Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
(OP)
We understand that the IEEE 1584-2002 incident arc flash and associated flash boundary are based on a distance and exposure of personnel to "live parts".
Is the associated PPE requirements (and associated flash boundaries) applies when the only work being done on the indoor switchgear or MCC is just switching breakers or contactors/switches on/off and the panel doors are closed and bolted and there is no direct exposure to live parts?
What if the equipment is Arc Flash Rated (say Type 2 or 3)?
Thank you for your unselfish opinions
Is the associated PPE requirements (and associated flash boundaries) applies when the only work being done on the indoor switchgear or MCC is just switching breakers or contactors/switches on/off and the panel doors are closed and bolted and there is no direct exposure to live parts?
What if the equipment is Arc Flash Rated (say Type 2 or 3)?
Thank you for your unselfish opinions






RE: Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
So if your goal is to justify not wearing PPE for switching operations, you can probably find justification in the new NFPA 70E-2015. However if your goal is to provide good protection to your workers, you might come up with a different conclusion, since there are instances of arc-flash injuries occurring during switching operations, even with the doors closed.
RE: Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
Another question is that I assumed that arc flash issues is not applicable to 4.16 kV GIS (Gas-Insulated) type switchgears because the bus bars, breakers, etc are hermetically sealed. Is this assumption correct?
RE: Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
RE: Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?
RE: Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations?