Industrial electrical panel guarding and safety

Introduction

Electricity is the main power source for our industries and daily lives. Industrial electrical panels are essential components in managing electrical systems. Almost every machine is run by an electricity source of power.

Importance of electrical safety

Electrical incidents hurt your entire company’s reputation. Electricity is a very dangerous source of power. Electrical panels also pose potential hazards if not properly guarded and maintained. However, it can also be hazardous because it can cause accidental fire emergencies. Several accidents, incidents, and mishaps occur daily by following unsafe processes using electricity. Electric shocks affect several industrial workers every year, causing serious injury and death.

Route of Electricity Through Panels

Electric panels have major importance in electricity transmission. It’s very important to understand the electricity panels and their classification. It creates the importance of electricity panels and workers’ knowledge.

Here are three main types of electrical panels.

1. Main Transmission Electric panel
2. Sub Transmission Electric panel
3. Machine Electric panel

Safety points should be kept in mind when you need to install an electric panel.

Safe Placement of Electric Panel

1. Above ground level
   • Electric panels should be mounted on the wall or placed on the structure at an upper level from the ground to protect it from water, reptiles, and corrosion.
2. Avoid near-pass liquid transmission lines
   • Industry with many liquid transmission lines installed for liquid transmission. It is very risky to mound the electric panels under these liquid lines. If you need to install an electric panel under liquid transmission lines you need to take extra safety precautions.
     1. Panel Upper cover with insulation
     2. Avoid installing a flange, making a line joint, or installing a valve in the liquid line above the panel.
3. Avoid Wet Locations
   • Avoid installing the electrical panel in a wet location. If the panel installation is necessary and the place is wet then install the panel above from ground level.
4. Safe from Martial transfer machine
   • Ensure that where you install the panel is a safe place away from any moving machinery like a lifter and BT stacker.
5. Specific location

Safe Door Panels

The electric panel door should be properly closed and airtight to control the entrance of moisture air, dust, and insects.

Air-tight and water-proof

1. Safe from reptiles and insects
2. Safe from moisture
3. Extra upper cover and insulation

Electrical device separation

1. The safety gap between devices
2. Fiber separators between devices
3. Safety shield in front of the device
4. Thimble sleeve

Cable entrance points

1. Cable entrance from down-side
2. Cable Couplers

Safety grill around the panel

Panel Safety Guarding

Ramps in Front of Panels

A ramp or foundation should be built in front of the electrical panel.

Rubbermate in front of panel

Earthing of electric panels

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Electrical panel circuit diagrams should be available for guidance for electrical workers.

ANSI standard of industrial electric panel safety