Looking at NFPA 70E 2021: Part 2

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Spring 2021 Columns

This issue of NETA World continues with the deep dive into the NFPA 70E revisions that went into the 2021 edition. Part 1 in the Winter 2020 issue covered the reorganization (which was not nearly as extensive as in previous editions); reviewed Article 100 Definitions; and began on Article 110 General Requirements for Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices with Section 110.1 …

Looking at NFPA 70E 2021: Part 1

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Winter 2020 Columns

In this issue of NETA World, we begin to explain some of the major changes in the 2021 edition of NFPA 70E. So whether you love the 70E, or find it a challenge and don’t want to deal with it…because your life at work is mandated by it, and you know what that means: Do it or else!  But that …

NFPA 70E–2021 Is Here — How Did That Happen?

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, Fall 2020 Columns, NFPA 70E and NETA

In September 2020, the newest (2021) edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® will be available to the industry. So how is it that such an important safety standard, put forth as a national consensus document, is reviewed, revised, and improved every three years? We’ll look at the process a little later in this article. But …

The Key to Understanding NFPA 70E

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Summer 2020 Columns

The 2021 edition of the NFPA 70E is almost upon us. In June 2020, it should be approved at the technical meeting during the NFPA Conference and Expo, and the Standards Council will issue the standard soon thereafter, likely in August 2020. A pdf version of the standard will likely be released in September, with a printed copy available in …

Is Troubleshooting Energized Work?

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Spring 2020 Columns

This issue’s theme brings up a question frequently asked by NETA technicians: “When does troubleshooting end and when does repair begin?” This question is often paired with “What does 70E say about troubleshooting and repair?” We hope to make things clear for everyone in the field. To begin, look at the definition of “working on” (energized electrical conductors and circuit …

Small Things Mean a Lot

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Winter 2019 Columns

One of the most important details in NFPA 70E is its definitions. Many people automatically believe they already know the definition of a word or phrase. This is a mistake that can have negative consequences. The place to start is to read Chapter 1, Article 100 Definitions. Once you have a better understanding of the definitions, the rest of the …

NFPA 70E — 2021 Edition: Second Draft Meeting Highlights and Summary

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, Fall 2019 Columns, NFPA 70E and NETA

The second draft technical committee meeting for the 2021 Edition of NFPA 70E was held July 15–19, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The public comments submitted for committee action following the first draft meeting were discussed and voted on. NETA was represented at the meeting and participated in the actions. To remind everyone of the NFPA process for changes to a …

A Guide to NFPA 70E

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Summer 2019 Columns

Many companies and people rely on NFPA 70E to guide them as they develop and implement electrical safe work practices. They look at a line or possibly a paragraph or two and believe they have the gist of the issue. Maybe, but they often misinterpret what they read or implement it incorrectly. Unfortunately, there’s a plethora of misleading or incorrect …

Testing Battery Banks

Ron Widup and James (Jim) R. WhiteColumns, NFPA 70E and NETA, Spring 2019 Columns

The 2021 NFPA 70E cycle started last year, and the Second Draft Meeting will convene July 14–19, 2019. One interesting benefit of being on the committee is the information that is shared with us. Some of it is obviously presented to serve one purpose or another, but some of it is put forward by well-known, independent laboratories that have no …