Rockwell Automation Publication 2100-IN012D-EN-P - September 2010
59
Chapter
5
Arc Flash Protection Marking as Required by
the National Electrical Code
Flash Protection Marking
Requirement
The flash protection marking requirement was initially established in 2000 by
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E), Standard for Electrical
Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. NFPA 70E applies to workers
who install, maintain, or repair electrical systems.
In 2002, NFPA 70, The National Electrical Code (NEC) added the Article
110.16, and reinforced the flash protection marking of equipment. The 2002
version of the article is stated below.
110.16 Flash Protection
Switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, and MCCs that are
in other than dwelling occupancies and are likely to require examination,
adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be field
marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards.
The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons
before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the
equipment.
FPN No. 1: NFPA 70E-2000, Electrical Safety Requirements for
Employee Workplaces, provides assistance in determining severity of
potential exposure, planning safe work practices, and selecting personal
protective equipment.
FPN No. 2: ANSI Z535.4-1998, Product Safety Signs and Labels, provides
guidelines for the design of safety signs and labels for application to
products.
As Arc Flash Technology emerges, new developments have caused changes to arc
flash criteria. For example, in 2004, the NFPA 70E was reissued in a completely
new format along with changes reflecting new developments. The NEC is revised
every three years and the NFPA 70E is revised every four years. The latest editions
of the NEC and NFPA 70E should be used in establishing potential electric arc
flash hazards and arc flash marking.
