Electrical Installations
- Electrical installations and equipment need to be safely designed and installed and as accessible as possible for ease of operation and maintenance.
- These installations should be located so that they are protected from dust, oil or fuel vapours and any source of water or moisture.
- It should be designed, constructed and installed to prevent anyone from accidentally coming into contact with energised parts.
- Taking into account the environment at sea, all installations must be secure and robust enough to accommodate the movement and vibration of the machinery it’s attached to.
- Water on the bare metal of the circuitry will lead to faults in the electrical system, corrosion of vital components, produce a fire hazard, or lead to the failure of vital systems. Take steps to prevent water – from spray, leaks, condensation or drips from wet clothing or wet gear – from coming into contact with installations. Ensure that junctions, fittings and switches are kept away from vents, etc. where water may enter. Keep wet clothing or wet gear away from electrical equipment.
Observe the following operating precautions:
- Always treat electric circuits as if they are live until you are certain that they aren't.
- If you’re not competent to install, repair or remove electrical equipment, don’t!
- Make sure that electrical circuits are locked out to prevent someone else from energising it accidentally during the repair. Always use fuses or circuit breakers of the proper size.
- Make sure that all non-conducting metal parts of electrical equipment are grounded. Provide non-conducting deck materials, mats or gratings around switchboards. Switchboards, generators, motors and other electrical equipment must be protected from coming in contact with water, steam or dirt.
- Battery compartments / spaces are dangerous areas. Battery fumes rise and create explosive hazards. Don't smoke or introduce sources of sparks or heat into these spaces. Ensure that spaces are well ventilated.
