EC&M On Air How Safety Depends on Power Quality
Jul 29, 2025
Philip Keebler, a seasoned technical advisor at PBE Engineers with over three decades in power quality, discusses the crucial link between power quality and electrical safety. He explains how issues like voltage sags and transients can lead to serious hazards, including arc flashes and equipment failures. Keebler emphasizes the need for proactive design, proper grounding, and effective communication with stakeholders to enhance safety. His insights are particularly vital for mission-critical environments, underscoring the importance of stability and monitoring.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Power Quality Directly Impacts Safety
- Poor power quality like voltage sags, transients, and harmonics directly risks electrical safety in industrial settings.
- These disturbances can cause equipment malfunction, posing hazards like shocks, burns, or amputations to personnel.
Lint Hazard Inside Switchgear
- Philip found switchgear in a nursing home covered with three inches of dryer lint, a serious fire hazard.
- This accumulation was due to a dryer vent unknowingly routed into the electrical room, creating a disaster waiting to happen.
Dust and Oil Explosion Risk
- An aluminum extrusion plant had aluminum dust combined with oil inside electrical cabinets, posing explosion risks.
- Lack of cleaning and maintenance led to a dangerous buildup on conductors and bus bars.