Arc Flash and NFPA-70E Misconceptions

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Arc Flash

Ten Common Arc Flash Misconceptions

&NFPA-70E

Arc Flash & NFPA-70E

An Arc Flash can be…

Temperatures reaching 35,000 degrees can be devastating!

That's four times hotter than the sun's surface!!!

Multiple reasons for Arc Flashes

Human Error (most common)

Negligent preventive maintenance

Improper electrical

equipment/system design


So why all the confusion?

10Arc Flash & NFPA-70E

And now - The Top Ten MisconceptionsBut first, BE WARNED:

Don't fall into any ugly fallacies and misconceptions on arc flash – play it safe!

Your life just might depend on it.

- Not so fast! There’s a reason for the concern:

According to OSHA, an electrical worker is the third most dangerous profession

1 to 3 die every day from an arc flash incidents

Estimated 5 to 10 arc flash explosions happen

in the U.S. every day


1. “Arc Flashes are so rare, why all the hype?”


- Not quite, there is more to it!

Reduce live work by de-energizing a circuit first!

This puts the job in an electrically safe condition before the work is even started

This is the best standard to go by

2. “NFPA-70E is the standard governing arc flash.”

Work permits are required for anyone working with energized equipment over 50 volts

PPE and labeling are not enough

Employers are directly responsible for issuing permits

3. “It’s all AFH labeled so I'm compliant with NFPA-70E” - False! Here’s why...


- Not necessarily!

Current limiting fuses only help mitigate if the fault current is high enough

They don't address the duration component of arc flash


4. “I can reduce most AFH with current-limiting fuses”


The majority of arc flash injuries occur from human error.

Therefore, the only way to avoid danger

is through regular analysis of equipment,

work practices, and safety training.

5. “I can do regular infrared scans instead of arc flash analysis'” – Not!


The point of analysis is to reduce hazards!

Addressing them with just PPE is not enough

6. “Panel labeling is sufficient enough for arc flash analysis.” No - That’s Dangerous!

Arc Flash AnalysisSoftware is available at:www.CreativeSafetySupply.com

MCC is the final access point of power for motor loads

However, that doesn't mean

other loads don't possess a

possible AFH or threat


7. Beyond the Motor Control Center (MCC), it isn't necessary to check equipment for AFH


IEEE 1584 states, "Equipment below 240 V need not be considered unless it involves at least one 125 kVA or larger low-impedance transformer in its immediate power supply.”

But, here is the catch...

8. If equipment is under 240 volts, I don't need to access it through a transformer rated below 125 kVA


This only refers to incident energy calculations

Employers are responsible for assessing all equipment operating at 50 volts and higher

Low voltage does not mean there is no threat

of danger, fire, or electrocution

8. (continued)

The probability is really low, but... Once you start to insert or remove draw-out circuit breakers, bus plugs and MCC buckets the risk goes up.

This can create a hazard where a once perceived hazard-free zone existed - Proceed with Caution!


10. If there's no exposed, energized conductors, or circuit parts, then there's no AFH - Close but no cigar

We have you covered.Creative Safety Supply works with companies both

large and small to help them with theirArc Flash Labeling, Software and Signage needs.

We also carry a host of PDCA, Lean, 5S, 6S Kaizen, Kanban and Continuous Improvement products.

CreativeSafetySupply.com.


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Arc Flash and NFPA-70E Misconceptions