Practical Marine Electrical Knowledge: Program 1. Ships Electrical Systems - Safety and Maintenance

Summary

This program from the VIDEOTEL series introduces a typical 440-volt AC marine electrical system, emphasizing safety and preventive maintenance. Key topics include first-aid procedures for electric shock, the layout of switchboards, and the importance of understanding the main components of electrical systems. It covers the operation of alternators, emergency power supplies, and essential test instruments like multimeters and insulation testers. The program concludes with best practices for maintenance and fault diagnosis, guiding viewers to further resources for a comprehensive understanding of marine electrical systems.

Takeaways

• 🔌 Program 1 of the VIDEOTEL series introduces a typical 440 volt AC marine electrical system, covering essential components and safety procedures.
• ⚡ The Golden Rule of electrical safety is to isolate the circuit by removing supply fuses or locking the circuit-breaker before working on any electrical installation.
• 🛑 Electrical systems on ships must adhere to international safety standards set by the International Convention Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• 🗺️ Familiarity with the layout of the main switchboard, including the emergency switchboard, is crucial for effective troubleshooting during emergencies.
• 🛠️ Key components of a marine electrical system include generators, switchboards, circuit-breakers, transformers, and various instruments for monitoring electrical parameters.
• 🚨 Emergency power is ensured by an emergency diesel alternator, which activates automatically or manually in case of a power failure.
• 🔋 A battery supply must provide a minimum level of emergency lighting, alarms, and communication systems when the mains supply is interrupted.
• 🧰 Test instruments, such as multimeters and insulation resistance testers, are vital for fault diagnosis and must be tested before use to ensure reliability.
• 🔍 Preventive maintenance, based on scheduled inspections and monitoring trends, is essential to avoid costly breakdowns and ensure the longevity of electrical systems.
• 🩹 In case of electric shock, follow the rescue procedure: isolate the supply, remove the victim from contact, check their pupils, and administer external cardiac massage if necessary.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Program 1 in the VIDEOTEL series?

Program 1 focuses on practical marine electrical knowledge, specifically introducing a typical 440 volt AC marine electrical system, first-aid procedures, and preventive maintenance.

What is the Golden Rule of electrical safety mentioned in the program?

The Golden Rule states that before any work is done on an electrical installation, the circuit must be isolated by removing supply fuses or locking the circuit-breaker in the open position to prevent accidental energization.

Why is it important to be familiar with the main and emergency switchboards on a ship?

Familiarity with the switchboards is crucial for effective troubleshooting during blackouts or major breakdowns, as they are central to the ship's electrical distribution.

What are some common components of a marine electrical system identified in the program?

Common components include AC generators (alternators), switchboards, busbars, circuit-breakers, switches, fuses, transformers, motors, and various instruments like voltmeters and ammeters.

How does the program suggest handling an emergency situation involving electric shock?

The program advises switching off the power if possible, safely removing the victim from the source of shock, checking their pupils, clearing the respiratory passage, and performing external cardiac massage and rescue breathing until help arrives.

What types of test instruments are discussed in the program?

The program discusses multimeters, insulation resistance testers, and line testers, emphasizing their role in electrical fault finding and ensuring reliability before use.

What preventive maintenance strategies are highlighted in the program?

Preventive maintenance can be based on time schedules or condition monitoring methods such as insulation resistance trends and vibration monitoring to prevent costly breakdowns.

What is the function of the emergency switchboard?

The emergency switchboard supplies power to essential services during a mains power failure and is typically connected to its own alternator to ensure continued operation of critical systems.

What safety regulations should personnel be familiar with when working with marine electrical systems?

Personnel should be familiar with international safety standards, rescue procedures related to electric shock, and specific safety regulations outlined in the program.

How are the main and emergency switchboards connected to the ship's power supply?

The main switchboard is connected to the generated power from alternators, while the emergency switchboard is usually supplied from the main board but has its own alternator for independent operation during power failures.