Arc flash HRC Labels

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brother

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Please correct me if im wrong, but if a company adopts the NFPA 70E, arent the panels both EXISTING and new suppose to have the Arc flash labels now that tell you what HRC and what ppe you suppose to have on?? There's been a debate on wheather the old/existing panels are required to have that label.

Some are claiming that its only the new panels that are required to have them since we are under the new 2008 NEC and that is code. But since the NFPA 70E is a standard, they can pick and choose. But its my understanding that they have adopted ALL of the nfpa 70e and the old/existing panels would need the HRC labels since we work on them alot.

So am I correct in this understanding of the adoption of the nfpa 70e??
 
brother said:
Please correct me if im wrong, but if a company adopts the NFPA 70E, arent the panels both EXISTING and new suppose to have the Arc flash labels now that tell you what HRC and what ppe you suppose to have on?? There's been a debate on wheather the old/existing panels are required to have that label.

Some are claiming that its only the new panels that are required to have them since we are under the new 2008 NEC and that is code. But since the NFPA 70E is a standard, they can pick and choose. But its my understanding that they have adopted ALL of the nfpa 70e and the old/existing panels would need the HRC labels since we work on them alot.

So am I correct in this understanding of the adoption of the nfpa 70e??
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Yes, you are correct. 130.3 (C)
 
I think I disagree. Whatever version of the code is adopted would only apply to new panel installs. Therefore, per the NEC, older panels would not require a label.

But even new panels only require a "arc flash hazzard" warning label. There is no specific requirement to put the exact hazzard category and the exact PPE requirements on any panels (again - per the NEC).

However, NFPA 70E and OSHA both have additional rules, including an OSHA rule that generally says employees need to be warned about dangerous situations with approporate labels. So I think exactly what is required for older panels might be open for debate.

Warning labels or not, you have every right (and should) to ask for calculations and required PPE before working on any hot panel. Just because there isn't a label doesn't mean its safe to work on with the proper PPE. NPFA 70E has a table that can often be used to determine the required PPE.
 
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