Temporary Electrical Connections Safety in Hazardous Area
Temporary electrical
connections are
required in industries to perform certain work in an operational area
classified as a hazardous zone, special safety precaution must be
followed when providing such temporary connections to maintain the integrity of
the explosion/flame proof fittings.
Temporary Electrical Connections Safety in Hazardous Area
Sometimes it is necessary
to provide a temporary power supply to carry out various
activities within the battery limits of various plants of factory. The most
common uses are for powering 24V hand lights, spotlights, portable grinders,
welding machines, electrical blower- extractor, etc. It is the joint
responsibility of the relevant works supervisor and the maintenance manager to
ensure that the following precautions are taken when providing temporary
electrical connections;
Safety in Temporary Electrical Connections in Hazardous Area
1. Competent electrical
person must give temporary electrical connection from nearby available source
against a valid work permit only.
2. If the temporary
supply is required for driving equipment like electrical blower, electrical
extractor, de-watering pump, welding machine, grinding machine, drilling
machine, etc., the electrical person should check the condition of equipment
before giving connection.
3. Avoid laying electric cable
of such temporary connections across the walkways, roads etc. as far as
possible. Use overhead means to lay electric cables wherever possible.
4. Check the availability
of distribution boards installed in plants at strategic locations (generally
all industrial installations are provided with such fittings) for temporary
connections. Hence connections should be given from the nearby distribution
board without extending long cables.
5. Cables and extension
boards to be protected against possible rain, water, floor washing, etc.
6. Armored cable of
adequate rating should be used for temporary connections as far as possible.
7. Cable joints should be
avoided to an extent possible. If it is necessary, these should be properly
insulated and protected from rain, water, etc.
8. Temporary supply
should be given with a proper plug and socket arrangement. An Industrial plugs
and flameproof fittings must be ensured for all connections.
9. All temporary
installations should be disconnected and removed after job is completed.
10. All temporary
electrical supply up to 415V and below should be through ELCB circuit. Electrical
engineer must ensure all such ELCBs are tested once in a year. Record of such
tests must be maintained as ELCB Testing Report.
11. Extension boards
should be of non-combustible material and there should be fuse with light
indicator to the extent possible, on main in-comer in extension switchboard.
Every outgoing circuit from extension board must have separate socket plug
controlling switch on it.
12. Specific designed
electric fittings to be used in hazardous areas according to electric area
classification. Joints are strictly prohibited in such areas.
13. Temporary electric
supply should be strictly used for the job to which it is given. Any alteration
in intention should be brought to the notice of concerned electrical person to
avoid overheating, overloading, etc.
14. Temporary electrical
supply to equipment like welding machine, drilling machine, grinding machine
etc, in hazardous areas shall be given against hot work permit only.
15. For portable
grinders, drilling machines, etc., earthing wire should be extended up to the
body parts of the machine.
16. Avoid temporary cord
from mechanical damage.
17. Wet floor or logged
water near to temporary cable fitting must be avoided.
18. Loose connection must
be avoided to prevent ignition hazard.
Temporary electrical connections are required in industries to perform certain work such as welding, grinding, power the portable tools, electrical blower and extractor, etc. in an operational area classified as a hazardous zone. To avoid any fire, explosion and electrocution, special safety precaution must be followed when providing such temporary connections to maintain the integrity of the explosion/flame proof fittings.
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