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The article presents the five misconceptions in the application of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Volunteer Fire Council (NFPA) Standards and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) guidelines regarding arc flash hazards. Among the misapprehensions include OSHA does not enforce NFPA 70E, it is assumed that all the equipment is a Hazard Risk Category 0 and the arc flash hazard assessment is enough for OSHA compliance. more...

The article discusses the importance of selective coordination of circuit protection for emergency circuits and legally-required standby systems. According to the author, the point of selective coordination is to isolate the faulted portion of the circuit while maintaining power to the rest of the electrical system. The author also discusses fuse limitation, current-limiting benefits, load comparisons and coordinating circuit protection. more...

The article talks about the increasing concerns on electrical safety in the U.S. It highlights the seven common-sense best practices that can help ensure plant safety and minimize unnecessary downtime. The best practices include assuring selective coordination, use current-limiting protective devices, perform an electrical hazard assessment, turn it off, document it, maintain protective devices, and update and consolidate fuses. more...

Suggests the use of electronic circuit protection for industrial controls. Advantages of electronic circuit breakers; Features of the circuit breakers; Function of the circuit breakers.

The article discusses the need to understand the difference between short-circuit current rating (SCCR) and interrupting rating (IR). It notes that specifiers using the terms interchangeably without understanding their difference could lead to under-protection or death. To obtain protection and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC), the circuit designer must calculate available fault current. Moreover, NEC Article 409 demands the SCCR to be displayed on industrial control panels. more...