Arc flash study - update when required

[MPdesign]

In what locations are you seeing the AHJ requiring arc flash studies? Such as the following - assuming they say that they do not work on the electrical:

1. Small 2 story office buildings
2. large office buildings
3. hotels
4. apartment buildings (small - like 12 unit per building)
5. apartment buildings (large - like 200 per building)
6. Strip shopping center leased spaces, small (ie nail salon)
7. Strip shopping center leased spaces, large (ie Target)
8. Warehouse, small 100ksf

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The NEC does not require any arc flash studies or documentation, however it does require short circuit calculations for some applications.

 

[tom baker]

For those types of occupancies the owner or staff may do the electrical. Most will not understand about arc flash requirements, or have PPE.

 

[ron]

I have never seen an AHJ require an arc flash study. They may require the arc flash hazard warning/stickers from NEC 110.16 for switchboards, panelboards, control panels, etc., but those are generic and no study needed.

 

[MPdesign]

So - who is requiring it? And who is enforcing it?

 

[tom baker]

OSHA perhaps.
In Washington electrical safety is a different group from our electrical AHJs. And the NEC is an installation standard not a safety standard.

 

[David Castor]

I don't see how an AHJ could require an arc-flash study. NFPA 70E is not a legal requirement. OSHA is another matter.

 

[MPdesign]

Does anyone here know the answer - from an OHSA standpoint?

1. Small 2 story office buildings
2. large office buildings
3. hotels
4. apartment buildings (small - like 12 unit per building)
5. apartment buildings (large - like 200 per building)
6. Strip shopping center leased spaces, small (ie nail salon)
7. Strip shopping center leased spaces, large (ie Target)
8. Warehouse, small 100ksf

 

[jim dungar]

OSHA simply says you need to have a safe workplace. It is up to you to proof your employees are "safe".

How will you prove their safety if you do not follow a recognized standard? NFPA 70E is one such standard.

You are free to develop you own standard if you wish. Of course you will also be free to legally defend your standard after a workplace incident occurs.

 

[MPdesign]

I guess that I am so confused because of this prior string from a few years ago

Where, exactly, is Arc Flash Required

I am doing some personal training and most of what I see "appears" to say that this is required everywhere. If so, does that mean it has to be done in a brand new building? If a brand new building does not have a safe electrical system, then what good is the NEC Code? Does this mean every...

forums.mikeholt.com

 

[ron]

OSHA is the enforcer of safe workplaces. In order to have a safe workplace, you need to do a hazard analysis. As part of the hazard analysis, you MAY need to do an arc flash calculation.

OSHA generally only comes over when there is an accident, so OSHA enforces it with fines after you have an accident and it can be proven that you didn't have a safe workplace without the arc flash analysis.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The rule in 110.16 in the 2014 and older codes only required a generic arc flash hazard warning label.
In the 2017 and 2020 the language in new first level subdivision 110.16(B) required a fault current study. This only applied to service equipment rated 1000 amps or more. The fault current was needed to comply with list item (3) in the new requirement. That list item required that the label state the clearing time of the service OCPD at the available fault current.

In the 2023 code the language of 110.16(B) can be read as requiring an actual arc flash study, but stops short of actually requiring that as the NFPA rules prohibit the citing of a rule from another code or standard in any rule in the NEC.

110.16(B) Service Equipment and Feeder Supplied Equipment.
In other than dwelling units, in addition to the requirements in 110.16(A), a permanent arc flash label shall be field or factory applied to service equipment and feeder supplied equipment rated 1000 amperes or more. The arc flash label shall be in accordance with applicable industry practice and include the date the label was applied. The label shall meet the requirements of 110.21(B).

The language in bold is intended to require a 70E type label and Informational Note 2 states that NFPA 70E is an "applicable industry practices for equipment labeling."

 

[mtnelect]

In the City of Los Angeles it is called a "Qualified Installer" Section 93.9501 (a) It is unlawful for any person who is not a qualified installer to install, alter, reconstruct or repair any electric wiring unless the person is under the direct supervision of a qualified installer.
(b) A qualified installer is: 1. One who holds a valid contractors license in the proper classification issued by the state of California
2. One who holds a valid Certificate of Qualification and is acting as
a. Maintenance or Supervisor pursuant of this code.

I think this standard should be applied in any setting electrical work is performed.