Bani Swief Technological University
Egyptian Korean Facility of Technological Industry and Energy
Electrical Inspection
LECTURE 2
Dr. Sherif Kamal
1
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Important: the covering on an overhead
power line is primarily for weather
protection; therefore, workers need to
know that if they touch a power line,
covered or bare, death is probable.
Types of Electrical Hazards
Contact with energized sources:
• Live parts
– The major hazards
• Electrical shock and burns
• Electrical shock occurs
when the body becomes
part of the electric circuit
Types of Electrical Hazards
– Severity and effects of an electrical shock
depend on a number of factors
• Pathway through the body
• Amount of current
• Length of time of the exposure
• Whether skin is wet or dry
– Water
• Great conductor
• Allows current to flow more easily in wet conditions
and through wet skin
Chart
(1,000 milliamperes = 1 amp; therefore, 15,000 milliamperes = 15 amp circuit)
Current Reaction
Below 1 milliampere Generally not perceptible
1 milliampere Faint tingle
5 milliampere Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing. Average individual
can let go. Strong involuntary reactions can lead to other
injuries
6-25 milliamperes (women) Painful shock, loss of muscular control
9-30 milliamperes (men) The freezing current or “let-go” range. Individual cannot let go,
but can be thrown away from the circuit if extensor muscles
are stimulated.
50-150 milliampres Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions.
Death is possible. ﺗوﻗف اﻟﺗﻧﻔس ﺗﻘﻠﺻﺎت ﻋﺿﻠﯾﺔ
1,000-4,300 milliamperes Rhythmic pumping action of the heart ceases. Muscular
contraction and nerve damage occur; death likely
10,000 milliamperes Cardiac arrest, severe burns; death probable
ﻋﺿﻼت ﻗﻠﺑﯾﺔ ﺷدﯾد
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Damaged or bare wires
– Fault current may travel through a body,
causing electrical burns or death, if
• Power supply is not grounded
• Path has been broken
• There are live parts or bare wires
– Extreme conditions and rough treatment can
change electrical equipment from safe to
hazardous
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Defective equipment or tools
Types of Electrical Hazards
– Capacity affected by
• Size of wire
– 14 gauge = 15 amps
– 12 gauge = 20 amps
• Length of the cord
– UL tag capacity
– In general any cord over
100 ft. requires one size
larger cord
(14 gauge to 12 gauge) Source: OSHA
Types of Electrical Hazards
• Power strips:
– Can be over loaded
because of multiple
plug arrangement
– Most have overload protection
but often malfunction causing fire
– Use fixed wiring when possible
Electrical Protection Methods
Voltage Minimum Clearance Distance
(nominal, kV, alternating current) (feet)
Up to 50 10
Over 50 to 200 15
Over 200 to 350 20
Over 350 to 500 25
Over 500 to 750 35
Over 750 to 1000 45
Over 1000 (As established by the power line
owner/operator or registered
professional engineer who is a qualified
person with respect to electrical
transmission and distribution)
Electrical Protection Methods
Use ground-fault circuit
interrupters (GFCI):
• Designed to protect people
from electrical shock
• Detects ground faults and
interrupts electric current
• Limits duration of electrical
shock
Source: OSHA
Electrical Protection Methods
Inspect portable tools and extension
cords:
• Workers need to inspect extension cords prior
to their use for any cuts or abrasion. ﺗﺂﻛل
• Electric hand tools that are old, damaged, or
misused may have damaged insulation inside.
Electrical Protection Methods
Use power tools and equipment as
designed:
• Follow tool safety tips to avoid misusing
equipment
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions
Electrical Protection Methods
Tool safety tips
• Never carry a tool by the cord.
• Never yank the cord to disconnect it.
• Keep cords away from heat, oil, and
sharp edges.
• Disconnect when not in use and when
changing accessories such as blades
and bits.
Electrical Protection Methods
• Avoid accidental starting. Do not hold
fingers on the switch button while
carrying a plugged-in tool.
• Use gloves and appropriate footwear.
• Store in dry a place when not using.
Electrical Protection Methods
• Don’t use in wet/damp environments.
• Keep working areas well lit.
• Ensure that cords do not cause a tripping
hazard.
• Remove damaged tools from use.
• Use double-insulated tools.
Electrical Protection Methods
Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO)
procedures:
• Lockout/tagout
– Essential safety procedure
– Protects workers from injury while
working on or near electrical
circuits and equipment Source: OSHA
– Prevents contact with operating
equipment parts such as, blades,
gears, shafts, etc.
Electrical Protection Methods
Power source identification:
• Mark all breakers accordingly for the circuits
they protect
• Mark all disconnect means accordingly for
the equipment they service
• Identify all voltages with proper labeling
Employer Requirements
• Ensure proper guarding
• Provide training
• Enforce LOTO safety related work practices
• Ensure proper use of flexible cords and
power strips
• Ensure proper identification of power
sources
Knowledge Check
1. What is electricity?
a. The movement of atoms within an object
b. The movement of free electrons between
atoms
c. Solid mass
d. Movement within the nucleus of an atom
Answer: b. The movement of free
electrons between atoms
Knowledge Check
2. “Electrocution” means ___.
a. received a mild electrical shock
b. killed by electrical shock
c. exposed to electrical current
d. any accident involving electricity
Answer: b. killed by
electrical shock R.I.P.
Knowledge Check
3. Arc flash/arc blast can reach
maximum temperatures up to 350˚F?
a. True
b. False
Answer: b. False - temperatures
can reach up to 3,500˚F
Knowledge Check
4. Which gauge of wire will carry the
most current?
a. 14 gauge
b. 12 gauge
c. 10 gauge
d. 00 gauge
Answer: d. 00 gauge – the lower the
wire gauge number, the
more current it can carry
Knowledge Check
5. What does GFCI stand for?
a. Ground Flexible Conduit Insulator
b. Ground Flow Current Interceptor
c. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
d. Ground Floor Connection Intersector
Answer: c. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter
Knowledge Check
6. Which of the following is a safe practice?
a. Carrying power tool by the cord
b. Holding fingers on switch button while
carrying a plugged-in tool
c. Keeping cords away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges
d. Yanking cord to disconnect plug from outlet
Answer: c. Keeping cords away from
heat, oil, and sharp edges
Knowledge Check
7. Who is responsible for ensuring that
overhead power lines are de-energized?
a. Power company
b. Employer
c. Employee
d. Municipality
Answer: b. Employer