Any electrical circuit will take the nearest route to a grounded surface when given the opportunity. If a person becomes the connector, the resulting shock may be damaging or fatal. If the phenomenon is the result of malfunctioning equipment or poor engineering, the cost can be measured in destroyed equipment and increased liability for injury. Ground fault system certification helps maintain higher levels of safety and compliance.
Even though it is assumed that any modern building or equipment containing electrical systems will be grounded properly, each situation has its own unique requirements. In cases where maintenance has been delayed or if mistakes were made in the original circuit design, there may be the potential for an arcing, low-level ground fault. This phenomenon produces effects similar to arc welding, and can destroy switching gear.
The International Electrical Testing Association, also called NETA, cites figures showing that up to 15% of the locations they test reveal issues that have the potential to result in equipment damage or human injury. The National Electrical Code in the United States requires stringent protections, including installing special sensors capable of detecting and clearing problems within milliseconds.
They work by determining that electrical current is both going out and returning properly. If the pathway is out of phase, the electrical current will commonly take an alternate route that offers less resistance. That can be a building steel framework, pipes, or interior conduits. Safety devices monitor them by using current transformers to detect whether there is any deviation in the route, and a relay logic device that determines the value and timing of tripping current.
Most electrical safety designs include mechanisms that trip a switch or circuit breaker in the event of trouble, and also include testing panels that are capable of simulating unusual events and responses. While useful in some situations, these systems are not always in compliance with the established standards set forth by the National Electrical Code. The preferred method is manual inspection.
Well-trained and certified technical workers provide the advantage of access to the latest technological developments that are associated with equipment and building circuitry safety. Test equipment and procedures are uniformly calibrated to high standards that do not vary according to individual preferences. Most inspectors retain thorough records regarding past issues, and document any new problems.
The certification that NETA provides for employees helps ensure competency when dealing with potential hazards, and deals with existing issues using accepted safety procedures. Each individual must conform to the minimum industry requirements for experience, and complete all necessary training. These employees are also required to provide impartial and independent analysis.
Insurance companies recommend annual testing. The cost involved varies, depending on the type of equipment, the scheduled timing of the event, and the actual topography of the site. Coordination with local utilities may be required, which testing companies arrange. A system that is in good working order will be able to detect and correct problems instantly, potentially saving thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
Even though it is assumed that any modern building or equipment containing electrical systems will be grounded properly, each situation has its own unique requirements. In cases where maintenance has been delayed or if mistakes were made in the original circuit design, there may be the potential for an arcing, low-level ground fault. This phenomenon produces effects similar to arc welding, and can destroy switching gear.
The International Electrical Testing Association, also called NETA, cites figures showing that up to 15% of the locations they test reveal issues that have the potential to result in equipment damage or human injury. The National Electrical Code in the United States requires stringent protections, including installing special sensors capable of detecting and clearing problems within milliseconds.
They work by determining that electrical current is both going out and returning properly. If the pathway is out of phase, the electrical current will commonly take an alternate route that offers less resistance. That can be a building steel framework, pipes, or interior conduits. Safety devices monitor them by using current transformers to detect whether there is any deviation in the route, and a relay logic device that determines the value and timing of tripping current.
Most electrical safety designs include mechanisms that trip a switch or circuit breaker in the event of trouble, and also include testing panels that are capable of simulating unusual events and responses. While useful in some situations, these systems are not always in compliance with the established standards set forth by the National Electrical Code. The preferred method is manual inspection.
Well-trained and certified technical workers provide the advantage of access to the latest technological developments that are associated with equipment and building circuitry safety. Test equipment and procedures are uniformly calibrated to high standards that do not vary according to individual preferences. Most inspectors retain thorough records regarding past issues, and document any new problems.
The certification that NETA provides for employees helps ensure competency when dealing with potential hazards, and deals with existing issues using accepted safety procedures. Each individual must conform to the minimum industry requirements for experience, and complete all necessary training. These employees are also required to provide impartial and independent analysis.
Insurance companies recommend annual testing. The cost involved varies, depending on the type of equipment, the scheduled timing of the event, and the actual topography of the site. Coordination with local utilities may be required, which testing companies arrange. A system that is in good working order will be able to detect and correct problems instantly, potentially saving thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
No comments:
Post a Comment