Arc flash hazards are among the most serious electrical safety concerns in any industrial or commercial facility. An arc flash can release a deadly combination of heat, light, pressure, and sound—capable of causing life-threatening injuries, equipment destruction, and operational downtime. According to NFPA 70E, any piece of electrical equipment that is going to be inspected, adjusted, serviced, or maintained while energized is required to have an Arc Flash Warning Label. One of the most effective ways to communicate arc flash risks and protect workers is through clearly visible and compliant Arc Flash Warning Labels.
These labels serve as critical communication tools, providing essential information about electrical hazards and helping guide safe work practices. At C&H Electric, we help businesses stay compliant and safe with professionally designed Arc Flash Warning Labels that meet the latest NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements.
What Are Arc Flash "Warning" Labels?
Arc Flash Warning Labels are visual safety markers affixed to electrical equipment to alert workers to the potential for arc flash hazards. These labels indicate incident energy levels, required PPE, and safe working distances, enabling workers to properly assess risk and take appropriate safety measures before servicing energized equipment. According to NFPA 70E guidance, if the incident energy level exceeds 40 cal/cm² at 18 inches, it is considered beyond the threshold of available PPE protection. In these cases, the label may escalate from a “Warning” to a “Danger” label, signaling that no known PPE can adequately protect a worker from the intensity of the arc flash at that location.
Where to put your arc flash labels to stay compliant?
Switchboards
Panel Boards
Industrial Control Panels
Motor Control Centers
Transformers
Disconnect Switches
Why Are Arc Flash Labels Important?
Arc Flash Labels are required under NFPA 70E and help ensure your facility is compliant with OSHA 1910 Subpart S. More importantly, they help protect employees from life-threatening hazards by:
- Informing workers of arc flash risk at specific equipment locations
- Identifying the incident energy level (cal/cm²) at working distance
- Indicating the arc flash boundary and required PPE category
- Reducing the likelihood of arc flash-related injuries or fatalities
- Supporting training, audits, and internal electrical safety programs
Without proper labeling, workers may unknowingly perform tasks near dangerous equipment without appropriate protection.
What Should Be on an Arc Flash Label?
Every Arc Flash Label must clearly communicate the electrical hazard and help the worker make safe decisions. According to NFPA 70E 130.5(H), labels must include the following minimum information:
- Danger or Warning header – If the incident energy exceeds 40 cal/cm² or voltage is over 600V, use a red “Danger” header. Otherwise, use the orange “Warning” header.
- Incident Energy at the Working Distance – Expressed in calories/cm², this shows the level of energy exposure a worker could experience.
- Minimum Arc Rating (MAR) – Indicates the arc rating required for PPE at that incident energy level.
- Arc Flash Boundary – The distance at which the incident energy is 1.2 cal/cm² (enough to cause a second-degree burn).
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Lists the required PPE for tasks performed within the arc flash boundary, such as arc-rated clothing, gloves, and face protection.
- Shock Protection Boundaries – Includes Limited and Restricted Approach Boundaries to define safe approach distances.
- Equipment Details – Identifiers such as the equipment name, panel ID, and date of the most recent arc flash study.
Make sure labels are placed visibly on all applicable electrical equipment and are updated every five years or after system modifications.
Best Practices for Arc Flash Labeling
To ensure your Arc Flash Labels remain effective and compliant:
- Use durable materials – Labels should be made of heat-, moisture-, and UV-resistant material
- Ensure visibility – Place labels at eye level and in a location clearly visible before access
- Keep information updated – Re-label after any system changes, load modifications, or every five years (per NFPA 70E 130.5(G))
- Avoid generic labels – Use equipment-specific data from your Arc Flash Risk Assessment
- Train your team – Educate employees on how to read and interpret label details
Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when managing your Arc Flash Labeling program:
- Using one-size-fits-all labels with placeholder values
- Failing to relabel after electrical system modifications
- Labels that are faded, damaged, or illegible
- Omitting required fields such as incident energy or PPE level
Non-compliance not only puts workers at risk but also opens the door for OSHA citations, fines, and increased liability.
Arc Flash Warning Labels are more than just stickers—they’re a legal requirement and a lifesaving tool. Ensure your team stays safe, informed, and compliant with professional labeling services from C&H Electric.
