Arc Flash and NFPA 70E

Presented by: J.D. Kyle

Safe Work Practices

OSHA 1910.333 (a) (1)

not to work “hot” or “live” except :

1. De energizing introduces additional
or increased hazards – Emerg systems, Life
Support.
2. Infeasible due to equipment
design or operational
limitations - troubleshooting

Wearing Proper PPE?

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 Electrical Arc Molten Metal
35,000 °F

Pressure Waves

Sound Waves

Copper Vapor: Shrapnel

Solid to Vapor
Expands by
67,000 times Hot Air-Rapid Expansion

Intense Light

2012 NFPA 70 E
Responsibility 105.3

Responsibility:
The employer shall provide the safety
related work practices and shall train
the employee, who shall implement
them

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 110.2 (A) Safety Training
• For employees who face electrical risk that has
not been de-energized. Employees shall be
trained to:
– Understand specific hazards associated with
electrical energy
– Trained in safety related work practices
– Procedural requirements
– Trained to identify & understand relationship
between electrical hazards and possible injury

110.2 (D)(1) Qualified Person

Qualified Person- Shall be trained and

knowledgeable of the construction & operation of
equipment or specific work method and be
trained to recognize and avoid the electrical
hazards that might be present with respect to that
equipment or work method.

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 110.2 (D)(1) Qualified Person. Continued
(a) Such persons shall also be familiar with the
proper use of special precautionary techniques
-PPE including arc flash suit
-insulating and shielding material
-insulated tools
-and test equipment
A person can be qualified with respect to certain
equipment and methods but still be unqualified
for others

110.2 (D)(1) Qualified Person. Continued

(b)(4) Decision-making process necessary to

determine the degree and extend of the hazard
and the ppe and job planning necessary to
perform the task safely

Note: Re-training shall be performed at intervals not

to exceed 3 years

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 ARC Flash
• 3 Main Factors Determining an Arc Flash
– Available Energy (Ka)
– Distance (inches)
– Time (sec) (cycles)
=Incident Energy=CAL/CM2

11 Cal FR vs. Std Cotton non FR

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25 cal/cm2 suit vs. std non FR plus non
FR denim = ~5 cal

ARC FLASH ANALYSIS

• An arc flash hazard analysis shall determine
the arc flash boundary, the incident energy at
the working distance and the ppe people
within the arc flash boundary shall use.

• Exception: The requirements of 130.7(c)(15)

and 130.7(c)(16) shall be permitted in lieu of
determining the incident energy at the
working distance

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 Table 130.7(c)(16)
Protective Clothing and PPE
Hazard Risk Category Clothing Cal/cm2
(HRC)
0 Nonmelting flammable Nonmelting clothing at least 4.5
(untreated cotton, wool, rayon oz
etc with a fabric weight of at
least 4.5 oz
1 Arc-rated FR shirt and FR pants Minimum Arc Rating of 4
or coveralls
2 Arc rated FR shirt and FR pants Minimum arc rating of 8
or coveralls
3 Arc rated FR system to meets Minimum Arc Rating of 25
required minimum
4 Arc rated system meets Minimum Arc Rating of 40
required minimum

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 Work Scope
• Install and verify Phase rotation on line side of
a 480 Volt 60 amp Disconnect.

• Using tables determine level of ppe required

D.5 Calculation of Incident Energy for an Arc Flash Analysis

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Work Scope: Install & verify phase rotation on line side of a 480V, 60amp
disconnect
480V
600A
13kv 480 V
1200A 480V 480V
2500Kva
Utility Main Main, 600A
3 sec Trans-
3500A
fuses former
480V
600A
Determine level of
PPE to perform 480V
work? 60A
Disconnect

Various software that can help you conduct an

Arc Flash Analysis
-Duke Flux calculator
-Easy Power Calculator
-Arc Advisor

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Work Scope: Install & verify phase rotation on line side of a 480V, 60amp
disconnect
480V
600A

13kv 480 V 480V 480V

Utility 1200A Trans- Main, 600A
Main former 1200A

480V
600A

A B
What point has higher arc flash potential? A or B

Incident Energy

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Incident Energy

Incident Energy

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 Incident Energy

! WARNING
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required
24 inch Flash Hazard Boundary
3 cal/cm •2 Flash Hazard at 18 inches
1… PPE Level, 1 Layer 6 oz Nomex ®,
Leather Gloves Faceshield
480 VAC Shock Hazard when Cover is removed
36 inch Limited Approach
12 inch Restricted Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves
1 inch Prohibited Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves
Equipment Name:Slurry Pump Starter
Date:
Courtesy E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.

130.3 P25 Review the labels every 5 years or when changes or upgrades occur

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 Biggest cause of Death and Burns

Human Error
98%

22.6 KA Symmetrical
Test No. 4 Available Fault Current
@ 480V, 3 Phase
6 cycle STD
640A OCPD
Set @ 6 cycle opening Non Current Limiting
with Short Time Delay

Fault Initiated on
Line Side of 30A Fuse
30A RK-1
Current Limiting Fuse

Size 1 Starter

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 Arc Flash

Results: Test No.4 4.3 cal/cm² @

18”
Sound
141.5 db @ 2 ft. P1
>2160 lbs/sq.ft
T2
>225°C / 437°F T1
> 225°C / 437°F
T3
50°C / 122°F

> Indicates Meter Pegged

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 22.6 KA Symmetrical
Test No. 3 Available Fault Current
@ 480V, 3 Phase
601A.
Class L
Current Limiting Fuse
This type of OCPD has
a let through of 11KA
and clears in ½ cycle
Fault Initiated on
Line Side of 30A Fuse

30A RK-1
Current Limiting Fuse

Size 1 Starter

Arc Flash

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 Results: Test No.3 = 0.33 cal/cm² @ 18”
1.74 cal/cm² @ 6”

Sound
133 db @ 2 ft. P1
504 lbs/sq.ft
T2
62°C / 143.6°F T1
> 175°C / 347°F
T3
(No Change
From Ambient)
> Indicates Meter Pegged

Biggest cause of Death and Burns

Human Error
98%

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 TURN THE POWER OFF
• Work out ways to de energize
• Not the dinosaur method to work on or around
it energized
• NO POWER = NO ARC FLASH or NO SHOCK
• This is the easiest, quickest and safest
• Challenge owners or contractors that push to do
it energized

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