The NFPA 79, “Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery,” is a consistently requested standard here at Document Center Inc. It is used in environments with industrial machinery to protect against fire and electrical hazards. It applies to electrical and electronic equipment using a nominal voltage of 600 volts or less. Requirements start at the point of connection of the power supply and continue through to the electrical equipment of the machine. And there’s new 2015 Edition is available now!
Since the last revision in 2012, there have been a number of changes to the standard. They include:
- Harmonizing the requirements with IEC 60204-1.
- Updating Section 6.6 on Arc Flash Hazard Warning to bring it in line with the National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 110.16.
- Revising Category 1 and Category 0 conditions for “emergency stop” and “emergency switching off.”
- Clarification of the rules when separate supply sources are used.
- Harmonization of working space rules for enclosures that contain supply conductors to match the NEC Section 110.26.
- Updating the width of the working space to include that of the opening into the control cabinet.
Who should be using the NFPA 79? This standard is essential for safety managers, electrical designers, engineers, installers, owners, and industrial machinery manufacturers.
What’s covered by NFPA 79? The standard spells out essential protection for operators, equipment, facilities, and work-in-progress. And you’ll find examples of industrial machines covered in Annex C, if you’re interested.
What conditions are not covered by NFPA 79? It does not include the additional requirements for machines intended for use in hazardous (classified) locations.
How can you get your copy of the new 2015 Edition? Order at the Document Center webstore, www.document-center.com. Or contact our staff by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). We’ve been providing our customers with standards from our Silicon Valley location since 1982. And we have a wide variety of support services and products to help you use these conformance documents as well. Make us your Standards Experts!
