NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

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Bill Scott

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Not to sound ridiculous; what PPE would I need to removed a 277 volt light cover plate and then test to ground with my Ideal Vol-Con tester to see if 277 volts is present? I know this may be silly ; but please humor me.

Thank you, Bill Scott
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

You don't sound ridiculous at all, and I applaud you for taking the proper precautions. First, you would have to know some information about the spot you are working on. First is, the distance your body will be from the live parts. For what you are describing, it would be however long your arm's reach is, or maybe less. Second is how much fault current is available at the light? And third is, if there is a fault, how long would it take for the OCPD to operate? Once you know those 3 things, you can plug them into a free calculator and it will tell you how many cal/cm^2 the arc will generate. And the final step is comparing this answer to a chart that lists the PPE protection level that is required for that calculated value. That is the long way, and sometimes the information is not easy to come by. Maybe someone experienced in the field can help out with what is commonly worn in this instance. My guess would be a pair of rubber insulated leather or similar material gloves and preferrably natural woven fiber clothing like 100% cotton. :)
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

According to table 130.7(C)(9)(a) of the 2004 NFPA 70E that task is HRC 2*. 8cal/cm2 coveralls, flash suit hood with hard hat), hearing protection, leather gloves and shoes. Additionally you are in a catagory 3 envoronment so your meter needs to be at least 600V CAT 3 rated.
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

I wonder if anyone actually dons a flash suit to check to see if voltage is present on a light switch?
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

Originally posted by petersonra:
I wonder if anyone actually dons a flash suit to check to see if voltage is present on a light switch?
Click to expand...
I doubt a flash suit would be required for a typical 120 volt 15 or 20 amp circuit.

That said becuse of 70E the company I work for now provides us with fire resistant uniforms.
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

Hi fellow electrical workers or whatever ; thanks for your responses. If you all want to post any more F.Y.I.on this confusing issue please do it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,
William H.Scott
Master Electrician
 
Re: NFPA 70E ..PPE Requirements ?

Happy belated birthday Bill Scott. Anyway now about your question. Ahhhh I think Zog must be mistaken this is a light switch right not a lighting panel. Its a bit of overkill to have
a flash suit with hood and hard hat to test a light switch.

Basically I would refer you to Annex F in NFPA 70E which is a simplified way of assessing your PPE needs. Following this I find that the voltage level is 2 or below 300V unless you have mulitple switches with different feeds that the potential is 480V. Also the energy level is low because this is a single branch lighting circuit and the work task is diagnostic.

Basically this is more of a common sense issue. It is not until you get into the high energy level devices or equipment that you need to do a flash hazard analysis when you are doing diagnostic work. Light switches, receptacles, and lighting fixtures are not high energy devices. When the NFPA70E requires a flash hazard analysis for diagnostic work it is for high energy devices or cabling.

Basically you would want to review the risks involved and they are an then choose the proper PPE to protect yourself from those risks.

-possible shock hazard with contact of live parts(you would need insulated gloves rated higher than the voltage with which you might come in contact with and insulated tools.)
-possible low energy level flash if the live parts came in contact with a grounded metal part. ( you would need safety glasses and long sleeve cotton shirt to protect from a possible burn from the arc flash)

This should be the only PPE you need.
 
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