In this slideshare Creative Safety Supply debunks some dangerous myths and misconceptions regarding how one should handle Arc Flash Analysis as well as some of the updates to NFPA-70E. While some of these semi-truths are very nearly correct, they could be off by just enough to get you killed or heavily injured. Take a few moments to check out our review of some of the most popular misconceptions surrounding how to handle possible Arc Flash equipment or danger areas. Should you wish to find out more about Arc Flash dangers as well as training and analytic software that will help you to keep yourself or your employees safe, visit us at CreativeSafetySupply.com, or call us at 866-777-1360. Further reading on Arc Flash: https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/infographics/arcflash-facts/ https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/resources/arc-flash https://www.creativesafetysupply.com/articles/nfpa-70e/

1. The leaders in visual
safety.
Arc Flash
Ten Common Arc Flash
Misconceptions
&
NFPA-70E

2. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
An Arc Flash can be…
Temperatures reaching 35,000 degrees can be
devastating!
That's four times hotter than the sun's surface!!!

3. Multiple reasons for Arc Flashes
Human Error (most common)
Negligent preventive maintenance
Improper electrical equipment/system
design
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
So why all the confusion?

4. 10
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
And now - The Top Ten Misconceptions
But first, BE WARNED:
Don't fall into any ugly fallacies and
misconceptions on arc flash – play it safe!
Your life just might depend on it.

5. - Not so fast! There’s a reason for the concern:
According to OSHA, an electrical worker is the
third most dangerous profession
1 to 3 die every day from an arc flash incidents
Estimated 5 to 10 arc flash explosions happen
in the U.S. every day
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
1. “Arc Flashes are so rare, why all the hype?”

6. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
- Not quite, there is more to it!
Reduce live work by de-energizing a circuit first!
This puts the job in an electrically safe condition
before the work is even started
This is the best standard to go by
2. “NFPA-70E is the standard governing arc flash.”

7. Work permits are required for anyone working with
energized equipment over 50 volts
PPE and labeling are not enough
Employers are directly responsible for issuing
permits
3. “It’s all AFH labeled so I'm compliant with
NFPA-70E” - False! Here’s why...
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E

8. - Not necessarily!
Current limiting fuses only help mitigate if
the fault current is high enough
They don't address the duration
component of arc flash
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
4. “I can reduce most AFH with current-limiting fuses”

9. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
The majority of arc flash injuries occur
from human error.
Therefore, the only way to avoid danger
is through regular analysis of equipment,
work practices, and safety training.
5. “I can do regular infrared scans instead
of arc flash analysis'” – Not!

10. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
The point of analysis is to reduce
hazards!
Addressing them with just PPE is
not enough
6. “Panel labeling is sufficient enough for arc
flash analysis.” No - That’s Dangerous!
Arc Flash Analysis
Software is available at:
www.CreativeSafetySupply.com

11. MCC is the final access point
of power for motor loads
However, that doesn't mean
other loads don't possess a
possible AFH or threat
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
7. Beyond the Motor Control Center (MCC), it
isn't necessary to check equipment for AFH

12. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
IEEE 1584 states, "Equipment below 240 V
need not be considered unless it involves at
least one 125 kVA or larger low-impedance
transformer in its immediate power supply.”
But, here is the catch...
8. If equipment is under 240 volts, I don't need to
access it through a transformer rated below 125 kVA

13. Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
This only refers to incident energy calculations
Employers are responsible for assessing all
equipment operating at 50 volts and higher
Low voltage does not mean there is no threat
of danger, fire, or electrocution
8. (continued)

14. The probability is really low, but... Once you start to
insert or remove draw-out circuit breakers, bus
plugs and MCC buckets the risk goes up.
This can create a hazard where a once perceived
hazard-free zone existed - Proceed with Caution!
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E
10. If there's no exposed, energized conductors, or
circuit parts, then there's no AFH - Close but no cigar

15. We have you covered.
Creative Safety Supply works with companies both
large and small to help them with their
Arc Flash Labeling, Software and Signage needs.
We also carry a host of PDCA, Lean, 5S, 6S Kaizen, Kanban and
Continuous Improvement products. CreativeSafetySupply.com.
Arc Flash & NFPA-70E

16. www.CreativeSafetySupply.com
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The leaders in visual safety