Make the Connection: Relating Electrical-Safety Maintenance to Reliability

The results of electric-shock and arc-flash hazard and risk analysis are dependent on certain aspects of the electrical equipment to be maintained, including the mechanical integrity of covers, doors and barriers, the mechanical and electrical integrity of bonding and grounding systems, and the functional performance of circuit-protection devices and protection systems. In addition, the frequency of personnel exposure associated with maintenance tasks is dependent on the effectiveness of the reliability and maintenance programs in place. This article introduces two concepts to help differentiate maintenance strategies: electrical-safety-critical maintenance and electrical-safety-dependent maintenance.