Why do we mislead workers about the dangers they face?
The known threat to life on LV networks is fault currents of up to 37 kA.**
Currently, the safety equipment used to protect workers from this threat to life is only suitable for 6 kA.
The cheque is waiting for anybody who can prove that safety equipment rated for 6kA will protect workers from a 37kA hazard.
**Electricity Supply Authority figures.
Safety equipment that addresses a fraction of a hazard cannot protect workers.
Why address a fraction of a hazard? How is the balance of the hazard addressed?
Worker protection is achieved if the ACTUAL hazard is addressed e.g. the fault current of the network. (IS EN 61230:2008)
The fault current of a network is the fault current of the transformer that feeds that network which is as follows:
Transformer Size Fault Current |
200KVA 7.2kA |
400KVA 14.4kA |
630KVA 22.7kA |
1MVA 36kA |
Note : Employers who provide safety equipment which is not fit for purpose, risk prosecution under Regulation 82 (2) of S.I. No. 299 of 2007
€10,000 to anybody or (their nominated charity) who can show that:
1. Safety procedures in Ireland comply with International Safety Standard IS EN 61230: 1996/2008
2 A protective device rated for 6kA will protect you from a 36kA hazard for 1 sec.
NOW CLOSED: Closing Date August 19th 2018. See competition Terms & Conditions