Electrical system design techniques to improve electrical safety

Abstract

There is currently no publication by an accepted standards entity that effectively communicates “electrical safety by design” concepts. The National Fire Protection Association's, (NFPA 70 & NFPA 70E, American National Standards Institute's (ANSI C2), and similar standards by Nationally and Internationally recognized standards developing entities, place minimum requirements on electrical system designers and manufacturers that yield functional, practical and reasonably safe electrical installations. There is a need to capture in one location the wealth of electrical system design techniques that have been published in recent IEEE papers and in other industry sources. There is a need to educate the electrical engineer, design professional and the project manager about the available options to improve electrical safety while designs are still on paper. A new IEEE Working Group to develop an “IEEE Recommended Practice for Electrical System Design Techniques to Improve Electrical Safety” is being assembled. It will be working to bridge the gap between practical code requirements and zero injuries. The Officers of this Working Group will detail the need for this new IEEE document, the challenges that the Working Group faces, and appeal for additional assistance in this rewarding effort.