Arc Flash

N

nizak

Senior Member
Just curious as to the practices guys/gals here use when using arc flash protection.

Does Opening a 120/240 V single phase load center constitute wearing protection?

Higher voltage enclosures and disconnects?

Thanks
 
I retired from a company that had a large strict safety department so we had to wear long sleeve PPE shirts, PPE pants rated for at least 8 Cal, 600 volt rubber gloves, electrical rated work boots ( fiberglass safety toes & no metal shoe lace eyelets ) and a face shield before opening a120 or 240 volt load center. Even told us to wear cotton T shirts & shocks. They had no trouble purchasing PPE rated hoodies, thin & A heavy work coat but not PPE rated T shirts. On 480 volt panels they wanted us to wear Balaclava head cover along with earn plugs. You should check in with what NFPA 70E for guidance. We had extra pairs of 600 & 20 KV rubber gloves & canvas gloves that went over them so we had protection when we sent gloves out every six months for testing and date stamped.
 
The company I worked for for over 28 years did not follow NFPA70E and did not have any safe work program. We were given an arc blast suit to turn on large disconnect switches and breakers but no one was required to have protection on when opening and working on energized 208 and 480 volt equipment and no one did. Many guys didn't even wear electrical hazard protection rated foot wear.
 
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