Code Determination Number: 02

Date: April 21, 2020

Code Edition: 2018 NFPA 70E

Code Section: 130.5 Arc Flash Risk Assessment

Question (from GBA):

What is the expectation of a third-party code plan reviewer and inspector as it pertains to the scope of arc flash elements?

Answer (from UM System):

The expectation for a third-party code plan reviewer or inspector is as follows:

  1. Designer includes the following in contract documents submitted for permit review:
    • General arc flash requirements
    • Preliminary arc flash study- as required 
    • Requirement for contractor to provide final arc flash study- as required 
  2. Third-party code plan reviewer verifies arc flash requirements in point 1 above are included in contract documents during permit review. 
  3. Third-party code plan reviewer includes final arc flash study and Cx report as deferred submittals on permit.
  4. Designer reviews and approves final arc flash study. 
  5. Third-party code inspector verifies final arc flash study has been submitted by Contractor and Designer has reviewed this deferred submittal. Deferred submittal is noted as complete on the permit. 
  6. Third-party code inspector performs normal electrical rough-in inspections.
  7. CxA verifies adjustable breaker settings and notifies third-party code inspector report is complete and posted; deferred submittal is noted as complete on permit. 
  8.  Third-party code inspector verifies arc flash labels are affixed to electrical panels during final inspection (TCO/FCO).

Comments (from GBA):

If Arc Flash labeling is required by the construction documents, it is ultimately the responsibility of the engineer of record to check for their presence as part of his/her final construction observation. Any inspection requirement beyond inspecting for the presence of required electrical hazard warning hazards where required should not be the responsibility of the third-party code inspector.

(Response from UM System:  UM System concurs- validation of device settings, label data content, etc., is the responsibility of the CxA and/or the Design Professional)