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EC&M Tech Talk — How to Use the PPE Category Method

Aug. 1, 2024

Randy demonstrates how to use the PPE Category Method to select electrical PPE when the arc flash warning label is not on the equipment.

Randy Barnett

In this EC&M Tech Talk, Randy Barnett, NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional, demonstrates how to use the PPE Category Method to select electrical PPE when the arc flash warning label is not on the equipment.

The National Electrical Code requires an arc flash warning label on specified equipment. However, for various reasons, such as newly installed equipment, that label may not be present. Yet the electrical work must still be performed. The NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace provides an alternative method for selecting arc rated protection in the event the label is not in place.

Using an electrical equipment room with switchboard and panelboards, Randy walks viewers through the process to select the appropriate arc flash PPE to create an electrically safe work condition in a panelboard to replace a breaker in the panelboard. Three separate NFPA 70E tables are explained. The first table helps workers to determine if an arc flash hazard may exist. The next table tells the worker the PPE Category of clothing to wear. The final table lists the specific PPE items to don.

Randy spends some time summarizing and closing the discussion. What limitations are there to the PPE Category Method? What if those limitations are exceeded? Is the PPE Category Method conservative? All questions workers must be able to answer to protect themselves from the arc flash.

About the Author

Randy Barnett | CESCP

Randy Barnett is an NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Professional, a long-time journeyman electrician, instructor and author with expertise in industrial electrical construction and maintenance. He is Electrical Codes & Safety Manager for NTT Training. Because of his ability to develop and deliver quality programs, Randy has trained more than 10,000 students in all 50 states, including Canada, Singapore, Afghanistan, Dubai, Trinidad, and Saudi Arabi. His articles appear in numerous trade publications and, his book on "Commercial and Industrial Wiring" is used as an entry-level text in many electrician training programs. Randy also appears at various corporate and trade association speaking engagements and consults on training program design and implementation. Randy is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Power School, served as a nuclear electrician in submarines and holds a B.S. in business.