Dealing with electric repair work should always be left to a professional. Maybe you’re a beginner in that field. Here are some tips you should always keep in mind when dealing with industrial or commercial breakers.
- Never forget to shut off the main breaker.
Here it’s useful to follow the Lockout/ Tagout procedure or LOTO protocol. The LOTO protocol involves the following eight safety steps:
- Good preparedness and training. Everyone affected by the shutdown must be appropriately informed and trained to deal with hazardous energy sources.
- Notify the affected personnel. All persons on site affected by the shutdown/ lockout must be notified of its timing and reasons.
- Shut off equipment. All manual operating procedures must be done to shut off the running equipment in a timely and safe manner.
- Isolate the power origins and sources. It will mean any valves supplying power to the equipment and machinery must be cut off temporarily.
- Lock out all power sources. It can mean through a physical padlock so that no one can access or physically turn on the equipment during the shutdown time.
- Release the stored power. Some machinery holds air or energy or electric charge which must be released.
- Double-check the LOTO process. It means ensuring all the steps above have been followed and checked off the checklist.
- Control the LOTO. Appropriate personnel must be appointed to overlook and ensure the shutdown is in place. It’s all the while the maintenance work is being done.
Following this LOTO protocol isn’t just part of circuit breakers. It is a common practice followed in major electrical maintenance work in any factory unit or industrial area.
- Wearing safety clothing
Electricians must always wear safety gear when working with circuit breakers or any electrical equipment. It includes personal protective equipment like PPE suits and safety goggles.
- Make sure all the constituents match with each other
Match the wiring with the appliances and the switchboards and ensure it aligns with the load requirements.
- Watch your hands!
Even though the power may be off, the main bus bar and other parts may still be hot. Ensure sufficient time between shut down and handling for the bus bar to cool off. Even the conductors could have excess electrical charges and therefore must only be handled after proper isolation procedures.
- Take count of your tools.
The tools, wires, and other fittings must be thoroughly counted before and after maintenance. This ensures that no damaged parts are being used in the installation. Counting the tools will ensure nothing is left inside the control panel and switchgear during the maintenance work.
- Maintenance
Your circuit breaker should be routinely serviced to maintain its long life and ensure its proper working. You can take advantage of yearly servicing packages and ensure that your system gets enough attention and care. It can keep your whole factory or workplace running smoothly.
- Meet code requirements
When any new electrical parts are installed, it’s essential to check whether you meet local electrical code standards. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) or Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) guidelines are great. They have control procedures to help you set electrical maintenance standards in your workplace.
- Only the right person for the job
We cannot stress this one enough. Make sure you hire a skilled and experienced technician or electrician. Under no circumstances should an employee be allowed to handle the electrical panels. Handling electricity and current can prove dangerous. All the safety precautions above must be read and followed carefully.
Following these tips can provide you and your family or co-workers with long-lasting protection against fire or electric hazards. It’s always better to stock up on prevention measures than regret later!
