Safety Related Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Do I need to suit up in PPE when racking an Eaton FlashGard MCC bucket?
A. The operator should wear PPE as prescribed by the Arc Flash label on the MCC.
The available short circuit current at any MCC unit, and the corresponding the arc flash energy in front of the MCC, is different for each power distribution configuration as it is a function of the available utility/ generator short circuit current and the short circuit contribution from the various components of the power distribution system.
Q. What is the difference between metal-clad switchgear and metal-enclosed switchgear?
A. Metal-clad switchgear varies from metal-enclosed switchgear in many ways. For instance, all live parts are compartmentalized in metal-clad switchgear, where compartmentalization is not necessary in metal-enclosed switchgear. Metal-clad has a much higher duty cycle, 10 to 1000 times greater number of load operations vs. metal enclosed. Also, metal-clad requires shutters over bus openings. With metal-enclosed, shutters are not required. Finally, metal-clad is metal enclosed, but metal-enclosed is not metal-clad!
Read more about the differences here.
Q: What is your opinion about using NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C)(9) with voltages of 690 volts common in the wind turbine industry. Arc flash studies are not imminent. In the interim, should 690v be associated with 600v equipment class or 1000v class equipment.
A: I would not recommend relying on Table 130.7(C)(9) because of the two footnote restrictions. The two restrictions are:
- A maximum available fault current
- An application of either an instantaneous setting or a STPU of 0.33 sec or 0.5 sec or less as noted when working on 600V nominal systems.
These conditions would need to be confirmed for each location before the table can be used and in some cases the confirmation may require a SC analysis (half of the arc flash study).The 1 kV and up ratings in this table apply to Metal-Clad switchgear which is not applicable to Eaton’s Magnum switchgear or other low voltage switchboards and panelboards because they are metal-enclosed, not metal-clad. I don't think the "Other Equipment 1 kV through 38 kV" would apply to our Magnum switchgear or low voltage switchboards applied at 690V either - this category is more in line with medium voltage switchgear, pole operated switches, and cable examination applications. My recommendation is to not use NPFA70E (2009) Table 130.7(C)(9) for 690V rated systems and rely on specific calculated incident energy levels as determined by an engineering arc flash analysis.
Q. Do you have arc flash training available for contractors and other maintenance personnel? If so, how do they sign-up or register?
A. Eaton’s Electrical Services and Systems team is ready to deliver on-site training for you and the people of your organization who maintain and manage your electrical power distribution systems. Because training is conducted by the same engineers who perform short-circuit coordination and power quality studies and who troubleshoot equipment on a daily basis, you gain the most up-to-date information and learn the latest techniques and procedures. For more information or a price quote contact Eaton’s electrical training group at
724-779-5852 or EETraining@eaton.com or contact your local Eaton distributor, sales office or Services and Systems office. For a schedule of open enrollment training, visit the learning link on our site. Eaton Corporation has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association of Continuing Education and Training and is authorized to offer IACET CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSUI/IACET standards.
Read more here: Safety Means…Expert Analysis and Training
What is an arc flash?
What is the impact of an arc flash?
What are the existing and new provisions that address arc flash?
Why is Eaton concerned and involved with efforts to provide solutions?
What can be done to reduce risk and exposure to arc flash hazards?
How does this all relate to Eaton's PowerChain Management™ solutions?
What businesses and industries should consider Eaton's Total Arc Flash Solutions?
