The PPE category for DC systems is established using the same table as for AC equipment.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Depends on the system
• D. Not established

Answer: (B)

DC arc flash behaves differently from AC, so the PPE category isn’t determined using the same table you’d use for AC equipment. In DC systems, the arc can sustain longer and has different current characteristics, which often results in higher incident energy for a given voltage and fault-clearing time. Because of that, the standard provides DC-specific guidance or requires interpreting the data with appropriate adjustments, rather than applying the AC table directly. This ensures the selected PPE actually provides the needed protection for DC arc hazards. Using the AC table alone could under-protect against DC arc energy.