Bolted enclosures and PPE

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Rck

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Hello All
I have been looking for information on Bolted Explosion Proof Enclosures and proper PPE's. I am trying to set up a training program for our Refiner unit operators that switch breakers on Switch Racks and have been told, by operators, they have been told that they do not need anything. The switch racks are 480V. Could someone help me in this? In reviewing the 70E 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a) it mentions that Proper PPE is required when switching breakers. Nothing is mentioned about a Bolted Explosion Proof Enclosure, or I am missing it. I would hate to train someone and give them the wrong information.

Tnx
Rick
 
Explosion proof and arc rated enclosures are different things, unless your enclosures are arc rated to the right class per IEEE C37 they are not designed to and may not contain the arc therefore PPE is necessary.
 
Rck said:
Hello All
I have been looking for information on Bolted Explosion Proof Enclosures and proper PPE's. I am trying to set up a training program for our Refiner unit operators that switch breakers on Switch Racks and have been told, by operators, they have been told that they do not need anything. The switch racks are 480V. Could someone help me in this? In reviewing the 70E 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a) it mentions that Proper PPE is required when switching breakers. Nothing is mentioned about a Bolted Explosion Proof Enclosure, or I am missing it. I would hate to train someone and give them the wrong information.

Tnx
Rick
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it is still a panelboard or switchgear.

generally i think you are always required to wear safety glasses, shoes, etc.

under some specified conditions, you are not required to wear any additional PPE to operate these CBs such as gloves or suits. that may be what the operators are telling you even if they are not saying that.
 
Normal operation

Normal operation

2015 70E says that operation of a circuit breaker, switch, contactor or starter that has been properly installed and properly maintained does not require ppe. Most electrical infrastructure equipment was probably properly installed. But how many facilities properly maintain that infrastructure per manufacturer instruction and/or industry standards? So if the equipment has NOT been maintained per manufacturer's instruction and/or industry standards 70E 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) says you must wear arc flash ppe just to operate a circuit breaker.
 
kentirwin said:
But how many facilities properly maintain that infrastructure per manufacturer instruction and/or industry standards? So if the equipment has NOT been maintained per manufacturer's instruction and/or industry standards 70E 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) says you must wear arc flash ppe just to operate a circuit breaker.
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Very, very, few. However, I bet many of them THINK they are maintaining their equipment properly just because they test stuff every once in a while.
 
zog said:
Explosion proof and arc rated enclosures are different things, unless your enclosures are arc rated to the right class per IEEE C37 they are not designed to and may not contain the arc therefore PPE is necessary.
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Zog I understand and never thought about this!

Rick
 
petersonra said:
just curious. by what generally recognized standard can you say this?
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25 years experience dealing with maintenence engineers of industrial systems. Also NETA has done surveys ove rmany years and hundreds of industrial facilities that are available on line.
 
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