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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