Arc Flash & Electrical Safety News

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Paradigm Shift Requires Look At Plant Electrical Infrastructure

An article by Larry Altmayer, POWR-GARD Services Manager for Littelfuse Inc. in the online edition of Plant Services magazine talks about how we need to change our view of electrical distribution systems. The article opens by stating:

"No longer can maintenance treat electrical distribution systems as everlasting, never-changing components of a facility. Instead, we must consider the electrical infrastructure as a dynamic system that requires regular attention and a formal preventive maintenance program."

The article makes the point that electrical systems can no longer be viewed as unchanging, static systems that can be installed and forgotten. They are dynamic systems that are changing to meet continually changing needs, and as a result must be regularly re-evaluated and maintained.

Mr. Altmayer then covers how OSHA, NFPA 70E, NEC and NEMA codes and standards are driving change and this results in a need for current electrical hazard assessments and ongoing maintenance. Overall this article provides a good overview of a dynamic situation that we all need to address.

You can read the complete article at: http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2008/034.html

Labels: Electrical Safety, Safety Inspections, Work Place Safety