ETAP v11 may group Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) categories more conservatively than the category distinctions used by an engineering team. Review the configured arc ratings and descriptions before issuing arc-flash labels; do not assume the built-in category names reproduce the selected NFPA 70E edition.
Identify the ETAP v11 category discrepancy
The reported ETAP v11 configuration assigns the same 8 cal/cm² arc rating to Categories 1 and 2 and the same 40 cal/cm² rating to Categories 3 and 4.
| ETAP v11 entry | Reported minimum arc rating | Engineering concern |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | 8 cal/cm² | Grouped with Category 2 |
| Category 2 | 8 cal/cm² | No distinction from Category 1 |
| Category 3 | 40 cal/cm² | Grouped with Category 4 |
| Category 4 | 40 cal/cm² | May prescribe more PPE than the calculated exposure requires |
| Category 2* | Not present | Reportedly present in the 2009 comparison but deleted in the 2012 release |
Separate conservative output from correct classification
The grouped values can result in conservative PPE selection, but conservative does not mean that the category description matches the governing document. The proposed replacement table was built from NFPA 70E-2012 Table 130.7(C)(16), page 156. Confirm the edition adopted for the facility before copying either table.
For an incident energy of 12 cal/cm², the evidence does not establish one mandatory suit rating or permit converting that value into a category by assumption. Select PPE using the facility's approved method and applicable document; consider layering only when the combined clothing system has a documented arc rating suitable for the exposure.
Configure user-defined PPE requirements
- Open Projects > Settings > Arc Flash > PPE Requirements.
- Review every entry under Personal Protection Equipment, including its category name, minimum arc rating, and description.
- Select User-Defined/AF Analysis when the built-in entries do not match the facility's adopted requirements.
- Create the PPE table from the approved edition and reproduce its required clothing and protective-equipment descriptions without silently combining categories.
- Accept the ETAP v11 PPE disclaimer when required; the reported behavior is that PPE requirements are not printed on labels until the user accepts it.
Verify labels before release
Generate a controlled label set and compare each printed arc rating and PPE description with the approved user-defined table. Check that incident energy, system voltage, and flash-protection boundary are legible if those fields are included. Keep detailed engineering data in the final report when placing it on the label would make critical field information difficult to read.
Apply document control to PPE wording. A reported change that added hearing protection led to 500 labels requiring immediate replacement, demonstrating why label text must be reviewed after changing the governing edition, PPE table, or description.
FAQ
Why do ETAP v11 Categories 1 and 2 both show 8 cal/cm²?
The reported built-in PPE table combines Categories 1 and 2 at 8 cal/cm². Compare the entry with the facility's adopted requirements and use User-Defined/AF Analysis if the grouping is unsuitable.
Where do I edit PPE descriptions in ETAP v11?
Open Projects > Settings > Arc Flash > PPE Requirements, then select User-Defined/AF Analysis to create the approved PPE table and descriptions.
Why are PPE requirements missing from an ETAP v11 label?
ETAP v11 reportedly requires the user to accept the PPE disclaimer before PPE requirements print on labels. After accepting it, regenerate a controlled label and verify the output against the approved table.