Arc Flash Surveys and NFPA 70E Compliance

When it comes to safety, Cooper Electric walks the walk. We are NFPA 70E compliant, and if your facility is not, we have the expertise to help you get there.

What Is an Arc Flash?

Arc flash PPE

An arc flash is a flashover of electric current through the air from one exposed conductor to another, or to ground. Electric arcs produce intense heat, a sound blast and pressure waves. Their extremely high temperatures can ignite clothing and cause severe, even fatal, burns.

Facilities must have an arc flash assessment completed on their electrical equipment to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements for protecting employees. NEC Article 110.16 also requires that equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential arc flash hazards.

Our Arc Flash Survey Includes

• Field data collection on your facility’s existing electrical equipment and layout
• One-line drawings of your electrical systems and panel layout drawings
• OSHA/NFPA arc flash labels for each electrical device
• A consultation to review the report, answer questions and recommend ways to reduce PPE requirements
• Training for your facility’s personnel

Our Own Safety Program

We constantly re-evaluate our safety policies and personal protective equipment to meet the challenges of the electrical industry. Cooper Electric electricians are trained in arc flash and NFPA 70E work practices, and our company policies keep a safe work environment in line with safety regulations.

Arc-rated PPE

We equip each employee with the PPE required for tasks up to PPE category 2, including:

• Flame-resistant (FR) coveralls with hood, rated 8 cal/cm², meeting ASTM F1506 and NFPA 70E
• Hard hat with 10 cal/cm² arc-rated face shield and chin cup
• Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1), worn in addition to the face shield
• Voltage-rated rubber gloves (600 V) with leather protectors
• Hearing protection
• Voltage-rated screwdrivers and a voltage tester

For PPE category 4 tasks, we also have arc flash suits rated for category 4.