Importance of controlling leakage current

In any electrical installation, some current will flow through the protective ground conductor to ground. This situation is usually called leakage current. Leakage current mostly flows in the insulation surrounding conductors and in the filters protecting electronic equipment around at home or at the office. The problems occur when leakage current on circuits protected by GFCIs (Ground Fault Current Interrupters) causes unnecessary and irregular tripping. In most cases, it can cause a rise in voltage on accessible conductive parts.

Insulation has both electrical resistance and capacitance as it conducts current through both paths. Even with the high resistance of insulation, little current can actually leak. However, if the insulation is old or damaged, the resistance is lower and ample current may flow. Moreover, longer conductors with higher capacitance cause more leakage current. At GFCI breaker manufacturers, they recommend one-way feeder length to be limited to 250 feet (76.2 m), maximum.

On electric equipment, it contains filters intended to protect against voltage surges and other disruptions. These filters typically have capacitors on the input, which adds to the overall capacitance of the wiring system and the overall level of leakage current.

For more leakage current basics and its measurement and effects, head on to https://presidium.ph/ for the high-equipment insulation testers to prevent future leakage current. Get a quote now!

Read more

Why Insulated Tools are important

Safety is the utmost important reminder to anyone who works with or around electricity. It manages what you wear, how you work, and the tools you carry. And by tools, we mean all the tools you carry, not just battery-operated test tools. 91% of electrical workers approved that insulated hand tools are the most critical when working on electrical equipment. From electricians to utility workers and maintenance to HVAC technicians, they carry insulated hand tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and cutters along with the best electrician tools.

When working around electricity, the thing to remember is to de-energize the equipment, however, that’s not the case. Sometimes nearby energized equipment has unknown energy pathways that might unexpectedly feed voltage into the equipment you’re working on.

Insulated hand tools safety

When hazardous and unpredictable situations occur, insulated tools provide an extra measure of protection against it. And high quality insulated hand tools are engineered to protect you from electric shock and reduce the possibility of arc faults caused by short circuits.

The NFPA 70E standard requires insulated tools to be used when working on or near electricity greater than 50 V as this will protect workers from possible injuries and avoid companies from paying fines and liability costs from accidents.

It is perilous to understand the difference between a regular hand tool and an insulated tool. With lots of hand tools containing rubber coating over plastic handles, it is far different from an insulated hand tool. High quality insulated hand tools are constructed of a special combination of materials that can block potentially hazardous voltages and protection against electric shock.

Insulated tool certification

In using insulated hand tools, one must be certified and must undergo stringent testing by third-party labs to prove that the protection works and the tools can withstand hard use, extreme temperatures, and even live flame. Importantly, they must also comply with international standards including IEC 60900 and ASTM F1505.

The level of protection that Fluke engineered for the new line of insulated tools goes beyond research. An application from the same stringent requires safety, reliability, and ergonomics to our insulated hand tools that we require of our handheld test and measurement tools. They are precision-engineered of CMV steel for superior durability and manufactured using the most advanced techniques in state-of-the-art facilities in Germany.

Safe and ergonomic

Fluke insulated hand tools are also designed to minimize wear and tear. They are ergonomically designed to adjust to your hand to diminish strain and weakness and help prevent repetitive motion injuries. Our insulated pliers and cutters give you more gripping strength and are slim enough to more easily access jammed junction boxes and panels.

When working with live equipment and not sure how much will protect you from your regular hand tools, get one now from Presidium’s Insulated Hand Tools. Visit https://presidium.ph/ for the high-quality insulated tools for easier work and for your protection.

Read more