Electrical Safety, Electrical Hazards, and the 2018 NFPA 70E: Time to Update Annex K?

Abstract

Sharing the same goals and overlapping membership, IEEE and NFPA are committed to improving electrical safety in the workplace. Knowledge about electrical hazards, especially arc flash hazards, has expanded greatly since the first, 2002 edition of the IEEE Standard 1584, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations. In the NFPA 70E Standard, 2004 edition, the 1584 arc-flash hazard calculations were included in the recommended methods for quantifying the potential incident energy exposure. In 2004 IEEE and NFPA initiated the IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Collaboration Project to conduct research and testing which would lead to a greater scientific understanding of the arc flash hazard. Presently, IEEE Standard 1584 is in the process of major revision. Subsequent editions of NFPA 70E -the 2009, 2012 and 2015 -have greatly expanded the coverage of the arc flash hazard. However, NFPA 70E Annex K, which addresses the general categories of electrical hazards, has changed little since the 2004 edition, except for the addition of a short paragraph on arc blast hazards in 2009. This paper suggests content for expanding the 2018 NFPA 70E Annex K.

A Study of Energy Partition During Arc Initiation

“…Moreover, quantification tools for the hazards related to the different energy components in the arc are still under development, and further research and validation is required. A major collaborative research project between the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) started in 2004, to investigate experimentally the heat and thermal energy, blast pressure, sound and light during an arcing fault, in order to update the current standards concerning arc flash safety, [1][2][3][4]. In addition, research is focused on the energy transfer mechanisms within an arcing fault and the electrical energy conversion processes, [5,6].…”

The initiation of electric arcs and the possible impact in industrial environments

“…There are significant research efforts concentrated on how to improve control and management of the risk of arc flash and arc blast incidents and how to mitigate the related hazards [Nei06]. A major collaborative research project between the IEEE and the NFPA started in 2004, to investigate experimentally the heat and thermal energy, blast pressure, sound and light during an arcing fault, to update the current standards concerning arc flash safety [IEEE1584], [NFPA70E], [LGZ+12], [GLZ+15]. In addition, research is focused on the energy transfer mechanisms within an arcing fault and the electrical energy conversion processes [SS07], [GG15].…”

“…However, it should be noted that only the thermal hazard levels can be addressed in accordance with the current standards. NFPA 70E and manufacturers are beginning to address some of the arc blast hazards, e.g., hearing protection and impact resistant face shields [GLZ+15].…”

“…An ongoing major collaborative research project between the IEEE and the NFPA started in 2004 is focused into quantification of several thermal and non-thermal hazards of the arc flash [LGZ+12], [GLZ+15]. Through further extensive research and testing on the arc flash phenomena, the project collaborators aim to investigate the heat and thermal energy, blast pressure, sound, light and other hazards during an arcing fault, to update the current standards concerning arc flash safety.…”

“…Only the thermal hazard levels associated with an arc flash and arc blast incident can be addressed in accordance with current standards. A major collaborative research project between the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) started in 2004 to experimentally investigate the heat and thermal energy, blast pressure, sound, and light during an arcing fault, to update the current standards concerning arc flash safety[IEEE1584],[NFPA70E],[LGZ+12],[GLZ+15].Thus, advancing our knowledge and understanding of electrical arc flash and arc blast hazards through experimentation, modelling and analysis is the main goal of the present research. To achieve this, the research conducted has been consisted of two main parts.The first part, which is presented in Chapter 3, focuses on understanding better the macroscale manifestation of arc flash and blast phenomena.…”