Arc Flash labels are now required on more types of electrical equipment, except in dwellings. Arc Flash labels warn qualified electricians about the dangers of an electrical explosion.
A change in the 2008 National Electrical Code means these field installed labels must be added to more than just switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers.
In section 110.16 the phrase, electrical equipment such as, has been added right before the list of equipment. Now these types of equipment are just examples of where arc flash labels are required, and not the only places where they are required.
For example, in the 2005 NEC a 600 amp fusible disconnect switch would not require an arc flash warning label because fusible disconnects were not included in the list. In the 2008 NEC a warning label is required.
There are several types of labels available. They can signal a warning to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on the equipment, like the sign on the disconnect above. Or they can have fill-in-the-blank areas to describe the exact hazard and type of protection needed, like in the label below.
The NEC does not require that any certain type of label is used, only that it be visible to personnel before starting work on the equipment.
Field installing arc flash labels on a wide range of equipment is an NEC requirement. It also is an important part of any electrical safety program.
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