Prevention Through Design: Reducing Risks Near Service and Main Disconnects

Author

Mohla, Daleep ; Wellman, Craig M. ; Lippert, Kevin J.

Author_Institution

DCM Electr. Consulting Services Inc., Missouri City, TX, USA

Volume

51

Issue

1

fYear

2015

fDate

Jan.-Feb. 2015

Firstpage

45

Lastpage

50

Abstract

A common practice is to install a service disconnect or a main disconnect for a feeder system in the same enclosure compartment as the downstream overcurrent protective devices. This can result in potential safety risks of shock and arc flash. This paper will address the advantages and disadvantages of isolating a service disconnect for electrical service for industrial and commercial installations from the perspective of prevention through design. This paper will compare shock and arc-flash hazard for both cases when the service disconnect or a main breaker is isolated and when it is in the same enclosure.

Keywords

arcs (electric); overcurrent protection; risk analysis; safety; arc-flash hazard; downstream overcurrent protective devices; electrical service; feeder system; potential safety risks; prevention through design; risk reduction; service disconnect; shock; Arc discharges; Circuit breakers; Circuit faults; Conductors; Electric shock; Safety; Standards; Arc flash; service disconnect; shock;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Industry Applications, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0093-9994

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TIA.2014.2330252

Filename

6832530