In this article, we provide safety tips, precautions with electricity, electrical safety, and common practices. Based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) and general recommendations, these measures aim to prevent electrical hazards.
Ensuring safety in electrical installations is essential to prevent accidents and damage. Below are some key recommendations, aligned with NEC guidelines.
It is also important to avoid overloading circuits, select appropriate conductors for each installation, and conduct regular inspections to identify issues in a timely manner. Staying updated with the NEC ensures compliance with regulations and guarantees safety in all electrical installations.
Ensuring safety during electrical installations is essential to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
1. De-energize Circuits Before Starting Work
This must always be done, regardless of whether it is a large or small installation. Before working, ensure there is no electrical energy present and that all circuits are disconnected.
It is not enough to simply switch the breakers to “OFF”; you must measure with a multimeter to confirm that the correct circuit has been de-energized and that no other power sources are present. Additionally, notify others if multiple people are working on-site to prevent someone from unintentionally turning the breakers back “ON” while work is being done.
- Procedure: Turn off the power at the main electrical panel before starting any work.
- Verification: Use a voltage tester to confirm that the circuit is de-energized.
- Reason: Prevents electrical shock risks or serious injuries.
2. Check for Emergency Generators
In many businesses, especially in industries, losing electrical power can lead to significant economic losses. For this reason, backup generators are commonly installed. In most cases, these generators activate automatically when there is no electricity.
When de-energizing the main power source, it is possible for the emergency generator to activate. If unnoticed, this could result in unknowingly working on live circuits.
- Recommendation: Ensure that backup systems are disabled or isolated when de-energizing circuits to avoid exposure to unintended power sources.
3. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment is indispensable as it prevents injuries from electric arcs, impacts, and shocks to various body parts, including the eyes. Do not perform any work without proper safety equipment.
- Recommended Equipment: Insulating gloves, safety goggles, and dielectric footwear.
- Purpose: Protects against electrical shocks and potential arc flash injuries.
4. Ensure Proper Grounding and Bonding
Grounding is essential to redirect electrical currents safely in case of faults. While not always used in simple installations, it is commonly implemented in medium- and high-voltage systems. If possible, grounding is always a good practice to include.
- Importance: Grounding prevents electric shocks and stabilizes the electrical system.
- Implementation: Use grounding electrodes and bonding conductors according to NEC guidelines.
5. Maintain Safe Working Distances
Safe working distances are critical, especially in areas where it is only possible to de-energize specific zones.
For example, in an electrical substation located on a roof, you may disconnect the circuit breakers (CCFs) to de-energize the substation. However, the medium-voltage line feeding the substation may still be energized. It is essential to maintain a safe distance from these lines, as being too close can result in an arc flash incident.
Additionally, ensure that panels and areas where power can be disconnected are easily accessible. Do not place furniture, trash bins, or anything else that could obstruct access to breakers.
- Requirement: Leave adequate space around electrical equipment to facilitate safe maintenance.
6. Avoid Overloading Circuits
Electrical wiring, outlets, load centers, transformers, and any other electrical components are designed to handle specific loads and voltages.
If too many devices are connected to a circuit, the load may exceed the system’s design capacity, potentially causing short circuits, overheating, or even fires.
- Calculation: Ensure that the total load does not exceed the circuit’s capacity.
- Reason: Prevents overheating and reduces fire hazards.
7. Use Appropriate Wiring Methods
From the design phase of the installation, it is crucial to select the appropriate wire size based on the load and to respect the design parameters.
Often, in an attempt to save money, smaller or lower-quality cables are chosen. This decision jeopardizes the installation if the cable cannot support the required load.
- Selection: Choose conductors that are suitable for the load and environmental conditions.
- Installation: Protect cables from physical or chemical damage.
8. Perform Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Even if an installation is well-designed and appears to be functioning properly, it is important to inspect connections, conduits, and breakers to ensure everything is in good condition and to identify any changes.
For example, loose screws on conduit supports, accidental damage that crushes a cable or bends a conduit, water leaks that may interact with wiring, or solar exposure that degrades conduits or cables. Regular inspections can help detect these issues early.
- Regular Checks: Look for signs of wear or damage in installations.
- Correction: Address problems immediately to avoid greater risks in the future.
9. Stay Updated with the NEC
The NEC is updated periodically to address new safety concerns or advancements in technology. Reviewing these changes is important to understand what has not worked in other installations and to apply improved practices.
- Importance: Staying informed about the latest updates ensures compliance and safer installations.
By following these safety guidelines based on the NEC, you can minimize electrical risks and ensure secure, long-lasting installations. Always consult a certified electrician for complex or high-voltage projects.
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