511 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 9-15

Sections

Chapter 11: Electrical

Chapter 11 emphasizes the importance of electrical safety by outlining specific requirements for equipment inspection, handling, and maintenance to ensure safe operation in various environments.

Chapter 11 emphasizes the importance of electrical equipment inspection, handling, and maintenance to ensure safe operation in various environments.

It specifies daily inspections for accessways to guarantee they are hazard-free and establishes strict guidelines for ladder inspections based on manufacturer instructions, emphasizing the removal from service of any defective equipment.

The chapter further details the inspection protocols for personnel hoists and elevators aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of personnel involved in electrical operations.

It integrates comprehensive references to authoritative standards and practices, including ANSI, ASTM, BSI, IEEE, NFPA, UFC, and UL, covering a broad spectrum of electrical safety topics from equipment voltage ratings to grounding and bonding requirements. These references serve as a foundation for the chapter's directives, which include the meticulous selection, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems to mitigate hazards associated with electricity.

11-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 11-1.

11-1. References.

a.  ANSI/American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Z490.1, Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health and Environmental Training (https://webstore.ansi.org)  (11-1.a)

b.  ANSI/NEMA C84.1, Electrical Power Systems and Equipment - Voltage Ratings (60 hertz (Hz)) (2020) (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (11-1.b)

c.  ASTM F855, Standard Specifications for Temporary Protective Grounds to be Used on De-energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment (2020) (https://www.astm.org/products-services/standards-and-publications.html)  (11-1.c)

d.  ASTM F2249, Standard Specification for In-Service Test Methods for Temporary Grounding Jumper Assemblies Used on De-Energized Electric Power Lines and Equipment (2020) (https://www.astm.org/products-services/standards-and-publications.html)  (11-1.d)

e.  British Standards Institution (BSI) British Standard (BS) 7671, Requirements for Electrical Installations (2018) (https://www.bsigroup.com/en-US/Standards/)  (11-1.e)

f.  IEEE 80, Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding (2013) (https://standards.ieee.org/access-standards/) (11-1.f)

g.  IEEE 837, Qualifying Permanent Connections Used in Substation Grounding (2014) (https://standards.ieee.org/access-standards/) (11-1.g)

h.  IEEE 1048, Guide for Protective Grounding of Power Lines (2016) (https://standards.ieee.org/access-standards/) (11-1.h)

i.  IEEE 1246, Guide for Temporary Protective Grounding Systems Used in Substations (2011) (https://standards.ieee.org/access-standards/)  (11-1.i)

j.  IEEE C2, National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) (2017) (https://standards.ieee.org/access-standards/) (11-1.j)

k.  NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) (2020) (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (11-1.k)

l.  NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance (2020) (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (11-1.l)

m.  NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (2021) (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (11-1.m)

n.  NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems (2020) (https://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards)  (11-1.n)

o.  UFC 3-560-01, Operation and Maintenance: Electrical Safety (Change 2- 2019) (https://www.wbdg.org/ffc/dod/unified-facilities-criteria-ufc)  (11-1.o)

p.  UL 1248, Standard for Engine-Generator Assemblies for Use in Recreational Vehicles (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.p)

q.  UL 467, Grounding and Bonding Equipment (2013) (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.q)

r.  UL 508A, Training on Industrial Control Panels (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.r)

s.  UL 943, Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (2016) (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.s)

t.  UL 943C, Special Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (2012) (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.t)

u.  UL 2201, Standard for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Emission Rate of Portable Generators (https://standardscatalog.ul.com/Catalog.aspx)  (11-1.u)

v.  29 CFR 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulfations/standardnumber/1910) (11-1.v)

w.  29 CFR 1910.137, Personal Protective Equipment (https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2020-title29-vol5/CFR-2020-title29-vol5- sec1910- 137)  (11-1.w)

x.  29 CFR 1910.268, Telecommunications (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR- 2019-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2019-title29-vol5- sec1910-268.pdf)  (11-1.x)

y.  29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol5- sec1910-269.pdf)  (11-1.y)

z.  29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, Electrical (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol5/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol5-part1910-subpartS.pdf) (11-1.z)

aa. 29 CFR 1917.157, Battery Charging and Changing (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol7/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol7- sec1917-157.pdf)  (11-1.aa)

bb.  29 CFR 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926) (11-1.bb)

cc.  29 CFR 1926.56, Illumination (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol8-sec1926-56.pdf)  (11-1.cc)

dd. 29 CFR 1926.1408, Power Line Safety (Up to 350 kV) – Equipment Operations (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2022- title29-vol8-sec1926-1408.pdf)  (11-1.dd)

ee. 29 CFR 1926.1410, Power Line Safety (All Voltages) – Equipment Operations Closer Than the Table A Zone (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2022-title29- vol8/pdf/CFR-2022-title29-vol8-sec1926-1410.pdf)  (11-1.ee)

ff.  29 CFR 1926 Subpart K, Electrical (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol8-part1926-subpartK.pdf) (11-1.ff)

gg. 29 CFR 1926 Subpart V, Electrical Power Transmission and Distribution (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title29-vol8/pdf/CFR-2020-title29-vol8- part1926-subpartV.pdf)  (11-1.gg)

11-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 11-2.

11-2. Definitions.

a.  Arc. A controlled electrical discharge between the electrode and the work piece that is formed and sustained by a gas that has been heated to such a temperature that it can conduct electric current.  (11-2.a)

b.  Arc Flash. Light and heat produced from an unintended electric arc fault with sufficient electrical energy to cause substantial damage or injury.  An arc flash results from either a phase to ground or a phase-to-phase fault caused by such occurrences as accidental contact with electrical systems, buildup of conductive dust, corrosion, dropped tools, or improper work procedures.  (11-2.b)

c.  Arc Flash Boundary.  When an arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit at a distance from a prospective arc source within which a person could receive a second degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur.  (11-2.c)

d.  Arc Flash Hazard.  A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc.  An arc flash hazard may exist when energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are exposed or when they are within equipment in a guarded or enclosed condition, provided a person is interacting with the equipment in such a manner that could cause an electric arc.  Under normal operating conditions, enclosed energized equipment that has been properly installed and maintained is not likely to pose an arc flash hazard.  (11-2.d)

e.  Arc Rating. A value of the IE necessary to pass through any given material, or multiple layers of materials, to cause, with 50% probability, breakopen or onset of a second- degree skin burn injury.  This value is measured in calories/cm².  The necessary arc rating for an article of clothing is determined by performing an arc flash analysis or a risk assessment.  Arc rating is reported as the lower value of either the ATPV or the energy of EBT.  (11-2.e)

f.  Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).  A government office, group, or individual designated in writing as responsible for enforcing the requirements of this chapter.
(11-2.f)

g.  Authorized Individual Hazardous Energy Control (HEC).  Someone who meets the criteria for a QP as defined in this manual (see paras 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable), who is designated in writing to request, receive, implement, and remove hazardous energy isolation procedures. (11-2.g)

h.  Barricade. A physical obstruction (for example, tape, screens, cones), intended to warn of and limit access to a hazardous area.  (11-2.h)

i.  Barrier.  A physical obstruction that is intended to prevent contact with energized lines or equipment.  (11-2.i)

j.  Battery (Primary Lithium Metal).  A single cell or multi-cell battery that contains lithium metal and is not designed to be recharged.  Typically, they are metal encased in cylindrical, prismatic, or coin shaped cells.  (11-2.j)

k.  Battery (Secondary Lithium Metal).  A single cell or multi-cell battery that contains lithium salt in a liquid or polymer-based electrolyte that is designed to be recharged and may or may not contain an integrated electrical controller.  Typically, they are encased in cylindrical, prismatic, or polymer pouch soft cases.  Laptop, cell phone, drone, cordless tool batteries all fall in this category.  (11-2.k)

l.  Bond. An electrical connection from one conductive element to another to minimize potential differences or providing suitable conductivity for fault current or for mitigation of leakage current and electrolytic action.  (11-2.l)

m. Bonding.  The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and capacity to safely conduct any current likely to be imposed.  (11-2.m)

n.  Bonding Jumper.  A reliable conductor to ensure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.  (11-2.n)

o.  Bracket Grounding.  A protective grounding method, typically used with electric power transmission and distribution activities, which involves installing grounds at two locations, one on each side of the work location, typically some distance apart and away from the work location. Bracket grounding application requires detailed engineering analysis and must be based on an evaluation of the potential hazards to the workers, work site conditions, type of construction, and the nature of the work to be done. (11-2.o)

p.  Cable. A conductor with insulation, or a stranded conductor with or without insulation and other coverings (for example, single-conductor cable), or a combination of conductors insulated from one another (for example, multiple-conductor cable). (11-2.p)

q.  Distribution Lines and Equipment.  Electric lines and equipment with operating voltages from 4kilovolt (KV) to 46KV.  (11-2.q)

r.  Effectively Grounded.  Intentionally connected to earth through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current-
carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages which may result in undue hazard to connected equipment or to people.  (11-2.r)

s.  Electrician Master/Journeyman.  An industry term showing a level of competency and training that is required to safely perform electrical work according to national or state standards.  (11-2.s)

t.  Energized.  Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.  (11-2.t)

u.  Engineering Supervision.  An industry term derived from NFPA 70 and NESC indicating oversight, approval, or stamped approval by a licensed professional electrical engineer and synonymously used with the following terms: engineering evaluation, engineering judgement, engineering analysis, qualified engineering study, and engineering supervision.  (11-2.u)

v.  Generator, Mobile. Mobile describes equipment, such as vehicle-mounted generators, that are capable of being moved on wheels or rollers.  (11-2.v)

w.  Generator, Portable.  Portable describes equipment that is easily carried by personnel from one location to another.  (11-2.w)

x.  Ground. As a noun, the conductive body, usually earth, to which an electric potential is referenced or an incidental or accidental conductive connection between an electric circuit or equipment and a reference ground. As a verb, the connecting or establishing of an intentional or accidental connection between an electric circuit or equipment and a reference ground.  (11-2.x)

y.  Grounded.  Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. (11-2.y)

z.  Grounded Conductor.  A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally grounded.  (11-2.z)

aa. Grounded System.  A system of conductors in which at least one conductor or point (usually the middle wire or neutral point of a transformer or generator windings) is intentionally grounded, either solidly or through a current limiting device (not a current- interrupting device).  (11-2.aa)

bb. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI).  A device used to interrupt the electric circuit to the load when a fault current to ground exceeds some predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the over current protection device of the supply circuit.  (11-2.bb)

cc.  Grounding Conductor.  A conductor used to connect equipment or the grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding electrode or electrodes.  (11-2.cc)
dd. Grounding Electrode (Ground Electrode).  A conductor embedded in the earth, that is used to maintain conductors connected to it at ground potential and to dissipate current conducted to it into the earth.  (11-2.dd)

ee. Induced Current. The generation of a current in a conductor caused by its proximity to a second alternating current (AC) source (for example, a moving direct current (DC) source, such as a motor, or an extraneous voltage source, such as lightning). (11-2.ee)

ff.  Isolation. An activity that physically prevents the transmission or release of energy. (11-2.ff)

gg. Limited Approach Boundary.  An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists.
(11-2.gg)

hh. Live-Line Bare-Hand Technique (Work).  A highly specialized technique (usually used on medium and high-voltage transmission lines) where a QP working from an insulated aerial platform is electrically bonded to an energized line.  This technique effectively cancels any electrical potential difference across the worker’s body and protects the employee from electric shock.  (11-2.hh)

ii.  Live-Line Tools.  Tools used by QPs to handle energized conductors.  The tool insulates the employee from the energized line, allowing the employee to perform the task safely.  (Also known as “hot sticks”).  (11-2.ii)

jj.  Lockout/Tagout (LOTO).  See chapter 12. (11-2.jj)

kk.  Minimum Approach Distance (MAD).  An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which there is an increased likelihood of electric shock, due to electrical arc-over combined with inadvertent movement. NFPA 70E calls MAD the Restricted Approach Boundary, this chapter will use the terms interchangeably.  (11-2.kk)

ll.  Mobile. Equipment that is capable of being moved on wheels or rollers. (11-2.ll)

mm.  Portable.  Equipment that is easily carried by personnel from one location to another.  (11-2.mm)

nn. Qualified Person (QP), Electrical.  Someone who meets the criteria for a QP as defined in this manual (cee chapters 1 and 2).  The term “Qualified Person (QP)”, as used in this chapter, refers to “Qualified Person, Electrical.”  (See para 11-3.b) (11-2.nn)

oo.  Restricted Approach Boundary.  See MAD.  (11-2.oo)

pp. Separately Derived System.  A premises wiring system whose power is derived from generator, transformer, or converter winding and has no direct electrical connection, including a solidly connected grounded circuit conductor, to supply conductors originating in another system.  (11-2.pp)

qq. Service. The conductors and equipment for delivering electric energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served.  (11-2.qq)

rr.  Substation.  A high-voltage electric system facility used to switch generators, equipment, and circuits or lines in and out of a system.  (11-2.rr)

ss.  Temporary Protective Ground (TPG).  A personal protection device consisting of a specialized full fault rated cable assembly connected between a de-energized circuit and ground. The device creates a zone of equipotential to limit the voltage to a safe value. (11-2.ss)

tt.  Transmission Lines and Equipment.  Electric lines and equipment with operating voltages from 69KV to 765KV.  (11-2.tt)

uu.  Unqualified Person.  A person who is not a QP but has received safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk.  (11-2.uu)

vv.  Voltage Classes. See ANSI C84.1.  (11-2.vv)

(1)  Low Voltage.  Nominal system voltages of 1000 volts or less.

(2)  Medium Voltage.  Nominal system voltages greater than 1000 volts and less than 100 kV.

(3)  High Voltage.  Nominal system voltages equal to or greater than 100 kV and equal to or less than 230 kV.

(4)  Extra-High Voltage.  Nominal system voltages greater than 230 kV but less than 1000 kV.

ww.  Working Distance.  The distance between a person’s face and chest area and a prospective arc source.  (11-2.ww)

xx.  Working On. Activities which involve intentional contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts with tools or body parts regardless of the PPE a person is wearing which are not in an electrically safe work condition (ESWC).  This includes the process of establishing and verifying an ESWC, troubleshooting, manipulation of cables, or performing any repairs/alterations.  (11-2.xx)