{"id":710,"date":"2021-11-01T08:54:26","date_gmt":"2021-11-01T12:54:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:10068\/?p=710"},"modified":"2021-11-08T09:13:49","modified_gmt":"2021-11-08T14:13:49","slug":"understanding-arc-flash-labels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pioneerpwr.com\/articles\/understanding-arc-flash-labels\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Arc Flash Labels"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Arc flash labels are designed to keep people safe. NFPA-70E<\/span><\/a> was developed at OSHA\u2019s request and sets the standards for electrical safety in the workplace. Arc flash labelling requirements are defined by the newly updated NFPA 70E 2021 standard. The goal of this regulation is to protect personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. The regulation helps companies and employees avoid workplace injuries and fatalities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The information on an arc flash label (sometimes referred to as an arc flash sticker) is based directly on the results of the arc flash study<\/span><\/a>. Arc flash studies are a requirement of NFPA 70E, while arc flash labeling requirements are specifically defined in section 130.5(H) of the regulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The NFPA 70E regulation states that workplace electrical equipment that is likely to be serviced should be marked with a cautionary label. The label shown here is marked with letters A – I<\/b><\/span> each of which highlights an important component of the arc flash label. Each of these components is discussed in further detail below to help you understand each component of the warning label.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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A<\/span> – <\/span>Arc Flash Header<\/i><\/span><\/strong>
<\/i>Arc flash labels must use an ANSI Z535 compliant header with the word \u2018DANGER\u2019 in white letters on a red band or the word \u2018WARNING\u2019 in black letters on an orange band. The regulation does not provide guidance on distinguishing between the use of \u2018Danger\u2019 or \u2018Warning\u2019 on the header, however it is common to have \u2018Warning\u2019 labels applied in lower risk scenarios (i.e.: <40cal\/ cm\u00b2) and \u2018Danger\u2019 labels applied in higher risk scenarios warranting a higher level of caution (i.e.: >40cal\/ cm\u00b2). Ultimately this distinction is made on a site-by-site basis as requested by site personnel but should be consistent across the site.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

B<\/span> <\/i>–<\/span> <\/i>Arc Flash Boundary<\/i><\/strong><\/p>

The arc flash boundary identifies the distance from the equipment at which an unprotected person would receive second-degree burns in the event of an arc flash. The energy at this boundary line would be equivalent to 1.2cal\/ cm\u00b2 or 5 Joules of heat energy. Any employee within this boundary must be wearing appropriately arc-rated PPE.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

C<\/span> <\/i>\u2013<\/span> <\/i>Working Distance<\/i><\/strong><\/p>

IEEE 1584 defines the working distance as\u00a0\u201cthe dimension between the possible arc point and the head and body of the worker positioned in place\u00a0to perform the assigned task.\u201d The working distance is based on a calculation of the level of incident energy (cal\/ cm\u00b2) bet365 casino games at a workers\u2019 head and torso from the potential arc source. Typical work distances range from 18-36 inches but can vary. Accepted work distances are primarily based on equipment type and are published in the IEEE 1584<\/span><\/a><\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Incident energy increases dramatically as working distance decreases. When it comes to arc flash \u2013 working distance can mean the difference between life and death. If a person is located closer than the established working distance, the worker could be at extreme risk.<\/p>

D<\/span> <\/i>\u2013<\/span> <\/i>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)<\/i><\/strong><\/p>

The level of PPE required at a given location is based directly on the calculated incident energy (the amount of thermal energy at a distance from an electrical arc event).\u00a0 <\/span>This section of the label provides information about the PPE needed to safely work on the equipment. PPE requirements can be expressed in one of four methods on an arc flash label: \u00a0<\/span><\/p>