What information is being required by NFPA 70E on arc flash labels?

Previous edition of NFPA 70E from year 2009 required that labels to display either the available incident energy or the minimum arc flash rating for the Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). Also, every arc flash warning label had to list the system voltage, arc flash boundary, equipment identification and the date of the arc flash analysis listed on it. If you have labels meeting the above NFPA 70E year 2009 requirement that were applied prior to October 1, 2011, those labels may remain.

We recommend to use consistent labeling throughout a facility. Every label should have the same format and display the same type of information. The consistent label format will minimize a confusion for someone looking at the label and ensure that the individual understands what he is seeing. We advise replacing all arc flash labels when the point is reached at which new arc flash labels must be used in any location in your facility.

The NFPA 70E 2015 code is now in effect and it requires that at least one of the following is included on arc flash label:

• Either the available incident energy with the corresponding working distance or the arc flash PPE category in Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b) or Table 130.7(C)(15)(B) shall be listed but not both
• Minimum arc rating of clothing
• Site-specific level of PPE

In addition to the information above, the nominal system voltage and arc flash boundary must be included.

Your existing arc flash label may already be compliant with NFPA 70E 2015, and you may not have to change anything on your labels. However, NFPA 70E 2015 provides greater flexibility allowing you to use labels that are more effective and easier to understand.

ARCAD develops and sells arc flash analysis and label making software to help you meet OSHA, NFPA 70E, CSA Z462 regulations and Code requirements. Please check ARCAD arc flash software page for a condensed list of main program features and capabilities.

If you lack the time or expensive equipment to print the required labels internally, let us do it for you. ARCAD's arc flash label printing services make NFPA 70, OSHA and CSA Z462 compliance simpler.