NFPA ART 130 - PPE requirements

[bravo69]

Hello,

I am having trouble understanding the NFPA 70E (2016) PPE requirements. Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) pg 35 states that normal operation of a breaker, switch, contactor, or starter and the equipment condition is installed properly, maintained, doors closed, covers in place/secured and no evidence of failure than NO PPE Arc Flash is required.

Does this apply to panelboards that have a hinged cover, where you have to open up the panel to operate circuit breakers?

What equipment can you operate a circuit breaker with the doors closed?

I am being told that PPE level 2 arc flash is required to open up a panelboard to operate a circuit breaker. Is this true? Is this task in the table?

Thank you in advance

 

[infinity]

Doors closed could apply to a disconnect switch.

 

[mayanees]

Hello,
1) Does this apply to panelboards that have a hinged cover, where you have to open up the panel to operate circuit breakers?
2) What equipment can you operate a circuit breaker with the doors closed?
3) I am being told that PPE level 2 arc flash is required to open up a panelboard to operate a circuit breaker. Is this true? Is this task in the table?
Thank you in advance

1) Yes
2) Combination starters, MCC disconnects, anything that has the buttons brought to the face of the equipment
3) The table your citing is the "Task table". It's used to determine if PPE is required for a given action. If PPE is required, then go to the next table, 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b) to determine what level of PPE is needed. Or, if the equipment is labeled, wear PPE suited for the posted incident energy. So PPE can be chosen by either of the two methods, the tables or incident energy calculations.
The current edition of 70E is 2015.

 

[jim dungar]

Basically the issue with covers is the 'change of' exposure' to energized energized equipment.
It is not talking about the door on a panelboard that covers or exposes a deadfront over the branch breakers.
It would be talking about something like a multidoor motor panel that requires a interlock mechanism to be defeated to operate the device.

 

[bravo69]

Basically the issue with covers is the 'change of' exposure' to energized energized equipment.
It is not talking about the door on a panelboard that covers or exposes a deadfront over the branch breakers.
It would be talking about something like a multidoor motor panel that requires a interlock mechanism to be defeated to operate the device.

This conflicts with response from mayanees regarding if this includes panelboards.

 

[bravo69]

I apologize but maybe I wasnt clear in my questions. The question is does the door apply to a panelboard? No exposed parts or connections. Just opening up a door to get access to the breakers. Is Arc Flash PPE required?

 

[jim dungar]

I apologize but maybe I wasnt clear in my questions. The question is does the door apply to a panelboard? No exposed parts or connections. Just opening up a door to get access to the breakers. Is Arc Flash PPE required?

While in general a panelboard 'door' is intended to be opened as part of 'normal operations', what about an outdoor panel when it is raining.

You need to perform a risk analysis. Does the task you are performing increase the probability of an arcing fault occurring. Only you can answer that question.
You do need to also consider how the equipment has been maintained. A cover that is held in place by one or two screws (when the manufacturer original provided eight) is likely to have a different analysis outcome than a properly mounted cover.

When it comes to NFPA70E, there is very little on specifically how to do something, rather you find that it is up to your company to decide what is required to keep your employees safe.