Can You Trust That Arc Flash Sticker?
- Jeff Kershner
- Oct 27
- 4 min read
NEC 2026 Section 110.16 update series
You see an arc flash label on a piece of equipment — it looks professional, durable, and official. But can you trust the numbers printed on it?
As the NEC 2026 Section 110.16 update expands labeling requirements, more equipment will carry arc flash stickers. Unfortunately, not all of them are based on valid engineering data. A label applied without proper calculations is worse than useless, because it gives a false sense of safety.
This article explains what a legitimate arc flash label represents, what it takes to create one correctly, and how to tell the difference between compliance and corner-cutting.
What a Legitimate Arc Flash Label Represents
A true arc flash label is the final output of a complex engineering study — not a template pulled from a spreadsheet.
Each label should include:
Nominal system voltage
Incident energy (cal/cm²)
Arc flash boundary — the distance at which a person could suffer second-degree burns
Required PPE category or minimum PPE rating
Date of the assessment
The purpose is simple: give qualified workers the information they need to safely approach energized equipment. But the accuracy of that information depends on how it was calculated, and by whom.
Why Accuracy Matters More Than Ever
Under NEC 2026 Section 110.16, labeling now extends to a wide range of equipment, including:
Switchboards and switchgear
Panelboards and motor control centers
Industrial control panels and meter socket enclosures
This broader scope means many contractors will be racing to get labels in place before inspections. That pressure can lead to shortcuts like copying default values, using outdated software, or performing calculations without fully understanding IEEE 1584 and NFPA 70EⓇ.
Those shortcuts have consequences.
Underestimated incident energy → workers wearing the wrong PPE or standing too close.
Overestimated energy → unnecessary operational restrictions, added cost, and reduced productivity.
Getting it wrong doesn’t just risk a citation; it can put lives on the line.
The Engineering Behind Every Label
Creating a valid arc flash label requires both the right software and the expertise to use it correctly. Here’s what that process really involves:
Data Collection
Accurate one-line diagrams, equipment ratings, conductor lengths, and protective device settings.
Short-Circuit Analysis
Determining available fault current at every point in the system — the foundation for all subsequent calculations.
Protective Device Coordination
Studying how breakers and fuses will respond to faults to calculate clearing times accurately.
Applying the IEEE 1584-2018 model to compute incident energy and arc-flash boundaries based on your exact system configuration.
Label Generation
Formatting the data to comply with NFPA 70EⓇ and ANSI Z535 requirements — legible, durable, and accessible for workers.
This process demands electrical engineering knowledge including physics, circuit theory, and a detailed understanding of protective device behavior. It’s not something you “pick up overnight.”
How to Tell If You Can Trust a Label
If you’re looking at an arc flash sticker and wondering whether it’s legitimate, here’s what to check:
Ask for the supporting report. Every valid label corresponds to a full arc flash study.
Look for a professional engineer (PE) stamp. In most states, these studies must be reviewed or approved by a licensed PE.
Check the date. If it’s over five years old, NFPA 70EⓇ requires a review (reviews are also required after significant changes are made.)
Verify consistency. Labels should be uniform across equipment, not handwritten or mismatched in format.
Confirm that software outputs match real device settings. If the upstream breaker settings don’t match the report, the data is invalid.
If you can’t trace a label back to a PE-stamped report, you can’t trust it, regardless of how “official” it looks.
Why Cutting Corners Hurts Everyone
Electrical contractors under pressure to meet deadlines may be tempted to produce quick labels using generic methods. But improper labeling exposes both the contractor and the end user to serious risk:
Safety risk: Workers rely on incorrect data when choosing PPE or determining safe approach distances.
Legal risk: In the event of an accident, the absence of a defensible study can lead to citations and liability.
Reputational risk: Clients expect contractors to protect their teams; checking a box is not enough.
Ultimately, compliance isn’t a sticker; it’s an engineering process.
Accuracy Is the Real Compliance
As NEC 2026 raises the bar for arc-flash labeling, the responsibility to do it right becomes more visible than ever. An arc flash label must represent a safety promise backed by physics, calculations, and professional accountability.
Before applying a label, ask one question:
“Can I see the engineering report that supports this?”
If the answer is no, the sticker isn’t compliant — and it’s not safe.
Get the Right Labels, Done the Right Way
Guidant Power performs arc flash analyses and labeling according to IEEE 1584, NFPA 70EⓇ, ANSI Z535 and NEC 2026 Section 110.16. Every study is overseen by licensed professionals and backed by detailed engineering reports.
Make sure every label in your facility stands up to inspection and keeps your people safe.
70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, NFPA 70®, NEC®, and National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA. All rights reserved. This informational material is not affiliated with nor has it been reviewed or approved by the NFPA.
