Section 130.5/Arc Flash Risk Assessment
NFPA 70E Section 130.5 requires an arc flash risk assessment before work on or near energized electrical equipment.
An arc flash risk assessment must be performed before a person approaches within the arc flash boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. The assessment determines the arc flash boundary distance, the incident energy at the working distance, and the required PPE. The assessment can use either the incident energy analysis method (per IEEE 1584) or the arc flash PPE category method (Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) and (b)). The results must be documented and made available to employees.
Why this section exists
Arc flash incidents produce extreme temperatures, pressure waves, and molten metal projectiles that cause severe burns, hearing damage, and blast injuries. The risk assessment ensures that workers know the hazard level before they approach energized equipment and wear appropriate PPE rated for the potential incident energy. Without the assessment, workers may underestimate the hazard and use insufficient protection.
What plan reviewers look for
While NFPA 70E is primarily an operational standard (not a construction permit requirement), plan reviewers increasingly check for arc flash labeling notes on electrical drawings per NEC 110.16. They verify that the electrical design provides the information needed for future arc flash studies: available fault current (110.24), breaker types and settings, and the one-line diagram configuration.
Common violations
Related requirements
NEC 110.16 requires arc flash warning labels. NEC 110.24 requires available fault current documentation. IEEE 1584 provides the calculation methodology for incident energy. Section 130.7 covers the PPE requirements based on the risk assessment results.