When should arc flash label be applied

[Isaiah]

We have a designer who is saying the arc flash labeling can’t be applied until commissions is complete, but the engineering company has already performed the official arc flash Study
Is it really necessary to wait ?


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[jim dungar]

Many companies will not allow commissioning to occur unless the arc flash values are know, otherwise appropriate PPE cannot be selected. If the values are known why not install the labels?

I wonder if the commissioning agent wants to avoid the arc flash restrictions by saying the hazard/risk doesn't exist if the labels aren't there?.

 

[Isaiah]

Many companies will not allow commissioning to occur unless the arc flash values are know, otherwise appropriate PPE cannot be selected. If the values are known why not install the labels?

I wonder if the commissioning agent wants to avoid the arc flash restrictions by saying the hazard/risk doesn't exist if the labels aren't there?.

Thanks Jim - agreed


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[mayanees]

Hi Dale

The fact is that the arc-flash labels aren't applicable unless the system is in 'Normal" mode of operation in accordance with 70E. Normal is defined as including proper maintenance, which is typically defined as per industry standard, which is in accordance with the NETA Acceptance Testing Standard. So, if the equipment is maintained, then the arc flash sticker should be put on the equipment, particularly during the commissioning process..

 

[garbo]

Before retiring I was the only person that asked several times for arc flash labels on the 18 LIM panels they installed while upgrading some OR'S and for two 1,750 HP chillers that had cabinets maybe 18 ' long feed by 13,200 volts with a transformer to supply 4,160 to the VFD'S. Does anyone know when you have a packaged unit like this would the cabinet doors that contain the 13,200 volt transformer & disconnect switch require its own arc flash label. A year later JCI said they were working on arc flash labeling. Best thing the extremely smart JCI tech who was there every week could not work on these chillers because he was not certified to work on anything above 480 volts. Wish the NEC would require arc flash labeling before final inspections on all commercial buildings.

 

[Isaiah]

Many companies will not allow commissioning to occur unless the arc flash values are know, otherwise appropriate PPE cannot be selected. If the values are known why not install the labels?

I wonder if the commissioning agent wants to avoid the arc flash restrictions by saying the hazard/risk doesn't exist if the labels aren't there?.

The designer is saying we may need to add a few small loads before officially turning over the systems therefore the arc flash cal/cm may be affected.
But my understanding is unless there’s a major change in loading, the upstream CBs trip settings won’t change. Therefore the coordination and arc flash studies should also not change.


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[jim dungar]

The designer is saying we may need to add a few small loads before officially turning over the systems therefore the arc flash cal/cm may be affected.
But my understanding is unless there’s a major change in loading, the upstream CBs trip settings won’t change. Therefore the coordination and arc flash studies should also not change.


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You are correct. Loads only affect arc flash results if they are sources of short circuit current, such as motors larger than 50HP @480V.

I would rather have to go back and reliable a few affected or missed labels rather than putting workers at a higher risk level.

 

[Isaiah]

You are correct. Loads only affect arc flash results if they are sources of short circuit current, such as motors larger than 50HP @480V.

I would rather have to go back and reliable a few affected or missed labels rather than putting workers at a higher risk level.

Great answer - this will come up today in our meeting


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