Code Changes & Requirements

We want to keep you up to date on current industry codes and regulations. Check back here periodically for updates and alerts regarding IEEE 1584, NFPA 70E, and NEC changes related to Arc Flash hazards and more.

 

nfpa logoThe NFPA Board of Directors has approved a comprehensive set of revisions to the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects, the regulations that govern NFPA’s standards development process. The new regulations are called "Regulations Governing the Development of NFPA Standards". These new regulations, which include changes to some familiar terms and adds some new terms, will be in effect for standards reporting in the Fall 2013 Revision Cycle and all subsequent revision cycles. Read more about the new NFPA regulations.

NEC logo There are three new Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) that are currently being balloted through the National Electrical Code® code-making panels. While the panels are reviewing them, these TIAs are also available for public review and comment. The TIA process is quite different from the normal revision process in that it involves matters that need to be taken care of between normal revision cycles. Another distinctive difference in the TIA process is that the proposed text will not be further modified by the committee during the TIA process. The public review process simply lets the committee know whether or not the public supports the TIA. Click here for the full article.

arc flash labelIEEE Std.1584tm, IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations defines the practice for performing detailed arc flash calculations.  This method has become the currently accepted industry practice used for calculating the prospective incident energy that could be available at a given location which can be used  to determine the PPE requirements.  

An arc flash calculation study requires calculating the equivalent arcing short circuit current at each location under study.  The arcing current is used to evaluate the time current characteristic of the upstream overcurrent device that would interrupt the arc flash.  Typically the maximum short circuit current is considered the worst case however, during an arc flash, lower short circuit currents could be worse because the overcurrent device could take longer to operate leading to a greater exposure. Click here for more.