Q: Can you confirm the terminology concerning PPE levels?
PPE Level 1 = up to 4 cal/cm2;
PPE Level 2 = up to 8 cal/cm2;
PPE Level 3 = up to 25 cal/cm2;
PPE Level 4 = up to 40 cal/cm2
A: The PPE levels are NOT exposure levels but PPE performance or arc rating levels.
PPE Level 1 = min value of 4 cal/cm2
PPE Level 2 = min value of 8 cal/cm2
PPE Level 3 = min value of 25 cal/cm2
PPE Level 4 = min value of 40 cal/cm2
What you wrote is from OLD NFPA 70E standards and IEEE 1584. Those are commonly used in the field but not in NFPA 70E. The NFPA 70E-2015 makes it improper to use that idea.
The PPE levels are ONLY applicable when you use the Tables for your Risk Assessment.
This is a common issue in the field.
Have a question about electrical safety and standards?
