Persons, electricians who work near electrical installations, are exposed to hazards that can be caused by an electric arc. The electric arc is a rare phenomenon, but it is nevertheless necessary to ensure reliable protection of electricians because the arc can not be excluded. Especially, since it can occur during maintenance work on electrical installations or when performing switching maneuvers, when switched on or off under voltage (leads, cable connections, switchgear, fuses and others).
The protection of electricians against the arc is a topical problem, mainly due to the choice of personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection against an electric arc. It should be noted that there is no PPE that would provide full protection against an electric arc. But is possible to reduce the dangers of the electric arc with technical and organizational measures, and often eliminate those dangers.
This degree dissertation represents requirements of regulations and a comparison of standards for selection of PPE in distribution between the US and the EU countries. The employer's obligation is to consistently carry out a risk assessment for an electrician's work site with a highlight on the danger of an electric arc. There are differences in defining the choice of an appropriate PPE (equipment classification, short-circuit current and arcing duration) The calculated energy of the arc, the proposal of the technical measures and selection of the appropriate OVO is calculated and determined on the concrete examples of the distribution and industry.
|