Fundamental of Electricity

 An understanding of the hazard and the safeguards of electricity begins

with an understanding of basic electric phenomena.
Ohm’s law: (current is a function of electrical potential V, between two
points and the resistance between them)

I=V/R
I is current(amperes), V is Voltage (volts),
R is resistance (ohm’s)
Resistance to electron flow
 Dependents on the material
• Conductors – low resistance (e.g. copper)
• Insulators – high resistance (e.g. wood)

Note: If there is more than one path between two points that differ in
electrical energy level, the electrons will flow primarily through the path of
least resistance.
Cont’d
 Resistance , R = ρL = 1/σ L ,
Where R is resistance, L is length, ρ is resistivity in ohms per unit length, σ is
conductivity in unit length per ohm
Current density:
The amount of current flowing through a conductor per unit of cross
sectional area.
J=I/A where J is current density (Amperes per m 2 )
 If the area is large, the current density is low.
Current and current density are important for safety.
(Heating)Joule’s Law:
The energy lost due to resistance changes to heat energy, a process called
Joule heating (E.g. resistance heater )
P= IV = I2R P is power, I is current,
R is resistance, V is Volts
the temperature of a conductor will raise as the
current flow increase (i.e. current density increase),

T oC depends on the amount of heat produced during joule

heating and how well the heat transfer to the surrounding
environment trough convection, conduction and
radiation.

Arcing:
Arcing occurs when current flows through air between two
conductors that are not in direct contact.
 Arcing produce light :- electron move across the gap
between the conductor.
 we observe it as a from of lightening.
 we see it when a switch or other electrical contact is
opened and closed.
How Electricity Works
Example: A Garden Hose

ater
Flow of W

To Low Pressure

Water Moves from

High Pressure

The same thing occurs in an Electrical Wire

Flow of Current

Current Moves from To Low Voltage

High Voltage
Electrical hazards
Electricity and electrical equipments creates or
contributes a number of hazards . The most common
ones are :
Electrical Shock
Heat and fire
Explosion

Electricity may produce other hazards indirectly

some electrically powered devices produce harmful levels of X-rays,
microwaves, or laser light
Certain equipments may created danger from magnetic fields.
Mechanical hazard because of electricity energized equipments.
Failure of electrical power can make other hazard
 Failure of computer equipment and electronic sensor
Electrical Shocks
Electricity travels in closed circuits, normally through a
conductor
Shock results when the body becomes part of the
electrical circuit
Current enters the body at one point and leaves at
another

Note: Ground circuits provide a path for

stray current to pass directly to the
ground, and greatly reduce the amount of
current passing through the body of a
person in contact with a tool or machine
that has an electrical short. Properly
installed, the grounding conductor
provides protection from electric shock.
 Water and Conduction
Conductors- Substances with relatively little resistance to
the flow of electrical current (e.g., metals).

Water- influences the conductive properties of some

materials
Dry wood is a poor conductor
Wood saturated with water becomes a ready
conductor

Use extreme caution when working with electricity where

there is water in the environment or on the skin.
 Human Skin & Resistance
Dry Conditions Human Skin is Resistant
Wet Conditions Skin’s Resistance drops
dramatically
A low voltage electrocution becomes much
more hazardous in a wet condition
High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the body's resistance
by quickly breaking down human skin. Once the skin is punctured,
the lowered resistance results in massive current flow.
The degree of injury increases with the length of time
the body is in the circuit.
 Thus even relatively low voltages can be extremely
dangerous.

LOW VOLTAGE
DOES NOT IMPLY
LOW HAZARD!

An exposure of 100mA for 3 seconds can cause the same

amount of damage as an exposure of 900mA for .03
seconds
Burns: (Heating and fire)
The most common shock-related injury is a burn. Burns suffered in electrical
incidents may be one or more of the following three types:
 Electrical Burns, are the result of heat generated by the flow of electric

current through the body, cause tissue damage. Electrical burns are one of
the most serious injuries you can receive and need to receive immediate
medical attention.
 High temperatures near the body produced by an electric arc or explosion

cause Arc or Flash Burns (also need prompt medical attention)

 Thermal Contact Burns occur when skin comes in contact with overheated

electric equipment, or when clothing is ignited in an electrical incident.

 Source :OSHA
www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/burn_examples.
html#electrical_burns

1.Electrical Burns 2.Arc or Flash Burns 3.Thermal Contact Burns

Current flows through the

body from the entrance point,
until finally exiting where the
body is closest to the ground.
This foot suffered massive
internal injuries, which
weren't readily visible, and
had to be amputated a few
days later
This man was near a power box
when an electrical explosion
occurred. Though he did not
touch the box, electricity arced
through the air and entered his
body. The current was drawn to
his armpits because
perspiration is very conductive
Current exited this
man at his knees,
catching his clothing
on fire and burning
his upper leg.
Internal Injuries
 Our bodies use small electrical currents to transmit signals through the
nervous system and contract muscles,
 Extra electrical current flowing through the body can cause serious
damage.
 Medical problems can include internal bleeding, tissue destruction, and
nerve or muscle damage
 Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent to the victim or
observers; however, left untreated, they can result in death

Involuntary Muscle Contraction

 Muscles violently contract when stimulated by excessive amounts of
electricity
 These involuntary contractions can damage muscles, tendons, and
ligaments, and may even cause broken bones.
 If the victim is holding an electrocuting object, hand muscles may
contract, making it impossible to drop the object

Note: injury or death may result from a fall due to muscle contractions
Source :OSHA
www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/burn_examples.
html#electrical_burns

1.internal injuries and muscle contraction

•This worker fell and grabbed a

•This worker was shocked by
power line to catch himself. The
a tool he was holding. The
resulting electric shock mummified
entrance wound and thermal
his first two fingers, which had to be
burns from the overheated tool
removed. The acute angle of the
are apparent
wrist was caused by burning of the
tendons, which contracted, drawing
the hand with them.
Explosion
Arcing in the presence of an atmosphere containing
combustible dust or static electricity can ignite major
disaster .
Since arcing occurs when current flows through air
between two conductors that are not in direct contact.
(which is used as an ignition source ).
Most of industrial fires and explosions are facilitated by an
ignition source of electrical lines (Arcing)
E.g. Textile industries having a massive amount of
combustible dust environment so that if an electrical
circuit forming a shot or arcing, it may probably produce
an explosion.
Control of Electrical hazards
 There are a variety of controls that can reduce or eliminate hazards.
 These are categorized in to
Physical Controls
Over current Devices:
Switching Devices
Grounding and Bonding
Ground fault Circuit Interrupter and
procedure.

Physical controls:- refer to materials used, design of components,

and placement of equipments.
Shielding , enclosing, and positioning of electrical devices can reduces contact
with human , other equipments, of hazardous materials and environments.
Wire size and length
Location (where electrical equipments should be placed, where people and
other equipment cannot come in to contact to it.
E.g. Pole keep power distribution line out of people’s reach and above most
vehicles and equipments
 Cont’d
 Conduit and Protective Coverings: -One of the reasons for placing
electrical lines in metal conduits is to prevent physical damage to them.
Another reason is to reduce the chance that people will contact
Nonconductive materials cover most electrical wires
 Sealed Equipment: sealed to separate heat and sparks from the hazardous
environment and to reduce the chance of physical damage.
 Proper Connections: - There are many ways to connect electrical
conductors: plugs, receptacles, screw terminals, wire nuts, and other special
fasteners.
 Isolation and Double Insulation:-Another form of physical control is
separating energized portions of electrical equipment from those
components that people can contact (isolation).
 Several means can accomplish this. Conductors can be separated from contact by
covering them with nonconductive materials (insulation).
 Another method is to provide two layers of enclosure for energized components.
At least one of the layers must be nonconductive, and the nonconductive layer
must separate a user from possible contact with any energized component
(double insulation)
2. Over current Devices:

Over current devices:- limit the current that can

flow through a circuit or electrical device. If
current exceeds a given limit, the device shuts off
power. Fuses and circuit breakers are two common
over current devices.
1. Fuses: When placed in a circuit and current in
the circuit exceeds some limiting value, the
material in a fuse (usually lead or a lead alloy)
heats above its melting point and separates,
thereby stopping the flow of current
2. Circuit breakers: Circuit breakers are a form of switch that
opens when current passing through them exceeds some
designed limit
3. Switching Devices
In addition to over current devices, other switching devices
can reduce or eliminate electrical hazards. They include
lockouts, interlocks, and thermal or over speed switches.

Lockouts: Some switching devices use lockout devices and

procedures. A lockout procedure involves placing a lock on a
switch or other device to prevent the switch or equipment
from being turned on or energized. (simple Key)

Interlocks: An interlock is a switch intended to prevent

access to an energized or dangerous location. Interlocks are
often attached to access doors, panels, and gates. When a
door opens or a panel is removed, power to equipment is shut
4. Grounding and Bonding
Grounding and bonding control the electrical potential
between two bodies. If there is a difference in potential
between two bodies, a conductor between them will allow
charge or current to flow. That flow may be dangerous,
particularly as a source of ignition.
Bonding: - In bonding, two bodies have a conductor between
them. Bonding equalizes charge between the two bodies; it
does not remove charge from them. Bonding often controls
static charge buildup. Bonding is not a protection for electric
shock, because a person can still become a conductor
between a charged body and a ground.
Bonding Grounding
Strap Strap

Earth
Ground
5. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

Another means to protect people from electric shock is a

ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
AGFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that quickly senses very
low current levels. Some GFCIs sense as little as 2mA and shut
off current in as little as 0.02 s.
A GFCI compares current normally flowing through the power
distribution wire and the grounded neutral wire of a circuit.
The current flowing through one must pass through the other
for the circuit to work. If current is not equal, some electrical
energy is flowing to ground through other than the normal
route, perhaps through a person. When the current is not
equal, the GFCI detects this current differential and shuts off
the current
6. Procedures
 Work procedures for installation, use of, and maintenance of electrical
systems and equipment can reduce risk. Procedures differ for high-voltage
power distribution, low voltage, and safety low voltage. Workers must learn
these procedures. Electrical equipment for consumers must have instructions
that explain electrical hazards and how to prevent electrical injury.
 First Aid anyone working with electrical circuits and equipment should know
rescue methods and first aid for electrical accidents. Too often, attempts at
rescue in electrical accidents result in a rescuer becoming part of the circuit
and an additional victim.
 Because respiratory arrest and fibrillation are common effects, knowledge of
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for those who work with
electrical circuits and equipment. Without immediate treatment for these
injuries, chances of survival are minimal.
BATTERY CHARGING
Automobiles, trucks, industrial vehicles, and other
equipment depend on lead-acid batteries.
These batteries can explode during charging operations,
causing battery acid and particles from the case to injure the
eyes or skin. Two types of explosions are possible:
1.related to flammability of hydrogen gas
2.the other electrical in nature.
 During charging, lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen gas from the
electrolytic fluid. If the hydrogen gas reaches a flammable
concentration (4%–75% by volume of air) in the air near the battery, a
spark or flame can ignite it and can produce an explosion. The arc may
come from attaching or removing charging cables. An external heat or
flame can come from a variety of sources.
 The second type of explosion can occur when making connections. An
explosion can occur if two batteries being connected are of different
voltage or when joining terminals of differing polarities.
To prevent the first type of explosion, dilute the air
around the battery with uncontaminated air to keep
hydrogen gas from reaching an explosive concentration.
In a closed battery charging room, an exhaust system is
needed. Charging rooms must have charging racks, and
special coatings on walls and floors are desirable to
prevent acid damage. Charging rooms should have an
emergency eye wash fountain and emergency shower.
Workers must wear protective eyewear and other protective
clothing.

To prevent the second type of explosion, make sure

batteries being connected together have the same voltage.
Connect negative terminals to a ground last (for cars that
have a negative ground) and disconnected them first. Also,
one should wear protective eyewear during this operation.