Electrical Installations In Hazardous Areas: Classification, Safe Handling, Operation and Maintenance

Introduction

This course provides an understanding of the hazards involved in using electrical equipment in potentially explosive atmospheres. It is based on the newly adopted international IEC Series which is directly applicable to most countries in the world. Explosion-proof installations can be expensive to design, install and operate. The wider approaches described in these standards can significantly reduce costs whilst maintaining plant safety. The course explains the associated terminology and its correct use. It covers from area classification through to the selection of explosion-protected electrical apparatus, describing how protection is achieved and maintained in line with these international requirements. Preventing the unintentional ignition of explosive atmospheres is a critical safety and economic aspect of all petroleum and chemical plant operations. In this program you will learn how to: 

• Identify and quantify the hazardous areas 
• Select appropriate electrical equipment and instruments for those areas 
• Recognize the different methods of protection Ex d Ex I etc. and how they work 
• Install, inspect and maintain the certified equipment

Objectives

Participants attending the program will: Provide a clear understanding of hazardous area current custom and practice with particular respect to the following:

• Defining the hazard, classifying hazard materials, understanding the nature of the risk, and the necessity to eliminate sources of ignition 
• The relationship between area classification and the various different types of Ex apparatus 
• The relationship between electrical equipment and gas groups and temperature classes 
• The installation and maintenance of the different types of equipment i.e. flameproof, increased safety, intrinsic safety, etc 
• The need for, and typical approach to, electrical equipment inspection 
• The documentation of the hazardous area

This program is intended to give: 

• An in-depth understanding of hazardous areas from the initial nature of the problem 
• Some case studies of industrial accidents, through the identification and classification of the hazard, selection, and use of protected equipment 
• The administration of hazardous areas in terms of record-keeping and certificates

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is intended for Electrical Engineers, Electrical Supervisors, and Electrical Technicians engaged in the inspection and testing of Electrical Equipment. Because the methods and examples are generic, personnel from all industries will benefit. Participants require a good understanding of electricity and magnetism and possess some relevant experience.

Course Outline

Day 1: The Technology of Electrical Equipment

• Transformers
• Power supplies (UPS)
• Batteries
• Generators
• Switchgear
• Motor control centers (MCC)
• Disconnect switches
• Neutral ground resistors (NGR)
• Variable frequency/speed drives (VFD/VSD)
• Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
• Power monitoring
• Control relays/timers/switches
• Motor/feeder protective devices
• Motors (AC & DC)
• Miscellaneous equipment - heaters, solenoid valves, and electric valve actuators

Day 2: The Use of Test Equipment

• Digital voltmeter (DVM)
• Oscilloscopes
• Megger
• Frequency meter
• Temperature probes/pyrometers
• Ammeters
• Power meters
• Load banks
• Digital hydrometers
• Cable fault locators

Day 3: Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

• Methods
• Terminology
• Principles
• Special techniques
• Troubleshooting of Electrical Equipment
• Methods
• Terminology
• Principles
• Special techniques
• Case studies/examples
• Single line drawings
• Group exercises

Day 4: The Necessity for Inspection and Testing

• Common mode failures
• Phase imbalance
• Contact pitting/arcing
• Electronic component failure
• Fusing
• Motor windings/bearings/brushes
• Ballasts
• Excitation circuits
• Battery cells
• Inverters/rectifiers
• Bushings
• Switches
• Control circuits
• Ground faults
• Open session: Case Studies, Questions, and Answers

Day 5: The Interpretation and Use of Drawings and Safety

• Single-line electrical drawings
• Control schematics
• Wiring lists
• P&ID’s
• Logic and standard symbols.
• The Development of a Job Plan
• Identification of the troubleshooting step-by-step sequence
• Procedure preparation
• Documentation
• Safety considerations and training
• A review of Safety Requirements
• Area classifications
• NEC electrical codes