NFPA 70e normal and emergency same box

[brother]

I remember this comming up before, and this discussion has come up on a project Im working on.
When the normal and emergency are in the same box (with a divider), lets say receptacles side by side, according to NFPA 70e doesn't both the normal and emergency have to shut off to work on the oneside of the circuit.?? One guy claimed that when he was working on the normal side that when he took off the cover plate that the divider moved and shorted out on the emergency side. Those dividers are suppose to site solid, but I suppose it move when he move the cover.

 

[zog]

Lets look at some definitions from the 2012 70E

Exposed (as applied to energized electrical conductorsor circuit parts). Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is applied to electrical conductors or circuit parts that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

Working On (energized electrical conductors or circuit parts). Intentionally coming in contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts with the hands, feet, or other body parts, with tools, probes, or with test equipment, regardless of the personal protective equipment a person is wearing. There are two categories of ?working on?: Diagnostic (testing) is taking readings or measurements of electrical equipment with approved test equipment that does not require making any physical change to the equipment; repair is any physical alteration of electrical equipment (such as making or tightening connections, removing or replacing components, etc.).

So you are not doing "Energized work" (Assuming the other side is properly gaurded), so yes you are allowed to do it. HOWEVER, there is still an arc flash hazard, so the proper arc flash PPE is required. Here is another definition.

Arc Flash Hazard. A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc.
Informational Note No. 1: An arc flash hazard may exist when energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are exposed or when they are within equipment in a guarded or enclosed condition, provided a person is interacting with the equipment in such a manner that could cause an electric arc.