Justin asks this question, which concerns whether he needs to provide a certain minimum distance from an LV panel for safety. It has been answered by SELECT (Theme – Fire, Safety and Security):
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Question: Are you aware of any requirement in the 17th Edition for the minimum distance required in case of an electrical arc flash-back from live equipment, such as an LV panel?
Answer: There are no specific requirements in BS 7671:2008 (2011) regarding a minimum distance from LV equipment in case of flash-back.
However, a new Section 729 was introduced by Amendment No. 1 to BS 7671:2008 regarding the operation and maintenance of gangways. This section applies to switchrooms and the like where access is restricted to authorised persons, etc.
The main matter is to allow sufficient space to carry out electrical operations. You can find details in Part 7 - Section 729, or further details are to be found in IET Guidance Note 7 - Chapter 17.
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