In the fall of 2001 the 2002 National Electric Code (NEC) introduced a new requirement. Article 110.16 required electrical equipment to be field marked, to warn qualified persons about the arc flash hazard associated with exposed energized conductors. By Charles Helmick, Training Manager, AVO Training Institute
The need for analyzing electrical hazards in the workplace has been recognized by a small segment of the industry for many years. The petrochemical industry and many government institutions have performed research on this subject for over thirty years. By Dennis K. Neitzel, CPE AVO Training Institute, Inc.
Electrical power systems today are often very complex. Protective devices, controls, instrumentation and interlock systems demand that technicians be trained and qualified at a highly technical skills level. By Dennis K. Neitzel, AVO Training Institute
The road to understanding is not always an easy one especially if that road leads to change. Generally speaking people are reluctant to change because often it pushes us out of our comfort zones.
Proper installation of cable splices and terminations drastically improves the lifetime of cables and prevents damage to downstream equipment, and more importantly, nearby personnel. Inadequate installation and testing of cable joints and terminations is the number one cause of failure (IEEE Std 493-2007 Table 10-33). Properly trained personnel can alleviate issues and improve safety while dealing with solid dielectric power cables.
Low-voltage power circuit breakers are one of the most poorly maintained protection devices in many power systems. Their exposure to moisture and contaminants makes this type of breaker more susceptible to failure without proper maintenance. Failure can lead to nuisance trips as well as more serious and life threatening situations like arc flash hazards.
Unlike a low-voltage breaker, medium-voltage breakers rated at 1 kV or higher rely on external controls to operate effectively. That means technicians have more components to test and maintain. Failure of a breaker can cause damage to other equipment and is extremely hazardous to nearby personnel. Properly trained technicians can alleviate these dangers and improve system performance.
Utility maintenance personnel are exposed to hazardous voltages on a routine basis. To ensure safe work practices, personnel must understand safety regulations, electrical hazards and the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment. Applying safety regulations properly is essential to preventing accidents and loss of life.
Electrical safety within industrial facilities is paramount to keeping personnel safe around electrical equipment. To ensure a safe workplace, personnel must understand electrical safety regulations, electrical hazards, and the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment. The ability to interpret electrical safety standards and apply them is essential to an effective electrical safety program.
Proper testing and maintenance of electromechanical protective relays in industrial distribution systems is paramount to preventing damage to equipment, interruptions to power and accidents resulting in harm to employees. Deterioration over time can cause failure of components. Having professionally trained personnel who can properly test and recognize failing equipment is essential to maintaining the integrity of your protection scheme.
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