Electrical Service Points:
Panelboard, Electrical Switch Panel or Breaker Panel
Electrical Switch Panels are usually found located throughout the facility. They can be found in hallways, closets, electrical rooms, near electrical equipment, as well as other areas. Sometimes these are used to control or turn on and off overhead lights. Generally several conduits or pipes will enter into these devices. When performing your Arc Flash Analysis (arc flash risk assessment) you will need to include each of these switch panels in your panel count, as these are considered by the regulations as a panel that is likely to be serviced by a worker.
Electrical Disconnect
Disconnect switches rapidly disconnect from power supplies in the event of an emergency or maintenance. They may be categorized as fusible, non-fusible, enclosed fusible, and enclosed non-fusible switches. Fusible switches support the installation of fuses and provide a greater degree of protection. Disconnect switches can function in conjunction with circuit breakers, devices which interrupt the flow of electricity along a circuit when the current exceeds the circuit’s capacity.
Electrical Switch Gear
Electrical Switchgear units are usually found located in the main electrical rooms in your facility. Generally large conduits or pipes will enter into these devices. While performing your Arc Flash Analysis (arc flash risk assessment) you will need to include each of the panel sections in your panel count, as these will need to be labeled and calculated.
MCC or Motor Control Center
Electrical Motor Control Centers or “MCC” units are usually found located in the electrical rooms, along walls, or free standing near machines or processes in your plant. They can be used to control HVAC equipment or about any motorized or electrical machinery. Both small or large conduits or pipes will enter into these devices. You will need to include each of the panel sections or “Buckets” in your panel count, as these will need to be labeled and calculated as they are required to have an Arc Flash Analysis (arc flash risk assessment) completed.
Bus Plug, Bus-Way Tap or Bus-Tap
Electrical Bus Taps are usually found overhead plugged into or attached to an Overhead Busway Duct. Generally a conduit pipe or electrical cable extends from each tap down to a machine or electrical item on the plant floor. You will need to include each of the “Taps” along the Bus Way in your panel count, as these are considered by the regulations as a panel that is likely to be serviced by a worker. Therefore an arc flash analysis (arc flash risk assessment) should be conducted on the bus taps.
Control Panel
Electrical Control Panels are usually found located on or near machinery. They are the electrical items on the machinery. Count the control panels that have some type of disconnect device located on them. These are considered by the regulations as a panel that is likely to be serviced by a worker. Therefore an arc flash analysis (arc flash risk assessment) should be conducted on control panels.
Service Head or Electrical Service
Electrical Entrance Services are usually found located outside the building. They feed into the main switch gear or main service panels inside your building. These are considered by the regulations as a panel that is likely to be serviced by a worker. Therefore an arc flash analysis (arc flash risk assessment) should be conducted on electrical services.
