Electrical protective equipment: what is included in this concept?

There are two types of modern electrical protective insulating means: additional and basic. As a rule, the main electrical protective devices are used for long-term work with electrical installations under voltage. They are well insulated and can ensure the safe operation, maintenance and repair of any electrical equipment.

Electrical protective equipment for work in electrical installations - a set of hand-held dielectric tools

When using the main electrical protective devices, there may be a need for additional means that will increase the level of protection of the worker, as well as allow more comfortable and faster performance of the task. As a rule, they are not designed for continuous operation under high voltage, as they do not have sufficient insulation. But at the same time, they improve the protection of the main electrical protective equipment and are mandatory when performing a number of repairs.

Basic SZ

Basic electrical protective equipment up to 1000 V:

• various voltage indicators and indicators with an insulated part, measuring instruments;
• dielectric gloves made of durable material;
• pincers for measuring voltage, current and resistance, with an insulated handle;
• mounting rods with insulation;
• various assembly and locksmith equipment, equipped with insulation, and allowing you to safely work with installations that have live parts.

When carrying out installation or repair work on equipment whose operating voltage exceeds 1000 V, operating personnel may require special tools to protect against the risk of electric shock. In electrical equipment over 1 kV, the following devices are used:

• pincers for measurements with an increased level of insulation;
• funds required for the repair of electrical installations;
• rods for carrying out measurements and work with live parts, having an insulated handle;
• indicating instruments for measuring voltage.

The above means are considered basic and mandatory when carrying out work under voltage. Their absence during the operation or repair of electrical installations is a gross violation and can lead to accidents at work.

Electrical safety stand, where basic and additional electrical protective equipment are presented

Additional SZ

In addition to the basic electrical protective equipment necessary for the repair and operation of energized equipment, the following auxiliary electrical protective devices are sometimes required:

• various supports made of insulating material, providing greater safety during the repair and operation of energized equipment;
• dielectric shoes (galoshes);
• bedding made of insulating material.

Additional high voltage protective equipment includes the following:

• dielectric footwear, called "boots";
• special gloves made of insulating material;
• various dielectric items such as coasters, rugs;
• caps and gaskets of various sizes and applications, made of dielectric material.

According to the requirement of electrical safety rules, the above-described means are mandatory for carrying out work related to the maintenance and repair of equipment under high voltage.

When working under voltage, electrical protective equipment must be used.

To increase the level of safety when working with electrical installations, it is necessary to become more thoroughly familiar with the capabilities of each of the electrical protective equipment, as well as to learn the requirements for the correct operation of the devices.

The main purpose of this device is human interaction with live parts using a long insulated rod. Using an insulating rod, the worker can freely touch a working electrical installation, since this device is intended for long-term operation and is considered the main type of electrical protective equipment. This device is used at any voltage, but it is divided into four main types according to the principle of use:

1. Repair type of the rod. Such a device is relevant for the installation or repair of equipment located next to live parts. Typically, repair rods are used to clean insulators or to measure voltage on various equipment and wires.
2. Operational barbell type. Basically, it is intended for the installation of non-permanent protective grounding, checking the presence of current on the equipment.
3. Measuring rod type. The main purpose is to take readings from electrical installations. Usually used to find the resistance value of different connections and contacts, or to take voltage readings on different equipment.
4. A universal type of bar. A device that combines the capabilities of the above types of electrical protective equipment.

Insulating rods for installation and repair of equipment in electrical installations

In accordance with electrical safety requirements, work related to the replacement of equipment such as fuses or insulating pads must be carried out using insulating pliers.

This device has good protection characteristics and can be used at high voltages up to 35 kV.

The device itself is divided into three parts:

• lever;
• insulating part;
• working part.

If the working part of the clamp is made of metal, then, as a rule, it should not be very large, since the smaller dimensions help to avoid unauthorized touching of live parts, which can lead to a short circuit. The dimensions of the insulating part of this device are not standardized. An exception are those clamps that are used in installations over 1 kV, since their size is directly proportional to the voltage.

Insulating pliers are intended for replacing fuses, removing and installing insulating strips, etc. actions in electrical installations

It should be noted that according to safety requirements, this electrical protective device can be used exclusively in dry weather. There are no restrictions on the use of insulating tongs inside a building.

This tool must be operated with dielectric gloves, and when dismantling the fuse, the worker must have special protective glasses with him. As with any other means of protection against electric shock, dielectric clamps must be timely tested for serviceability.

According to the requirements of the PUE, this electrical protective device must be checked once every 2 years.

One of the most popular electrical protective equipment that allows you to measure voltage, current and power in electrical installations without dismantling equipment, breaking a circuit or any other disruption. One of the most used electrical measuring devices is the AC ammeter.

Clamp meter for measuring voltage, current and power in electrical installations

There are two main types of clamp meters - one-handed and two-handed versions. The first is used to measure electrical installations and live parts with voltages up to 1 kV, and the second - in installations from 2 to 10 kV. Like insulating clamps, electrical meters can only be used in an environment where there is no high humidity indicator. The measurements themselves can be carried out on all types of cables, wires or equipment, even if they are not insulated. According to safety requirements, the use of an electric clamp meter in installations over 1000 V is possible only with dielectric gloves, and the readings from the device are taken by a second employee.

Video about SZ

You can learn more about protective equipment in electrical installations from this video.

Any electrical protective equipment must have a special stamp on which information of the following types must be indicated:

• working voltage of the device;
• date of the last laboratory test;
• inventory number of equipment.

Dielectric gloves or shoes do not have such designations. To check them, there is an inspection procedure, which is carried out once every 6 months. Thus, choosing the right electrical protective equipment for carrying out certain works, as well as carrying out tests and checks on time, the working personnel will be reliably protected from electric shock.