Resetting a breaker inside a machine control panel, which supplies the primary side of a 1 kva 480 vac transformer?

My question is...does the restricted approach rule come in to play

rmonroe

Why do you think it should not be considered?

Wouldn"t this fall under 130.6 (J) "Routine Opening and Closing of Circuits" ?

Thanks for your response...

rmonroe

130.6(J) only stipulates that switches, cb's and such that are used to operate under load, be rated for such operations. It does not eliminate or reduce any approach limits.

[ATTACH]119.vB[/ATTACH]

So the answer to my question is...we MUST use our PPE even to reset an active breaker.

[ATTACH]119.vB[/ATTACH]

Based on the pictures it appears as though you have exposed and potentially energized parts. In this case, yes you would need some level of PPE.

The only way PPE could be bypassed is for you to put the panel in an "Electrically Safe Work Position" aka shut it off prior to resetting the breaker! If it must be done "live" you would need your FR clothing, class 00 rubber gloves with leather protectors, and depending on the arc flash study, a 4 cal. face shield.

In order to verify the "Electrically Safe WorkingCondition", you will still need to have on your PPE. Once it has been verified, then you can remove your PPE and reset the breaker in normal street clothes.

See also 130.6 (K) Reclosing Circuits After Protective Device Operation.

Overload or fault? Can it be ascertained that it's an overload (so not a problem in the electrical circuit)? Or may it be a fault in the electrical circuit, meaning the potential fault must be investigated first (PPE most probably required).

If it was opened to isolate the transfo, then 130.6 (K) doesn't apply.

In fact, according to NFPA 70E 130.1, you have to put it in an electrically safe work condition unless it introduces additional or increased hazard or it is infeasible to do so.

So, to reset the breaker, you have to de-energize the control panel, suit up in your FR gear and gloves, test the circuit to ensure it is de-energized, then reset the breaker and re-energize the panel. If the disconnect to de-energize is not within view, don't forget to apply LOTO procedures.

Sure makes it worthwhile to investigate why the breaker tripped first. If it trips again, you have to start over.