Arc Flash suits
- Thread starter mhughes
- Start date
- Status
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Arc Flash suits
You can choose to use the table in NFPA 70E to determine which rating is needed for your suit. That table only applies when certain criteria is met in the notes of that table.
You could perform the calculations found in NFPA 70E, or you could employ the services of your friendly neighborhood EE to perform calculations based on IEEE 1584.
You can choose to use the table in NFPA 70E to determine which rating is needed for your suit. That table only applies when certain criteria is met in the notes of that table.
You could perform the calculations found in NFPA 70E, or you could employ the services of your friendly neighborhood EE to perform calculations based on IEEE 1584.
zog
Senior Member
- Location
- Charlotte, NC
Re: Arc Flash suits
Be aware of the limitations of the tables Ron mentioned, read the notes section and make sure you have the up to date tables (TIA70E-04-01).
I teach NFPA 70E courses and I would say about half of the industrial facillities are wearing flash suits, 2 years ago that number was more like 10%.
PPE for arc flash protection is not an option anymore, OSHA has fined many facillities for not using them as discussed in several different threads on this site.
Be aware of the limitations of the tables Ron mentioned, read the notes section and make sure you have the up to date tables (TIA70E-04-01).
I teach NFPA 70E courses and I would say about half of the industrial facillities are wearing flash suits, 2 years ago that number was more like 10%.
PPE for arc flash protection is not an option anymore, OSHA has fined many facillities for not using them as discussed in several different threads on this site.
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Arc Flash suits
Persons require very specific and detailed training when working on energized equipment and using PPE. This is generally not something that can be self-taught or learned with experience. You have to be perfect the first time and everytime there after.
My suggestion is to not work on energized equipment.
Persons require very specific and detailed training when working on energized equipment and using PPE. This is generally not something that can be self-taught or learned with experience. You have to be perfect the first time and everytime there after.
My suggestion is to not work on energized equipment.
ron
Senior Member
- Location
- New York, 40.7514,-73.9925
Re: Arc Flash suits
mhughes,
You are correct that the Category 3 and 4 suits are difficult to work with, and may even cause accidents that may have not happened if the worker had more functional clothing.
This is why is is preferred to perform the detailed arc flash calculations, and adjust the facilities OCPD coordination study to reduce device settings as low as can be tolerated, to reduce the incident energy, and the eventual reduction in arc flash category related clothing. Category 2 and lower is very easy to comply with, and is not terrible cumbersome.
mhughes,
You are correct that the Category 3 and 4 suits are difficult to work with, and may even cause accidents that may have not happened if the worker had more functional clothing.
This is why is is preferred to perform the detailed arc flash calculations, and adjust the facilities OCPD coordination study to reduce device settings as low as can be tolerated, to reduce the incident energy, and the eventual reduction in arc flash category related clothing. Category 2 and lower is very easy to comply with, and is not terrible cumbersome.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Re: Arc Flash suits
Here is an example of an arc flash suit. They can be very cumbersome to work in. We use them to turn on and off large disconnect switches at 480 volts, 4160 volts, etc. Working on something while energized with one of these on isn't really an option so we always work on things de-energized.
Here is an example of an arc flash suit. They can be very cumbersome to work in. We use them to turn on and off large disconnect switches at 480 volts, 4160 volts, etc. Working on something while energized with one of these on isn't really an option so we always work on things de-energized.
Re: Arc Flash suits
You may not need something that extreme.
Find someone who can perform a study for you or perform one yourself -if you've got the tools to do it.
You can't know what you need 'till you do the study.
You may find that the majoity of your work can be done with HRC2 clothing and appropriate accessories (much more comfortable just like regular clothes). But you have to start with the study.
You may not need something that extreme.
Find someone who can perform a study for you or perform one yourself -if you've got the tools to do it.
You can't know what you need 'till you do the study.
You may find that the majoity of your work can be done with HRC2 clothing and appropriate accessories (much more comfortable just like regular clothes). But you have to start with the study.
- Status