True or False: A poorly maintained overcurrent protective device (OCPD) can increase incident energy during an arc flash event.

A poorly maintained overcurrent protective device (OCPD) can indeed increase incident energy during an arc flash event. When OCPDs, such as circuit breakers or fuses, are not maintained properly, their operation can become unreliable. This unreliability might lead to delays in tripping during an overload or short circuit condition.

In an arc flash scenario, the duration of the arcing event is directly related to the amount of incident energy released. If the OCPD fails to operate in a timely manner or does not trip at the expected threshold due to corrosion, dirt, or mechanical wear, the arc flash can persist longer, thereby increasing the energy and severity of the arc flash. Higher incident energy levels correspond to increased potential for injury to personnel and damage to equipment.

Thus, proper maintenance of OCPDs is critical in minimizing the risk associated with arc flash events.