Does anyone know if the current edition of CSA Z462-21 mentions Arc Flash Boundaries? I've seen the boundary illustration chart by the NFPA, but I'm not certain if an illustration chart exists in the CSA Z462-21 handbook. Are we to follow the NFPA guides in Ontario Canada for the boundaries? I would like to reference an illustration chart in the creation of a safety procedure and wish to reference the correct organization with the appropriate illustration. Any help is appreciated.

Hello Dino, greetings from Burlington Ontario. Unlike NFPA 70E, we do not have a handbook for CSA Z462. We likely should however. With regards to the arc flash boundary, are you referring to the requirements on a detailed warning label for arc flash and shock? Or Are using the PPE Category Tables? Tables 2, 6A, 6B and 6C? All which reference the arc flash boundary. The parameters are the same as 70E (1.2 cal/cm2. Also please reference Annex C in the 2021 edition and you will see the limits of approach figure, which includes the arc flash boundary.

I hope that this is of some help Dino

Best regards

Len

Dino if you are interested I have a licensed Electrical Safety Program documentation system and it includes amazing infographics for boundaries and separate two arc-rated arc flash PPE levels, terry.becker@twbesc.ca.

I am the Director of facilities Services at a University in North Carolina . Though I have been working to get studies done across my 200+ buildings we still have a ways to go. Though we train on the use of the tables in NFPA 70E it is clear that unless you know the available fault current and clearing time you cant use the tables. My staff in the field are not going to know those two critical pieces of data. I see that table Z462:24 Table V.1 does provide an alternative method of arc flash PPE selection using information they could gather in the field. Can I use this method of risk assessment in the US. Any help is greatly appreciated.

IMHO: the Canadian standard isn't going to be jurisdictional. While it is my understanding it is similar to 70E, it isn't entirely.

In order to use the tables, you must know the available fault current and clearing times as you state. Also, the tables have footnotes, so pay close attention to those, in order for the evaluation to be applicable.

Since studies haven't been completed, your fall back will have to be calculating the fault currents using the point to point method for example, for your point of interest. Then getting the applicable TCCs and seeing if the tables apply. If not, then a "hand calc" is required and some engineering judgement.

I'm sure some of my colleagues on here may have some other ideas,

Mike