Mount trunking work pieces
Forming an Internal Bend
Install Electrical Cables and Accessories
4.1 Safety Measures (OSHA & EHS Standards)
Key Safety Measures:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety boots, gloves, eye protection, helmets, insulated tools.
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Isolate electrical sources before working to prevent accidental energizing.
- Hazard Identification: Recognize live circuits, exposed wires, sharp tools, and trip hazards.
- Proper Work Environment: Adequate lighting, dry surfaces, clean workspace.
- Emergency Procedures: First aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency contacts and exits.
OSHA/EHS Emphasis:
- Avoid working on live systems unless authorized.
- Conduct risk assessments before beginning work.
- Follow proper ladder use, tool inspection, and ergonomics.
- Avoid old wiring colours unless in legacy systems.
- Use permanent markings or labels in complex installations.
4.3 Electrical Cable Sizes (IEC Standards)
Key Factors in Choosing Cable Size:
- Current-carrying capacity (Ampacity)
- Length of run (voltage drop)
- Load type (lighting, motor, heating)
- Environmental conditions (temperature, installation method)
- Refer to IEC 60228 for standard conductor sizes.
- Derate cable sizes for buried, bunched, or high-temperature conditions.
4.4 Cable Laying (IEC Standards)
Best Practices:
- Follow IEC 60364 standards for wiring installations.
- Use proper cable routes: trays, conduits, trunking.
- Avoid:
- Sharp bends (use radius > 10× cable diameter)
- Cable crossings without protection
- Pulling without guides (use rollers/pulling grips)
- Maintain separation of power and communication cables.
- Anchor and support cables at regular intervals.
4.5 Fixing Accessories (IEC Standards)
Common Accessories:
- Sockets, switches, junction boxes, DBs (Distribution Boards), isolators.
Installation Guidelines:
- Fix at standard mounting heights (e.g., 300mm for sockets, 1200mm for switches).
- Ensure firm mounting with wall plugs or screws.
- Maintain correct polarity and earthing.
- Use flush or surface-mounted boxes as per wall type.
- Accessories must have IP ratings suited to the environment (e.g., IP65 in wet areas).
4.6 Housekeeping Activities
Good Housekeeping Practices:
- Clean up debris (cable offcuts, insulation, packaging).
- Store unused materials safely.
- Return tools to designated storage.
- Remove temporary wiring and barriers.
- Label circuits and update documentation.
- Ensure site is safe for other trades and future users.
Benefits:
- Reduces accidents
- Promotes professionalism
- Increases efficiency and productivity
Perform Tests and Inspection
5.1 Visual Inspection (As per Work Requirements)
Visual inspection is the first step in testing and verifying an electrical installation. It is done before
energizing any part of the system.
Key Inspection Areas:
- Physical condition of cables and accessories (e.g., cracks, wear, cuts)
- Proper cable routing and support
- Correct connection and labeling of conductors
- Adequate mechanical protection (trunking, conduits, etc.)
- IP ratings for accessories installed in specific environments
- Presence and condition of warning signs and labels
- Earthing continuity and bonding of metallic parts
Benefits:
- Identifies obvious faults early
- Prevents hazards before live testing
- Saves time by detecting installation errors visually
5.2 Continuity Test (As per IEC Standards)
Purpose:
To ensure that conductors are continuous (no open circuits) and connections are sound from end to
end.
Equipment Used:
- Digital Multimeter (DMM)
- Insulation resistance tester with continuity mode
Procedure:
- Isolate the circuit from the power supply.
- Connect test leads across the conductor ends.
- Readings should show very low resistance (typically <1 ohm for short runs).
- Test all protective conductors and bonding paths.
5.3 Polarity Test (As per IEC Standards)
Purpose:
To confirm that switches are connected in the live (line) conductor and not in the neutral.
Why It Matters:
- Ensures correct operation and safety of appliances and circuit protection.
- Prevents shock hazards when circuits appear 'off' but are still live.
Procedure:
- Isolate the circuit.
- Using a multimeter or test lamp, verify that live wires connect to switch terminals.
- Check socket outlets: Live, Neutral, and Earth should be correctly positioned.
- Repeat the test after energizing the circuit, observing proper safety protocols.
