ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 110.16 Flash Protection.

How are you handling this?

At the time of inspection, a warning label must be attached. Brady , Panduit & others make them. At least one manufacturer supplies a label with some of their panelboards. Some of the label examples I've seen have fill in blanks for available fault current, level of protective gear required, but this information is not required by 110.16 and should not be presumed to be factual except the day the calculation was done.

I don't know what we'll do about marking meter sockets. These are furnished by the power company in our area and on the 100 amp size, there isn't very much room for a label on the front cover. I wouldn't consider the side of the meter enclosure to be clearly visible under all conditions. Even though the power company employees should know the dangers, it never hurts to give someone a reminder.

Tom

I write it up on basically every power inspection I do. I always make it a point to write the reference of 110.16 so the electrician can read teh text to know exactly what th erequirement is.

Just a side note though: If a person meets the definition of "qualified person" and therefore knows the risks involved and has had safety training, why do we need a sticker "...to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards"? Seems like a silly rule to me

Ryan:

How about 70E? Is that a silly set of rules as well?

Why do you say 110.16 is a silly rule?

Did you send in a NEC ROC comment?

The sign Covers Everybody's Ass ---

Some Qualified Persons cannot read or tell colors so the typical shock symbol might help them to be alert.

I would have to ask then, how did they become a "Qualified Person" and how likely is it that this person would be able to truly meet the criteria and continue to educate themselves in order to be recognized as a "Qualified Person"?

Not saying it couldn't be done but IMO it would be a far stretch of the imagination.

BTW, are the NFPA codes available on cassette for listening while driving down the road?

Roger

Roger,

Codes on tape have been banned in WV because of the warning label on them that says "May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while listening."

The way I feel about these stickers is, if you need to ask what they mean, you shouldn't remove the cover.

Tom, LOL

Roger

No Joe, I didn't send in a proposal, but I think I may for the 2008. In my opinion, you could put a sign on the panel that says "WARNING: IF you touch this you will die". It still won't change anything...ask the few million cigarette smokers in the world that look at the surgeon general's warning every time they light up.

Joe,
I did submit a comment on this issue when it was proposed for the '02 code. The original proposal called for the field applied label to contain that actual arc fault information. My comment was opposed based on two things. First, such calcualted values may not be valid in the future and if too low could lead someone to not use enough PPE. Second, the only people that would know what this label means, are people who already know what types of PPE are required. At this point, where no calculations are required to be posted, I fail to understand why the rule requires a field applied label. Why not just have the manufacturer apply the label when the product is made?
Don

" In my opinion, you could put a sign on the panel that says "WARNING: IF you touch this you will die". "

Ryan,
I have seen this exact message used many times during construction. It does seem to get the point across to the other trades.

GJ