Friday, November 5, 2010

A Guide to Surge Protection

http://www.ArgoElectrical.com/ is your resource for whole house surge protection. Transient voltage surge suppressor (tvss). Hybrid technology thermal-fuse metal oxide varistor and gas discharge tube (gdt) design. Ride-through sustained overvoltage up to 240 volt ac, suitable for connection to power systems whose available short-circui t capacity does not exceed 25,000 amp symmetrical short-circuit current when protected by the recommended branch circuit protective devices. Flush (type 1 housing only) or surface mounting installation. Provides ac line protection for the whole house and protects four telephone lines and up to two coaxial lines with gas discharge tube (gdt) technology. All modes protected (l -- l, l -- n, l -- g, n -- g). It is designed for use on single-phase, three-wire, 120/240 volt ac, 50/60 hz service.

The leds on the face of the ac module indicate the operational status of the ac protection. If the leds for each line are on, the device is fully operational. If either of the leds go off, the ac module should be replaced. Design allows for field replacement of components. Ul listed, c-ul listed for use in canada.
Electrical Help: Square D Whole House Surge Protectors For Fire Protection in North Georgia


Argo Electrical Services
250 John Morrow Parkway
Suite 121 # 201
Gainesville GA 30501
United States
770-596-1437

Today’s electrical appliances, stereo equipment and computer systems are much more important to our daily lives than we’d like to imagine. Our computers are our link to the world around us. They have become a center-point in the daily lives of many families. Think about it, what would you do if your computer burned up? Could you afford to replace it on a moment’s notice, and what about all the valuable data stored on it? Could you easily replace the Plasma screen television you bought for the holidays? You may want to consider protecting your valuable electronics with a proper surge protector.
What is a surge protector? A surge protector is your first line of defense against voltage surges or spikes in your home or office’s electrical system. Typically, a “surge” is when the voltage in your home increases slightly and lasts for about three nanoseconds. A “spike” is a voltage increase that lasts for one to two nanoseconds. Either one can have a devastating effect on your delicate electronics if they are unprotected.
Surge protectors come in many sizes, shapes and variations. Sometimes called a “power strip”, most homeowners know them for being able to extend the number of outlets available on a given wall outlet, like a more convenient extension cord. Unbeknownst to most homeowners, that so-called “power strip” can be a money saver if it’s ever called upon to do its job.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

GFCI Continued

As an alternative, OSHA does allow you to develop and implement an assured equipment grounding conductor program. The program must be in writing and address the following items: 1. Assignment of a competent person, 2. Daily visual inspection of all equipment before use, 3.The performance of tests on all cord sets at varying intervals (continuity and conductor attachment), and a documented system to track all tests. See 29 CFR 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)[A] through 1926.404(b)(1)(iii)[E] for further details.

Electrical hazards are a significant source of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Employee contact with electricity is responsible for approximately 18% of the fatalities observed in construction. Many injuries and fatalities could be prevented through the use of safe electrical work practices that include providing ground fault circuit interrupters on all temporary wiring.

All employers on construction sites are required to use either ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) or assured equipment grounding conductor programs to protect employees from the risk of electrocution or shock. There are several different means of employing GFCI depending on the application: A. as an attachment to an appliance cord, B. installed at the breaker panel, or C. provided at the receptacle.

Extension cords are considered to be temporary wiring; therefore, you should ensure that ground fault protection is used in conjunction with all extension cords on construction sites.

Inspect the GFCI equipped before each use to ensure it works properly. When a “pigtail” is used in conjunction with an extension cord, you must connect the GFCI equipped cord to the outlet.

All 120-volt, single-phase 15- and 20-ampere receptacle outlets on construction sites, which are not a part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by employees, shall have approved ground-fault circuit interrupters for personnel protection

The ground fault interrupters should be tested frequently to ensure they are functioning properly. The manufacturer usually recommends that you test the GFCI monthly. If you expect to work in a dusty environment, you should ensure all of the GFCI are covered and tested more frequently.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Job Briefing & Planning Summary

Planning for a job properly prevents mistakes and injuries from occurring. Safety on the job is not
something that just happens; it should be an integral part of the planning process. Job briefings are a
great way to include and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briefings can be
held at the start of work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as additional personnel arrive.
Safety Does Not Just Happen: >
Identify
The hazards
The voltage levels involved
Skills required
Any “foreign” (secondary source) voltage source
Any unusual work conditions
The shock protection boundaries
The available incident energy
Potential for arc flash (Conduct a flash-hazard analysis)
Flash protection boundary
Number of people needed to do the job
Ask
Can the equipment be deenergized?
Is a “standby person” required?
Are backfeeds of the circuit to be worked on possible?
Check
Job plans
Single-line diagrams and vendor prints
Status board
Information on plant and vendor resources is up to date
Safety procedures
Vendor information
Individuals are familiar with the facility
Know
What the job is
Who else needs to know—Communicate!
Who is in charge
Think
About the unexpected event...What if?
Lock-Tag-Test-Try
Test for voltage—First
Use the right tools and equipment, including PPE
Install and remove grounds
Install barriers and barricades
What else...?
Prepare for an emergency
Is the standby person CPR trained?
Is the required emergency equipment available? Where is it?
Where is the nearest telephone?
Where is the fire alarm?
Is confined space rescue available?
What is the exact work location?
How is the equipment shut off in an emergency?
Are the emergency telephone numbers known?
Where is the fire extinguisher?
Are radio communications available?

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/fatexgroundfault.html

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/electrical_incidents/fatexgroundfault.html

DEATH DUE TO LACK OF GFCI

Death Due to Lack of Ground-Fault Protection

No GFCI

A journeyman HVAC worker was installing metal duct work using a double-insulated drill connected to a drop light cord. Power was supplied through two extension cords from a nearby residence. The individual's perspiration-soaked clothing/body contacted bare exposed conductors on one of the cords, causing an electrocution. No GFCI's were used. Additionally, the ground prongs were missing from the two cords.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Safety Does not Just Happen

Planning for a job properly prevents mistakes and injuries from occurring. Safety on the job is not
something that just happens; it should be an integral part of the planning process. Job briefings are a
great way to include and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briefings can be
held at the start of work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as additional personnel arrive.

JOB BRIEFING AND CHECKLISTIdentify
The hazards
The voltage levels involved
Skills required
Any “foreign” (secondary source) voltage source
Any unusual work conditions
The shock protection boundaries
The available incident energy
Potential for arc flash (Conduct a flash-hazard analysis)
Flash protection boundary
Number of people needed to do the job
Ask
Can the equipment be deenergized?
Is a “standby person” required?
Are backfeeds of the circuit to be worked on possible?
Check
Job plans
Single-line diagrams and vendor prints
Status board
Information on plant and vendor resources is up to date
Safety procedures
Vendor information
Individuals are familiar with the facility
Know
What the job is
Who else needs to know—Communicate!
Who is in charge
Think
About the unexpected event...What if?
Lock-Tag-Test-Try
Test for voltage—First
Use the right tools and equipment, including PPE
Install and remove grounds
Install barriers and barricades
What else...?
Prepare for an emergency
Is the standby person CPR trained?
Is the required emergency equipment available? Where is it?
Where is the nearest telephone?
Where is the fire alarm?
Is confined space rescue available?
What is the exact work location?
How is the equipment shut off in an emergency?
Are the emergency telephone numbers known?
Where is the fire extinguisher?
Are radio communications available?
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E ©

PPE Saves Lives

In the event of a momentary electric arc, flash fire, or exposure to energized equipment, a worker can find himself completely unprotected against forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is totally consumed, or will melt and cause severe contact burns to the skin.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, including hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, flame-resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall protection equipment, and more.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Argoelectrical http://esfi.org/content/may-kit Check out Electrical Safety Here...

Argoelectrical http://esfi.org/content/may-kit Check out Electrical Safety Here...
Too Many Workers Put Themselves at Risk
Each day, nearly 3 million professionals participate in
work activities where lockout/tagout procedures should be
used. Unfortunately, too many workers still put themselves
unnecessarily at risk by working energized or neglecting to
follow their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. Failure to
comply with the lockout/tagout standard is listed as one of
the top OSHA violations year after year.
Deenergize — Be Proactive About Your Safety
The number one way to prevent electrical injuries and fatalities
is to deenergize the equipment being worked on. It may take
a little more time and planning, but your life and your health
are worth it. Be proactive about deenergizing equipment and
taking steps to ensure that your work environment remains
safe.
Lockout/Tagout Helps Prevent the Unexpected
Lockout/tagout procedures safeguard workers from the
unexpected energization, or startup, of machinery and
equipment. They also can prevent the release of hazardous
energy during service or maintenance activities.
Lockout/Tagout Could Save Your Life
Always deenergizing and following established lockout/
tagout procedures saves lives. Compliance with OSHA’s
lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120
fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. Workers injured on
the job from exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of
24 days of work to recuperation.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Top 10 Worker Error Traps

In the workplace, Employees tend to fall into situations that develop in Problems.
Before turning your Crew out in the Morning Discuss These Possible Issues:

1)Time Pressure 2)Distracting Environment
3)First Working Day after Days off. 4)1/2 Hour after Wake-up or Meal
5)Vague or Incorrect Guidance 6)Over Confidence/Complacency
7)High Workload 8)Imprecise Communications
9)Work Stress 10) First-Time Evolution

These contributing factors have not only enabled workers to provide Sub-Par
production, but they can also Lead to Severe Injury and Even Loss of Life.