Arc Resistant Switchgear

[charz]

When to buy an arc resistant switchgear?
If I buy an arc resistance switchgear, Can I open the controls compartment of HV or LV switchgear without PPE?
Am I safe when I open the door/panel of one de-energized compartment? While the adjacent compartment remains energized. Do I still need to wear the PPE?

 

[dpc]

Once you open a door, the gear is no longer arc-resistant so PPE may be required.

There are two options for arc-resistant rating - overall enclosure is arc-resistant, but it is not arc-resistant between sections, or each section is fully arc-resistant.

Avoiding PPE use is probably not among the top reasons to consider arc-resistant switchgear, imo.