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Testing for Voltage and Amperage in live panel

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Blanco loco

Member
Location
Ct.
Occupation
Electrician
Hello, I’ve got a question about wearing full arc flash suit and shield while just testing voltage? Does the NFPE 70 E call for full category 4 arc flash suit to be worn to just use a tester on equipment that is live?
 
RichB

RichB

Senior Member
Location
Tacoma, Wa
Occupation
Electrician/Electrical Inspector
You need to wear the correct clothing when ever you are exposed to an arc flash hazard--so just based on your question as written--yes
 
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wbdvt

Senior Member
Location
Rutland, VT, USA
Occupation
Electrical Engineer, PE
You need to wear the proper PPE when exposed to an arc flash hazard. The level of arc rated PPE would depend on what the incident energy value was determined by a study. If a study was not done, then you are allowed to use the tables in NFPA 70 as long as you are able to satisfy the parameters of fault current and clearing time. This is where many people either miss seeing that requirement or have no idea what the fault current and clearing time is and just ignore it. Either way, one could be jeopardizing their personal safety.

NFPA 70E states that until the hazard is removed, PPE is needed. So checking voltage and amperage the hazard is present and arc rated PPE, rated for the incident energy, needs to be worn.
 
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