Why bother posting labels if the calcs aren't done?? It upsets me that the ones that sit behind a desk and make the decision to just put a sticker on the panel cover to "appease" their lack of understanding of 70E. I attended a "live" arc flash demonstration at KEMA electrical short circuit laboratory a few years back and my attitude towards energized work was changed forever. It is absolutely amazing to witness a fault in the 50 calorie range from 35 feet away. The plasma ball produced is hotter than the sun, the percussion blast will knock a Clydesdale to the ground, and sound is louder than two locomotives crashing into each other...and this particular blast was conducted with a 30amp 480v disconnect for a duration of 2 cycles. Local disconnects arent even on the minds of the folks that are in a hurry to get everything "labeled". In reality, a local disconnect is more dangerous than a panelboard because the blast is now "choked" due to the narrower enclosure and the deeper surface area which directs the blast into a tighter path typically, at eye level. It aggravates me that the goal is to just slap a label on the gear to achieve compliance, all you have achieved is ignorance. Next time you adhere your pretty little pink polka dotted bi-lingual scratch and sniff sticker onto a panel cover-take a minute to stop and think about why it is now a requirement. Maybe a trip to the the local burn unit could help you realize why this has become mandatory. These people out in the field are relying on you for correct information and if you de-classify a hazard, they will most certainly treat the situation differently and complacency will become more apt to follow. This "new era" of safety practices and procedures has an effect that changes the mind set of how we do things and often times it is perceived as an inconvienence because of decreased wrench time, an increase in paper work, and frustration from a lack of understanding. But the bottom line is, this is meant to save lives....As an IBEW Journeyman, Estimator, and now Project Manager I will personally educate anyone who doesnt have the time to learn about 70E and hopefully help them understand that the number #1 goal is to have everyone come home to their wife and kids at night. BTW-Utility companies must provide you with available fault currents, and if they don't- the "stickers" should be classified as the highest hazard possible.
