Electrical Systems Self-Assessment Tools from HSB

https://cirmaclaim.org/ reinsurance partner, The Hartford Steam Boiler Company (HSB), is committed to helping CIRMA members save money and reduce losses by providing self-assessment tools and expert preventive maintenance resources for the care of their equipment.

HSB's Electrical Self-Assessment

Electric systems are critical. The loss of electric power represents a serious threat to municipal and school operations. Depending on the time of year and climate, it also raises the possibility of freeze losses and perishable goods losses due to inadequate refrigeration, and severe damage to piping and processes. A great deal can go wrong if an electrical distribution system is not adequately maintained. As electrical loads cycle between high and low demand, thermal expansion and contraction cause connections to loosen. Electrical panels that are never cleaned accumulate dust and dirt. These loose and dirty connections provide a high resistance path that are directly responsible for electrical failures.

The good news is that effective preparation and proper maintenance will help prevent most damage. HSB's self assessment survey.html provides facilities staff and leadership insight into possible hazards and ways to improve the reliability and operation of their electrical distribution system. CIRMA encourages members to perform this simple 10 question self-assessment every year or as needed. Your results will provide a solid baseline for maintenance and improvement efforts.

Five key points to consider are:

• The Importance of Electrical Preventive Maintenance (EPM). No system or piece of equipment can operate forever without proper maintenance. An EPM program should be implemented using a licensed electrical contractor or qualified in-house electrician. It should include planned annual inspections and evaluations of the electrical systems. According to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the failure rate of electrical components at facilities where formal and regular EPM is not performed is typically three times higher than at facilities where it is.
• The Value of Infrared Surveys. Loose electrical connections or worn parts generate heat and eventually lead to equipment failure or fires. These conditions are easily identified during infrared inspections, which should be performed and repeated every three years. The survey should include, but not necessarily be limited to, all electrical connections, cable runs, busway and electrical distribution panels. Survey results and recommendations should be made available to qualified maintenance department staff or an electrical contractor to address corrective actions noted.
• Surge Protection. While most people associate power surges with lightning, most electrical surges originate from inside facilities. Surge protection devices are designed to absorb and divert high-current surges to ground and bypass equipment, thereby limiting the voltage that is impressed on the equipment. Appropriate surge protection helps protect electrical equipment and reduce downtime.
• Cool * Clean * Dry * Tight. The most common problems leading to electrical fires and failures result from electrical equipment being exposed to excessive dirt, debris or moisture. Electrical service areas should be clean and cleared of all stored material which does not serve the electrical equipment, especially flammable materials. No material should be stored within three feet of the electrical equipment.
• Temporary Wiring. Temporary electrical wiring or spliced wiring should be replaced with new, approved permanent wiring. Homemade equipment or spliced wiring should also be at the first opportunity by a licensed electrical contractor.

For more information, please download HSB's Guide to Electrical Distribution Systems.

Contact your CIRMA Risk Management Consultant to learn more about our risk management programs.