August 12, 2026
Do I Need AR PPE to Throw a Breaker?
April 17, 2025
Working on or around electrical hazards almost always requires personal protective equipment (PPE) – even in situations you might not expect.
Check out our Do I Need AR PPE for That? series to explore some of the most common types of electrical work and whether or not arc-flash PPE is required and why.
As the industry absorbs OSHA’s new arc flash safety guidance and makes changes to comply and better protect workers, one question we’ve often received is: “Do I really need PPE just to throw a breaker?”
Jason Brozen, master electrician, CESCP, arc flash survivor, and Tyndale Corporate Safety Trainer, weighs in:
In short: probably. Unless your breaker is too small to generate the energy required to arc (like a straightforward 20 amp breaker) or meets a rare 7-part exception, arc-rated (AR) PPE is typically required to throw a breaker.
Generally this is because of three requirements found in NFPA 70E.
The first two requirements are found in table 130.5(C) – the likelihood table, which shows there is a likelihood of arc flash occurrence if you are 1) energizing a breaker for the very first time after installation or 2) if you’ve serviced a large breaker and are turning it on again.
The third reason arc flash PPE may be required to operate a breaker is condition of maintenance, which is outlined in NFPA 70E Article 110.2(B). This section does include an exception that outlines seven (7) specific conditions equipment must meet to eliminate the need for PPE. Your equipment must meet ALL seven – not some or even most – criteria to qualify for the exception, and it is rare to find equipment in that condition in the field.
Therefore, in most cases, AR PPE is required even if you're just turning a breaker on or off.
Good news: you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to get the protection you need. Explore quality, comfortable arc-rated (AR) clothing at TyndaleUSA.com. With the industry’s largest selection, you’ll find something for every style and budget.
Already have a Tyndale managed program account? Log in to browse your custom catalog and order the AR clothing you need to stay safe.
Do I Need AR PPE for That?
Don’t ever go without the proper arc-flash personal protective equipment (PPE) again! This series dives into some of the most common situations in which AR PPE is needed and why. Access all posts in this series to learn more about these situations and how you can best stay protected while working in electrical environments.
