Arc Flash Update

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michdool

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If nothing has changed in your facility does an arc flash survey need to be done every five years...also, if the labels are dated and nothing has changed can the labels be updated my onsite staff without a new survey

Thanks!
 
michdool said:
If nothing has changed in your facility does an arc flash survey need to be done every five years...also, if the labels are dated and nothing has changed can the labels be updated my onsite staff without a new survey

Thanks!
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I assume you are referring to NFPA 70E requirements as the NEC doesn't address such requirement.

NFPA 70E article 130.5 requirement is regarding reviewing the Arc flash risk assessment every 5 years. If the results of the assessment results in same existing labels data, then you can leave the labels as is.

Assuming nothing (including setting adjustments on breakers, etc...) has changed, although I find it difficult to believe, the 5 year interval is to account for both changes made and compliance with latest updates to NFPA 70E.
I can assure you NFPA 2015 has greatly evolved and edited in terms of overall requirements regarding Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
For example, NFPA 2015 130.5 (A) requires that Arc flash risk assessment results shall be documented.
Also, depending on what method (table vs calculations) was used earlier to determine PPE requirements, 2015 version has new introduced new requirements for table method and calls for one method to be used (table method or Incident energy/calculation method not both.
 
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I agree with wsbeih. Although nothing has changed within your system, NFPA 72E has changed so much over the years it may be worth while. Although I'm not sure who is going to try and walk in your facility and give you a fine, or try and prove your wrong. You're probably fine, but you could update it to feel safe.. My two cents.
 
I also agree with wsbeih. Do the labels installed on the equipment indicate a Hazard Risk Category HRC ? If so they are outdated right there as there is no longer an HRC in 70E but replaced by a PPE Category. Is the HRC on the labels based on the calculated incident energy level and the selection of PPE on the label based on the table in article 130.7 for the chart method. This is specifically not permitted in the 2015 version.

I would assume the utility was contacted regarding the short circuit availability for the initial study. Has anyone checked with them if nothing has changed on their end and whether or not that data provided is still valid.
 
smoothops10 said:
I also agree with wsbeih. Do the labels installed on the equipment indicate a Hazard Risk Category HRC ? If so they are outdated right there as there is no longer an HRC in 70E but replaced by a PPE Category. Is the HRC on the labels based on the calculated incident energy level and the selection of PPE on the label based on the table in article 130.7 for the chart method. This is specifically not permitted in the 2015 version.
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But there is a specific exception that allows labels installed before a particular date to remain in place, even though they list a HRC. If the labels are 5 years old, they would meet the requirement.
 
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