The UAE presents special difficulties during periods of heavy rains, especially with regard to electrical system safety. We discuss the vital subject of electrical inspection needs during these wet seasons in this blog article, stressing their significance in reducing hazards and guaranteeing safety.
Understanding Electrical Inspection in the United Arab Emirates
In the United Arab Emirates, the likelihood of electrical dangers rises sharply with heavy precipitation. The risk of electrical mishaps increases dramatically, from flooded roadways to soggy structures. Electrical inspections are crucial in this situation. But what precisely do they consist of?
Electrical inspections are essential for locating and resolving possible risks that can be made worse by flooding or water intrusion, particularly during the UAE’s intense rainy season. These checks are vital precautions against calamities waiting to happen; they are not just formalities.
Key Facts Consider in Rainy Seasons
Several important factors need to be taken into account when performing electrical inspections in the UAE during periods of high rainfall:
Water Resistance: It’s critical to make sure that electrical components are sufficiently shielded from water intrusion. This entails checking the water resistance rating of electrical panels, junction boxes, and outdoor outlets.
Grounding and Bonding: Safe electrical current dissipation depends on proper grounding and bonding. When there is a higher chance of electrical surges during wet seasons, inspectors should focus especially on these factors.
Outdoor systems: After a lot of rain, outdoor electrical systems are particularly susceptible. To avoid water-related damage, inspections should concentrate on confirming the integrity of outdoor wiring, lighting fixtures, and other exposed components.
Emergency Preparedness: The state of emergency systems, such as backup generators and emergency lights, should also be evaluated during electrical inspections. These systems are essential in bad weather and need to be checked carefully to make sure they are working properly.
Code Compliance: Compliance to local electrical laws and regulations is mandatory and cannot be waived, particularly in the event of intense precipitation. In order to prevent electrical dangers and survive bad weather, inspectors should confirm that all installations adhere to the necessary standards.
The Function of Contractors and Inspectors
In particular, during periods of heavy rainfall, qualified electrical inspectors and contractors are essential to guaranteeing the dependability and safety of electrical systems. Their proficiency in recognising possible risks and putting appropriate measures in place is essential for protecting people and property.
In order to do in-depth inspections and spot any flaws or code violations, inspectors need to be well-versed in electrical systems and regulations. Similarly, in order to effectively limit risks, contractors assigned to repairs or upgrades must follow industry best practices and standards.
The Benefits of Regular Inspections
Not only are routine electrical checks crucial in the winter, but they are also crucial in the summer. Potential risks can be found and dealt with before they become emergencies by doing routine checks. This proactive strategy helps save expensive repairs and downtime in addition to improving safety.
Awareness and Cooperation
Effective electrical safety under heavy rains depends on stakeholder coordination in addition to individual efforts. To guarantee standard compliance and prompt maintenance of electrical systems, property owners, inspectors, contractors, and regulatory agencies must coordinate.
It’s also critical to educate the general people about the significance of electrical safety precautions during periods of intense rainfall. Workshops, educational materials, and informative campaigns can help spread important knowledge and encourage it.
In conclusion, electrical inspections in the UAE during periods of intense rains are crucial precautions to protect people and property, not only legal requirements. We can reduce the dangers associated with bad weather and guarantee the continuous safety and dependability of our electrical systems by following strict inspection guidelines and swiftly resolving any problems that are found.
Electrical safety must continue to be the primary concern for businesses, homes, and regulatory agencies alike as we negotiate the difficulties brought on by the UAE’s significant rainfall.
Infrared thermography is an advanced precautionary maintenance program for Electrical System. Thermography is ideal to see beyond what is visible to the naked eye.
Carelabs offers thermography scan of all electrical systems to identify too hot or too cold areas. The primary application for infrared thermography is electrical applications. Thermal imaging is the method utilised for detecting and visualizing the electrical faults.
Why is Thermographic Testing of Electrical Equipment Important?
An electrical equipment is made up of complex electrical components. As these electrical components start to age their performance may start to deteriorate and, consequently, may display elevated temperatures which, if left undetected, may result in a catastrophic fire event. Most fires in UAE are an outcome of this negligence.
Further, as an electrical system is altered, updated and undergoes inspection & testing, another defects manifest which include:
Connection issues
Overloading
Misbalancing
Utilising state of-the-art thermal imaging equipment you can determine whether temperatures of electrical components are
Healthy
Deteriorating
At dangerous levels
Not only is it an effective method of detecting potential issues, it also serves to minimise any catastrophic electrical accidents.
Ultimately, an electrical thermographic survey is all about bringing peace of mind to those responsible for the health and safety of your organisation.
Benefits of Thermography Testing of Electrical Equipment
Prevent electrical failures before they happen
It’s cheaper to make any repairs before they reach the point of no return
You’ll use less energy
No unexpected downtime (Normal business hours maintained)
Your electrical system will last longer
Your electrical service won’t face any interruption during the inspection
Reduced Risk Factors
Safer Work Environment
What is Done During Thermographic Testing of Electrical Equipment?
The NFPA found out that 10% of the fires happening in properties are associated to electrical system failures, like failure of terminals, electrical insulation and related components. Article 130 of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, provides details on the level of protection required based on the arc flash potential present. Published by the NFPA, NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, offers a listing of equipment testing and maintenance intervals in Annex L.
Normal wear, vibration, chemical contamination, corrosion, fatigue, expansion and contraction associated with load and temperature changes and faulty assembly or installation may lower the conductivity or increase the resistance level of a connection or component. This increase in resistance will result in elevated temperatures of the electrical connection or mechanical component. These conditions often cannot be detected by the naked eye. Excessive heat and temperature rise can be readily measured and noted by an infrared camera. Increased temperatures indicate potential trouble spots that could lead to failure of the component. Any deficiencies noted should be rectified immediately by a qualified electrician or mechanic.
A company may perform thermographic inspections in-house or hire a consultant. Because thermographic imaging equipment is complex, persons performing evaluations require special training. In addition, there is a potential for exposure to “live” electrical components.
Few of the Equipment that require Thermographic Testing are as Follows
Step-up or step-down power transformers onsite.
Power transfer circuits, such as switchgears and relays.
Modifications to electrical panels, power control boxes, and sub-panels.
Buildings with aluminum wiring.
Motor starter circuits.
High torque and heavy current draw motors.
Presence of equipment like mercury vapor lamps which are high output lighting equipment.
Use of uninterruptible power supplies.
Infrared Thermography testing, commonly known as infrared scan, is an ideal technique for inspecting equipment for defective components or connections. Vibration, normal wear, corrosion, chemical contamination, expansion, fatigue and contraction associated with temperature and load variations and faulty assembly or installation may reduce the conductivity or boost the resistance level of a component. This increase in resistance will result in elevated temperatures of the electrical connection or mechanical component. These conditions often cannot be detected by the naked eye. Excessive heat can be readily noted and the temperature rise measured by an infrared camera. Increased temperatures indicate potential trouble spots that could lead to failure of the component. Any deficiencies noted should be rectified immediately by a qualified electrician or mechanic.
How is Thermography Testing in Electrical Equipment Performed?
The infrared camera or thermogram is an important component to help maintain a viable and safe manufacturing operation. Infrared thermography can be a maintenance tool in many ways and there is no substitute to its accuracy, safety or reliability.
Prepare a plan and advise key personnel of the testing date and time to avoid any delays. The plan should include a general route outlining a starting point and progressing through the facility in an efficient manner. The goal is to prevent or minimize backtracking which will delay progress.
Ensure a brief general meeting takes place beforehand to discuss the scope of the inspection and communicate all company safety requirements.
Often, it’s required that the facility provide an electrical engineer or electrical engineer assistant who has good knowledge of the electrical distribution system. This person should be qualified in all company safety procedures and have experience in opening electrical cabinets or removing covers of the equipment to be inspected. Testing of mechanical equipment does not require an electrician; however, someone knowledgeable with the equipment and maintenance history is preferable.
All equipment to be inspected must be under normal load and ready for inspection. Please note of any door switches with no override and alert personnel to ensure no accidental interruption of equipment operation occurs. Any door switches which cannot be bypassed must be outlined as part of the inspection plan.
After testing is conducted, ensure an exit meeting takes place and discuss any critical recommendations which should be addressed immediately. At times a critical condition may exit that cannot wait until report is generated. Post Inspection
Once report is submitted discuss findings with key personnel and develop a plan to address all recommendations or important items outlined in the report.
Any questions concerning any portion of the report must be thoroughly discuss with company who performed the inspection to ensure no unnecessary work or repairs are perform and to ensure recommendations are satisfactorily completed.
Document all work performed, repairs and/or replacement and archive in a secure location. Often the report provided by the company will include an area to document the steps taken to complete the recommendation, date completed, who performed the work and signature.
Infrared thermography is a test that can be utilised to identify unbalanced loads, poor connections, deteriorated insulation or any other issues in energized electrical panels or components without dismantling the components. These problems may lead to excess power use, increased maintenance costs, or catastrophic equipment failure resulting in unscheduled service interruptions, equipment damage, or other problems.
Why is Thermography Testing of Electrical Panel Important?
The NFPA or National Fire Protection Association assesses that 10% of the fires happening are associated with electrical system failures, like failure of terminals, electrical insulation and related components. Electricity at Work Regulations Act 1989, Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and BS 7671 (IEE Wiring Regulations 17th Edition as amended) suggest that electrical infrastructure be regularly maintained and tested to ensure compliance with safety guidelines.
Performing an infrared testing will highlight problems with electrical infrastructure under load during the testing process as these areas will manifest as anomalous temperatures shown in the live image on the thermal imaging camera. Moreover, failures can result in employees to be bared to live electrical circuits, making them prone to severe injury or death from electrocution. By detecting high-resistance connections and repairing them, the likelihood of a breakdown of the electrical wires and related components will be reduced.
Other benefits of finding and fixing these faults are the cost effectiveness that comes from energy conservation and reduction in shutdown and repair charge. High resistance in circuits causes an increase in current flow. When current flow is increased, the resulting power consumption will increase. Additionally, large current draw can lead to severe electrical circuit components, like circuit breakers, fuses and transformers, to collapse prematurely. These failures result in higher maintenance and repair costs, and resultant business interruptions.
Benefits of Doing Thermography Testing of Electrical Panel
Determines if the components and system have been properly installed and are not damaged
Reduces downtime
Reduces risk of equipment failure
Increases safety
Improves insurability
Reduces liability exposure of the designers and installers
Improves system performance
Determines whether components and systems operate properly and meet the design intent
Determines if components and systems are in compliance with the project specifications and design
Reduces construction schedule delays
Saves money
What is Performed During Infrared Thermography Testing of Electrical Panels?
Electrical switchgear and panels are the bloodline to supply electricity throughout commercial, manufacturing and industrial buildings. Without it, production stops and money are lost. Infrared is a proven tool to identify electrical problems prior to failure, allowing our clients to take proactive steps to prevent costly and sometimes dangerous electrical outages.
Infrared thermography testing is a way of examining electrical components by attaining heat distribution images. This testing method is based on the fact that most components in a system show an increase in temperature when malfunctioning. The increase in temperature in an electrical circuit could be due to lose connections or a worn bearing in the case of mechanical equipment. By observing the heat patterns in operational system components, faults can be located and their seriousness evaluated.
Carelabs has numerous years of experience performing thermography testing of electrical panels in UAE for commercial, industrial, manufacturing facilities, college and universities, power generation plants, overhead power-lines, utility sub stations, maritime vessels, water treatment facilities, churches, data centers, medical facilities, hospitals and more. Carelabs have the experience and skill needed to precisely detect and record a wide range of electoral issues occurring in electrical systems.
How is Thermography Testing of Electrical Panels Done?
The testing device utilised by inspector is an infrared camera or a thermal imager. These devices measure the natural emissions of infrared radiation from a heated object and produce a thermal picture. Modern Thermal Imagers are portable with easily operated controls. As direct contact with the system isn’t needed, testing can be done under completely energized state leading to no loss of production or downtime.
Thermal testing can identify following factors:
High resistance connections
Hot spots
Over loaded cables
Over loaded fuses or breakers
Imminent motor or conveyor bearing failure
Motor windings over heating
Overheating in distribution equipment
Phase load imbalance
Hot spots in high level lighting (easily scanned from the floor)
Heat build-up in overcrowded trunking
Thermal insulation breakdown (hot or cold)
Thermal loss
Damp ingress
Following are the Procedure for Thermography Testing of Electrical Panels
Panel to be tested shall be energized and under adequate load; ideally this is normal operating load.
Subject panel shall be externally examined before opening or removing any protective covers to determine the possible presence of unsafe conditions. If unusual heating or dangerous conditions exists, a qualified assistant must take suitable corrective steps before starting the infrared testing.
Electrical panel enclosures shall be opened to provide line-of-sight access to components contained therein. In some cases, further disassembly may be required to allow for a complete infrared testing.
Steps should be taken to make sure that the subject panel can be sufficiently and fully imaged.
Infrared testing may be qualitative or quantitative in nature.
While carrying out qualitative testing, the thermographer must use a thermal imager, unlike an imaging radiometer used in case of quantitative testing, with resolution adequate to offer clear image of the tested panels.
When carrying out IR testing, the thermographer must take maximum effort to make sure the precision of non-contact temperature readings.
If possible, alike components under alike load must be compared to each other.
Components showing abnormal operating temperatures or thermal patterns must be considered as exclusions and reported with a thermal image or thermogram and visible light image.
Thermal figures must be saved on appropriately. Maximum effort must be taken to make sure the thermal picture is in focus.
Visible light pictures images must be captured with a daylight camera essential to the infrared imager.
Visible light pictures must be correctly visible to make sure appropriate detail can be obtained.
Particular attention should be given to perspective, focus, contrast, resolution, and lighting.
Both thermal and visible images must be incorporated in the report.
Documentation or Report Preparation
The distance from the infrared imager to the exception.
Whenever possible, the maximum rated load of the exception and its measured load at the time of the testing.
The reflected temperature, emittance and transmittance values needed to find the temperature of the faulty component.
When considering absolute temperature, the surface temperature of the exception and the standard temperature referenced are taken into account.
If desired, an evaluation of the temperature severity of the exception.
If needed, a repair priority rating for the faulty component depending on its temperature severity rating.
OSHA has established a direct correlation between effective management of worker safety and health protection and the incidence and severity of employee injuries. OSHA maintains that effective management helps eliminate or control employee exposure to toxic substances and other unhealthy conditions. It enriches employee confidence and productivity and decreases workers payment and other less apparent expenses of work-related injuries and illnesses.
Why is Electrical Compliance Inspection Needed?
Electricity, just like water and gas, can leak. This leakage current is potentially dangerous as it can flow through you when you touch the leaking appliance. The earth leakage relay is designed to monitor for leakage current going directly or indirectly to earth and if it exceeds a certain value it will trip and disconnect the current flow. This is why it is so important that all circuits are properly earthed to ensure that the earth leakage relay would operate in an emergency.
The responsibility has been placed on the owner to ensure that a faulty or non-compliant electrical installation in his / her property does not pose a threat through fire or electrocution to any person, animal or property. Without a valid compliance certificate, should an injury or incident occur, the owner could be held liable and the insurance on the property could be declared invalid?
What is Done During Electrical Compliance Inspection?
Part of our responsibility is to
Ensure that all the safety features and functions of the electrical installation are functioning correctly.
What should be earthed is earthed and that the earth leakage relay is operational and trips accordingly.
If your earth leakage or circuit breakers are tripping it’s actually a good sign, it means your electrical installation is doing what it should be doing, I would be more concerned if you NEVER have tripping problems. It could be a faulty appliance or circuit. Very often what happens over the years is that safety features go faulty, are deliberately disabled or by passed to “fix” a tripping problem instead of the actual fault being traced and rectified properly.
As part of our process of issuing a certificate after compliance inspection we replace faulty safety equipment and re-enable all the safety features and then suddenly that existing faulty circuit or appliance starts causing the earth leakage relay to trip when next used and the natural assumption is that we have somehow created a fault.
What also happens is a new faulty appliance which now causes the earth leakage to trip in property. Overloading is not a certificate issue, the owner may need to upgrade the installation.
A compliance certificate will be given after inspection that covers the permanent electrical installation which includes:
All the cables from the mains incoming point to the main distribution board;
Everything in the main distribution board and any sub boards, circuit breakers, earth leakage etc. ;
All the cabling from the distribution boards to switches and plugs, including the wall plugs and light switches, through to the connection at the lights;
All circuits and wiring to any fixed appliances, even if they are plugged into a wall socket, but it does not include the actual appliance itself;
The earthing system and connectivity throughout the installation;
Positioning of electrical equipment, e.g. light switches and plugs may not be within a certain distance of taps, shower, baths etc.;
Mains switch must be accessible and a within a certain height from the floor in case of emergencies;
All electrical equipment in the installation must be approved, SABS or other relevant approvals, and be of the correct type and rating for the application;
All electrical equipment must be installed in an approved manner, must be securely attached in place and suitably protected from little fingers gaining access;
All parts of the permanent electrical installation must be in good working order, including safety features;
The electrician will also take various readings to ensure that voltages, insulation, earthing and other values are within requirements.
How is electrical Compliance Inspection Done?
A proper inspection program is a key tool management can use in its efforts to establish and maintain an electrical safety program. The OSHA of 1970 requires the employer to provide a safe and healthful workplace for every working man and woman. The General Duty Clause, in OSHA needs every employer to provide his/her employees a place free from hazards that cause shock or arc flash. It also requires the employer to comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under the OSHA. To accomplish this, the employer can carry out a self-assessment or inspection program to make sure electrical systems and equipment are correctly installed, designed, functioned and maintained in a safe and consistent condition.
Fulfilling these rules and regulations will make sure employers are fitting and maintaining electrical systems and equipment in proper and safe working condition as well as confirming employee’s perform safe work and also back supervisors and managers in fulfilling electrical safety goals set forth by the company for regulatory compliance.
Employee implementation of the electrical safety program, which includes:
Understanding the program.
Identify how much supervision emphasizes the program.
Describe the condition of the program.
Does the electrical safety program address all hazards (e.g., determines if employees are exposed to other risks not addressed in the program)?
The audit must address the process for revising procedures as needed, including:
Where incidents or injuries occur, a review of procedures must take place.
Procedure revisions or a new procedure may be needed.
Define how procedure revisions are communicated to employees.
The inspection and audit programs should be carried out by an electrically knowledgeable, qualified person in order to identify deficiencies in electrical equipment or systems and to correct or properly document any deficiencies found.
An option to make sure the inspection program is on board is to have electrically skilled safety personnel perform the inspections. Another way is to contact a third-party electrical inspection company. Using a person from outside the company or facility will often lead to discovery of issues and deficiencies that may be overlooked by self-inspecting.
The written electrical safety inspection program should be reviewed on a periodic basis by electrically qualified persons to ensure that checklists are current and being used. Inspections should include a review of the entire electrical safe work program for energized and de-energized work, which includes the energy control or lockout/tagout program. Written work practices, PPE, and the condition/maintenance of installed electrical equipment and systems should be inspected for compliance with regulations and industry consensus standards.
The inspection and audit programs should be carried out by an electrically knowledgeable, qualified person in order to identify deficiencies in electrical equipment or systems and to correct or properly document any deficiencies found.
Benefits of Electrical Compliance Inspection
For owners, having a certificate of compliance safeguards that the rental house or facility meets government recommended guidelines for electrical safety. This gives possible tenants confidence and peace of mind, which will be good for business.
Stiff fines may be imposed to responsible landlords or home-owners for violations of these electrical safety rules in the unfortunate event of an incident involving an electrical failure. A court can charge a responsible landlord with six months’ imprisonment and additional criminal charges for the offender in the event of an electrical incident that leads to personal injury or worse, death. This highlights the benefit of regular checks and certification of compliance for electrical safety as it prevents accidents and other unfortunate incidents.
Several key components are required for safe, reliable operation of a newly-installed electrical power system and related components:
The power system and components must be designed and engineered correctly.
Quality equipment should be procured.
The installation must meet all applicable codes and standards and be performed by qualified contractors and vendors.
Verification of all of the above should be performed through an independent, third-party inspection process.
All information should be documented and archived for future needs.
While these are not daunting requirements, all too often these basic elements are not met when installing and commissioning an electrical power system. Poorly written specifications and contracts, lack of understanding, budget constraints, unqualified contractors, failure to utilize accredited testing and commissioning companies or a host of other reasons can lead to issues with the installation and operation of the electrical power system.
Thus the question arises: “How can the owner of the equipment ensure an unbiased and qualified assessment of the newly installed system?” That is when third party electrical certification comes into play.
Third Party Inspection was introduced by DCLG as a way for DIY’ers and those not registered with a competent persons scheme to have their work checked and certified by a local authority or a private sector approved inspector. Third-party certification involves an independent assessment declaring that specified requirements pertaining to a product, person, process, or management system have been met. A third-party body is entitled by an accreditation body. Upon definition of standards and regulations, the accreditation body may allow a Notified body to provide third-party certification and testing services.
They not only ensure and assess compliance to the previously-defined codes but also provide an official certification mark or a declaration of conformity. Third party inspectors also provide periodic Inspection and testing; They perform checking on installations previously carried out by other contractors and determines whether the installation is in a satisfactory condition for continued service. Third party certification should not be used for initial verification and certification of new electrical installation work undertaken by others.
Before work begins, an installer who is not a registered competent person may appoint a registered third-party certifier to inspect and test the work as necessary. Within five days of completing the work, the installer must notify the registered third-party certifier who, subject to the results of the inspection and testing being satisfactory, should then complete an electrical condition report and give it to the person ordering the work.
Registration is of both the individual certifier and the company that employs them; this ensures that requirements that can only be placed on a legal entity can be enforced. No electrical business can certify any third party electrical work until they are registered on a Third Party Certification Scheme. Therefore technical competencies of all electricians are checked before third party certification is awarded.
There are 4 types of certificates (electrical safety certificates) provided by third party inspectors:
Electrical installation certificate
Periodical test, inspection & report
Domestic installation certificate
Minor works certificate
Certification of Competency
Certification of competency is particularly important in the electrical testing industry. Inherent in the determination of the equipment’s serviceability is the prerequisite that individuals performing the tests be capable of conducting the tests in a safe manner and with complete knowledge of the hazards involved. They must also evaluate the test data and make an informed judgment on the continued serviceability, deterioration, or non-serviceability of the specific equipment.
This is issued to the customer on the completion of any electrical installation works. It details the type of works undertaken; any deviations from the regulations as listed in BS 7671, who designed, installed and tested the works and when the next inspection is due.
Periodical Test, Inspection & Report
This is used for the testing of existing electrical installations that have come up for their next inspections or for installations that do not have a current installation certificate. It will detail most if not all of the deviations that need to be addressed and will fall into four categories / codes.
Code 1: Major deviation from the regulations, immediate remedial works are required and the system is unsafe to remain in service in its present condition.
Code 2: Minor deviation from the regulations, remedial works are required to the electrical installation, this should be carried out soon and in there, present condition does not provide immediate danger to life or property.
Code 3: Requires further investigation.
Code 4: Third Party Electrical Certification isn’t just about winning more work for your business. The most important issues for our members is upholding professional installation standards within your industry. Electricians who are certified for third party hold that responsibility in their own hands. The ability to act as a Third Party certifier means that electrician is directly involved in ensuring that standards of competence and professionalism in the electrical industry always meet the expected level.
Minor Works Certificate
This is used for small works like additional sockets or lights that are not in special locations. A minor works certificate cannot be used for the provision of a new circuit.
Qualifications of the Testing Organization
An independent overview is the only method of determining the long-term usage of electrical apparatus and its suitability for the intended purpose. Third-party testing organizations best support the interest of the owner, and the objectivity and competency of testing organization is as important as the competency of the individual technician performing the work. Third party testing organizations are independent of the manufacturer and the installing contractor. Hiring certified third-party testing organizations assures the owner that:
The certified technician has broad-based knowledge — this person is trained to inspect, test, maintain, and calibrate all types of electrical equipment in all types of industries.
NETA (International Electrical Testing Association) is the leading source of specifications, procedures, testing, and equipment performance requirements, not only for commissioning of new equipment, but also for testing the reliability, performance, and continued serviceability of existing equipment. A registered professional engineer will review all engineering reports. All tests will be performed objectively, independent of the manufacturer of the equipment, according to NETA specifications and using calibrated instruments traceable to the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).
The testing organization is a well-established, full-service electrical testing and maintenance business. The introduction of Third Party Certification effectively recognises that electricians can do the work of Building Control. As such it is important that it doesn’t weaken the approach that would be taken by a local authority and as such the Certifier must be notified by the installer before the work begins, and must be involved in inspecting the project throughout the installation – this scheme does not allow certification of finished work which can only be regularised by a local authority. Having a testing organization that meets these basic requirements is paramount if objectivity and quality are to be assured.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, and provide Third Party Inspection of Electrical Installation and Certification.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, Middle East, Africa & Europe and provide Third Party Inspection of Electrical Installation.
A third-party inspection company is a business organization complying with the ISO 17020 standard. Third party inspection agencies are involved in inspection and testing. In simple words any other agency other than DEWA, SEWA or any other government agency, who conduct inspection, fall under third party inspection category.
An ‘Electrical installation’ according to the IEE Wiring Regulations, is ‘an Assembly of associated electrical equipment to fulfil a specific purpose and having certain Co-ordinated characteristics. Growing concern for public safety and the increasing complexity of today’s fixed electrical installations in domestic, commercial and industrial premises places extra responsibility on electrical test engineers who are charged with verifying conformity to today’s stringent international standard. Thus inspection of installations are done periodically and often nowadays.
Third Party Inspection Procedures are as Follows:
Testing an Electrical Installation
The visual inspection is first carried out to confirm that permanently wired electrical equipment is in compliance with the safety requirements and not visibly damaged, and that fire barriers, protective-, monitoring-, isolating and switching devices, and all relevant documentation are present. After this inspection, electrical testing may commence Other methods are not precluded provided they give equally valid results. Only with the appropriate experience and training, safe clothing, and the right test tools is a person considered competent to test installations. When testing is undertaken it should be ensured that adequate precautions are taken to avoid damage or injury to people, equipment or property, and ensured that unauthorized persons are kept away from danger.
Ring Final Circuit Continuity
The ring final circuit, feeding 13 A sockets, is extremely widely used, both in domestic and in commercial or industrial situations. It is very important that each of the three rings associated with each circuit (phase, neutral and protective conductors) should be continuous and not broken. If this happens, current will not be properly shared by the circuit conductors. Following are the steps for the test.
Within the distribution board, remove the Line, the Neutral and the Earth conductors from its terminals. Since this is a ring circuit there will be two of each in the same terminal.
Select the low reading ohm meter function and null the tester.
Measure between Line to Line to get the reading for r1.
Measure between Neutral to Neutral to get the reading for rn.
Measure between Earth and Earth to get the reading for r2.
Connect the first (outgoing) Line to the second (incoming) Earth and connect the second (incoming) Line to the first (outgoing) Earth (if you cannot see which one is the incoming or the outgoing conductor, just make guess, the testing will show whether you are correct or not).
Using the low reading ohm meter, test between Line and Earth on every outlet on the ring circuit. The highest reading is the (R1+R2) for the circuit. The readings at each of the sockets wired on the ring should be very similar and the value should be according to this formula: (r1 +r2)/4. Every time the measured value is deviating by more than 0.5 ohms, the connection at the accessory terminals should be investigated.
Remove the cross connection between the Line and Earth conductors and cross connect the Line and Neutral conductors instead (L1 to N2 and L2 to N1).
Insulation Resistance of Electrical Installation
Insulation integrity is critical to prevent electric shock and fire. It is generally measured between live conductors; and between each live conductor and earth. To measure the insulation resistance between live conductors and earth, the complete installation must be switched off, all lamps removed and all equipment disconnected. All fuses must be left in, circuit breakers closed and final circuit switches closed.
Basically, you’re applying a voltage (specifically a highly regulated, stabilized DC voltage) across a dielectric, measuring the amount of current (leakage current) flowing through that dielectric, and then calculating a resistance measurement. The resistance measurement is in Megohms. You use this resistance measurement to evaluate insulation integrity.
You can use it as:
A quality control measure at the time a piece of electrical equipment is produced;
An installation requirement to help ensure specifications are met and to verify proper hookup;
A periodic preventive maintenance task; and
A troubleshooting tool.
Connect two leads (positive and negative) across an insulation barrier. After making connections, apply the test voltage for 1 minute. During this interval, the resistance reading should drop or remain relatively steady. Larger insulation systems will show a steady decrease; smaller systems will remain steady because the capacitive and absorption currents drop to zero faster than on larger systems. After 1 minute, you should read and record the resistance value.
Protection by Separation of Circuits
The separation of the live parts from those of other circuits and from earth should be verified by a measurement of the insulation resistance. The resistance values obtained should be identical with the values mentioned previously with all appliances, as far as possible, connected.
Floor and Wall Resistance
If applicable, at least three floor and wall resistance measurements need to be made per location, one being approximately 1 meter from any accessible extraneous-conductive part in the location, with the remaining two measurements taken at greater distances. The series of measurements is repeated for each relevant surface of the location.
Measurement of the Earth Electrode Resistance
Measurement of the resistance of an earth electrode is made by an appropriate method, for example, using two auxiliary earth electrodes or ‘spikes’. Before testing, the earthing rod must be disconnected from the installation’s main earthing terminal. In doing this, the installation will consequently have no earth protection and therefore must be completely de-energized prior to testing. Earth resistance testing must not be carried out on a live system. One auxiliary electrode is placed at a set distance from the earth electrode, and the other at 62% of the distance between the two in a straight line. The test measures the earth resistance and also detects the voltage between the auxiliary electrodes, and if this exceeds 10 V, the test is inhibited
High Voltage Test (Dielectric Voltage-withstand Test)
High voltage test also known a Hipot test checks for good isolation. It makes sure no current will flow from one point to another point. Only electrically qualified workers may perform this testing.
Following are the steps to be carried out for Hipot test
Connect the ground lead of the HIPOT Tester to a suitable building ground or grounding electrode conductor. Attach the high voltage lead to one of the isolated circuit phase conductors.
Switch on the HIPOT Tester. Set the meter to 1000 Volts or pre decide DC Voltage. Push the “Test” button on the meter and after one minute observe the resistance reading. Record the reading for reference.
At the end of the one minute test, switch the HIPOT Tester from the high potential test mode to the voltage measuring mode to confirm that the circuit phase conductor and voltage of HIPOT Tester are now reading zero volts.
Repeat this test procedure for all circuit phase conductors testing each phase to ground and each phase to each phase.
When testing is completed disconnect the HIPOT Tester from the circuits under test and confirm that the circuits are clear to be re-connected and re-energized.
To PASS the unit or Cable under Test must be exposed to a minimum Stress of pre decide Voltage for 1 minute without any Indication of Breakdown. For Equipments with total area less than 0.1 m2, the insulation resistance shall not be less than 400 MΩ. For Equipment with total area larger than 0.1 m2 the measured insulation resistance times the area of the module shall not be less than 40 MΩ⋅m2 .
Earth Continuity Test
The Earth Continuity test is sometime referred to as the Earth Bond test or the Earth Resistance test. In effect they all measure that there is a good connection between the mains plug and the Earth point. This test is carried out on all Class I appliances. A good connection is defined as having a resistance of less than 0.1 ohms
This test is performed by measuring the resistance between the third pin (ground) and outside metal body of the product under test. The maximum acceptable value is generally 0.5 ohms although certain standards may specify 0.1 ohms. This test is generally carried out at a slightly higher current (25–60 A) so that the ground bond circuit maintains safe voltages on the chassis of the product, even at a high current, before the circuit breaker trips. This test is essential so that the product does not cause an electric shock resulting from insulation failure.
Checking for Protection Against Electric Shocks & Electric Fires
Protection against electric shock consists in providing provision for basic protection (protection against direct contact) with provision for fault protection (protection against indirect contact). Coordinated provisions result in a protective measure.
One of the most common protective measures consists in “automatic disconnection of supply” where the provision for fault protection consists in the implementation of a system earthing. Deep understanding of each standardized system (TT, TN and IT system) is necessary for a correct implementation. Electrical fires are caused by overloads, short circuits and earth leakage currents, but also by electric arcs in cables and connections. These dangerous electric arcs are not detected by residual current devices nor by circuit breakers or fuses. The arc fault detector technology makes it possible to detect dangerous arcs and thus provide additional protection of installations. See Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDD) for more information.
LV Distribution
The system earthing is one protective measure commonly used for the protection against electric shocks. These systems earthings have a major impact on the LV electrical installation architecture and they need to be analysed as early as possible. Advantages and drawbacks are to be analysed for a correct selection.
Another aspect needing to be considered at the earlier stage is the external influences. In large electrical installation, different external influences may be encountered and need to be considered independently. As a result of these external influences proper selection of equipment according to their IP or IK codes has to be made.
Sizing and Protection of Conductors
Selection of cross-sectional-areas of cables or isolated conductors for line conductors is certainly one of the most important tasks of the design process of an electrical installation as this greatly influences the selection of over current protective devices, the voltage drop along these conductors and the estimation of the prospective short-circuit currents: the maximum value relates to the over current protection and the minimum value relates to the fault protection by automatic disconnection of supply. This has to be done for each circuit of the installation. Similar task is to be done for the neutral conductor and for the Protective Earth (PE) conductor. During an inspection, inspector have to check whether the dimension for this are precise or not.
Overvoltage Protection
Direct or indirect lightning strokes can damage electrical equipment at a distance of several kilometres. Operating voltage surges, transient and industrial frequency overvoltage can also produce the same consequences. All protective measures against overvoltage need to be installed. One of the most used corresponds to the use of Surge Protective Devices (SPD). Their selection; installation and protection within the electrical installation request some particular attention and need to be inspected.
Harmonics
Harmonic currents in the network affect the quality of energy and are at the origin of many disturbances as overloads, vibrations, ageing of equipment, trouble of sensitive equipment, of local area networks. Inspector need to check for the presence of harmonics.
After the inspection the third party agency is obliged to give a detailed report on the results of inspection conducted.
Periodic inspection and testing is necessary because all electrical installations deteriorate due to a number of factors such as damage, wear and tear, corrosion, excessive electrical loading, ageing and environmental influences. Electricity can be seen as an ‘invisible danger’ that can cause people to have shocks, burns or even death, as well as severe damage to properties, fires and explosions.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, and offer commercial electrical inspection services.
Commercial Electrical inspection refers to the thorough check-up of all electrical connections and wiring installed in your premises. An electrical inspector is an authorized person from the government and municipality who is responsible for checking the electrical connections to ensure they comply with the law codes and requirements in the area. Commercial electrical inspectors conduct inspections of all wiring, electrical equipment/fixtures, alarm systems and all associated systems regarding electrical power sources.
Carelabs Inspectors Review the Following Type of Installations
New installations/additions of electrical services
New installations/additions of electrical wiring, fixtures, equipment
Alterations of existing electrical services, wiring, equipment
Fire alarm/annunciations system installations
Transformers, communication towers, hydro vaults
Outdoor lighting
Temporary and special events services
Emergency turn-on and disconnect of services
New, additions/alterations to electrical components of mechanical systems:
Heating systems
Cooling systems
Venting systems
Cooking exhaust systems
Dust Collection systems
Why is Electrical Inspection Important?
There are many reasons behind the necessity of getting an electrical inspection done. Some of the most common ones are:
Protection Against Possible Surges
This is a common phenomenon in different regions, especially when there is a storm. Electrical surges can not only ruin your appliances, but can also create short circuits in your house. When the inspection is being done, the inspector will check for different points in the wiring that can cause this type of mishap.
Fire
Many a times it has been seen that an electrical short circuit has been the reason behind a fire breakout in a house. These short circuits are caused by different loose wires in the meter or in the cabling itself. During the inspection, the inspector can easily recognize these faults and ask you to rectify them.
Shocks
Imagine touching an electronic appliance and immediately experiencing a surging electric current in your body. Although the impact may not be that disastrous; however, this could lead to other mishaps easily. Apart from this, the body current in an electronic appliance can easily hamper its performance or can render it completely non-workable. An electrical inspector can catch these faults in the wiring in time to rectify them.
Steps for Commercial Electrical Inspection Process
IEC 60335 is the most widely applied standard for electrical safety testing, especially for domestic appliances. Many safety testing standards in the world have been based on it. To safeguard workplace health and safety, many sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation provide guidelines on electrical safety and the appropriate equipment required to work on low and high voltage electrical appliances.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, and offer electrical installations certification services.
Electrical installation certificate is something you should have every time some work done which includes extending a circuit or new surface or even a few orders. What is the benefit of getting an installation certificate? It ensures that the work just completed is compliant and secure and assures that it is safe to use.
Whether you are a manufacturer or operator, you need to ensure cost-effective and safe use of your electrical installations and power plants.
Electrical Installation Certificates (EICs) and Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificates (MEIWCs) provide you, as the person responsible for the safety of an electrical installation, with a declaration that the new installation, or alteration or addition, is safe to use at the time it was put into service.
Keeping hold of these certificates also provides a basis for any further inspection and testing, as they can help save on costly exploratory work which might otherwise be needed in future. Additionally, in the event of a claim that injury or fire was caused by an electrical installation, certificates are documentary evidence which help show that the installation had been installed to a satisfactory standard of safety.
The Electrical Installations Certificate will indicate whether the electrical work that has been carried out is:
New – where the whole installation has been installed as new, if a complete rewire has been carried out.
Addition – applies if an existing installation has been modified by adding one or more new circuits.
Alteration – applies where one or more existing circuits have been modified or extended (for example to add a socket), or items such as a consumer unit (fuse box) and switching equipment have been replaced.
An Electrical Installation Certificate must be issued for all new electrical installations. It may also be required for an alteration or addition to the installation – depending upon whether or not a new circuit has been installed. Where an alteration or addition is carried out but does not include a new circuit, a MEIWC or an EIC may be used.
The Electrical Installation Certificate will need to be issued any time that there is:
A newly installed installation
When any new single circuit or multiple circuits are being added to any installation that already exists.
When there is any change of distribution board (consumer unit)
When there has been any alteration to a circuit and that alteration has required a change to the protective device.
Following initial verification, and after a full inspection and testing procedures have been undertaken, the Electrical Installation Certificate has to be completed. This is something that is required by law.
Carelabs Electrical Installation Certification Process
Every time an Electrical Contractor completes a new electrical installation, extension, or modification to an existing installation he/she is obliged to test and certify that the installation complies with current standards. These standards are set by the Electro Technical Council of Ireland (ETCI). A validated Electrical Completion Certificate, where applicable, must be sent to ESB Networks by the electrical contractor’s regulatory body before any connection work can commence. Every customer should receive a copy of an Electrical Completion Certificate whenever electrical work is completed. Make sure you keep your copy of the certificate. This requirement helps to ensure your safety.
In order to verify that it complies with the relevant requirements of the standard. With self-certification, there is an absolute requirement for full inspection and testing procedures. This chapter explains the minimum verification procedures that are required by Health and Safety legislation and BS 7671. The Wiring Regulations require that every installation must be inspected and tested, both during erection and before being put into service. The persons signing certification take responsibility for all work, hidden and obvious. A signatory on an Electrical installation certificate (EIC) can only be responsible for work for which there is a contractual arrangement. Inspection and testing may be carried out by a specialized operator, or the installer, or perhaps the design consultant.
Who can apply for Electrical Installation Certification?
Property owners, electrical contractors and licensed wiremen can apply to have their electrical work inspected and certified.
Carelabs Provide Certificates after testing for faults like:
If any of your electrical circuits or equipment are overloaded.
If any potential electric shock risks and fire hazards are present
If any defective electrical work is present
If any lack of earthing or bonding is present
Tests are also carried out on wiring and fixed electrical equipment to check that they are safe. A schedule of circuits is also provided, which is invaluable for a property
The suitability of the switchgear and controlgear. For example, an old fusebox with a wooden back, cast-iron switches, or a mixture of both will need replacing
The serviceability of switches, sockets and lighting fittings. Items that may need replacing include: older round-pin sockets, round light switches, cables with fabric coating hanging from ceiling roses to light fittings, black switches and sockets mounted in skirting boards
The type of wiring system and its condition. For example, cables coated in black rubber were phased out in the 1960s. Likewise cables coated in lead or fabric is even older and may well need replacing (modern cables use longer-lasting pvc insulation)
Making sure you have a fusebox with a suitable residual current device (RCD)
The presence of adequate identification and notices
The extent of any wear and tear, damage or other deterioration
Any changes in the use of the premises that have led to, or may lead to, unsafe conditions
If any dangerous or potentially dangerous condition or conditions are found, the overall condition of the electrical installation will be declared to be ‘unsatisfactory’, meaning that remedial action is required without delay to remove the risks to people, and damage to equipment in the premises.
Minor Electrical Installation Work Certificate
The Minor Works Certificate is intended to be used for additions and alterations to an installation that do not extend to the provision of a new circuit. Examples include the addition of a socket-outlet or lighting point to an existing circuit, the relocation/replacement of a light switch etc. This Certificate may also be used for the replacement of equipment such as accessories or luminaries, but not for the replacement of distribution boards or similar items. Appropriate inspection and testing, however, should always be carried out irrespective of the extent of the work undertaken.
Carelabs Electrical installations certificate will have the following list of regulations printed:
The Electrical Installation Certificate will be used only for the initial certification of a new installation or for an alteration or addition to an existing installation where new circuits have been introduced. It is not to be used for a Periodic Inspection for which a Periodic Inspection Report form should be used. For an alteration or addition which does not extend to the introduction of new circuits, a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate may be used. The original Certificate is to be given to the person ordering the work (Regulation 742-01-03). A duplicate should be retained by the contractor.
This certificate is only valid if accompanied by the Schedule of Inspections and the Schedule(s) of Test Results.
The signatures appended are those of the persons authorized byx the companies executing the work of design, construction and inspection and testing respectively. A signatory authorized to certify more than one category of work should sign in each of the appropriate places.
The time interval recommended before the first periodic inspection must be inserted.
The page numbers for each of the Schedules of Test Results will be indicated, together with the total number of sheets involved.
For the proposed date for the next inspection, it should be taken into consideration the frequency and quality of maintenance that the installation can reasonably be expected to receive during its intended life, and the period should be agreed between the designer, installer and other relevant parties.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, and offer GFCI Standard Inspection Service.
One of the most important aspects of being a home inspector is detecting safety hazards. Unsafe electrical practices are common safety hazards home inspectors will come across.
One area of the electrical inspection in particular is Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). OSHA 1910.399 defines a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, as “a device whose function is to interrupt the electric circuit to load when a fault current to ground exceeds some predetermined value, that is less than that required to operate the over-current protective device of the supply circuit.
Charles Dalziel first developed a transistorized version of the ground-fault circuit interrupter in 1961. Through the 1970s, most GFCIs were of the circuit-breaker type. This version of the GFCI was prone to frequent false trips due to poor alternating-current characteristics of 120-volt insulations. Especially in circuits with long cable runs, current leaking along the conductors’ insulation could be high enough that breakers tended to trip at the slightest imbalance. Since the early 1980s, ground-fault circuit interrupters have been built into outlet receptacles, and advances in design in both receptacle and breaker types have improved reliability while reducing instances of false trips.
A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, commonly called a GFI or GFCI, is most commonly installed on exterior outlets, or in areas where there is a water source (bathroom or kitchen sink) near the outlet. They are easily identified by two buttons in the middle of the receptacle, sometimes the buttons are coloured.
A GFCI is typically a receptacle with small buttons on it that usually say “Test” and “Reset”. It can also be built into a circuit breaker that is installed in an electric panel.
GFCI units are designed to guard the users of electrical appliances from electrocution because of dangerous ground faults or short circuits, by mechanically turning off electricity when a fault is detected. Home inspectors test the operation of GFCI’s as part of their evaluation. They may also recommend the installation of GFCI receptacles near plumbing fixtures. But they weren’t always required. GFCI wiring regulations only apply to recent wiring installations and constructions. Older homes are not obliged to install GFI’s unless they are been rewired or a new outlet is being added in a location that would require a GFCI in a new house.
As per the 2011 NEC, GFCIs are required in the following areas of the home, excluding pools, spas & boathouses.
Required to be in readily accessible locations
All bathroom receptacles
All garage receptacles and accessory building receptacles
All indoor receptacles in unfinished basements, excluding permanently installed fire alarm or burglar alarm systems
All outdoor receptacles, excluding GFPE circuits dedicated to non-readily accessible receptacles for snow-melting or deicing equipment
All receptacles in crawl spaces or below grade level
All kitchen receptacles serving kitchen counters
Receptacles within 6 ft. of all non-kitchen sinks
Whirlpool tubs receptacles
How does a GFCI Work?
The GFCI has a sensor inside that detects variations in current that flow through the appliance that is connected to it, by comparing the current flow to the appliance and the current flow from the appliance. If there is a potentially dangerous drop off in the current, then the GFCI turns off all power by tripping a relay within it in less than one second. If a GFCI turns off your appliance, then you will have to press the reset button. A GFCI has two buttons: a test button and a reset button. If a GFCI turns off your appliance, then you will have to press the reset button. On a home inspection you should be testing each GFCI for proper operation with a GFCI 3 –prong tester.
Inspectors need to remember that they are not there to detect cite code violations, but rather, are there to make recommendations to the client if additional safety can be added or upgraded. For example if inspecting a bathroom in a house that was built in 1987, or for that fact 2007, and the receptacle is checked and is properly grounded but does not have GFCI protection, it should not be written up as a safety hazard, even though the code for GFCI protection in a bathroom went into effect in 1975. Instead, this should be expressed verbally and should be written in the report as, “for additional safety, recommend GFCI protected receptacles in the bathroom.” It is okay to recommend GFCI protected receptacles in locations that typically require them but do not currently have them.
There are three types of GFCIs
Receptacle Type
The Receptacle Type incorporates a GFCI device within one or more receptacle outlets. Such devices are becoming popular because of their low cost.
Portable Type
Portable Type GFCIs come in several styles, all designed for easy transport. Some are designed to plug into existing non-GFCI outlets, or connect with a cord and plug arrangement.
Cord-Connected Type
The Cord-Connected Type of GFCI is an attachment plug incorporating the GFCI module. It protects the cord and any equipment attached to the cord. The attachment plug has a non-standard appearance with test and reset buttons.
Ground Fault Circuit Inspection Requirements
Employers provide:
Written description of program
Competent person to implement the program
Inspection and testing
Records of test results
Inspections/Tests:
Visual inspection of the following equipment is required:
Cord sets
Cap, plug and receptacle of cord sets
Equipment connected by cord and plug
Exceptions:
Receptacles and cord sets that are fixed and not exposed to damage
Conduct tests for:
Continuity of equipment of grounding conductor
Proper terminal connection of equipment grounding conductor
Frequency of tests:
Before first use
After repair and before placing back in service
Before use after suspected damage
Every three months—however, cord sets and receptacles exposed to damage must be tested at regular intervals not to exceed six months
All GFCIs shall be tested once every three months using the following procedures to make sure they are working properly and protecting the employees from electric shock.
To test a GFCI, first plug a test-light or shop-light into the outlet, the light should be ON. Then press the TEST button on the GFCI , the GFCIs RESET button should pop-out and light should go out.
If the RESET button pops out and the light doesn’t go out the GFCI has been improperly wired.
If the RESET button doesn’t pop out the GFCI is defective and should be replaced.
If the GFCI is functioning properly, and the lamp goes out. Press the RESET button to restore power to the outlet.
The GFCI will not protect you from line contact hazards (i.e. a person holding two “hot” wires, a hot and a neutral wire in each hand, or contacting an overhead power line). However, it protects against the most common form of electrical shock hazard, the ground-fault. It also protects against fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.
Carelabs is authorized provider of Electrical Installation’s Study, Analysis, Inspection, and Certification services in UAE, and offer electrical safety audit service in UAE.
Electrical Safety is an on-going conversation. In process industries, fires due to electrical reasons are very probable, especially in industries that handle flammable chemicals. In service industries such as information technology, telecommunications, banking and other commercial establishments, business interruption losses could be due to electrical hazards.
Trained professionals will examine your arc flash study, training programs, documentation, and PPE to ensure your electrical safety program is up to date, compliant, and comprehensive. Document safety measures for OSHA audits and compliance comply with the latest NFPA 70E standard.
Benefits Of Electrical Safety Audit
Compliance with regulations
Increased levels of safety
More efficient use of resources
Clarification of electrical safety responsibilities
Electrical equipment is required to be maintained so as to avoid danger and to allow the continued use of equipment in service
Identification and elimination of safety hazards
Ensuring longevity of expensive electronic equipment like computers and other machines
Development of a dynamic record of safety performance
Creation of positive cycle of safety improvement
Ensuring compliance with Regulatory and industry safety related best practices
Why Electrical Safety Audits (ESA) Necessary?
Identifying potential electrical hazards to prevent or minimize loss of life and property is perceived seriously by many industries the world over. General safety auditing is popular where the objectives & concepts are clear whereas ESA is a specialized area that is still in the process of being understood by many. In factories, around 8% of all fatalities are due to accidents caused by electricity. Data compiled by international organizations like National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), indicate that nearly one fourth of all fires are caused by electrical appliances or installations. Major fire incidents in various types of occupancies over a number of years show that nearly 40% of the fires are initiated by electrical causes such as short circuits, overloading, loose electrical connections.
Although electrical hazards will be identified and assessed in general safety audits, comprehensive electrical safety audits can provide a thorough review of the electrical system. This could identify potential electrical hazards, flaws in design system, maintenance system, etc.
Electrical Safety Audit Service can be broadly classified into 3 major areas namely:
Pre-Audit
Audit
Post-Audit
Pre-Safety Electrical Audit
An effective ESA programme should include elements such as competent audit team formation, pre_audit briefing, collection & review of relevant information (preventive maintenance documentation, accident reports, electrical inspector’s reports, history cards), discussion with safety & electrical officers, plant visit and then the consolidation to the top management.
Defining scope of Electrical Safety audit based on the specific requirement is the first step in the process of Electrical Safety auditing. Typical ESA scope of work could include:
Physical inspection of the area with reference to standards and other relevant codes of Practice &identifying electrical hazards (shocks, fires, etc.).
Reviewing the role of electrical safety in the total safety system.
Review of protection devices / system of the electrical installation.
Review of adequacy of cables, motors, etc. based on actual load current measurements and cable current carrying capacities.
Review of electrical accidents to identify root cause of the accidents.
Review the EPM (Electrical Preventive Maintenance) programme in the plant and to examine the documentation, checklists, work permit, test records, etc. and to suggest recommendations as per applicable standards.
To identify training needs of the plant employees from the point of view of electrical safety.
To evaluate the earthling system (installation and maintenance) in the plant based on IS 3043 and to suggest recommendations.
Review of the following test records, evaluating the test results and to suggest recommendations as per applicable standards.
Transformer oil test.
Insulation Resistance Tests.
Earth Resistance tests.(The checking of test procedures and checking of test result interpretations are also part of this exercise).
To evaluate the potential electrical fire hazards in the plant electrical installation and to suggest fire protection measures as per applicable standards and Indian Electricity Rules.
To identify the ESD (Electro-Static Hazards in the plant and to suggest recommendations as per applicable standards
The pre-audit questionnaire for ESA could include the following aspects:
Process details
Electrical Single Line Diagram
Name plate details of major electrical equipment
Details of classified zones in the plant
Details of flammable chemicals handled in the plant
Details of electrical accidents in the plant
Details of addition / expansion of the plant including electrical installation
Overview of electrical maintenance system
Audit Preperation / Reference:
The questionnaire is a vital tool for successful inspection and time spent onits preparation is as valuable as that taken by the audit itself. Auditing experience will reveal the need for supplementing or modifying it, provided that the auditors adopt a flexible approach to their task, and the danger of confining attention only to those matters listed in the original questionnaire must be avoided. Checklists can be made with reference to:
Statutory Regulations
Non-Statutory Standards (national and international)
To understand the efficiancy of the various electrical safety elements, the grouping as indicated below will be of use. This way of grouping enables the consolidation exercise more effective.
Compliance to Statutory Rules
Applicability of rules (International & Local codes, Petroleum Rules, etc.)
Compliance to inspector’s reports
Submission of accident intimation reports, forms, etc. in time
Intimation of inspector before energizing new / changed electrical installation
Electrical Shock/ Flash / Injury Hazards
RCCBs –selection, installation and maintenance
Aspect of Nuisance Tripping and bypassing of RCCBs
Bypasses fuses, MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), etc.
Use of rewirable fuses
Earthing defects
Use of double insulated (class II) tools, centre tapped power supply, extra-lowvoltage equipment for confined spaces
Accessible live parts
Electrical rubber mat
Wrong identification of equipment / feeders
Defective electrical portable tools
Are the necessary PPEs (Personal Protective Equipments) used?
Interlocks provided for multiple power sources?
Adequacy of illumination in electrical rooms/around panels, DBs, etc.
Electrical Fire Hazards
Storage of combustible materials near electrical equipment / fuse units
RCCBs
Earthing defects
Use of non-standard fuse wires
Bypassing of protection devices
Deteriorated insulation
Selection, deployment of PFEs ( (Portable Fire Extinguishers)
Unused openings in live panels, etc.
Possibility of ground fault / short circuit
Loose terminations due to improper supports, crimping
Improper gland installation, wrong lug size
Over-rated fuses, wrongly set protection relays, etc.
Electrical Safety Training
Need for electrical safety training
Training content identification
Periodicity
Competency of faculty members
Objective of training
Earthing System
Installation as per approved design?
Installation and Maintenance as per IS 3043?
Earth resistance measured periodically?
Test procedure
Acceptable earth resistance values
Is the earthing system modified when electrical installation is modified?
Are neutral earth pits independent and separate?
Are earth pits identified?
Are two and distinct earth connections provided?
Is the earth continuity tested?
Is bonding and earthing carried out to avoid ESD hazards?
Electrical Preventive Maintenance
Is there an EPM program in place?
Is the program implemented? What is the slippage?
Are the relevant standards (statutes and non-statutory) referred and incorporated in the EPM programme?
Electrical Tests, Records, Test Procedure and periodicity (earth resistance, insulation resistance tests)
Periodic calibration of meters (ammeter, voltmeter, relays, temperature gauges) and test instruments (insulation resistance megger, earth resistance megger, multi-meters, etc.)
Electrical Protection System
Are the protection relays in place and set in the main PCC / MCC?
Are the relays set in accordance with calculated, design parameters in mind?
Are they calibrated and tested periodically?
Availability of HRC fuses, standard fuse wires, MCBs, MCCBs, RCCBs, etc.
Are the transformer protection devices in place? (Bucholtz Relay, Oil Temperature Relay, Winding Temperature relay, Silica Gel Breather, Explosion Vent, etc.
Electrical Safety Auditing
The field /plant visit is the most important part of the ESA program. This involves visiting the plant to identify electrical hazards as per the scope of the audit. In electrical safety audits, the incoming electrical supply receiving section (outdoor substation and main transformer) is inspected first. Then the main sub-station housing the PCCs or MCCs and the cable gallery (if present) is inspected. Next are the electrical equipment installed in various process sections, the cabling and the distribution transformers located in the plant are visited.
The aspects such as earthing, lightning protection,maintenance condition,loose cabling, temporary wiring, electrical firehazards, shock potential, etc. are critically lookedinto. The checklist provided in the ‘Pre-audit Preparation’ section is rather a comprehensiveattempt, covering almost all-electrical safety aspect
Review of Documentation / Records
Normally, this part is taken up after the field visits. All the relevant maintenance documentation, test records, electrical records, electrical inspector reports, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) service manuals, History cards are subjected to detailed examination. All the relevant drawings (electrical single line diagram, earthing layout, hazardous are a classification drawings, protection system schematic, equipment layout,lightning protection drawings) are also checked against actual installation and commended upon, with reference to applicable standards
Post Electrical Safety Audit
Management Abstract
The management abstract as the name implies contains the salient observations noted during the audit and the recommendations in a nutshell. Management needs to understand those hazards that are harmful to their employees and to the property. Any prudent management will consider seriously potential hazards that can affect their business (directly as well as indirectly) and will take immediate action. Considering the importance of this section, every care has to be taken in choosing appropriate words and to effectively convey the message, depending upon the criticality of the hazard.
Introduction
This section generally contains the ESA scope of work, exclusions in the audit scope, assistance provided during the audit, details of the audit team, client’s officials contacted during the audit, audit methodology, audit duration. and summary of the client’s safety system, safety auditing policy, training strategy, Accident Prevention Program, and the management commitment towards safety.
Overview of Electrical System
The overview section contains the details of the electrical power supply and the power distribution. This section can also discuss the details of critical electrical installations, name plate details of critical electrical equipment, recent alterations/additions carried in the electrical installation, captive generation details, etc. This section can also discuss about the future expansion plans with respect to electrical capacity.
Specific Observations and Recommendations
This is the most important section containing the specific observations and recommendations in the plant observed during the audit. Normally, the observations are noted area/plant wise. Checklist method is found effective and various standards (both statutes and non-statutes) are available for reference. The format for this section is given in this paper.
Lightning Protection System Evaluation
The review of the existing lightning protection system of the plant as per the applicable national (IS: 2309) and international standards (NFPA 780) is carried out in this section on a sample basis. The various maintenance aspects are also evaluated in this section. If required, the fundamental step of ascertaining the need for protecting buildings /structures by calculating the risk factor is also carried out.
Electro-Static Hazards- Control Measures
ESD (Electro-Static Discharges) is a critical area where the potential ESD hazards are to be identified and necessary solutions are to be provided. Making the client aware of the potential accidents that can occur due to Electro-static discharges, minimum ignition energy required for fire/explosion, concept of equi-potential bonding and earthing, etc. are also crucial to make them understand the ESD hazards in the right light.
Hazardous Areas – Observations and Recommendations
This is another crucial area that needs to be evaluated critically. Although hazardous areas are critical, they are mostly neglected in most of the hazardous plants. The design principle of flameproof equipment makes it a special equipment that needs ‘special care’. Area classification into zones and installing various types of electrical equipment are the critical factors in controlling accidents in hazardous areas.
Safety audits are an important part of a company’s control system. The auditing schemes does not remove from the management and supervisors the necessity for regular checking and rechecking to ensure that people under their control are working in a safe manner. Their application and use do not remove the need for proper care and responsibility at all levels in day-to-day operations.
