Course: HET 130 Heating Residential Appliances

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Unit 1 Outline

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Unit 1 Outline

Electrical Safety

Introduction

The HVAC technicians and students need to have working knowledge of electricity and of how electricity can be a great benefit to humans; however, knowing the potential dangers is also extremely important because of its health and safety issues. HVAC technicians work with electricity on a daily basis and risk personal injury if they do not follow basic procedures.  Alternating Current is the power of choice in the United States and due to its destructive forces if used incorrectly; the proper training of HVAC technicians is imperative. This week’s discussion will cover the use of safe working habits and procedures of a competent HVAC technician and how they should be aware of potential issues at all times.

1)      Issues From Electrical Circuits

a)      Current Flow through the Body
b)      Potential Hazards of Current through the Heart
c)       Electrical Burns from Sparks

2)      Handling Occurrences from Electrical Problems

a)      How to handle someone in an unsafe condition

3)      Learning the Importance of the NEC

a)      How the NEC should be Used

4)      Grounding and Circuit Protection

a)      Why is Grounding important?
b)      How should systems be Grounded?
c)       What is Fuses and Breakers Purposes?
d)      How does GFCI Protectors Operate?

5)      Lock-out Tag-out Procedures

a)      What is the purpose of LOTO
b)      What are the different types of LOTO
c)      What is the Purpose of LOTO

6)      Safety Summary

a)      All HVAC technicians need to have a copy of the NEC and have a working knowledge of its information.
b)      It takes a combination of voltages and current flow through the body to be fatal.
c)       When working with electricity, disconnect the power from the circuit for your safety.
d)      If checking a circuit for power, keep only one hand inside of the electrical panel to keep the likelihood of becoming part of the circuit.
e)      Stay away from wet or damp areas when working with electricity.
f)       Also check fuses, breakers, and ground fault circuit interrupter for proper operations.
g)      All power tools must be connected to a GFCI for your own protection.
h)      Any damage power tools need to be repaired or replaced.
i)        Use only grounded tools or double insulated tools for your safety.
j)        Wear the proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) at all times when working.
Review the vocabulary terms listed below and look up their definitions / descriptions before taking the Vocabulary Quiz.

- National Safety Codes
- Circuit Breaker
- Conductor
- Electrical Shock
- Electromotive Force
- Fuse
- Ground
- GFCI
- Live Circuit
- Open Circuit