59Publication 2100-IN012C-EN-P - April 2009 59
Chapter
5
Arc Flash Protection Marking as Required by
the National Electrical Code
Flash Protection Marking
Requirement
The flash protection marking requirement was initially established in
2000 by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E),
Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces.
NFPA 70E applies to workers who install, maintain, or repair electrical
systems.
In 2002, NFPA 70, The National Electrical Code (NEC) added the
Article 110.16, and reinforced the flash protection marking of
equipment. The 2002 version of the article is stated below.
110.16 Flash Protection
Switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, and MCCs
that are in other than dwelling occupancies and are likely to
require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance
while energized shall be field marked to warn qualified persons
of potential electric arc flash hazards. The marking shall be
located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons before
examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the
equipment.
FPN No. 1: NFPA 70E-2000, Electrical Safety Requirements for
Employee Workplaces, provides assistance in determining
severity of potential exposure, planning safe work practices, and
selecting personal protective equipment.
FPN No. 2: ANSI Z535.4-1998, Product Safety Signs and Labels,
provides guidelines for the design of safety signs and labels for
application to products.
As Arc Flash Technology emerges, new developments have caused
changes to arc flash criteria. For example, in 2004, the NFPA 70E was
reissued in a completely new format along with changes reflecting
new developments. The NEC is revised every three years and the
NFPA 70E is revised every four years. The latest editions of the NEC
and NFPA 70E should be used in establishing potential electric arc
flash hazards and arc flash marking.
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