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IGC 2 Element 5 - Sec (2017 - 07 - 21 12 - 08 - 17 UTC)
IGC 2 Element 5 - Sec (2017 - 07 - 21 12 - 08 - 17 UTC)
IGC 2 Element 5 - Sec (2017 - 07 - 21 12 - 08 - 17 UTC)
2012
Unit IGC2
© RRC Training
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this element, you should be able to
demonstrate understanding of the content through the
application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar
situations. In particular you should be able to:
Unit IGC 2
Element 5.1
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Basic Principles
• An electrical circuit comprises 3 elements:
• Pressure = potential difference
– Measured in volts (V)
• Flow rate = current
– Measured in amps (I)
• Resistance = obstruction in circuit
– Measured in ohms (R)
• Linked together by Ohm’s Law:
V=I×R
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Potential Difference
• “Electrical pressure”
• The driving force or pressure
which “pushes” an electrical
current around a circuit
• Voltage: unit = volts (V)
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Current
• Current can be thought of as “flow”
• Electrons flow through the materials
making up a circuit
• Current: unit = amps (A)
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Resistance
• “Resistance to flow”
• The resistance of a circuit to the
passage of the electrons
• Resistance: unit = ohm (Ω)
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Ohm’s Law
V=I×R
I = V/R V
R = V/I
I R
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AC/DC
• Alternating current (AC):
− Mains supply is AC
− Current flows backwards and forwards
− UK = 230 volts, 50Hz
− USA = 120 volts, 60Hz
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Electrical Shock
Current (Ma) flowing Effect
through the body
0.5 - 2 • Threshold of sensation
• Tingling sensations
2 - 10 • Muscle tremor
• Pain
• Muscle contractions
10 - 60 • Unable to release grip
• Unable to breathe
• Ventricular fibrillation
• Cardiac arrest
60 + • Extreme muscular
contractions
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• Burns
Electric Burns
Direct contact
• Current flowing through the
body
• Entry and exit point and
internal
Indirect contact
• As result of arcing, fire or
explosion following an
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electrical accident
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Static Electricity
• Build-up of potential
difference (volts) between
surfaces
• Caused by friction
• Surfaces become
"charged"
• Spark caused on contact
with earth
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Arcing
• Ability of electricity to “jump” across an
air gap
• Usually involves high voltage
• Main hazards
− Electric shock
− Burns (direct, indirect)
− Damage to eyes from UV radiation emitted
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Secondary Effects
Physical injury caused by an electrical
incident, such as:
• Cuts
• Bruises
• Broken bones
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Unit IGC 2
Element 5.2
Control Measures
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Protection of Conductors
• Insulated to prevent contact with live
conductor:
− Cable coverings unbroken
− Equipment casing intact
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Protective Systems
• Fuses
• Earthing
• Isolation of supply
• Reduced and low voltage systems
• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s)
• Double insulation
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Fuses
• Designed to protect the equipment
not the people!
• Form a weak link in a circuit
• Designed to overheat and melt if the
current exceeds the fuse rating
• Rating should be above operating
current required by equipment but
less than the current rating of the
cable in the circuit
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Circuit Breaker
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Earthing
• Outer metal casing
connected to earth by
wire
• Provides fault current
with a low resistance
path to earth
• Electric shock should be
minor
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• Will usually blow the fuse
Low Voltages
• For hand tools, the 110 volt centre-tapped
(CTE) system is recommended
• System relies on the mid-point of the
reduced voltage transformer being
earthed
• Maximum shock voltage is 55 volts, but
full 110 volt supply powers the equipment
• Systems reduced to 25 volts are often
used for lighting on construction sites
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Double Insulation
• Live parts cannot be touched
• 2 layers of insulation
• Either layer sufficient to provide
protection
• Eliminates need for earth protection
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?
Competent Persons
• Knowledge
− Of electricity and electrical work
• Ability
− Understanding of the system, hazards and
precautions
− Understanding of when it is safe/unsafe
• Training
• Experience
− Experience of electrical work
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© RRC Training
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Buried Cables
• May be struck during excavations
• Can result in:
− Arcing, shock, burns, fire
• Precautions
− Check plans
− Detection equipment
− Expose by hand digging
− Identify and label
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• Usually uninsulated
• Protect by:
− Isolation
− Safe systems of
work/permit-to-work
− Barriers, signs, goal-posts
− Banksmen
− Non-conducting
equipment
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Emergency Action
• Don’t touch the casualty
• Call for help
• Isolate from the power supply
• Call for ambulance
• Check for breathing
− Recovery position if breathing
− Start CPR if not breathing
• Treat burns
• Treat for physical shock
• Ensure medical help is obtained
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User Checks
• Damage to cable sheath
• Damage to plug
• Flex fully insulated – no kinks/splits
• Inadequate joints
• Unsecured sheath
• Wet or contaminated
• Damage to casing of equipment
• Burns/scorch marks
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© RRC Training
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Group Question
What are the advantages and limitations
of Portable Appliance Testing?
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Advantages:
• Demonstrates legal compliance
• Detects faults not visible to the eye
• Allows early removal/repair of unsafe
equipment
• Identifies trends or patterns of faults
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Limitations:
• Provides proof of safety at one moment in
time only
• Does not ensure safe use or prevent
misuse
• Items may be missed and then remain
untested
• Can't be applied to all equipment (e.g.
computers)
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