EQUIPMENT SAFETY MEASURES

Working principle of Fuse and Miniature circuit breaker (MCB):

Fuse:

fuse
An Electric Fuse is a protective device which interrupts the flow of excessive
current in an Electric circuit. This works on the principle of heating effect of the
Electric Current.

A Fuse consists of conducting wire, which has high resistivity and low melting
point. The thickness of the Fuse wire is determined based on the amount of
current flow in the circuit. If a fault causes a flow of excess Current, then a
Conductor break the Circuit by melting or separating it, the thin Conductor used
is known as an Electric Fuse. The wire inside the Fuse melts if there is an
occurrence of high Current due to a short Circuit or an overloaded Circuit. As a
result of which the Current stops flowing since the wire has broken. In order to
stop the flow of electricity. Once a Fuse melts, it can be changed or replaced with
a new Fuse. A Fuse is normally made up of elements like zinc, copper, aluminium
and silver.

Working Principle of MCB

MCB Working
Whenever continuous overcurrent flows through MCB, the bimetallic strip is
heated and deflects by bending. This deflection of the bi-metallic strip releases a
mechanical latch.

As this mechanical latch is attached to the operating mechanism, it causes to open

the miniature circuit breaker contacts, and the MCB turns off thereby stopping
the current to flow in the circuit. To restart the flow of current the MCB must be
manually turned ON.

This mechanism protects from faults arising due to overcurrent or overload and
short circuits.

But during short circuit conditions, the current rises suddenly, causing
electromechanical displacement of the plunger associated with a tripping coil or
solenoid. The plunger strikes the trip lever causing the immediate release of the
latch mechanism consequently opening the circuit breaker contacts. This was a
simple explanation of a miniature circuit breaker’s working principle.

An MCB is very simple, easy to use, and is not generally repaired. It is just easier
to replace. The trip unit is the main part, responsible for its proper working. There
are two main types of trip mechanisms.

A bi-metal provides protection against overload current and an electromagnet

provides protection against electric short-circuit current.

Advantages of Fuse:

 Fuse is cheapest type of protection in an electrical circuit

 Fuse needs zero maintenance
 Operation of fuse is simple and no complexity is involved
 Fuse has the ability to interrupt enormous short circuit current
without producing noise, flame, gas or smoke
 The operation time of fuse can be made much smaller than operation
of circuit breaker. It is the primary protection device against short
circuits
 It affords current limiting effect under short-circuit conditions
 Fuse inverse time current characteristic has the ability to use for
over-load protection
Disadvantage:

 During short circuit or overload once fuse blows off replacing of

fuse takes time. During this period the circuit lost power
 When fuses are connected in series it is difficult to discriminate the
fuse unless the fuse has significant size difference

Advantages of MCBs:
1. MCBs have more sensitive to current then fuse.
2. It has quick work against short circuits.
3. It works quickly on overloading and under voltage.
4. It is reusable hence less maintenance cost and less replacement cost.
5. It is very simple to resume the supply.
6. It can be easily used circuit control switch when needed.
7. Handling MCB is electricity safer than handling fuse, in case of MCB.
8. It has reliable.
9. MCB provides a better interface.
10. MCB performance immediate indication of faculty circuit.
11. The performance of MCB is good in case of earth leakage.
12. In the case of surge current, The MCB has time delay characteristics,
therefore, it works properly.
13. Shorter tripping time under moderate over current than with fuses.
14. When the use of MCB, the faulty zone of the electrical circuit can be easily
identified.
Disadvantages of MCBs:
1. The cost of the MCB is greater than the fuse.
2. The cost of the MCB distribution board is greater than the rewireable fuse
board.
3. The risk of overloading of the circuit due to unqualified of the person
operating than completing removed.

Personal safety measures:

Personal safety measures are essential when dealing with electricity to prevent
electric shocks and other electrical hazards. Here are some key safety precautions
and information about earthing (grounding) and its types:
Safety Precautions to Avoid Electric Shock:
1. Turn Off Power: Before working on any electrical circuit or equipment,
ensure that the power source is turned off and locked out if necessary. Use a
voltage tester to verify that there is no voltage present.
2. Wear Appropriate Gear: Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as
insulated gloves, safety glasses, and non-conductive footwear, when working
with electricity.
3. Use Insulated Tools: Always use insulated tools and equipment when working
on live electrical circuits. This helps prevent accidental contact with conductive
materials.
4. Maintain Safe Distances: Keep a safe distance from live electrical parts,
especially high-voltage equipment. Maintain at least a safe working distance
based on the voltage level.
5. Avoid Wet Conditions: Do not handle electrical equipment or touch electrical
parts with wet hands or in wet conditions, as moisture can conduct electricity.
6. Inspect Cords and Cables: Regularly inspect power cords and cables for
damage, including fraying or exposed wires, and replace them if necessary.
7. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Install GFCIs in wet or damp
locations, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, to quickly interrupt
power in case of a ground fault.
8. Residual Current Devices (RCDs): In some regions, RCDs, also known as
residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs), are used to protect against electric
shock. These devices monitor current imbalances and disconnect power when
they detect a fault.
9. Respect Warning Signs and Labels: Follow warning signs and labels on
electrical equipment and panels to understand potential hazards and safe
operation guidelines.

Earthing (Grounding) and Its Types:

Earthing, also known as grounding, is a safety measure used in electrical systems
to protect against electric shock and prevent damage to equipment. It involves
connecting electrical circuits and equipment to the earth or a grounding electrode.
There are different types of earthing:
1. Functional Earthing: This type of earthing is primarily intended for safety. It
connects the non-current-carrying parts of electrical equipment to the earth to
prevent electric shock in case of a fault.
2. System Earthing: System earthing includes grounding conductors that
connect the conductive parts of an electrical system, such as the neutral wire, to
the earth. This helps in maintaining a reference point for voltage levels and fault
protection.
3. Equipment Earthing: Equipment earthing ensures that the metallic parts of
electrical equipment are connected to the earth, providing a safe path for fault
currents.
4. Lightning Earthing: Lightning protection systems include earthing to safely
dissipate lightning strikes to the ground, protecting structures and equipment from
damage.
Proper earthing is crucial to ensure that fault currents are safely redirected to the
ground, preventing electrical fires and minimizing the risk of electric shock.