Marine Electrical Safety

1. Compliance with Regulations

 Importance: Compliance with electrical safety regulations set by Classification Societies

is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity, safety, and reliability of ships’ electrical
systems.
 Key Elements:
o Class Assignment: A ship built to a Society’s rules receives a class designation.
o Maintaining Class: Regular inspections by Society surveyors ensure ongoing
compliance.
o Reporting Issues: Owners must report significant defects or damage.
o Modifications: Prior approval is necessary for changes affecting the ship’s class.
 International Guidelines: IEC Publication No. 92 provides guidelines for electrical
installations, promoting international standardization.

2. Relevant Organizations

 Underwriters Laboratories (UL): Conducts safety tests and issues UL marks.

 National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA): Develops standards for
electrical equipment.
 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Publishes the National Electrical Code
(NEC) for safety practices.
 American National Standards Institute (ANSI): Facilitates standard development
through consensus.
 Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE): Develops electrical and
electronic standards.

3. SOLAS Regulations

 Regulation 45: Mandates precautions against electrical hazards.

 Electrical Safety Regulations:
o Exposed metal parts must be grounded unless they meet certain conditions.
o Equipment must be safe to handle.
o Insulating mats are required near switchboards.
o Flammable spaces are prohibited for electrical equipment unless specific
conditions are met.

4. Inherent Dangers & Safety Measures

 High Voltage Risks.

 Passive Safety Measures: Ensures reliability and personnel protection through robust
design and maintenance.
o Component Quality: Proper selection and installation based on application
requirements.
 o Protection Against Erroneous Operation: Safeguards to prevent system failures
due to operational limits.
o Maintenance: Regular inspection and repair are vital for safety.
o Personnel Protection: Minimizing accidental contact with live parts.

5. Active Safety Measures

 Redundancy: Ensures operation continuity with duplicate systems.

o Essential Users: Systems like steering gear have separate power supplies.
o Emergency Systems: Backup power for critical functions during main power
failure.

6. Circuit Protection

 Circuit Components: Insulation prevents current leakage; conductors carry current.

 Types of Circuit Faults:
o Open Circuit: Break in conductor.
o Earth Fault: Insulation failure allowing current to flow to the hull.
o Short Circuit: High current bypassing the load.
 Protection Devices: Disconnect circuits to minimize damage.

7. Fundamental Safety Requirements

 Use quality materials and workmanship.

 Ensure accessibility for maintenance.
 Properly construct joints and connections.
 Install overcurrent protection devices.
 Earth equipment for leakage currents.
 Design equipment for harsh conditions.

8. Dos & Don’ts While Working with Electrical Equipment

 Dos:
o Study ship diagrams.
o Follow manufacturer guidelines.
o Ensure all guards and covers are secure.
o Obtain work permits for high-voltage equipment.
o Verify circuits are dead with a voltage tester.
 Don’ts:
o Don’t touch live conductors, especially with damp clothing.
o Don’t remove earth connectors on power cords.
o Don’t leave live conductors exposed.
o Don’t overload equipment or neglect it.
9. Danger Signals

Report any danger signs immediately:

 Fire, smoke, sparks, or unusual sounds.

 Frayed or damaged cords/plugs.
 Overheating equipment.

10. Electric Shock Precautions

 Stay calm and consult the senior engineer before working.

 Work with a partner and avoid loose clothing.
 De-energize circuits before testing and use insulated tools.

11. Conditions Increasing Danger

 Wet skin increases shock risk.

 Higher voltages and poor skin health elevate risks.
 Current flows through the body, making accidental contact dangerous.

12. Shock Risk with Portable AC Applications

 Ungrounded tools can cause fatal shocks.

 Use 24V tools in confined spaces.

13. Safe Practices for Welding Equipment

 Use DC welding sets and ensure safety precautions.

 Regularly inspect welding equipment and cables.

14. Electrical Accidents

 Arc Flash: High-temperature plasma causing burns.

 Arc Blast: Expanding gases potentially leading to injuries.
 Shock: Effects depend on current; differentiate between microshock and macroshock.

15. Tanker Installation

 Classifications based on cargo flash points (Type A, B, C, D).

 Hazardous Areas: Zone classifications (0, 1, 2) based on flammable mixtures.

16. Safe Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas

 Ensure equipment meets IEC standards for explosive atmospheres.

 Specially designed equipment is required for hazardous zones.
17. International Safety Standards

 Equipment must be marked for flameproof and explosion-proof standards.

18. Ventilation with Volatile Materials

 Adequate ventilation is essential to expel flammable vapors.

 Use antistatic, spark-proof fans and protect openings.

19. Maintenance of Records

 Keep records of system diagrams, inspections, work permits, and training.

AC Distribution System
1. AC Power Distribution

 3-Phase Systems: Primary method for AC power distribution; single-phase systems are
limited to domestic circuits and short distances.
 Components:
o Feeders: Connect sub-stations to distributors.
o Distributors: Carry distributed loading, causing current variation along their
lengths.

2. Advantages of AC Distribution over DC

 Higher Power-to-Weight Ratio: AC systems are more efficient in terms of power

delivery.
 Transformers: Simple AC transformers can step up or down voltages as needed.
 Standard Practice: AC distribution schemes typically follow shore practices.

3. Common AC Distribution Systems

Single-Phase Systems

 2-Wire System: Used for domestic circuits; connected between one phase and neutral.
 3-Wire System: Includes a neutral wire earthed for protection against electric shock.

Three-Phase Systems

 3-Wire System: Delta-connected or star-connected; line voltage in delta is 'V', in star is

√3 V.
 4-Wire System: Used mainly on passenger vessels; neutral wire is half the cross-
sectional area of line conductors and may be earthed.
4. Ship's Service Systems

Generation

 Standard Types:
o 3-phase 3-wire insulated.
o 3-phase 3-wire with neutral earthed.
o 3-phase 4-wire with neutral earthed.

Primary Distribution

 Same standard types as generation.

Secondary Distribution

 Includes:
o 3-phase 3-wire insulated.
o 3-phase 3-wire with neutral earthed.
o 3-phase 4-wire with neutral earthed.
o Single-phase 2-wire systems (both insulated and earthed variants).

5. Voltages and Frequencies

 Standard Frequencies:
o 50 Hz (European standard).
o 60 Hz (US standard, commonly used on ships for higher motor speeds and
reduced size).

6. Distribution System Components

 Modules: Main switchboards, emergency switchboards, motor control centers, and

shore connection boxes.
 Emergency Stop Panels: Ensure uninterrupted power during dry-docking; operate in
different modes (Normal, Emergency, Manual).

7. Types of Power Distribution Systems

Radial Distribution

 A tree system with independent feeders branching from a common source; relies on
one feeder for power.
Other Types

 Bus Bar and Cross-Linked Systems: Used for control systems in UMS ships.

8. General Distribution Scheme

 Radial Methodology: Uses circuit breakers and switches for current control; protects
against fault currents with fuses and relays.
 Load Division: Essential services for safety and navigation fed from main or emergency
switchboards.

9. Ship's Service

 Earthed Systems: Current-carrying parts should not be directly earthed except for
specific systems (e.g., impressed current protective systems).

10. Example of High-Voltage System

 Liquefied Natural Gas Carrier:

o Generators: 2 turbine generators (6600V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, 3500 kW), 1 diesel
generator (6600V, 3-phase, 60 Hz, 3500 kW), 1 emergency generator (440V, 3-
phase, 60 Hz, 850 kW).
o Operation: One turbine generator for normal conditions; two for maneuvering
or cargo operations.

11. Power Management System

 Controls starting/stopping of generators and load sharing; ensures effective output and
frequency.

12. Automatic Systems

 Automatic Synchronizing Control: Matches speed and synchronizes generator sets.

13. Main and Emergency Switchboards

 Main Switchboard: Feeds the emergency switchboard; in emergencies, powered by the

emergency generator.
 Feeder Circuit Breakers: Protected by vacuum circuit breakers for maintenance.

14. Primary Power Bus

 New concept replacing conventional switchboards with decentralized power generation

systems; offers advantages over traditional methods.
15. Summary of Regulations

 Distribution systems on passenger ships must prevent fire interference among main
vertical zones; feeders must be separated adequately.

16. Recognized Standard Systems

 a. Two-wire DC.
 b. Two-wire single-phase AC.
 c. Three-wire three-phase AC.
 d. Four-wire three-phase AC.
Emergency Power and Shore Supply
1. Emergency Power Supply

 Importance: Critical for vessel safety; failure can jeopardize lives and property.
 Power Source: Emergency power can come from an emergency generator, accumulator
batteries, or a combination. Must support essential safety services simultaneously.

Emergency Generator Requirements:

 Fuel: Must have an independent fuel supply with a flash point of at least 43°C (110°F).
 Automatic Start: Must start automatically upon main power failure and connect to the
emergency switchboard within 45 seconds.
 Power Rating: Dependent on ship size; emergency generators for larger vessels may
need hundreds of kW.

2. Location of Emergency Power

 Regulatory Compliance: Must be separated from machinery spaces to prevent

interference during emergencies (ABS Rules).

3. Starting Arrangements for Emergency Generators

 Cold Start Capability: Must start at 0°C (32°F) or have heating arrangements.
 Stored Energy: Must support at least three consecutive starts.

4. Operation of Emergency Generators

 Automatic Starting: Triggered by falling frequency/voltage; manual options available.

 Basic Indicators on the Emergency Switchboard:
o Green lamp: ESB to MSB status.
o White lamp: Generator running.
o Output meters: Voltage, frequency, load current, power factor.
o Earth Fault Indicator.

5. Interconnection Between Switchboards

 Circuit Breaker Interlock: Allows automatic connection of the emergency generator to

the emergency switchboard if main power fails.
 Load Management: Non-emergency circuits may be automatically disconnected to
prioritize emergency services.

6. Critical Equipment Powered by Emergency Generators

Emergency Lighting:

 3-Hour Requirements: Lighting at muster stations, survival craft launch areas.

 18-Hour Requirements: Lighting in accommodation areas, machinery spaces, control
stations, and cargo pump-rooms.

Other Emergency Services:

 30-Minute Requirements: Free-fall lifeboat launching appliances, power-operated

watertight doors.

Steering Gear and Propulsion Equipment:

 Operational Time: Steering gear must operate for 30 minutes (≥10,000 GT) or 10
minutes (<10,000 GT).
 Communication Equipment: Radio and internal communication systems need power for
18 hours.

7. Periodic Testing of Emergency Generators

 Testing: Regular testing during safety drills to ensure readiness.

 Operational Check: Short test runs to verify functionality.

8. Transitional Source of Power

 Accumulator Batteries: Provide temporary power for essential services, maintaining

voltage within 12% of nominal.
 Applications: Emergency lights, watertight doors, fire alarms, internal signals.

9. Operating Instructions

 Pre-Operation Checks: Verify fuel levels, oil sump levels, and system settings.
 Starting Procedure: Steps to start the generator and monitor parameters.

10. Blackout and Dead Ship Conditions

 Definitions:
o Dead Ship Condition: Loss of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery.
o Blackout: Loss of main electrical power affecting all machinery.

Responsibilities During Blackouts:

 Chief Engineer: Oversees operations and restarts engines.

 Second Engineer: Diagnoses blackout causes and manages auxiliary engines.
 Third Engineer: Monitors emergency generator operations.
  Fourth Engineer: Manages fresh water generator and assists.

11. Shore Supply

 Purpose: Provides power to ship generators during dry docking.

 Connection Safety: Must include circuit-breakers and switches to prevent overloads.
 Phase Sequence Check: Important to avoid incorrect motor operation.

Procedures for Shore Power:

1. Isolate the emergency generator.

2. Confirm power availability and check voltage/phase sequence.
3. Connect shore supply and disconnect generator breakers.

12. Effects of Supply Voltage Changes

 Torque and Speed: Torque is proportional to the square of the voltage; reduced voltage
decreases torque, impacting performance.
 Operational Challenges:
o Reduced Voltage: Increased current, overheating risks.
o Increased Voltage: Risk of motor damage and overheating.

13. Effects of Supply Frequency Changes

 Motor Speed: Drops with frequency; a 10% frequency drop results in a 10% speed drop.
 Operational Guidelines: Voltage adjustments may be necessary when changing
frequencies.

14. Relevant SOLAS Regulations

 Outlines requirements for emergency power systems in passenger ships, including

emergency installations and starting arrangements.
Earthing and Electromagnetic Compatibility
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

 Definition: Ability of equipment to function without causing or being affected by

electromagnetic interference (EMI).
 Importance: Prevents malfunctions like erratic behavior and communication failures.
 Issues: Caused by unwanted electrical energy leading to magnetic and electric fields,
which can induce voltages in nearby conductors.

Earthing and Bonding

1. Earthing (Grounding):
o Connects conducting materials to the sea or ground.
o Typical resistance values:
 Combined earth grid: < 1 ohm
 Individual earth electrode: < 5 ohms
 Lightning protection: < 10 ohms

2. Bonding:
o Connects multiple conductors together but not to the earth.
o Key for EMC; prevents loops distributing unwanted energy.

Guidelines for Bonding and Earthing

 Minimize equipment needing earthing.

 Bond all earthing points to a single point.
 Inspect bonding arrangements annually.
 Safety earthing is crucial to prevent shock hazards.

Isolated and Earthed Neutral Systems

 Hull-return systems: Use insulated conductors with the hull as a return path.
 Isolated (Unearthed) Neutral: Neutral not connected to earth, limits fault current but
allows high over-voltages. Equipment must withstand up to 2000V.
 Earthed Systems: Riskier; hull becomes part of the circuit. Requires simultaneous
disconnection of all phases and neutral for faults.

Electrolysis

 Prevention: Generator not connected to hull to avoid corrosion.

 Use zinc sacrificial anodes for protection.
 Control stray currents to minimize galvanic corrosion.
Grounding

 Definition: Connection of equipment to the earth or hull.

 Grounding Conductor: Connects non-current-carrying metal parts to the system's
ground.
 Current-Carrying Ground: Used in emergency generator DC systems, while AC uses
isolated conductors.

Earth Faults

 Significance: In an earthed system, an earth fault causes a large fault current, isolating
faulty equipment. In an isolated system, the fault may persist without immediate danger
but can lead to high over-voltages.

Multiple Systems

 Different earthing systems can optimize performance on vessels.

 Insulation Resistance Standards: Must not fall below 1 MΩ, with some cases requiring 5
MΩ.

Causes of Earth Faults

1. Dampness: Moisture ingress from condensation or faulty seals.

2. Contamination: Dirt, oil, or moisture affecting insulation.
3. Mechanical Damage: Protect cables with armoured cables or conduits.
4. Temperature Rise: Use appropriate insulating materials for operating temperatures.
5. Ageing: Regular replacement of aged insulation is recommended.

Preventing Earth Faults

 Use suitable enclosures, ensure correct ratings, and select adequate insulation.
 Perform regular insulation tests and maintain equipment hygiene.

Earth Fault Indicators

 Installed on main switchboards to detect faults in isolated distribution systems.

 Can be lamps or instruments; more accurate instruments are preferred for sensitivity.

Detecting and Clearing Earth Faults

 Locate faults by opening circuit breakers while monitoring indicators. Start with non-
critical areas.
Regulations for Earthing Systems

1. Hull Return Systems: Generally, not allowed except for specific cases (e.g., cathodic
protection).
2. Earthed AC Systems: Neutral connections should be earthed at a single point.
3. Electrical Safety Regulations: Earthing of exposed metal, bonding of metal sheaths,
proper joints in conduits, and earthing of portable appliances.

Key Points from SOLAS Regulations

 All exposed metal parts must be earthed.

 Metal frames of electrical equipment must connect to the hull.
 Bonding of metal cable sheaths is necessary.
 Portable appliances in hazardous areas should not exceed 55V.