Prevent hazards and protect property in factories with power quality inspections.

Did you know that inspecting the power quality in factories is crucial as it directly impacts the safety and efficiency of factory operations?

Employee Safety: Faulty electrical systems can pose safety risks to workers in the factory, often caused by short circuits. According to the Ministerial Regulation on Standards for Management, Administration, and Operation of Electrical Safety, Occupational Health, and Working Environment, B.E. 2558 (2015), employers are responsible for ensuring that electrical equipment and wiring are safe to use. This includes conducting power quality inspections and maintaining electrical systems and equipment to ensure safe operation.

Enhanced Production Efficiency: Faulty electrical systems can affect production efficiency. Regular electrical inspections help resolve issues and maintain the stability of machinery and equipment operations.

Resource Savings: Electrical system inspections reduce the risk of costly repairs to electrical equipment that may arise from neglecting regular maintenance.

 

 

What is Electrical System Inspection and How to Conduct It?
Electrical System Inspection (Inspection)
Electrical system inspection is a part of preventive maintenance, aimed at determining whether the electrical system or equipment is deteriorating or requires maintenance. There are two types of inspections:

• Visual Inspection
• Inspection using Measurement Tools
  

These inspections require knowledge of how to use the tools and analyze the results. For visual and tool-based inspections, the process is divided into three parts:

• General Inspection
• Inspection of Individual Equipment
• Inspection in Hazardous Areas

Inspection checklists are used in the process.

General Electrical System Inspection
This step involves checking the general condition of the electrical system. It is relatively simple but must be performed by someone aware of electrical hazards and safety precautions. Before touching any components, ensure there is no electrical current or proper safety measures are in place. The general inspection includes:

Electrical Wiring:Check for damaged insulation, discoloration, swelling, or cracks. If abnormalities are found, identify the cause and repair or replace as needed.

Circuit Breakers:Inspect by using a thermal measuring device to check the insulation for abnormal temperature rises. If detected, repair immediately (exercise caution to avoid electric shock). Visual inspection can also identify mechanical damage such as cracks or discoloration.

Connectors or Wiring Terminals:
Initial inspections can observe discoloration. For detailed checks, use a thermal measuring device. Ensure all connections are tight. During maintenance shutdowns, retighten all connectors.

Ventilation in Electrical Rooms:
Measure room temperature, which should not exceed 40°C. Installing a thermometer in the electrical room is a convenient method. If the temperature is too high, enhance ventilation.

Battery Inspection:
Check batteries by measuring voltage and specific gravity of the acid (or alkaline). For emergency lighting, press the test button on the emergency light. For generator batteries, test-start the generator, ensuring it starts easily. Also, inspect the chargers condition and functionality.

Source: Electrical Safety Inspection Manual for Factories (Revised Edition 2020), Department of Industrial Works
Transformer Inspection

Steps for Inspecting or Testing Transformers in Factories

External Inspection: Conduct an external inspection of the transformer to assess its general condition, such as checking for rust, leaks, or other visible issues.
Internal Inspection: Measure the insulation value of the transformer oil to ensure it meets safety and operational standards.
Electrical Leakage Inspection: Check for electrical leakage or abnormalities in internal components, such as electrical wires, connectors, and other parts.
Thermometer Functionality Inspection: Verify the proper functioning of the thermometer used in the transformer system.

       Transformer inspection is an important process to ensure that the electrical system operates safely and efficiently. It is recommended to study the user manual or consult with a qualified engineer for testing, as they need to have the knowledge, understanding, and experience regarding the materials and equipment used with transformers to prevent damage to the transformer and potential hazards that could occur in the factory.

Source: Safety Inspection Manual for Electrical Systems in Factories (Revised Edition 2020), Department of Industrial Works

-------------------------------------------------------------------
       

       A high-quality electrical system ensures that equipment operates correctly under specified conditions with minimal losses. Therefore, power quality measurement or system quality inspections should be conducted regularly, alongside the maintenance of system equipment. This includes addressing power factor issues and harmonics problems, both of which are crucial. At SYMES, we offer precise and standardized measuring instruments capable of recording various parameters for accurate analysis and targeted solutions.

Instruments available:

• Power Quality Measurement Tester
• Harmonics Measurement Tester

Currently, most loads in industrial plants are nonlinear loads, which cause the terminal voltage at transformers to deviate significantly from the standard 50 Hz sine wave. This distortion can result in the following impacts:

• Increased electrical losses
• Electrical system disturbances
• Ground leakage current, despite normal electrical insulation, causing the ground fault relay to trip
• Frequent power capacitor explosions without clear causes
• Other issues

Our company provides expert engineers to perform power quality measurements, including total harmonics distortion (THD) for both voltage and current in the electrical system, along with professional consultation services.

• Transient over voltage measurement
• Power flow study and record in factory 

 

 

SIMES Case Study: Analyzing and Solving Transformer Explosion Issues

SIMES provides electrical quality inspection services, system maintenance, and testing of electrical equipment in substations.
Substation Maintenance > https://www.simes-engineering.com/cpt_service/sustation-maintainance/

We inspect lightning protection systems within buildings.
Lightning Protection System > https://www.simes-engineering.com/cpt_service/lightning-protection-system-inspection/

SIMES helps prevent fire hazards in factories with thermal scanning inspections.
Thermoscan Inspection > https://www.simes-engineering.com/cpt_service/thermoscan-inspection/
-------------------------------------------------------------------
If your factory needs electrical quality inspections, electrical system maintenance, electrical equipment installation, or partial discharge testing, feel free to consult with us.

Simes Engineering has a team of experts with over 35 years of experience. Contact us at:

 081-820-8835

 081-914-6766

 02-882-8968

Or via Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simesengineeringco