Arc Flash & Electrical Safety: Changes to the NEC Require More Arc Flash Labeling

Friday, December 22, 2006

Changes to the NEC Require More Arc Flash Labeling

The following is from IAEI Magazine (International Association of Electrical Inspectors). It provides an overall analysis of changes to Part 1 of NEC-2008. Included in those changes is a change to the labeling requirements for arc flash hazards.

The specific revision is to Article 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations. It is identified as Revision: 110.16 Flash Protection. The modified language states: "Electrical equipment such as… shall be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards."

This revision broadens the requirement for labeling. The IAEI article states: "Previous requirements of this section were limited only to the types of equipment actually identified in the rule. By including the words, 'equipment such as' the concept of applicability is expanded to all equipment types that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized. This requirement applies to items such as enclosed circuit breakers, some transformers, and other equipment not specifically included in the previous text."

A second revision related to arc flash labeling puts a specific limitation on the types of dwellings covered by arc flash labeling requirements. It differentiates between apartment complexes, which are required to label arc flash hazards, and one and two family homes, which are not required to have arc flash labeling--although the hazard may still exist. Please read the IAEI article for the details of all the modifications to the NEC.

Labels: NEC - Arc Flash Hazards