Occupational Health and Safety
Electricity is one of the most important factors of life. People in life are constantly intertwined with electricity. Although electricity is used in every aspect of life, it contains many unknown spots. The negatively charged particles in the atomic structure are called electrons. Electrons are in the structure of all atoms. These electrons make up the current that generates electricity. Simply described, electricity is the charge current generated by the movement of negatively charged electrons and ions. When an electric conductor is applied to the conductive substances, the electrons move in the negative direction from the positive direction. This is called electric current and is measured in amperes.
In an electrical circuit, if there is a resistance against the voltage, the electron can pass as much as the resistance allows, so the electric current can pass. Electric current is mainly two types:
- Direct current is the electric current which does not change its direction depending on time. Direct current is used in electronic circuits. Ideally, the direct current is constant. Batteries are the most constant sources of direct current.
- The alternating current is the electric current that varies in intensity and direction depending on time. In general, alternating current is used in high power electric motors and large electric circuits. The electric current used in workplaces and houses is also an alternating current. The refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine and ventilators work with alternating current. However, devices such as television, video and stereo set are using alternating current to direct current.
The voltage across the phase to voltage is below the 1000 Volt, and the voltage above it is called high voltage. The short circuit is formed by the low resistance of the electric current between the conductors which are connected to each other. The leakage current is caused by electrical current in an electrical circuit to pass to the conductive parts that should not be present for various reasons. The electrical currents that are the result of an insulating fault are the fault current. The fault current is either caused by earth contact or by a short circuit current.
When electricity is concerned, the most important point is to take controlled use and safety measures. The equipment in which the devices that provide electricity to operate and the devices that ensure the electrical operation of the electrical installation are called electrical panel. There are materials and cables used to distribute electricity to devices in the building. These materials are electric meter, electric busbars, capacitors, power contactors, regulator, voltmeter and ammeter, measuring instruments, control relay, power relay, breaker switches, electrical fuse, some control and command buttons, signal lamp and display.
Electrical panels are produced by the electrical panel companies according to the desired dimensions. It is important to prevent critical parts from coming into contact with each other when installing the electrical cabinet. Otherwise, short circuit currents may cause unwanted damage.
Grounding must be done after the electrical panel installation. Because the grounding and security of people is ensured by grounding. In addition, both the electrical panel and the materials on it, as well as the people using this panel are protected.
Electrical Panel Inspection What are the basics?
Maintenance of the electrical panels is important in the following aspects:
- Employees' health and safety are ensured.
- High comfort is provided in the working environment and living areas.
- The safety of electrical devices is ensured.
- Electrical equipment is prevented from standing scattered and irregular.
- The life of the equipment used is extended.
- Because of the avoidance of possible malfunctions, the costs of the operation will be reduced.
- Time and production losses will be prevented in case of accidents.
For this reason, maintenance of electrical panels is important for enterprises. Mainly, regular maintenance of electrical panels is beneficial for businesses in terms of occupational safety, occupational health and business processes. In short, the importance of electrical panels for enterprises is indisputable and must be checked by specialized personnel in certain periods.
With these regular inspections, equipment such as cable, contactor, fan, capacitor, transformer, fuse, UPS and relay which are old and need to be renewed in the electrical system are maintained.
Periodic tests of electrical panels, ground wire inspection, insulation test, electrical functionality test, protection measures and electrical continuity tests of protection circuits. For safety reasons, these tests are mandatory.
Many legislative arrangements have been made to ensure electricity safety. Here are the main ones:
- Regulation on Electrical High Current Plants
- Electrical Internal Facilities Regulation
- Regulation on Grounding in Electrical Installations
- Electricity Energy Facilities Project Regulation
- Implementing Regulation on the Authorities and Responsibilities of the Scientists on Electricity
In addition to these, in the Annex 2013 of the Regulations on Maintenance, Repair and Periodic Inspection of Work Equipment, published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in 3, see Appendix XNUMX, engineers, electrical technicians or high technicians. In addition, in accordance with the above-mentioned legal regulations, the following standards should be taken as a basis for the checks to be carried out:
- Electrical equipment - Used in explosive atmospheres - Part 60079: Design, selection and installation of electrical installations
Again, according to the principles of this regulation, in accordance with the relevant legal regulations and standards are not specified for a period of at least once a year should be inspected electrical panels.
There are many factors in the electrical panels that can cause malfunctions. For example, static electricity, voltage rise, short circuit between earth and phase at repeated intervals, transformer connections, lightning drop, switching operations in the power grid and failures at any point in the network.
In short, with the expansion of complex structures, people want to establish more control over these structures. Electricity is certainly making life easier, but controlled use of electricity is more important. Security is the most important factor with control. Therefore, the design, production, installation and regular checks of electrical panels are of great importance.
