What's an Arc Flash?
An arc flash is an undesired release of energy from an electrical system caused by an electrical current leaving its designated path. This current then travels to ground or from one conductor to another through the air. Arc flash temperatures can reach 35,000 degrees and cause life-threatening injuries and catastrophic damage. An arc flash is one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur in a workplace. It’s important to make sure your workers wear arc flash-rated PPE, and that arc flash hazards are properly labeled. Check out our guide for tips on how to protect your facility from arc flash.

Free Arc Flash Labeling E-Book
A 19-page guide covering how to correctly label your electrical equipment.

Arc Flash Label Printers
Print your own durable, indoor/outdoor Arc Flash labels in-house.
With an industrial label printer, you can create custom arc flash labels for your facility’s equipment that have the exact information required such as the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary, and PPE information. Setting up your labels is simple, and you can print them right away.
Electrical Safety Signs
Supplement your arc flash labels with additional labels and signs for electrical safety. “Do Not Block” floor and wall signs can highlight electrical panels and keep critical areas near equipment clear.


Arc Flash Software
Use arc flash analysis software to easily perform the proper calculations for your arc flash labels. Then you can feel confident your labels meet all requirements for the labeling of electrical systems.
Custom Arc Flash Labels
Print your own durable, indoor/outdoor Arc Flash labels in-house.
Get arc flash labels customized for your electrical equipment. Tell us the data you need included on your labels, and we’ll print them for you. A simple, no-hassle solution for labeling your equipment for NFPA and OSHA compliance.


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Find arc-rated personal protective equipment with the appropriate arc thermal performance value (ATPV), the maximum incident energy at which the gear can prevent a second-degree burn. Shop for gloves, face shields, shirts, pants, overalls, and more.
Understanding Arc Flash
What can cause an Arc Flash?
An arc flash usually occurs when there is inadequate insulation or isolation between electrified conductors. Typically this happens because work is being performed on live or damaged equipment. Additional causes of arc flash are:
- Dust
- Dropping tools
- Accidental touching
- Condensation
- Material failure
- Corrosion
- Faulty Installation

Arc Flash Approach / Protection Boundaries
(Updated to reflect 2015 NFPA 70E changes Learn more)
Arc flash boundaries indicate different levels of danger near electrical equipment. The arc flash boundary is the location within which a person could receive second-degree burns. The closer limited approach boundary and restricted approach boundary indicate where increasing risks of electric shock exist. Personnel working near electrified equipment should know where these boundaries are located and what types of personal protective equipment they need to wear within these areas.
Diagram: Arc Flash Approach / Protection Boundaries. Creative Safety Supply

Restricted Approach Boundary
Only Qualified Persons wearing appropriate PPE for the Restricted Approach Boundary, as determined by the Shock Risk Assessment may enter. Must have Energized Electrical Work Permit. (EEWP)
Typical PPE Requirements: Face mask, Flame-resistant gloves, Flame-resistant coveralls, Cotton undergarments


Limited Approach Boundary
An unqualified person MAY enter the Limited Approach Boundary, but ONLY if continuously escorted by a Qualified Person, and advised of the potential hazards. Both must be wearing appropriate PPE as determined by a Shock Risk Assessment.
Typical PPE Requirements: Face mask, Flame-resistant gloves, Flame-resistant coveralls, Cotton undergarments


Arc Flash Boundary
Only Qualified Persons wearing appropriate PPE for the Arc Flash Boundary, as determined by the Incident Energy Risk Assessment may enter.
Typical PPE Requirements: Face mask, Flame-resistant gloves, Flame-resistant coveralls, Cotton undergarments

PPE Categories
People working on electrical equipment where an arc flash could occur need to wear the correct level of PPE, which can include arc-rated clothing, gloves, face shields, hearing protection, and even a hood and flash suit. The types of PPE necessary are determined by what PPE category work falls into.
Check out this infographic to learn what the four PPE categories are and what items each category contains.

In this sample label, the incident energy available and the corresponding work distance (Incident Energy at 18" (cal/cm2): 16.4) is used, so the PPE category is not included. If the PPE category (1-4) were included, this incident energy value would be left off the label.
Arc Flash Label Requirements
Much of the information identified during a risk assessment should be placed on arc flash labels. These labels are affixed to electrical equipment that workers might need to perform work on while it is energized. The labels must meet the NFPA 70E requirements and should follow the formatting guidelines set forth in the ANSI Z535.4 Product Safety Signs and Labels standard.
ANSI-compliant hazard labels include “Warning” or “Danger” signal words as a header along with corresponding symbols and text.
These labels must also include several important pieces of information so workers can understand the arc flash hazard present and behave appropriately. First, the nominal system voltage should be listed. Next, the arc flash boundary, calculated during the risk assessment, should be listed. Finally, a statement about PPE should be included that makes it clear to workers what they should wear. This should be done by listing at least one of the following:
- The PPE category OR the incident energy available and the corresponding work distance (but not both)
- The minimum arc rating clothing must have
- PPE specific to the worksite
- The method used for calculating this information should also be documented.
Some workplaces choose to include shock hazard information on these labels as well, which can incorporate information about limited and restricted approach boundaries. An assessment date is often included, too.
How to get Arc Flash Labels
Two main methods exist for labeling your electrical equipment with arc flash labels. You can print labels in-house with an industrial label printer. With this method, you can edit label information yourself on your computer and quickly print your labels. If you only need a few arc flash labels, it often makes sense to order custom arc flash labels.
Option 1
Print your own labels in-house
- Starting at $0.86 each label
- No waiting or shipping costs
- 5 year outdoor life
Option 2
Order pre-printed labels
- Starting at $3.90 each label
- 5 year outdoor life
Free Arc Flash Resources & Related Articles
Arc Flash Labeling E-Book Free Guide
An introduction to arc flash and how to correctly label your energized equipment. Along with clear labeling guidelines, it also provides insight into NFPA 70E standards and minimal label requirements.
Solar Panel Labeling E-Book Free Guide
Like all energized systems, though, solar energy comes with electrocution hazards and other dangers that could put workers at risk of injury or death. Stay safe and ensure your photovoltaic system is OSHA compliant with this solar panel labeling guide.
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This comprehensive guide explains NEC color codes, and provides suggestions for how to organize and manage wires and cables to improve safety in your facility.
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