Page 49 - IEC Insights May-Jun20

ARC FLASH COMPLIANCE 3. NFPA 70E Provides guidance at 70°C (158° F). The insulating material
on implementing appropriate must continue to be firmly connected to
There are 4 main regulations work practices that are required to the basic tool to pass when doing so.
that govern electrical safety safeguard workers from injury while
& arc flash: working on or near exposed electrical • VDE Pressure Test – No disruptive

conductors or circuit parts that could discharge may occur at a pressure load
1. OSHA Standards 29CFR, Part 1910 become energized. of 20 N, a temperature of 70 °C, and a
Occupational Safety and Health test voltage of 5,000V AC.
Standards. 1910 subpart S (electrical) Part II 2-1.3.3 regarding Arc Flash
Standard number 1910.333 specifically Analysis states that a “Flash Hazard • VDE Combustion Test – When exposed
addresses Standards for Work Practices Analysis shall be done before a person to a flame for 10 seconds, the insulating
and references NFPA 70E. approaches any exposed electrical material must not continue to burn, but
conductor or circuit part that has not instead extinguish.
OSHA 29CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i) requires been placed in an electrical safe work
the use of protective equipment when condition.” This Arc Flash Hazard
working where a potential electrical Analysis must be done to determine THE VDE-GS MARK TECHNICAL
hazard exists and 29CFR 1910.132(d)(1) the level of Personal Protection Wiha Insulated VDE Certified Tools are
which requires the employer to assess Equipment (PPE) that a worker must adorned with a GS stamp. This stands
the workplace for hazards and the need use, and the Arc Flash Boundary in for the safety of the product with regard
for personal protective equipment. inches along with the incident energy to electrical, mechanical, thermal,
OSHA compliance is required by any found at each location. Each panel toxicological, radiological, and other
plant building or facility. must be marked with an ANSI z535 dangers. Tools marked with the VDE-
approved Arc Flash Warning Label. GS conform to the VDE regulations or
2. The National Fire Protection European or internationally harmonized
Association (NFPA) Standard 4. The Institute of Electronics standards. They confirm the compliance
70 – 2002 “The National Electrical and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) with the safety requirements of the
Code” (NEC) contains requirements 1584 – 2002 Guide to Performing respective guidelines.
for warning labels. Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations.
Double Triangle And Voltage Range
The double triangle signifies that the tool
has an assigned voltage or voltage range
specification or the class. It essentially
shows that they are suitable for working
PROTECTING AGAINST • VDE 10,000V Test – Tools with the on energized parts.
ARC FLASH special VDE marking undergo testing in
which they are charged with 10,000V IEC 60900:2004
VDE stands for Verband der Elektrotechnik, AC and are, therefore, approved for This represents an international standard
which is the organization responsible for 1,000V AC (and 1,500V DC). This means that, among other things, describes the
testing and certifying tools and appliances. ten-fold safety for you. After being design of insulated tools in detail. For
The VDE Testing and Certification stored in water for 24 hours, the tools are example, the thickness of the protective
Institute is a nationally and internationally tested at 10,000V AC for three minutes. insulation is specified. The standard also
accredited institution in the field of testing While submerged, neither a spark over defines individual tests (piece tests) as
and certification of electrical engineering nor a disruptive discharge through the well as series and random sample tests
devices, components, and systems. They test insulation may occur. for checking the electrical safety of the
electrical products for safety, electromagnetic protective insulation.
compatibility, and other product properties The following additional tests are
including Wiha’s VDE Certified Tools. performed on a batch test basis:
WHY SHOULD I USE
• VDE Cold Shock Test – The tools are first VDE CERTIFIED TOOLS?
THE ULTIMATE TESTS cooled down to -25°C (-13°F), and during
It’s not easy becoming an insulated tool this process, the insulating material must All VDE Certified Tools are rigorously
tested to ensure quality, construction, and
at Wiha. We put every VDE marked retain its toughness so that it does not safety. Even the ergonomics meet with the
insulated tool through rigorous testing. break when subjected to impacts and jolts. protective requirements of the applicable
All of our Insulated VDE rated tools are European Union Directive. Using these
tested. There’s no batch testing or random • VDE Adhesion Test – The adhesion of tools adds peace of mind and safety to
testing. Every single one of them goes the insulating material coating is tested your work. Utilizing tools that meet ratings
through the VDE 10,000V Test. by applying a tensile force of 500 N
following storage for 168 hours, (7 days) and guidelines help prevent arc flashes
and blasts.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2020 | Insights Magazine 47