jj-2005

[jj-2005]

A New Premium Property but No Protection Against Electrical Faults?

This is a common practice across India. All earth pits were tested by a third-party agency, and records show values below 2 ohms for all earth pits.

While testing the Earth Fault Loop Impedance ( EFLI ) of one of the rooms, it was observed that the EFLI value was 20.1 ohms, and the Prospective Fault Current was only 11A. The EFLI value at the Main Switchboard was also the same, which raised seriouWhen planning the construction of a building, we often rely on various consultants for Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing, Air Conditioning, Civil, Structural, Architectural, and more. Sometimes, we might combine these responsibilities and rely on a single consultant or even a contractor. We believe that everything is safe and sound until a problem arises. In electrical projects, we usually depend on a contractor, and sometimes we may not seek a second opinion if we trust them too much. However, this may not always be sufficient.

Recently, we were invited to conduct an electrical safety audit in India at a new commercial building equipped with a 1000 KVA 11KV / 415V Transformer, a 1000 KVA DG set, and a connected load of 1.3 MW. The quality of electrical installation was commendable as it was carried out by a reputable contractor, and the overall performance was good except for one critical issue: the Earth Fault Loop Impedance (EFLI) value.

What is Earth Fault Loop Impedance?

Earth fault loop impedance is the measure of the total resistance in the electrical circuit path that allows fault current to flow during an earth fault condition. It includes the impedance of all components in the fault path, such as the power source, conductors, protective devices, and the earthing system itself. This measure is crucial for ensuring that sufficient fault current flows to trigger protective devices promptly, thereby isolating the fault and preventing hazards like electric shocks, fires, or equipment damage.

Earthing Effectiveness of the Facility

As per prevailing practice, the facility has multiple earth pits, including:

4 earth pits for the Transformer ( 2 for Neutral, 2 for Body )

2 earth pits for HT panel boards and switch gears

4 earth pits for the DG set

Multiple earth pits for the field area, including 2 earth pits for the Lightning protection system

Multiple earth pits for UPS systems, IT systems, and others

s concerns about the high loop impedance value.

Learning from the case study

This case highlights the importance of conducting thorough electrical safety audits, especially for new premium properties. Relying solely on contractors may not always ensure complete safety. Advanced diagnostic techniques like thermal imaging (thermography) and periodic electrical safety audits, ( for healthcare facilities hospital electrical safety audits ) are crucial for maintaining electrical safety and compliance. With effective implementation of recommended measures, we can ensure the safety and reliability of electrical installations, preventing potential hazards and ensuring peace of mind for all occupants.

Related topics

Energy audit, Pre Commissioning Electrical Inspection, Insulating mats, Electrical safety / Energy conservation Training & Development.Electrical and Energy Conservation Posters

When a load is plugged in, if the plug top or socket is getting warm, it can be due to loose connection in plug socket or top, or improper contact area of male and female contacts. During Electrical safety audits, such issues can be easily identified using Thermal imaging and exact reasons for getting heated up can be identified.

[jj-2005]

How India Should Progress in Achieving Net Zero Targets by 2070?

India has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2070. This requires a comprehensive approach involving various sectors, including energy, transportation, industry, and infrastructure. To achieve this goal, it is crucial to focus on sustainable practices, technological advancements, and robust safety measures. In this blog, we will explore ten key areas that can help India progress towards its net zero targets, highlighting the importance of electrical safety audits, energy audits, Thermal imaging and other related practices.

1. The Importance of Electrical Safety Audits

Electrical safety audits are essential for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems in various facilities. These audits help identify potential hazards, improve safety standards, and enhance overall efficiency.

Electrical safety audits are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems in various facilities. They help identify potential hazards, improve safety standards, and enhance overall system reliability.

The prime importance of an electrical safety audit lies in its ability to prevent electrical accidents and failures. By systematically assessing electrical installations, equipment, and practices, these audits help uncover issues that could lead to fires, shocks, or system downtime. Addressing these issues proactively not only protects personnel but also reduces the risk of costly damages and operational disruptions.

Electrical safety audits also ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices. Adhering to these standards is essential for avoiding legal liabilities and maintaining a good reputation. Facilities that prioritize electrical safety demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of employees, customers, and the community.

Another key benefit is the optimization of energy usage. By identifying inefficiencies in electrical systems, audits provide actionable insights for energy conservation. This not only reduces energy costs but also contributes to sustainability goals by minimizing the facility's carbon footprint.

Electrical safety audits in India can extend the lifespan of electrical equipment. Regular inspections and maintenance recommendations help in preventing premature wear and tear, ensuring that equipment functions optimally for longer periods.

Key Focus area for the audit includes : Electrical safety audit in India, Electrical safety audit in Hospitals, Electrical safety audit in IT facilities, Electrical safety audit in Hotels, Electrical safety audit in Industries.

[jj-2005]

Why is thermography essential with Electrical safety audits in India ?

Thermography is an effective tool for identifying anomalies in electrical installations especially when the electrical installation is in energised state. Many issues like looseness, improper crimping, underrated conductors, poor quality conductors and materials, many such issues can be identified with thermography without switching off the power supply. In a new facility many tests can be performed but that is not the case for an installation like a hospital or an IT company. Considering the importance of electrical safety, such audits must be carried out without disturbing operations and hence thermal imaging is a great tool, provided it is done by a qualified thermographer with expertise in electrical inspections. When hospital electrical safety audits are carried out, thermography is an essential tool to find out anomalies in the system without affecting normal hospital operations. In simple thermal imaging is an essential tool for electrical safety audits in critical facilities. Hospital electrical safety audits may be carried out every year for all critical health care facilities.

Electrical Engineers with Thermographer Level 1 and above certification can identify anomalies in electrical installations with ease and suggest areas of improvement, which can improve electrical safety, reliability of services and also reduce energy wastages and save energy.

Thermographers with expertise in electrical audits can identify anomalies leading to electrical hazards easily and classify based on their risk potential, which will help to prioritise the activities and corrective actions can be ensured based on priority. Team Sustenergy is following Japanese maintenance management systems using thermography and effectively assuring safety and reliability through continual improvement. Thermography is also an effective tool for energy audit especially in thermal process systems like Boiler and steam systems, Furnaces, Kilns insulation checking and loss identification along with electrical audits.