An IMCA security flash explains an incident the place condensation water was noticed dripping immediately onto a 440V electrical panel.
What occurred?
Throughout a latest inspection, condensation water was noticed dripping immediately onto a 440V electrical panel within the engine room. This case created a severe electrical security hazard, with potential penalties together with:
Electrical quick circuit.
Tools failure or fireplace threat.
Electrical shock to personnel.
Condensation on high-voltage tools (440V) can escalate to arc flash, fireplace, or whole blackout of crucial methods.
Why did it occur?
{The electrical} panel was positioned immediately beneath HVAC ducts or chilly pipelines. Condensation shaped on the chilled surfaces and picked up into droplets, which fell onto the panel.
There have been no drip trays, insulation, nor shielding, which allowed water to come back into direct contact with {the electrical} enclosure.
This hazard was not recognized in the course of the vessel’s design stage or adequately addressed throughout common inspections and upkeep.
What will we be taught?
Electrical panels are susceptible to environmental circumstances equivalent to condensation and leaks; ingress of even a small amount of water can corrode breakers and trigger latent failures.
Panels positioned beneath HVAC ducts, chilly pipelines, or areas liable to condensation are at larger threat of water ingress.
Design the failing out! Preventive design measures (e.g., drip trays, insulation, shielding) are important to scale back threat.
Common inspections may also help to determine points earlier than they grow to be severe security hazards.
Verify rigorously and frequently for condensation above or close to electrical tools—not simply throughout scheduled inspections.
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Supply: IMCA
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