Electrical Work

电工作业

A comprehensive guide to the principles, safety protocols, risk awareness, and emergency procedures that define safe electrical practice.

01

Basic Principles of Electricity

电学基本原理

Electricity is the flow of electric charge through a conductive material. Understanding its fundamental principles is essential for safe and effective electrical work. Three core concepts define every electrical circuit.

Ohm's Law

V = I × RVoltage (V) = potential difference · Current (I) = flow rate · Resistance (R) = opposition to flow

Voltage (V)

Volts

The electrical pressure that pushes current through a circuit.

Current (I)

Amperes

The rate at which charge flows through a conductor.

Resistance (R)

Ohms

The opposition to current flow in a material.

Electrical Power

Power measures the rate at which electrical energy is consumed or produced. In DC circuits: P = V × I (watts). In AC circuits, the relationship also involves the power factor.

Series Circuit

Current is the same through all components. Voltage divides across each load. If one component fails, the circuit is broken.

Parallel Circuit

Voltage is the same across all branches. Current divides. If one branch fails, the rest continue to operate.

AC - Alternating Current

Current reverses direction periodically. Standard for power distribution (utility grids, wall outlets). Frequency measured in Hertz (Hz) - typically 50 or 60 Hz.

DC - Direct Current

Current flows in one direction. Used in batteries, electronics, solar panels, and low-voltage systems. Stable and predictable for sensitive equipment.

02

Safety Protocols

安全规程

Electrical safety is non-negotiable. Following established protocols prevents injury and saves lives. Every worker must know and apply these practices before, during, and after any electrical task.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Insulated Gloves

Rated for voltage class. Inspect for punctures before each use. Wear leather protectors over rubber gloves.

Safety Glasses

Protect against arc flash UV, flying debris, and molten metal. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards.

Hard Hat

Class E (electrical) hard hats protect against high-voltage shock. Inspect for cracks daily.

FR Clothing

Flame-resistant clothing reduces burn injury from arc flash. Never wear synthetic fabrics near live circuits.

!

Lockout / Tagout (LOTO)

LOTO is the primary method for preventing accidental energization during maintenance. Follow these six steps in order.

Step 01

Identify

Identify all energy sources and disconnect points. Review drawings and one-line diagrams.

Step 02

Notify

Notify all affected personnel that equipment will be locked out. Tag the equipment.

Step 03

Shut Down

Shut down equipment using normal stopping procedures. Follow manufacturer instructions.

Step 04

Isolate

Open disconnect switches and physically lock them in the off position. Each worker installs their own lock.

Step 05

Verify

Verify zero energy state by testing with a properly rated voltage detector. Test on a known live source first.

Step 06

Tag Out

Apply tagout device with worker name, date, and reason. Only the installing worker may remove it.

Safe Work Practices

De-energize First

Assume every circuit is live until verified de-energized. Work on live circuits only when de-energizing is not feasible.

Test Before Touch

Use a properly rated voltage tester. Test on a known live source, then the circuit, then re-test on the known source.

Use Insulated Tools

Tools rated for the voltage level. Inspect handles for cracks. Never use modified or homemade tools.

Maintain Safe Distance

Stay outside the restricted approach boundary for the voltage level. Use insulated mats and barriers when needed.

Work with a Buddy

Never work alone on energized equipment. A second person provides rescue, observation, and backup communication.

Follow Procedures

Use written procedures for every task. Never bypass safety steps for speed. If conditions change, stop and reassess.

03

Common Electrical Risks

常见电气风险

Electricity is invisible, silent, and lethal. Understanding the specific hazards allows workers to anticipate, avoid, and protect against them. Every electrical worker must recognize these four primary risk categories.

Electric Shock

The most common electrical injury. Occurs when current passes through the body.

Why it happens

  • Current as low as 1 mA can be felt; 10-20 mA causes muscle paralysis (can't let go); 100-200 mA is lethal.
  • Severity depends on voltage, path (hand-to-hand is most dangerous), skin resistance, and duration.
  • Wet conditions dramatically lower skin resistance, increasing shock risk.

Prevention

  • De-energize before contact
  • Use insulated tools and gloves
  • Maintain dry working conditions
  • Stay within voltage-rating boundaries

Thermal & Arc Flash Burns

Arc flash temperatures can reach 35,000°F - hotter than the surface of the sun.

Why it happens

  • Arc flash occurs when current jumps between conductors through ionized air. It releases intense radiant heat, pressure wave, and molten metal.
  • Even at a distance of several feet, unprotected skin can suffer third-degree burns.
  • The pressure wave can rupture eardrums, collapse lungs, and throw workers across a room.

Prevention

  • Wear arc-rated PPE (face shield, hood, FR clothing)
  • Maintain equipment in good condition
  • Use remote racking and switching where possible
  • Calculate incident energy for proper PPE rating

Electrical Fires

Faulty wiring is a leading cause of workplace and residential fires.

Why it happens

  • Overloaded circuits generate heat that can melt insulation and ignite surrounding materials.
  • Loose connections, damaged wires, and improper grounding create arcing and sparking.
  • Combustible dust or flammable vapors near electrical equipment multiply the hazard.

Prevention

  • Use proper wire gauges for circuit ampacity
  • Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)
  • Inspect cords and connections regularly
  • Never daisy-chain extension cords or power strips

Secondary Injuries

Often overlooked, secondary injuries can be as severe as the electrical event itself.

Why it happens

  • Muscle contractions from shock can throw a worker off a ladder, scaffold, or platform.
  • Startle reaction may cause contact with moving machinery, sharp edges, or falling objects.
  • Electrical burns may damage deep tissues, leading to complications days after the incident.

Prevention

  • Secure footing when working at height
  • Use fall protection near live equipment
  • Always work with a spotter or partner
  • Seek medical evaluation after any significant shock
04

Emergency Procedures

应急程序

When an electrical accident happens, every second counts. Knowing the correct emergency response can mean the difference between life and death. Follow these steps in order.

DO NOT touch the victim directly if they are still in contact with the electrical source.

You will become part of the circuit. Use a non-conductive object (wood, rubber, plastic) to separate them first.

1

De-energize & Call for Help

If safe to do so, shut off power at the main breaker or disconnect switch. If the source cannot be isolated, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt rescue at high voltages.

2

Separate the Victim

Use a dry non-conductive object (wooden broom handle, rubber mat, dry rope) to push or pull the victim away from the source. Never use metal or anything wet. Do not touch the victim with bare hands.

3

Check Responsiveness

Gently tap and shout. If the victim is unconscious but breathing, place them in the recovery position. If not breathing or no pulse, begin CPR immediately and have someone call 911 / local emergency number.

4

Perform CPR

Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Continue until emergency responders arrive or the victim shows signs of life.

5

Treat Burns & Shock

Cool electrical burns with cool (not cold) running water for at least 10 minutes. Cover with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing. Keep the victim warm and still. Do not apply ointments or ice. Treat for shock by laying them flat and raising the legs if no spinal injury is suspected.

6

Stay & Monitor

Stay with the victim until help arrives. Monitor breathing and consciousness. Be prepared to resume CPR. Report the incident to the site supervisor and document exactly what happened for the safety investigation.

Emergency Contacts

Post your local emergency numbers, site safety officer contact, and nearest hospital address in a visible location near all electrical panels and work areas. Ensure all team members have these numbers saved in their phones.

Work Safe. Live Safe.

Every electrical worker deserves to go home unharmed at the end of the day. Knowledge, preparation, and respect for the craft make it possible.