Unit 1: Safe use of Electrical components

#Scope of subject “Electrical ”safety

 Electrical safety deals with safety from electricity, supply system, electrical appliances,
plant, equipment etc Very large energy flow can occur rapidly during electric fault.
Electrical safety deals with safety of personnel , installation ,plants, equipment and
property.
 Electrical safety covers safety aspects of installation /equipment design, testing,
erection commissioning & maintenance activities.
 The subject matter deals with:
 Causes and effects of electrical hazards.
 Scientific phenomenon associated with electrical safety E.g. Electric shocks,
electric fields, flashovers, hazards, electric expansion etc
 Safety acts & safety rules.
 Training in safety.
 Safety during project construction.
 Safety during plant operation and maintenance.
 Safety audit and safety inspection.
 Safety devices and safety tools.
 Live line maintenance.
 First Aid & facilities.
 Loss prevention measures.
 Fire prevention & fire fighting.
 Investigations and analysis of accidents.
 Insurance coverage and procedures.
1.1 Safe use of electrical tools
 While working with or around electrical equipment, it is very important to work with
caution and in a safe and smart manner. The voltage and electric current in business
and homes has enough power to cause serious injury and even death. By following these
safety guidelines below will greatly reduce the risk for serious injury or even death.
 Inspect tools for any damage prior to each use.
 Check the handle and body causing of the tool for cracks and other damage.
 If the tool has auxiliary or double handles, check to see that they installed
securely.
 Inspect cords for defects; check the power cord for cracking and other signs for
wear or faults in the cord installation.
 Check for damaged switches and ones with faulty trigger locks.
 Inspect the plug for cracks and for missing loose or faulty prongs.
 If the tool is defective, remove it from service and tag it clearly “out of service
repair”.
 Replace damaged equipment immediately “Do not use defective tools”
temporarily.
 Have tools repaired by a qualified person.
 Ensure that you have been properly trained to use the tool safely. Read the
operator’s manual before using the tool and operate the tool according to the
manufacturer’s instructions. Use only tested and approved tools.
 Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
 Use only the kind of battery that the tool manufacturer specifies for the battery
powered tool that you are using.
 Switch off the tools before connecting them to a power supply.
1.2 Static charge in high voltage equipment

Static electricity is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material.

The charges remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or
electrical discharge. Static electricity is named in contrast with current electricity which
flows through wires or conductors and transmits energy.
A static electric charge can be created whenever two surfaces contact and separate and at
least one of the surfaces has a high resistance to electric current ( and is therefore an electric
insulator ). The effects of static electricity are familiar to most people because people can
feel ,hear and even see the spark as the excess charge is neutralized when brought close to
a large electrical conductor .For example a path to ground or a region with an excess charge
of the opposite polarity (positive or negative ). The familiar phenomenon of a static shock
-more specifically, an electrostatic discharge is caused by the neutralization of charge.

Cause of static electricity:

Materials are made of atoms that are normally electrically neutral because they contains
equal number of positive charge (protons in their nuclei) and a negative charges (electrons
in “Shell” surrounding the nucleus. The phenomenon of static electricity requires a
separation of positive and negative charges. When two materials are in contact, electrons
may move from one material to other, which leaves an excess of positive charge on one
material, and an equal negative charge on the other. When the materials are separated, they
retain this charge imbalance.

1.3 Electrical insulation technique

i) Insulator:
A substance which ( at a particular voltage ) does not allow the flow of electron
(current ) through them is called an insulator.

For example: Some of the good insulators are mica, porcelain, glass , rubber ,
bakelight etc .
 Qualities of insulating materials:

The following are the main qualities of good insulating materials which should be
considered while selecting a particular one for use.
I. It should be flexible.
II. It should have good mechanical strength.
III. It should be non-absorptive of moisture.
IV. It should be easily moulded to any shape.
V. It should be non-inflammable.
VI. It should not be affected by acids or alkalies.
 Classification of insulating materials:
Insulation may be grouped into different classes by temperature and temperature rise as
a given table below.

S.N. Class Max. safe tempr Example

1 Y 90o C Cotton, silk, unimpregnated paper,
vulcanized natural rubber etc
2 A 105oC Organic materials such as cotton,
silk, paper & synthetic fibers etc
3 E 120o C Epoxy resins, fiber, polyurenthane
etc which are better quality than
class A .
4 B 130o C Inorganic materials such as mica,
glass fibers ,asbestos etc
5 F 155o C Materials of better quality than
class B insulation such as glass,
fiber, mica, asbestos etc
6 H 180oC Materials such as silicone elastomer
and combination of materials such
as mica, glass, fiber, asbestos etc
7 C Above 180oC Mica ,porcelain & Teflon etc

 Why electrical insulation is required:

Electric shock caused by the flow of current through the human body can result in
physiological effects raging from fatal injuries resulted by involuntary moments to
death from ventricular fibrillation or muscular contraction. DC voltage upto 60 volts
are considered safe limits, in the best circumstances for the human body, but beyond
this consider a hazard, and to prevent it electrical insulation is required.
 1.4 Safety tools & equipments:
Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with
and shall use electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the
body to be protected and for the work to be performed.
I. Insulated Gloves:

This is especially so when the electrical employee has to deal with the live currents.
Hence it is very important to wear insulated gloves while handling electrical lines and
devices. Insulated gloves offer protection from electrocutions.
II. Safety glasses:

Safety glasses are extremely handy when it comes to the protection of an

employee/electrician’s eye. Safety glasses can protect the eyes from possible sparks and
loose wire ends that can protrude dangerously.
III. Insulated foot wear:

The insulated footwear protects from electric shocks. It also protects wearer from
accidents or injuries caused by live currents.
IV. Insulated mat:

Insulation matting allows for some additional protection ,and prevents any live wires
unexpectedly injuring the employee/electrician.
V. Hard hat/Safety helmet:

The hard hat /safety helmet protects themselves from possible head injuries that might
occur when unexpected debris falls over.
VI. Ear muff/Ear plugs:

The ear plugs protects from damaging hearing capacity.

VII. Safety Belts:

Safety belt protects from elevated, unexpected falls or injuries from the elevated site.
VIII. Voltage detector:

Voltage detector are a quick and inexpensive way to check for the presence of live
voltage on AC circuits, switches and outlets before working on them.
IX. Rescue Rod:

Rescue rods or poles are intended to remove a person who has been electrocuted from
the source of the electricity .
X. Warning signs & symbol:

From warning signs & symbol ,the personnel should be protected from being accidents
of electricity danger.
XI. Insulated ladder:
XII. Short circuit kit:
XIII. Operating Rod: etc.