Are You Safe from an Arc Flash if the Panel Door is closed?

Myth or Fact? If the equipment door stays closed, then I am safe from an Arc Flash hazard and I don’t need to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

The answer really depends on if ALL Task and Equipment Conditions are met. More details must be established than just the equipment door being closed in order for you to be considered safe without PPE. Within?NFPA 70E-2015, the Table 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a) breaks down if PPE is required by first the task being performed, and then the specific equipment conditions that task will be performed under. As you look over the Table, you will notice that some tasks will always require PPE, whereas others will not. For example, say the task is “Normal operation of a circuit breaker, switch, contactor, or starter.” Are all equipment doors?closed & secured? Are equipment covers in place and secured? The answers to these questions about the equipment conditions and others will affect if you need PPE or not. Even a certain task that does not expose you to energized electrical conductors and circuit parts may still require that you wear and use PPE. Some reasons why a task like this might require PPE would be if the equipment is not properly installed, it is not properly maintained, or if there is evidence of impending failure. It is also absolutely necessary to make sure your specific task exactly matches one of the Table tasks listed. If it does not, the Table cannot be referenced and alternate methods must be used for determining if PPE is required or not.

Before doing any work on or near electrical equipment, it is best to accurately assess the situation. Ascertain exactly what task is being performed, consult the Table 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a), determine the equipment conditions per the Table, and wear the proper PPE accordingly.

Arc Flash Hazard (AC/DC)