UNIT 5

PROTECTION, SAFETY AND INDIAN

ELECTRICITY SCENARIO
ELECTRON:
.
 An electron is a subatomic particle that carries a
negative electrical charge.
 It is one of the fundamental particles of matter and is
considered to be a building block of atoms.
ROLE OF e- in (electricity):
 Electrons play a crucial role in the production of
electricity.

• The movement or flow of electrons through a conductor

is what generates an electric current, which is the
fundamental basis of electricity
ELECTRICITY:
 Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the
movement or flow of charged particles, such as
electrons, through a conductor.

 The movement of electrons is facilitated by a

closed circuit, which consists of a source of
electricity (such as a battery or a power plant),
conductive materials (wires), and a load (such as
a light bulb or an electronic device). When the
circuit is complete, electrons flow from the
negative terminal of the power source, through
the conductors, and return to the positive
terminal, creating an electric current.
 HAZARDS OF
ELECTRICITY
SHOCK :
 Electric shocks occur when a person comes into direct
contact with an electrical energy source.

 Electric shocks can cause injuries ranging from minor

burns and muscle contractions to severe tissue damage,
cardiac arrest, and even death.
BURNS:
 Electric current passing through the body can cause burns,
both internal and external.

 Electrical burns may not always be visible on the skin's

surface, as the damage can occur beneath the skin.
ARC–BLAST:
 An arc blast is a sudden release of electrical energy
through the air, resulting in an intense explosion of
heat, light, and pressure.

 It occurs due to a fault in an electrical system,

such as a short circuit or a breakdown of
insulation.

• Arc blast can cause severe burns, eye injuries,

hearing damage, and blast injuries from flying
debris.
FIRES:
 Electrical fires can start due to faulty wiring, overloaded
circuits, short circuits, or electrical equipment
malfunctions.

 When excessive heat is generated, it can ignite flammable

materials in the vicinity, leading to fires that can quickly
spread.

EXPLOSIONS:
 An explosion can occur when electricity ignites an
explosive mixture of material in the air.

 Explosions caused by electricity can occur under

certain conditions, typically involving the release of a
large amount of electrical energy in a short period.
THERMAL RADIATION:
 Thermal radiation is electromagnetic radiation emitted from a material
that is due to the heat of the material, the characteristics of which
depend on its temperature.

 An example of thermal radiation is the infrared radiation emitted by a

common household radiator or electric heater.

 Thermal radiation is generated when heat from the movement of

charges in the material (electrons and protons in common forms of
matter) is converted to electromagnetic radiation.

 Electrical components such as transformers, circuit breakers, or motors

can generate heat during normal operation.

 If these components are not properly cooled or ventilated, the

excessive heat can build up, leading to overheating.

 Overheated electrical components can release thermal radiation, which

can damage nearby equipment or pose a fire hazard.
 Effects On Human Body
.
When an electrical current passes through
the body, the nervous system experience
an electric shock. The intensity of the
shock depends mainly on the strength of
the current and the path taken by the
current through the body and the duration
of contact. In extreme cases the shock
causes the failure of the normal action of
the heart and lungs, resulting in
unconsciousness or death.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES:
 Regular Inspections: Conduct routine
inspections of electrical cords, outlets,
switches, and appliances for any signs of wear
and damage.

 Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs):

Install GFCIs in areas where water is present,
such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and
outdoor spaces.

 Water and Electricity Don't Mix: Keep

electrical appliances away from water sources
and use caution when operating electrical
devices in damp or wet areas.
 Fire Safety:
 Have a fire extinguisher readily available in your home
or workplace, and make sure everyone knows how to use
it. Install smoke detectors in appropriate areas and
regularly test them to ensure they are functioning
properly.
 Place halogen lights away from combustible materials
such as cloths or curtains.

Lockout / Tagout Procedures:

 In industrial or workplace settings, follow
lockout/tagout procedures when working on electrical
systems.
 This involves disconnecting power sources and using
locks or tags to prevent accidental re-energization while
maintenance or repairs are being performed.
 PROTECTION DEVICES: .

Circuit Breakers:
• Circuit breakers are automatic switches that protect electrical circuits
from overcurrent, short circuits, and electrical faults.

 They detect abnormal conditions and interrupt the flow of electricity to

prevent damage to the circuit or equipment.

Fuses:
• Fuses are overcurrent protection devices that consist of a metal wire or
strip that melts when excessive current flows through it.
 This melting action breaks the circuit and stops the flow of electricity,
protecting the circuit and connected devices from damage.

 Fuses need to be replaced after they have blown.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs):
•GFCIs are specialized outlets or circuit breakers designed to
protect against electrical shocks.
 If a ground fault is detected, indicating a potential electrical
shock hazard, the GFCI quickly interrupts the circuit to prevent
injury.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs):

•RCDs, also known as residual current circuit breakers (RCCBs),
are similar to GFCIs and provide protection against electric shocks.
 They monitor the imbalance of current between the live and
neutral conductors and can detect even small leakage currents.
 If a fault or imbalance is detected, the RCD trips, cutting off the
power supply.
Surge Protectors: .

•Surge protectors, or surge suppressors, protect electrical

devices from voltage spikes or surges that can occur due to
lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or switching
operations.
• They absorb or divert excess voltage to prevent it from
reaching sensitive equipment.

Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs):

• AFCIs are devices that detect dangerous electrical arcing
faults, which can occur due to damaged wiring or loose
connections.
 Arc faults can lead to electrical fires.
 AFCIs monitor the circuit for abnormal arcing conditions
and trip the circuit to prevent fire hazards.
 ELECTRIC POWER
•The rate at which the work is being
done in an electrical circuit is called an
electric power.
•The electric power is produced by the
generator and can also be supplied by
the electrical batteries
•The delivery process involves three
steps:
• generation
•transmission
• distribution.
Generation:
 Power is made at high voltages.
. Most electricity is generated at 13,200 to 24,000
volts.
 Hazards include equipment failures causing
explosions or burns.

Hydel Plants:
 Hydel power stations use water head to drive a water turbine
connected to a generator.
 Water head can be naturally available or created by
constructing dams.
 Hydel plants are eco-friendly as no fuel is burned.
 Running costs are low, but installation costs are high due to
civil construction requirements.
 Water turbines operate at low rpm, requiring high-pole
alternators.
 Thermal Plants:
 Thermal power plants burn coal to produce
steam, which drives a turbine connected to
a generator.
 The rotation of the turbine generates
electricity in these plants.

 Thermal power plants are favored in our country due

to the abundance of coal resources.
 However, burning coal in these plants can lead to
pollution.
 To minimize pollution, regulatory authorities enforce
measures such as taller chimneys and electrostatic
precipitators, while handling the resulting ash adds to
operating costs.
Nuclear Plants:
. Nuclear power plants are considered a solution for
bulk power generation.
 They work on the principle of nuclear fission of
235U.
• Control rods and moderators are used to regulate
the chain reaction inside a nuclear reactor.
 Nuclear plants produce electricity without air
pollution but pose radiation hazards.
 Proper handling and disposal of used fuel rods are
necessary.
 Efforts are ongoing to find alternative fissionable
materials like plutonium and thorium.
 .

Transmission:
 Power is sent over long distances through specialized lines.
 Transmission lines carry high-voltage power.
 Substations increase voltage before transmission.

Substations:
 Electrical adjustments are made for safe distribution.
 Main safety concern is avoiding electrical shocks.
 Overall, electric power delivery involves risks like
equipment failures, electrical shocks, and falls.
• Substations and distribution systems play crucial roles in
power transmission and delivery.
Distribution:

• Power is delivered to homes and businesses.

• voltage is lowered through substations and
transformers before delivering power to
consumers.
• Distribution systems supply power to different
types of consumers at suitable voltage levels.
• Hazards include electrical shocks and working
in confined spaces in underground systems.
 REGULATORY AUTHORITIES

MNRE: The Ministry of New and Renewable

Energy (MNRE) is a regulatory authority in India that
is responsible for the development and deployment of
renewable energy sources in the country.

 Its role includes formulating policies, promoting

renewable energy technologies, providing financial
incentives and support, and coordinating with other
government agencies, state governments, and
stakeholders to achieve renewable energy targets.

 MNRE also oversees the implementation of various

renewable energy programs and initiative
NTPC: National Thermal Power
Corporation, is a government-owned power
generation company in India.
•While NTPC is primarily focused on thermal power
generation, it also plays a role in renewable energy.
 As a regulatory authority, NTPC is involved in
developing renewable energy projects, particularly in
the areas of solar and wind power.

 NTPC promotes renewable energy through the

establishment of renewable power plants, research and
development activities, and collaboration with other
organizations and stakeholders in the renewable
energy sector.
TEDA: The Tamil Nadu Energy
.

Development Agency (TEDA) is a regulatory

authority in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
•TEDA is responsible for promoting and developing
renewable energy sources within the state.
 Its role includes identifying and implementing
renewable energy projects, providing financial
incentives and support to renewable energy
initiatives, and creating awareness and capacity-
building programs.
 TEDA also facilitates the integration of renewable
energy into the state's power grid and monitors the
progress of renewable energy projects.
TANGEDCO: The Tamil Nadu Generation
.

and Distribution Corporation Limited

(TANGEDCO) is the state-owned electricity distribution
and transmission utility in Tamil Nadu, India.
 While TANGEDCO is primarily responsible for electricity
distribution and transmission, it also plays a role in the
regulation of renewable energy.

 TANGEDCO facilitates the purchase of renewable energy

from various sources, including independent power
producers and captive power plants.

 It ensures the integration of renewable energy into the

state's power grid and provides support for renewable
energy projects and initiatives within its jurisdiction.
“OVERALL, THE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES LIKE
MNRE, NTPC, TEDA, AND TANGEDCO WORK
TOWARDS THE PROMOTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND
REGULATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES,
INCLUDING SOLAR, WIND, AND OTHER FORMS OF
RENEWABLE ENERGY, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE
JURISDICTIONS.
THEY FORMULATE POLICIES, PROVIDE
INCENTIVES, COORDINATE WITH STAKEHOLDERS,
AND MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF RENEWABLE
ENERGY PROJECTS TO ACHIEVE THE GOALS OF
SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY GENERATION.”