NEC 110.16(B) Code Update

NEC 110.16(B) Code Update

Electricity powers our lives, but it can also pose a safety hazard, especially for people who work on or near electrical equipment. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) created the National Electrical Code (NEC) to provide important safety guidance for workers who come into contact with electrical equipment. Recent additions to NEC 2023 110.16(B) require arc flash labels for more types of equipment, increasing the focus on electrical safety.

Table of Contents

• Key Changes in NEC 2023: Section 110.16(B) Arc Flash Warning Requirements
  • Past Guidelines
  • Expanded Scope of Section 110.16(B)
• Mandatory Arc Flash Warning Labels
• Why Arc Flash Labels Matter
• Is Your Electrical Equipment Compliant With NEC 110.16(B)?

Key Changes in NEC 2023: Section 110.16(B) Arc Flash Warning Requirements

An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy. It can be accompanied by high temperatures, debris, intense light and pressure waves. Maintaining compliance with NEC regulations helps protect businesses and their employees from arc flashes.

Past Guidelines

In 2020, the NEC required service equipment of 1200 amps or more in nonresidential buildings to include a label listing the following:

• Standard system voltage
• The highest possible current circuit breakers could encounter at the main service point during a fault
• How long it takes for a circuit breaker to interrupt the current at the main panel
• The date the label was added to the equipment

However, this label could be left off if the service equipment included an arc flash label.

Expanded Scope of Section 110.16(B)

The NFPA 70 NEC 2023 update provides greater protection from arc flash occurrences by requiring labels for more pieces of equipment:

• Service equipment: Equipment that allows you to control or cut off the electrical supply to a building
• Feeder-supplied equipment: Any equipment supplied by feeder circuits 

It also requires a permanent arc flash label on equipment rated 1000 amps or more. Reducing the amount of amps required for the label highlights the need to follow proper safety protocols even with low-voltage systems.

Mandatory Arc Flash Warning Labels

When is equipment labeling required for arc flash hazards? According to the NFPA 70E arc flash label requirements, electrical equipment that is going to be inspected, adjusted, serviced or maintained with the power still on should be labeled. Control panels, switchboards, transformers and panel boards are all common types of equipment that need arc flash labels. 

These labels need to include the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary and at least one of the following:

• Incident energy
• Required level of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Risk category

The owner of the electrical equipment is responsible for properly labeling it and conducting an arc flash risk assessment every five years.

Why Arc Flash Labels Matter

The electrical charge released during an arc flash can cause severe injuries, such as burns or blindness. Anyone who works on or around energized electrical equipment needs to wear appropriate PPE. 

Common PPE may include:

• Flame-resistant clothing and insulated sleeves
• Insulated rubber gloves with leather protectors
• Safety glasses
• Face shields
• Hard hats
• Specialty footwear

The information on the arc flash label helps anyone who will come into contact with the equipment make an informed choice about the PPE they need to use and gives them a realistic idea of the risks of handling the equipment.

Ensure Your Electrical Equipment Meets NEC Standards – Contact Us Today!

Regular inspections and maintenance of your electrical systems are essential for safety and compliance with electrical codes. They protect people and property from harm. 

Lippolis Electric, Inc. has decades of experience helping businesses keep their electrical systems functioning properly and in line with safety codes. Our licensed electricians can evaluate your systems and let you know if they need updates to meet NEC regulations. Contact us today to ask questions or schedule a service call.