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The 2024 Edition of NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace is scheduled to be published later this year. First released in 1979, this will mark the thirteenth edition. While some consider the number 13 unlucky (notice how many elevators skip the 13th floor and airplanes omit row 13?), the 2024 edition is anything but unlucky. It will continue to play a vital role in reducing injuries and fatalities caused by electrical hazards.
Due to space limitations, this article highlights only some of the more significant changes. Not every revision is included, and in some cases the language has been paraphrased. This summary is based on the information available at the time of writing. Readers should always refer to the final, approved version once it is published.
The 13th edition has several global revisions that appear throughout the standard:
Descarga eléctrica – The word “electric” is now placed before “shock” for consistent terminology. You can be “shocked” by being surprised but in the case of NFPA 70E being an electrical safety standard, “electric shock is more suited. However, there are exceptions that exclude adding “shock” such as the terms “hearing protection boundary” and “lung protection boundary,” where “shock” refers to “shock wave,” not electric shock.
Protectores – The word “leather” was deleted, allowing for protectors made from materials other than leather.
Alcance – Each article now includes a scope statement located at section ABC.1, which required renumbering in some places.
Definiciones – The location of definitions has been evolving. Traditionally if a definition only appeared in one article, it would only appear in that article as ABX.2. Beginning with the 2024 edition, that has changed and all definitions are now consolidated in Article 100. Think of Article 100 as the “Dictionary” for NFPA 70E. However, if a definition only applies to one article, than that article will also be listed in parenthesis.
With the addition of the scope as 90.1, the remaining sections were renumbered. Section 90.3 is now titled Workplaces Covered and Not Covered to better reflect its provisions.
90.5(C) Material explicativo – New language clarifies that if a referenced standard does not include a date, the reference applies to the latest edition. This is a common occurrence. As an example, IEEE 1584 is referenced but no date is provided. There are two editions, 2002 and 2018. Without a date, which edition would you use? This new language states you use the latest edition if no date is provided. Probably obvious but as I say in my training classes, if it is not in writing, how do you enforce it?
Alcance – Clarifies that if an article number in parentheses follows a definition, it applies only within that article. Example: Battery Effect (310) applies only to Article 310.
Búsqueda electrónica – Definitions have been reformatted to improve electronic searchability. NFPA has a great online subscription service known as ILINK. When searching for a term, the new formatting makes it simpler. For example, Límite, arco eléctrico now includes (Arc Flash Boundary) in parentheses since that is how most people refer to this term.
Protector – Defined as: “A glove or mitten to be worn over rubber insulating gloves.” This removes ambiguity over leather vs. nonleather protectors.
Radiation – New definitions were added for Radiation, Ionizing y Radiation, Nonionizing.
110.1 Ámbito de aplicación – New scope statement: “This article covers the general requirements for electrical safety-related work practices.”
110.2 Condiciones de trabajo eléctricamente seguras – Sections 110.3 and 110.4 have been consolidated into 110.2, with multiple revisions:
Política 110.2(A) – Formerly “Priority,” now requires employers to establish, document, and implement an electrically safe work condition policy.
110.2(A)(1) – Hazard elimination must be the first priority.
110.2(A)(2) – New Informational Note 4 allows documentation in the employer’s electrical safety program, management system, or similar records.
110.2(B) Cuando sea necesario – Exception No. 1 revised to “normal operation of electric equipment.” A seventh condition was added: “The equipment is rated for the available fault current.”
Nota informativa 2 – References NEMA GD 1-2019 for guidance on water-damaged equipment.
Exception No. 2 – Allows operation of an energized disconnecting means or isolating element under specific conditions, provided a risk assessment confirms no unacceptable risk.
Exception No. 5 – Expanded for equipment under 50 volts, considering source capacity and overcurrent protection.
110.3 Job Safety Planning – A new requirement: “f. An emergency response plan.” If an emergency occurs, you do not want to be reacting. You want the plan in place ahead of time.
110.4(A)(1) Qualified Person – The word “Special” changed to “applicable,” and “can” was changed to “shall” to emphasize mandatory qualification requirements.
120.5(A)(1) Locating Sources – A new note was added regarding a possible hazard from neutrals carrying current after de-energization.
120.5(B)(2) Stored Energy – This term was revised to address mechanical energy sources and not just springs.
120.6 – Renumbered from 120.5; clarifies testing at each point of work. When testing absence of voltage, conduct the test at the work location, not upstream or some other location.
130.4(E) Límites de protección contra descargas eléctricas – AC and DC tables were revised to align with OSHA minimum approach distances. Minor rounding adjustments were also made as well as a new note on elevation added.
130.5 Evaluación del riesgo de arco eléctrico – Relocated informational notes clarify PPE requirements even when doors are closed, as tests show doors may not fully contain energy. In my arc flash work in the lab, I have seen doors blow open many times and you can’t predict when doors will or will not blow open unless it is specially designed arc resistant equipment.
Table 130.5(C) – Column header changed from Estado del equipo to Operating Condition.
130.5(G) Método de análisis de energía incidente – A new note warns that changes to transformer size, protective devices, or settings may alter analysis results. The transformer size can affect the short circuit current and the protective device or setting can affect the arc duration. Both are very important in determining the incident energy.
130.5(H) Etiquetado de equipos – Labels must now be durable enough for the specific environment. If a label is worn or faded, it may be difficult to read the important information that is necessary for a risk assessment.
130.7(C) Personal Protective Equipment
Revised to allow “noncontact capacitive test instruments” or “permanently installed metering devices” beyond 1000 volts.
Hearing protection is now required simply by being within the arc flash boundary. In the past it stated “working” within the arc flash boundary. “Well, I’m not working so I don’t need hearing protection” – wrong answer!
The term Gauntlet was replaced with “minimum distance between protective cuff and glove cuff.” Gauntlet was not a widely understood term other than “I throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to a duel” which is not encouraged in the world of electrical safety.
Table 130.7(C)(15)(b) – Major revisions; arc flash PPE categories for DC systems now apply to >150 V and <600 V. Tests show minimal arc risk at 125 Vdc below 17,000 A fault current.
130.8(M) Reclosing Circuits – Clarifies that only a qualified person can authorize re-energization, and removes ambiguity about “repetitive” operations.
This new annex provides nonmandatory guidance for identifying sources of information useful in evaluating the maintenance condition of electrical equipment.
Once the 2024 edition is released, attention will quickly shift to the 2027 revision cycle. If you have ideas for improving NFPA 70E, now is the time to get involved and submit Public Input for consideration.
Nota: This article reflects the author’s perspective and does not necessarily represent the official position of IEEE or NFPA.
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