Hazardous Areas & Hazards of Electricity

Hazards of Electricity Normal Electrical Connection (NON Classified Areas):- All electrical circuits shall be protected by residual current circuit breakers with a trip current not exceeding 30 millamps. At the generator and RCCB with a current rating at least equal to the rated output of the generator shall be installed. The trip current for this RCCB shall not exceed 300 milliamps. All electrical apparatus shall be earthed with an earth wire back to the generator. Therefore, all signal phase cables for the supply of power to individual circuits shall be three cores. This being lives, neutral and earth. In the case of three phase circuits, the distribution of power shall be such as to ensure that all three phases are balanced. I.e. supplying the same current and voltage.

All earth wires must be connected back to the generator All earth wires must be connected back to the generator. In addition, the generator itself must be earthed with at least two earth spikes buried to 20 meters. All electrical cables shall be rated at greater than three their required current carrying capacity and shall be buried so as to avoid damage All electrical apparatus and wiring must be checked at least once monthly.

Electrical equipment used in hazardous areas:- All portable equipment or devices with batteries e.g. torches, portable lamps test instruments, cameras, radios,…etc. shall NOT be used in a hazardous area unless specifically certified (explosion proof) and approved by competent engineer and covered by a permit to work. All hand held electrical equipment connected to an external supply shall be up to the client standard and as specifically outlined in the relevant contract. Normally the electrical safety requirement covers (but not limited) to the following:

Electrical equipment used in hazardous areas:- ♣ Cables are of heavy duty, industrial type free from any defects. ♣ Sockets are explosion proof type ♣ Circuits shall be guarded with circuit breakers and earth leakage protection. All electrical equipment to be used in a hazardous area shall be inspected and certified by competent engineer.