PART B

2-21. Describe in detail the specific types of work practices covered during safety
procedure in an electrical system.
Electrical safety is a general practice of handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment to
prevent incidents. Adequate training is required to properly identify and control hazards to keep the
environment safe for those around.
10 electrical safety procedures
1. Prevent electrical equipment from contacting wet areas
Keep water and other liquids at least 5 feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity. It is
recommended to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which helps in preventing electrical
incidents like electrical shock, ground-fault, fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.
2. Ensure safe use when unplugging
When disconnecting electrical equipment, gently pull it by plug instead of jerking the electrical cord. Pulling
by the cord can damage the electrical cable and cause a shock.
3. Install properly and tidy electrical cords
Good electrical installation consists of fixed electrical equipment and electrical cords out of the way (and out
of reach of pets that can chew on them).
4. Understand your switchboard
A switchboard is an electrical safety device that protects and isolates the operator from electrical current. It
controls the flow of electricity by dividing, distributing, and metering electrical power to different parts and
devices. To ensure best performance and safety, electrical power entering the switchboard must resemble the
amount of power it distributes. Otherwise, it can cause overheating and lead to electrical fire.
5. Look out for electrical lines
Be aware of power lines before climbing a tree or a ladder, and especially when working at height.
6. Childproof your outlets
Use outlet covers when there are children around to avoid electrocution.
7. Investigate Flickering Lights
Have flickering lights checked and fixed as it can be caused by loose connections somewhere or the bulb itself
needs to be secured or replaced.
8. Install warning signs
Use clear visible signs when there’s high voltage in the vicinity that people need to be warned about.
9. Don’t DIY
Instead of fixing issues, most DIY’s can cause further damage. Should any electrical issues arise, it is always
best to have an expert handle it.
10. Call for help
In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call the emergency services who will talk you through how to safely
assist in the situation until help arrives.
EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A
2-22. Describe in detail any two protective devices in detail and its role in the electrical
safety.
Electrical protection devices are crucial in maintaining our electrical systems’ safety, reliability, and
longevity. Protection devices for electrical circuits undertake two main utilities such as consistency and
protection.

In this, Protection is assured via detaching power supply, and it is the over current protection. To point
out, various protection devices act as a protection agent and prevent us from many electrical damages.
Generally, these devices remove fire hazards and electrocution.

Protection devices useful for the protection of circuits. Usually, this protection is from extreme voltage
or current. To mention, circuit protections are the electrical device that prevents the devices from the flow of
unnecessary currents as well as the short currents.

some of the protection devices of the circuit.

1. Fuse
2. Circuit Breaker
3. Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
4. Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCBs)
5. Lighting Arrester
1. Fuses

A fuse is one of the most basic types of circuit protection devices. It contains a small piece of metal
(called a filament) that melts when the current flowing through it exceeds a specified level, which breaks the
circuit and stops the current flow. Fuses are categorized into two main types: fast-acting and time-delay. Fast-
acting fuses open instantly when the current exceeds the fuse’s rating, while time-delay fuses can tolerate over
current conditions for a short period before opening. Fuses are straightforward to install and affordable, but they
must be replaced each time they ‘blow’ or burn out, which could be inconvenient in certain applications.

2. Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers provide a more sophisticated level of protection compared to fuses. They function by
tripping a mechanical switch when an overcurrent situation occurs. There are several circuit breakers, including
standard, ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). Each type serves a
different purpose and protects against different electrical faults. The main advantage of circuit breakers over
fuses is that they can be easily reset after they trip, eliminating the need for replacement.

3. Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Also known as Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in the United States, RCDs are designed to
protect against electrocution by detecting ground faults. A ground fault occurs when there’s an unintended path
between an electrical current and a grounded surface. RCDs constantly monitor the balance between two
conductive wires (the live and neutral wires). If an imbalance occurs (indicating a leakage to the ground), the
RCD will automatically cut off the electrical supply to prevent injury.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

 4. Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCBs)
Motor protection circuit breakers are specialized devices designed to safeguard motors by providing
short-circuit protection, disconnecting means, overload protection, and motor controller functions in one unit.
The MPCB can react to current fluctuations common in motors, differentiating between harmful overloads and
temporary spikes. It’s worth noting that MPCBs are designed with the characteristics and needs of electric
motors, making them particularly suitable for motor protection applications.
5. Lighting Arrester
This is the specialized protection device that is much helpful to manage the current flow and arrests the
unwanted flow in the circuit. As a result, all these protection devices are the best protection agent to the circuit.

2-23. Explain about Conventional Energy Sources.

Conventional sources of energy, also known as non-renewable sources of energy, are present in limited
quantities and have been utilised by humans for many years. These non-renewable energy sources are
decomposing materials that take hundreds of years to create, such as coal, petroleum, and others. As a result,
once they are depleted, they can never be created at a rate or pace that can continue their rate of consumption.
Conventional energy sources are further divided into two types: commercial energy sources and non-
commercial energy sources. Commercial energy sources are those for which the customer is required to pay a
fee for consumption. Coal, petrol, natural gas, and electricity are a few examples.

Coal: Without a doubt, coal is the most important source of energy. Coal is formed when dead plant
matter decays into peat (an accumulation of partially rotted organic matter or vegetation) over millions of years,
which is then transformed into coal by pressure and heat. Coal is largely made up of carbon. It also contains
varying quantities of other elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, and oxygen.

Natural Gas and Oil: Natural gas is among the world’s most important energy sources, whilst oil is
regarded as liquid gold. Oil is generated by a great number of microscopic creatures and plants that, when they
die, become buried at the bottom of the sea under numerous layers of sand and mud and are subjected to heat
and pressure. It’s often seen in trains, ships, vehicles, and planes. Natural gas is created when multiple layers of
decaying animal and plant materials are exposed to tremendous pressure and heat under the Earth’s surface over
millions of years. It is used for a variety of functions, including cooking, heating, and generating power.
EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A
 Woods for fuel: People in rural areas cook using fuelwood sourced from natural forests and plantations
on a daily basis. Fuel wood is becoming increasingly scarce as a result of growing deforestation. We may avoid
this issue by planting more trees on degraded forest areas, cultivated wasteland, barren land, and grazing land.

Thermal Power Station: Power plants use a variety of fossil fuels to heat water and generate steam,
which then drives a turbine to generate electricity. Electricity transmission is more efficient than hauling coal or
petroleum over the same distance. The thermal plant gets its name from the fact that fuel is burned to generate
heat energy, which is then turned into electrical energy.

Nuclear power: A tiny bit of radioactive material may generate a large amount of energy via nuclear
substances all over the planet. Nuclear reactions are required to obtain nuclear energy, and there are around 300
nuclear reactions. Nuclear energy is one of the most ecologically friendly conventional energy sources since it
emits fewer greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation than sources such as coal power plants.
However, in the event of an accident, this same nuclear energy is released in large quantities into the
environment. Furthermore, the remaining nuclear waste is radioactive and dangerous.

2-24. List out and describe the various Electrical Safety Practices followed in different
households and industries.

Electric maintenance is an important requisite in our household, but can be very

dangerous if handled callously. Most of the electricity-related accidents that occur in homes are
due to lack of knowledge on electrical safety & knowhow. Here are some tips to prevent
accidents & electrical oversights:

1. All electrical equipment should be in proper working condition

One of the primary causes for short circuits in the electrical system is equipment that is
not working or plugged in properly. Hence, all the electrical equipment in the house should be
checked for malfunctions.

2. Main Power Off

Power switched on during any work on the home’s electrical system can be a major
reason for shocks & accidents. Always switch off the main power during major electrical
maintenance activities. In case of small power outlet related maintenance, always switch off the
plug point and work.

3. Warm & Cold Power Outlets

At times, warm power outlets can signal a variety of problems, from overloaded
electrical circuit to shot up wiring. Hence, check all the outlets in the house once every month
by placing your hand on the outlets in your home. Warm or hot outlets signal trouble.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

4. Fire Extinguisher
Always have a fire extinguisher handy in the house. Water is a good conductor of
electricity & hence should never be used to put out any electric fire, big or small.

5. Ground Older Appliances

Your old appliances might develop grounding issues as a result of normal wear & tear.
This can put you at a risk of shock. Ensure all of your appliances have three-pronged plugs that
can properly connect to a grounded outlet. Any kitchen appliances with just two-pronged plugs
should be replaced.

6. Expert Intervention
In case of any doubt, one should consider the help of an expert. Always reach out to a
well-trained electrician if an issue seems out of hand and needs more intervention.

7. Rooms with running water need to be equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
GFCI’s shut off the electrical current from a circuit whenever it detects that the circuit
has become a shock hazard. It is imperative that they are installed in the bathroom, kitchen and
laundry room to avoid any mishaps.

8. Do not use extension cords for longer durations time

Extension cords should never be considered as a permanent source of power. Though
they are great for temporary usage, but if you end up using an extension cord all the time, then
you should think of getting an outlet installed instead.

9. Overloading
Always avoid overloading a single outlet. Outlets are made to put out a certain amount of
energy. Multiple high-wattage appliances plugged into the same outlet can be very unsafe. If
you can’t rearrange your appliances to different outlets, consider installing a new outlet to
relieve some of the stress on the original outlet.

Electrical work is hazardous if not handled properly. Professional electricians receive

years of training and on-the-job experience before they start their careers as one. Use discretion
when attempting your own electrical work. To make sure all the electrical systems in your
home are safe, up to code and working as they should, hire a trusted electrician to handle the
job.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

2-25. Explain Non-Conventional Energy Sources with suitable examples.

Non-Conventional source of Energy

It’s the polar opposite of the energy derived from finite fossil resources. These are renewable energy-
generating resources. A renewable source is a natural resource that restores depleted or used resources within a
defined time span on the human time scale, either through natural reproduction or through repeating processes.
Examples of Non – Conventional or Renewable energy sources are solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and water
(hydro).

Solar Energy:
Solar energy is utilized to create electricity in a certain method. It is a renewable energy source that is
received straight from the Sun and will never be depleted. It is an example of sustainable energy that helps to
lower power bills while also reducing carbon footprints. As a tropical country, India has a lot of potential for
this type of energy, and the country is working hard to make the most of it.

Wind Energy:
Wind power, often known as wind energy, is a method of using wind to give mechanical power to
electric generators via wind turbines, allowing them to perform tasks such as milling and pumping.

Geo-Thermal Energy:
Geothermal energy is the energy that is produced from the thermal energy that is stored in the ground.
The thermal energy of the Earth is conserved. Hot springs and volcanoes collect thermal energy, which is then
used by industry to heat water and for other uses. Wells excavated a mile down into underground reservoirs to
acquire steam and hot water, which is then used to drive turbines coupled to power generators, are used to
create electricity from geothermal energy.

Tidal Energy:
With the aid of modern technology, power is created by turning the energy of the tides into electricity
and other forms of energy. The tides are used to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy in a variety
of ways. India also has a lot of potential for this type of energy because it is surrounded on three sides by water.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

2-27. Explain various topologies used in distribution of electric power with its advantages.
An electric power distribution system can be classified according to its feeder connection schemes or
topologies as follows -

✓ Radial distribution system

✓ Parallel feeders distribution
✓ Ring main distribution system
✓ Interconnected distribution

Radial Distribution System

This system is used only when substation or generating station is located at the center of the consumers.
In this system, different feeders radiate from a substation or a generating station and feed the distributors at one
end. Thus, the main characteristic of a radial distribution system is that the power flow is in only one
direction. Single line diagram of a typical radial distribution system is as shown in the figure below. It is the
simplest system and has the lowest initial cost.

Although this system is simplest and least expensive, it is not highly reliable. A major drawback of a
radial distribution system is, a fault in the feeder will result in supply failure to associated consumers as there
won't be any alternative feeder to feed distributors.

Parallel Feeders Distribution System

The above-mentioned disadvantage of a radial system can be minimized by introducing parallel feeders.
The initial cost of this system is much more as the number of feeders is doubled. Such system may be used
where reliability of the supply is important or for load sharing where the load is higher

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

Ring Main Distribution System
A similar level of system reliability to that of the parallel feeders can be achieved by using ring
distribution system. Here, each distribution transformer is fed with two feeders but in different paths. The
feeders in this system form a loop which starts from the substation bus-bars, runs through the load area feeding
distribution transformers and returns to the substation bus-bars. The following figure shows a typical single line
diagram of a ring main distribution system.

Ring main distribution system is the most preferred due to its following advantages.

Advantages of Ring Main Distribution System

▪ There are fewer voltage fluctuations at consumer's terminal.

▪ The system is very reliable as each distribution transformer is fed with two feeders. That means, in the
event of a fault in any section of the feeder, the continuity of the supply is ensured from the alternative
path.

Interconnected Distribution System

When a ring main feeder is energized by two or more substations or generating stations, it is called as an
interconnected distribution system. This system ensures reliability in an event of transmission failure. Also, any
area fed from one generating stations during peak load hours can be fed from the other generating station or
substation for meeting power requirements from increased load.

2-28. Explain about the hazards of explosions.

An explosion is a sudden and rapid increase in volume and release of energy in an extreme manner. This

is usually accompanied by the generation of high temperatures and release of gases caused by changes in

pressure, temperature and phase. In mining, explosives are the most obvious form of explosion hazard. Blasts

and shots are controlled releases of chemical energy. However, the potential for the uncontrolled release of

(stored) energy is also present and can be unrecognised. Unwanted events can damage equipment and
infrastructure, release shrapnel and cause injury or, in the worst case scenario, be fatal.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A

Explosions can be:

✓ chemical - high explosives, gas ignition, and fine particulate or dust sulphide dust ignition (SDI)

✓ electrical or magnetic - high current arc flashes or excessive magnetic pressure in an ultra-strong

electromagnet

✓ through mechanical failure - change to the safe operating conditions of a classified plant, or a tyre

failure.

Explosives can result in damage to surrounding materials (hoods, glassware, windows, people, etc.),

generation of toxic gases, and fires. If you plan to conduct an experiment where the potential for an explosion

exists, first ask yourself the question; “Is there another chemical that could be substituted in the experiment that

does not have an explosion potential?” If you must use a chemical that is potentially explosive, or for those

compounds that you know are explosive, (even low powered explosives) you must first obtain prior approval

from the Principal Investigator to use such chemicals. After obtaining prior approval from your Principal

Investigator, thoroughly read the SDSs and any other chemical resources related to the potentially explosive

compound(s) to ensure potential incidents are minimized.

✓ Whenever setting up experiments using potentially explosive compounds:

✓ Always use the smallest quantity of the chemical possible.

✓ Always conduct the experiment within a fume hood and use in conjunction with a properly rated safety

shield.

✓ Be sure to remove any unnecessary equipment and other chemicals (particularly highly toxic and

flammables) away from the immediate work area.

✓ Be sure to notify other people in the laboratory what experiment is being conducted, what the potential

hazards are, and when the experiment will be run.

✓ Do not use metal or wooden devices when stirring, cutting, scraping, etc. with potentially explosive

compounds. Non-sparking plastic devices should be used instead.

✓ Ensure other safety devices such as high temperature controls, water overflow devices, etc., are used in

combination to help minimize any potential incidents.

✓ Properly dispose of any hazardous waste and note on the hazardous waste tag any special precautions

that may need to be taken if the chemical is potentially explosive.

✓ Always wear appropriate PPE, including the correct gloves, lab coat or apron, safety goggles used in
conjunction with a face shield, and explosion-proof shields when working with potentially explosive

chemicals.

EEE BASIC EECTRICAL ENGINEERING Q&A