The conditions of this application would permit using the arc flash PPE category method to determine the AFB and select arc flash PPE, based on the OCPD typical clearing times, assuming the protecting-OCPD and the 480-volt panelboard have been properly installed and maintained. See the definition for condition of maintenance in Article 100.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only for DC systems

Answer: (B)

Two approaches exist in NFPA 70E for addressing arc flash: the arc flash PPE category method and the incident energy analysis method. The PPE category method uses the protecting OCPD’s typical clearing time to pick a PPE category, which is for selecting the appropriate protective equipment. The Arc Flash Boundary, however, is based on the incident energy at a given distance and is determined through an incident energy analysis (IE method). The category method does not directly produce the AFB.

Feeling confident that the protective device and panel being properly installed and maintained supports using the category method (fulfilling the condition of maintenance in Article 100) by ensuring the clearing times are credible, but it does not make the boundary calculation possible with this method. So, the statement is not correct because the AFB cannot be determined using the PPE category method alone; you need an IE-based evaluation to establish the boundary.