Category: Blog

Published: 16 September 2020

Proper grounding and bonding prevent unwanted voltage on non-current-carrying metal objects, such as tool and appliance casings, raceways, and enclosures, as well as facilitate the correct operation of overcurrent devices. Beware of wiring everything to a ground rod and considering the job well done. There are certain subtleties you must follow to adhere to applicable NEC rules and provide safe installations to the public and working personnel. Although ground theory is a vast subject, on which whole volumes have been written, David Herres, in his article in EC&M magazine, asks us to take a look at some of the 10 most common grounding errors you may run into on a daily basis.

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Category: Blog

Published: 26 July 2020

A team of fire protection engineering researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is investigating the fire safety risks associated with green construction. The WPI team is working with a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which will fund a three-year project aimed at identifying and reducing the potential for firefighter and occupant injuries and deaths that could be associated with unanticipated hazards posed by green building elements.

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Category: Blog

Published: 26 July 2020

When it comes to low-voltage and AC and DC difference in shock risk, many workers may be confused. Low-voltage is not defined by OSHA in regards to electrical safety and severity of shock. Related to low-voltage potential is the difference between AC and DC shock risks.

The Occupational Health and Safety Blog covers this topic, looking at the work practices and training for the definition of low voltage. The blog gives specific references that seem to imply that the regulatory ranges are as follows: >600 volts = high voltage; 50–600 volts is low voltage; and <50 volts (sometimes referred to as “extra-low voltage”) is generally not regulated except by NEC.

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