I recently spoke with a major local hospital concerning electrical safety recommendations  while undergoing a major building expansion. Listed below are the significant recommendations I made that should be done prior to completion:

1. Arc Flash Study: Since this is a new installation it is recommended an arc flash study be performed and electrical equipment have arc flash labels installed during construction.

2. Arc-Resistant Equipment: Switchgear and other equipment should be purchased that are rated as arc-resistant. This reduces arc flash severity by quickly deenergizing equipment and venting arc pressure upwards away from electrical workers. Link from Square D is one example: https://www.productinfo.schneider-electric.com/portals/ui/digest/viewer/561d5d65e4b0c5c41a243bf2/561d5f9ae4b0c5c41a244818/r/ArcResistantSwitchgear-1F2392D8

   Arc Resistant Switchgear – Schneider Electric Digest Plus www.productinfo.schneider-electric.com Active system detects and controls the effects of internal arcing faults. It complies with ANSI C37.20.7 requirements for arc-resistant switchgear for Type 1, Type 2B, and Type 2C enclosures, even with the switchgear doors open.

   3. Maintenance Mode Setting: A maintenance mode switch permits workers to switch from normal operation to maintenance mode thereby drastically reducing severity of an electric arc:

   https://quotefast.schneider-electric.com/QuoteFast/QFHelp/prodhelp.php?ndx=41220&doc=pms_0201

   Maintenance Switch | LVPD Switchboards by Schneider Electric – OpenAM (Login) quotefast.schneider-electric.com The Article 240.87 on Arc Energy Reduction for 1200A or Higher CB, the following methods to Reduce Clearing time or approved equivalent are listed:

4. Load break plugs: If you have equipment that may be connected with portable     cords there are load-rated break plugs that reduce the likelihood of an electric arc: http://www.meltric.com/

MELTRIC Plugs and Receptacles www.meltric.com MELTRIC is a company of Marechal Electric Group, a worldwide leader in manufacturing and sales of engineered plugs and receptacles. Visit marechal.com (for support outside the USA, CAN, and MX).

5. Infrared Windows for IR Scanning: This allows IR scanning with the covers off thereby reducing the likelihood of an arc flash and eliminating shock hazard: http://www.invz.net/infrared-viewingwindow.html

Infrared Viewing Windows, Conduct Thermal Scans without exposure to Live Components – Invizions, Inc. – invz.net www.invz.net About Infrared Thermography. IR viewing panes are installed in electrical panels to allow thermal imaging without exposing the thermographer to live components.

It’s much easier and cost efficient to incorporate these recommendations during the construction phase rather than waiting until construction is complete.

Jon