9 Essential Electrical Safety Practices

From Fluke Corp.

Electrical safety is paramount, and it's crucial that we all return home safely at the end of the day. Whether you're an engineer, electrician or technician, adhering to strict safety standards when working with electricity is not only wise, but mandatory. This article explores 9 key principles of electrical safety that should be at the forefront of your mind every time you step into the field.

Understanding Safety Standards

Safety standards exist for a reason: to safeguard lives and prevent accidents. Electrical hazards can be deadly, often leaving little room for reaction.

Therefore, it's imperative to follow established guidelines and practices to mitigate these risks. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for electrical safety, as follows.

1. Qualified Persons: OSHA regulations, along with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA^®) 70E^® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace^®, emphasize that only "qualified persons" should work on systems with voltages of 50V and higher. Meeting the definition of a "qualified person" is contingent on demonstrating the ability to safely use digital multimeters and other test equipment.

2. Proper Rating for the Circuit: To verify safety, it's crucial that a digital multimeter, or any electrical measurement tool, is correctly rated for the specific circuit it will be applied to. Understanding voltage class assignments and identifying nominal system voltages, such as 120/240, 208Y/120, and 480Y/277, is essential. Using an inadequately rated multimeter can lead to tragic consequences.

3. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL): Your electrical test tools should be listed by an NRTL and properly labeled with their mark. Look for marks from organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and TÜV. Identifying and understanding these labels is crucial, because it indicates that the tools meet safety standards.

4. Category (CAT) Ratings: CAT Ratings are essential for electrical workers to grasp. CAT ratings indicate a tool's ability to withstand transient overvoltage conditions that could harm the meter and pose a safety hazard. For distribution systems, tools should be at least CAT III rated, with CAT IV offering even more protection. Knowing the CAT rating needed for your job is essential for safety.

5. Designed for Environment and Use: Test instruments and accessories must be designed for the environment and conditions in which they’ll be used. This is particularly important in hazardous locations identified by the National Electrical Code^® (NEC). Technicians should watch for symbols like the "EX" symbol or the color red on tools, indicating intrinsically safe designs.

6. Visual Inspection: Perform a thorough visual inspection of test tools, test leads, cables, power cords, probes and connectors. Look for external defects and verify that test leads have protective shrouds to prevent accidental shocks. Test probes, clamps and flex clamps also should have proper ratings and labels.

7. The Three-Point Test Method: During lockout/tagout (LOTO) processes at voltages of 50V or more, technicians must verify the absence of voltage. This involves a three-point test method:

• a. Verify the test tool's proper operation when set to "voltage."
• b. Test the circuit to be verified, confirming zero energy.
• c. Confirm the tool's voltage indication once more.

8. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE is your last line of defense in hazardous situations. Comply with the NFPA's recommendations for PPE based on your specific work situation, verifying you have the right gear to stay safe.

9. Stay Up to Date on Training and Standards: Maintaining a strong safety culture requires ongoing training and staying current with industry standards. Regular safety training helps make you well prepared to make informed decisions and handle your tools safely.

Electrical safety is nonnegotiable. Following these guidelines and adhering to safety standards is essential for every professional working with electricity. Your safety and that of your colleagues depend on your commitment to these practices.

Based in Everett, Washington, Fluke Corp. manufactures, distributes and services electronic test tools.

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