Recommended PPE Levels

The following table lists the minimum level of PPE to use when performing typical operation and maintenance procedures on common types of Square D low and medium voltage equipment. For further information on safe work practices, refer to NFPA 70E or CSA Z462.

NOTE: The table addresses operation, maintenance, or other work tasks associated with a variety of electrical equipment. There are instances where qualified or unqualified persons are in the vicinity of enclosed energized equipment, but are not interacting with the equipment in a manner that could cause an electric arc. Without such interaction, enclosed energized equipment that has been properly installed and maintained is not likely to pose an arc flash hazard. The arc flash protection boundary and associated PPE requirements are applicable only when an arc flash hazard exists.

Definition of "Normal Circumstances"

As used in the table, this term describes equipment that has been/has:

Properly installed, rated, and maintained
Properly commissioned and tested after installation
Covers properly in place and secured
In operation under load for some period of time with no evidence of impending failure.

Equipment	Task	Minimum PPE Level
Power-Zone 4 Switchgear, and Switchboards	First time energizing or start up of the equipment, or after completion of work or maintenance on the equipment or in the circuit breaker cubicle.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system.
	Racking of circuit breakers; removal and installation of circuit breakers.
	“Normal” operation (open/close) of circuit breakers with doors closed and covers securely in place.	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non-melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.
Power-Style QED-2 Switchboards, Panelboards, and Safety Switches	First time energizing or start up of the equipment, or after completion of work or maintenance on the equipment or in the circuit breaker cubicle.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system.
	Operation (open/close), removal, or installation of circuit breakers with doors or covers open.
	“Normal” operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or switches with all doors closed and and covers securely in place. (This includes normal operation after completion of work or maintenance on separate downstream equipment.) *	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non-melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.
Model 6 Motor Control Centers (MCCs)	First time energizing or start up of the equipment, or after completion of work or maintenance on the equipment or in the circuit breaker cubicle.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system.
	Racking, removal, or installation of circuit breakers, individual units or “buckets” in an MCC.
	Normal operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or switches with all doors and covers closed and secured. (This includes normal operation after completion of work or maintenance on separate downstream equipment.)	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non-melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.
Medium Voltage Equipment (HVL™, HVL/cc™)	First time energizing or start up of the equipment, or after completion of work or maintenance on the equipment or in the circuit breaker cubicle.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system.
	Racking, removal, or installation of circuit breakers; or open door operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or switches.
	Normal operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or load interrupter switches with all doors and covers closed and secured.	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.
Passive arc resistant equipment, including arc resistant Masterclad, Model 6 MCC, and PZ4 switchgear. Tested in accordance with IEEE C37.20.7, Type 1 or 2, and properly rated and installed in accordance with instructions.	Insertion or removal of circuit breakers with equipment doors open.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system.
	Insertion or removal of ground and test device with equipment doors open.
	Insertion or removal of voltage transformers on or off the bus with equipment doors open.
	Performing maintenance activities and tasks other than those outlined in this table.
	Normal operation (open/close) of circuit breakers with all doors closed and covers securely in place. *	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non-melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.
	Racking of circuit breakers with equipment doors closed.
	Racking of ground and test device with equipment doors closed.
	Racking of voltage transformers on or off the bus with equipment doors closed.
Medium Voltage Masterclad Equipment with Arc Terminator active arc extinguishing system. Tested in accordance with IEEE C37.20.7, Type 1 or 2 and properly rated and installed in accordance with instructions.	First time energizing or start up of the equipment, or after completion of work or maintenance on the equipment or in the circuit breaker cubicle.	PPE should be worn per the incident energy level determined at that point in the system excluding the effect of the arc terminator on arc duration.
	Racking, removal, or installation of circuit breakers; or open door operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or switches.
	Normal operation (open/close) of circuit breakers or load interrupter switches with all doors and covers closed and secured.	Under normal circumstances, arc-rated clothing is not required for these tasks. Non melting natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or rayon (or blends of these materials) are recommended. See definition of normal circumstances preceding this table.
	Closed door interaction with externally mounted meters and displays.