Hazardous Rated Electrical Equipment and the Arc Flash Hazard

This paper evaluates the relationship between Hazardous Rated Electrical Equipment; equipment which is suitable for installation in Class I, Division 1 (Zone 1) or Division 2 (Zone 2) locations, and Arc Rated Switchgear; equipment designed to withstand the effects of an internal arcing fault. Using UL 1203 (Explosion-Proof and Dust-Ignition-Proof Electrical Equipment for use in Hazardous (Classified) Locations), IEEE C37.20.7 (IEEE Guide for Testing Metal Enclosed Switchgear Rated Up to 38 kV for Internal Arcing Faults), and the Ralph H. Lee paper titled “Pressure Developed by Arcs”, this paper will explore the applicability of Hazardous Rated Equipment in the protection of personnel from an Arc Flash Hazard.