Good Morning,

Has anyone required arc rated PPE for work in junction boxes or troughs with no exposed live parts, but has energized insulated conductors? What if a split bolt is not taped up well, or a wire nut falls off....? I know my opinion, but was curious if anyone else has run into this discussion with their employees or employer.

I have seen a fair number of electricians put on voltage rated gloves and protective gloves when handling wiring in a pull/junction box. Although I haven't seen a written practice for it, I think the use of voltage rated gloves is good practice.

Risk assessment needed based on task.

Mike

Hi All, As an electrician, my first thought is what is the voltage system- single phase, 3 phase, etc? How does the junction box or trough present? Age and condition? Have I been here before and know something about the installation, etc? You mentioned that we have insulated conductors and wire connectors. However pending on who was there last, we may have a wire connector come off leaving an exposed connection when moving the wires apart perhaps. Regardless of the voltage system, I would likely don a pair of rubber insulated gloves with leather protectors. At least some protection from shock and those gloves can offer very good protection from at least the heat if a short circuit was to occur and resulting in a flash. Likely may not go with hte hard hat faceshield and balaclava as it may be more combersome and restrictive pending on the location. As mentioned below some form of a risk assessment.

I hope that this is of some help
All the Best

This would be similar to an electrical manhole. If requested, an arc flash label could be installed, as if the conductor was a splice point or a termination. If there were multiple voltages/circuits in the enclosure a label could be developed for the worst-case shock and arc flash levels.