Industrial labs are used to research different fields, including accident investigation, failure analysis & prevention, manufacturing, and material development in various market segments, including automotive, water treatment, semiconductor, and chemical industries. In these labs, workers may be exposed to electrical hazards, including electric shock, arc blasts, electrocutions, short circuits, and explosions. These hazards potentially result from faulty electrical equipment, instrumentation, wiring, or unsafe work practices. Thus, electrical safety and reliability in industrial labs play a vital role in providing uninterrupted functioning of lab equipment and appliances as intended.

Industrial laboratories using the latest technology highly depend on electrically powered equipment. Some of the equipment used include vacuum pumps, mixing devices, testing equipment, heating machines, electrophoresis equipment, UV devices, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers etc. This equipment needs a safe and reliable electrical network to deliver desirable results.

This article will guide you with 5 tips to ensure electrical and electromagnetic safety in industrial labs

1.      Ensure Safe Earthing and Bonding

Labs using LV, ULV or HV equipment are recommended to implement safe grounding systems having the least ground resistance so that any extra flow of current in the electrical network due to short circuit, high energy or surge discharge pass through the dedicated grounding system and does not harm lives or damage the assets.

2.      Ensure Safety from Lightning Strikes

Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to lab structure, power supplies and equipment if they are not effectively protected. Hence a uniquely designed lightning protection system is to be included to ensure a safe environment.

3.      Ensure Use of Circuit Protection

Fuses and circuit breakers prevent over-heating of wires and other electrical components. These protections are designed to protect the electrical systems from overheating and fire. It is also helpful when equipment is kept ON for a long time.

4.      Ensure the Use of Appropriate Electrical Components

In industrial labs, flammable materials are stored in explosion-proof refrigerators and freezers. This equipment requires a unique electrical network to handle high electricity consumption.

5.      Ensure Equipment Maintenance

Equipment with damaged electrical cords, ground connections etc., should be repaired by qualified personnel or replaced immediately.