NFPA 70E & Infrared Thermography
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NFPA 70E & Infrared Thermography
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute
On September 5, 2008, the eighth edition of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace became available superceding all previous editions. This latest edition of NFPA 70E contains several important changes and specifically addresses thermographic inspections of energized electrical systems.
Since 1979, the National Fire Protection Association has published the document, NFPA 70E. Since its initial publication, this safety standard has been renamed, expanded, and extensively revised. NFPA 70E is applicable to any workplace and is intended for use by employers, employees, and OSHA, among others.
The 2009 edition of NFPA 70E contains several changes over the 2004 edition. Among these changes are:
- Several key definitions have been revised
- Article 350 R&D Laboratories has been added to Chapter 3
- Chapter 4 has been deleted from the 2009 edition
- The 2009 edition contains an Introduction, 3 Chapters, and 15 Annexes
Perhaps the most significant change to NFPA 70E is that thermography is specifically addressed as a task. Table 130.7(C)(9) Hazard Risk Category Classifications provides Hazard/Risk categories ranging from 0 to 3 depending upon the type of equipment being inspected.
While Table 130.7(C)(9) may be used for certain tasks, it does not cover all inspection scenarios. For tasks not listed in Table 130.7(C)(9) or for power systems with greater than the assumed maximum short circuit current capacity or with longer than the assumed maximum fault clearing times, an arc flash hazard analysis is required.
The application and use of NFPA 70E are specifically covered within Infraspection Institute’s online short course, NFPA 70E – Are You in Compliance? Available 24 hours per day, this 45 minute course focuses on the history and application of 70E, changes included in the current edition, and how it applies to thermographers. For more information or to register, please visit: http://www.successiries.com/SuccessIRies_105.html.
