Sunday, December 18, 2016

Recommended Guidelines for Arc Flash Labeling

Whenever an arc-flash study is done or revised and new arc flash warning labels must be considered, it is a good idea to define exactly what information belongs on each label before starting to print anything. It is also a good idea to define how and where these labels will be applied before anyone peels the back off of the first adhesive label and sticks it onto anything. It is a very good idea to put those definitions into writing so that everyone who assists or who comes along later, has something to help them understand the original intent. This is particularly important as a means of trying to promote consistency and to avoid creating unnecessary confusion when an arc flash analysis study is spread out over extended period of time. A guideline document such as the one published here serves that purpose. The guideline describes how electrical equipment should be labeled, namely how many labels should be applied and in which locations, after appropriate data collection, modeling, short-circuit analysis and arc-flash study activities have been completed. The intent here is not to limit the number of labels applied but rather to insure that at least the required minimum number of labels are in place. This document also addressed the question of how to label devices that were subject to protection under a selectable maintenance settings scheme. This application involved two labels as shown in Figure 6.

The arc-flash labels discussed herein are required by the NEC in article 110.16 and by NFPA 70E in Section 130.7 (E)(1). There are two basic types of arc flash labels that should be used. They are a generic label - one that does not include specific calculated data but which identifies the existence of the hazard and refers the reader to the site 70E policy, and a specific label - one that includes calculated data for arc-flash incident energy or hazard/risk category and identifies specific required PPE. Figure 1 shows one of each type of label, with the generic type being the upper label. This guideline identifies what type of equipment we should be labeling and how to label that equipment. If a piece of equipment is identified by company guidelines as within the scope of equipment for which we should be calculating arc-flash exposure, then the label should be a specific label. Otherwise, the label will be a generic label and will refer to the overall site 70E policy. Wherever specific labels are applied, they shall describe all of the requisite PPE.

generic arc flash label
Figure 1A. An example of generic arc flash warning label.

arc flash warning label sample
Figure 1B. An example of specific arc flash warning label.

Many facilities have been through short-circuit and arc-flash studies conducted under previous versions of the NFPA 70E regulation. In such cases, it is possible that the labels already in place in the field reflect older hazard levels and types of PPE for some of the labeled equipment and are no longer correct for the current version of NFPA 70E. It is permissible to hand-modify the existing labels if the changes are somewhat minor, but it is often confusing to do that. The preferred approach is to relabel the equipment. However, since the current version of the regulation requires review and update on a five-year cycle, it is recommended that the labels simply be corrected during the course of the next overall update.

The generic label is a Brady product, while the specific label is a product printed as output from Arc Flash Analytic software program. Both of these labels use the ANSI Z535.4 "warning" format and an orange banner. The "danger" format with a red banner, described in the same ANSI standard, is equally acceptable.

Read more at http://arcadvisor.com/faq/arc-flash-labeling-guidelines

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Guide To Arc Flash Apps. Simple solutions for fast and accurate results.

Arc flash applications are increasing in popularity among engineers and electricians when examining hazards presented by an arc flash. Professionals search for accessible tools to help reduce dangers associated with arc flash as well as to assist in selecting adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Mobile apps for arc flash analysis can be useful for assessing the hazards before working on energized equipment. 

Contrary to many simple and complex computer programs used for power system and arc flash hazard analysis, only a handful of arc flash apps are available for purchase. Each app, available in either the Apple Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android-operated devices), vary in level of complexity and range of operations. 

Q: What are some specific benefits to workers using arc flash apps on their mobile device?

Qualified workers use mobile apps for data collection, field analysis of electrical equipment and evaluation of arc flash dangers when access to complex power system analysis computer software is limited or not available. Electrical and safety professionals can now find ways to minimize arc flash hazards using handheld gadgets while in the field by trying different protection device settings and by simulating various fault scenarios. 

The apps help in meeting the requirements of CSA Z462 "Workplace Electrical Safety" and NFPA 70E: "Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace" published respectively by the Canadian Standards Association and the National Fire Protection Association. Arc flash mobile apps support calculations and functions for typical distribution systems that use fuses and circuit breaker protection devices. They provide for real-time display of incident energy and arc flash boundary results