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Hoffman Introduces Arc Flash Safety System

ANOKA, MN — In an effort to jointly address National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) compliance and protect workers against the dangers of arc flash explosions, Hoffman introduces innovative Arc Flash Safety System. Comprised of new INTERSAFE™ Data Interface Ports, window kits, folding shelves, the CONCEPT® Keyboard Box, and external data pockets, this system provides safe, convenient and affordable exterior access to controls.

Arc flash events may happen when an electrical fault occurs within the confined space of an enclosure. Often triggered by opening doors to access controls, they can produce an explosion that causes devastating personal injury and extensive equipment damage. Conventional compliance with safety standards specifies that only highly-trained personnel with fire retardant, protective gear and non-conductive wands may breach enclosures within a “flash protection boundary” established by NFPA 70E. This method is not only potentially hazardous, but entails considerable compliance costs and may require a production shutdown to monitor controls or initiate a simple programming change.

The team at Hoffman carefully considered the situation and developed an industry-leading solution to help efficiently and economically reduce the risk. The components of Hoffman’s Arc Flash Safety System isolate workers from energized equipment within the enclosure while meeting NFPA 70E standards for safety.

“As a global leader in electrical enclosures, we knew we could find solutions to make it easier for electricians and controls engineers to interface with controls inside the enclosure without opening the enclosure door,” said Betty Jackson, Hoffman Senior Product Manager. “This system supports NFPA 70E compliance and can improve workplace convenience and safety.”

INTERSAFE Data Interface Ports, programming ports designed to provide data access through an enclosure wall without opening doors, are the focus of the Hoffman system. The company offers 24 standard configurations of the ports featuring connectors that interface with all major data and industrial communication protocols, and either a breaker-protected GFCI or standard duplex outlet. INTERSAFE ports are available for new Hoffman enclosures or for retrofitting existing enclosures. Hoffman also offers modified and custom panels with any combination of available connectors mounted to customer specifications.

Completing the System are essential accessories including steel and stainless steel window kits for exterior visual monitoring of controls, folding shelves to hold laptops and test equipment, plus external keyboard and documentation storage.

The Hoffman Arc Flash Safety System is available throughout North America through authorized Hoffman distributors. Visit www.hoffmanonline.com to learn more and to locate a Hoffman sales office.

About Hoffman
Hoffman, based in Anoka, Minn., is a part of the Pentair Enclosures Group. Other businesses in the Enclosures Group include Pentair Electronic Packaging, Schroff, Pentair Enclosures Europe, and Pentair Enclosures Asia. Hoffman is a leading designer and manufacturer of systems to safely and reliably protect the electronic controls, and mission critical electrical systems in industrial, data communications, commercial construction and government applications. With 60 years of experience, extensive technical expertise and a vast distribution network, Hoffman is recognized as an industry leader providing a broad range of standard, modified and custom enclosure solutions, serving customers worldwide.

Automation.com Real-time Information for the Automation Professional May. 24, 2012

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