Arc Flash Concern During Switching Operations? 1

[ThePunisher]

We understand that the IEEE 1584-2002 incident arc flash and associated flash boundary are based on a distance and exposure of personnel to "live parts".

Is the associated PPE requirements (and associated flash boundaries) applies when the only work being done on the indoor switchgear or MCC is just switching breakers or contactors/switches on/off and the panel doors are closed and bolted and there is no direct exposure to live parts?

What if the equipment is Arc Flash Rated (say Type 2 or 3)?

Thank you for your unselfish opinions

 

[dpc]

It depends. You really need to look at the latest (2015) version of NFPA 70E. If the equipment has been "properly installed and maintained" and all the of the doors are closed and latched, you can find statements in 70E that supports the contention that PPE is NOT required for these "normal" operations.

So if your goal is to justify not wearing PPE for switching operations, you can probably find justification in the new NFPA 70E-2015. However if your goal is to provide good protection to your workers, you might come up with a different conclusion, since there are instances of arc-flash injuries occurring during switching operations, even with the doors closed.

 

[ThePunisher]

Thanks DPC for your prompt response. We do not have the NFPA 70E-2015 yet and we are complying with CSA Z462-12. I would prioritize safety until CSA Z462-12 says otherwise.

Another question is that I assumed that arc flash issues is not applicable to 4.16 kV GIS (Gas-Insulated) type switchgears because the bus bars, breakers, etc are hermetically sealed. Is this assumption correct?[ul]
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[Zogzog]

You can only disregard arc flash if the switchgear is arc rated, just because it is sealed does not mean it is designed to contain an arc flash

 

[ThePunisher]

Thanks Zogzog. The GIS is arc flash rated (Siemens 4.16 kV GIS). Do we have any industry standard that would discuss the arc flash related to gas insulated switchgears?

 

[Zogzog]

ANSI/IEEE C37.20.7