ARC FLASH STUDY
In the United States in 1979, the National Fire Protection Agency created what now is called “NFPA70E” It is a standard for safe work practices around energized electrical equipment. In Canada, the Canadian Standard Association is developing a CSA standard “Z462” similar to the U.S.
One of the requirements of Z462 is shock and flash protection. Rule 2-306 appendix B states:
- Electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers that are installed in other than dwelling units and are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized shall be field marked to warn persons of potential electrical shock and arc flash hazards.
- The marking referred to in subrule (1) shall be located so that it is clearly visible to persons before examination, adjustments, servicing or maintenance of equipment.
COORDINATION STUDY
is a study performed by Power Works Electrical Services to ascertain that all protective safety devices are adjusted as to minimize the impact of a short circuit in a power system. The interrupting rating of the equipment is also checked to see if it is adequate.