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Switching

Switching is the manual operation (opening or closing) of any electrical isolation on energized equipment. Manual operation includes the operation of through-the-door breaker handles or other dead-front switching. All non-qualified electrical workers who perform switching on premises wiring panelboards or any circuit breaker or fused disconnect rated at 15 Amps or greater must take the class Electrical Switching Safety for non-qualified electrical workers.

Electrical Safety Manual - Lockout Before Work, Test Before Touch!
Electrical Safety Manual – Lockout Before Work, Test Before Touch!

This section concerns the switching of electrical disconnects and circuit breakers for normal operation of electrical equipment.

Non-qualified electrical workers are permitted to perform switching on panelboards and local equipment disconnect switches (fused disconnects or circuit breakers) where there is no shock or arc flash hazard.


Determination of a shock hazard for switching:

Check the condition of the panel enclosure. Switching is allowed where the panel is fully enclosed and in good repair. There can be no visible exposed live parts. Covers must be latched tight and all fasteners must be in place.

Finger safe rating is not sufficient for switching of disconnects inside enclosures by non-QEWs.


Determination of an arc flash hazard for switching

An arc flash hazard is a dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc, resulting in second-degree burns to the skin or ignition of clothing. An arc flash hazard may exist when performing normal switching of electrical equipment.

Where a panelboard or disconnect switch is labeled with an arc flash label, check the incident energy at the working distance. Switching is allowed where the incident energy is 4 cal/cm2 or less.

Arc flash label
Arc flash label

Where the panelboard or disconnect switch is not labeled with an arc flash label, contact the Facilities Engineering Department for assistance getting an arc flash label. If switching is required before the label is available, check the panel voltage and main circuit breaker or fuse amp ratings.

Switching is allowed where:

  • Voltage 120 VAC or less – all cases
  • Voltage 250 VAC or less and main breaker or switch rating 250 A or less
  • Voltage 750 VAC or less and main breaker or switch rating 60 A or less

In all other cases, a Qualified Electrical Worker is required to perform the switching.

Qualified Electrical Worker is required to perform the switching
Qualified Electrical Worker is required to perform the switching

Minimum PPE

The minimum PPE for electrical switching is a leather glove on the switching hand and safety glasses.


Switching method

When performing switching, the worker will take the following standard precautions:

  1. Stand to the side. Where possible, do not reach across the panel to the switch handle, instead stand on the same side of the panel as the switch handle.
  2. Place hand on the switch handle but do not operate the switch.
  3. Face away from the switch, close the eyes, take a deep breath and hold it.
  4. Forcefully throw the switch in a complete full motion.
  5. Verify system response.

Tripped circuit breakers

The following applies to molded case circuit breakers commonly operated by non-qualified electrical workers:

Circuit breakers are designed to trip for two types of overcurrent condition: overload and short-circuit.

Overload condition

In an overload condition, the thermal element will open the breaker after a certain time depending on the amount of overload. This can take anywhere from an hour (135% overload) to a couple of minutes (200% overload). This action protects the wiring insulation from overheating and causing a fire.

This can happen when multiple high current loads are run at the same time on the same circuit. For example, running a space heater, a coffee maker, and a microwave at the same time.

Short-circuit condition

In a short-circuit condition, the breaker is subjected to a high current surge (>2000 Amps) and uses the resulting magnetic impulse to trip the breaker instantaneously. This can happen either by a ground fault (for grounded equipment) or a phase to neutral short.

It is important to note that while breakers are rated to interrupt a short circuit once without failing, it is possible (even likely) that they will fail catastrophically should they be reclosed on short circuit. This can result in injury to the hands and face.

If it is readily apparent that the circuit breaker tripped on an overload condition, correct the condition by removing the excess load. After removing the excess load, reset and close the breaker. If the circuit breaker trips again, leave it alone and call a Qualified Electrical Worker for assistance.

Title:Electrical Safety Manual – Lockout Before Work, Test Before Touch! – LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY
Format:PDF
Size:4.4 MB
Pages:217
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Electrical Safety Manual – Lockout Before Work, Test Before Touch! – LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY
Electrical Safety Manual – Lockout Before Work, Test Before Touch! – LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY

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2 Comments


  1. MOHAMMED ALANATI
    May 12, 2022

    Thank you for offering safety information


  2. Y. Franklin Kawor
    May 11, 2022

    Thanks for this site. I really love it, I hope you keep improving it.

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