadow can be seen on the insulating mat.

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To find more labeling information please visit our label printer site map | What Is Arc Flash?

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