Mines are one of the most dangerous places to work with electrical power. The risk of electrocution, fire, explosion, and collapse is high, and the consequences can be fatal. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, mining has the highest electrical fatality rate among all industries. Therefore, it is essential to handle construction electrical material in mines safely and efficiently.
Becker Mining USA is a leading provider of electrical solutions for the mining industry. We offer a wide range of products and services, such as power distribution systems, cables, connectors, conduit fittings, enclosures, protective devices, emergency equipment, and more. Our products are designed to meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and reliability and are approved for use in mines. We also provide installation, maintenance, and repair services, as well as training and consulting for our customers. In this article, we will share some best practices for handling construction electrical material in mines, covering three main aspects: installing an electrical system, using equipment, and dealing with equipment damage or emergencies.
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Installing an Electrical System
The first step to ensure safety and efficiency in mines is to install an electrical system properly. Here are some measures to follow:
Grounding: Grounding is the process of connecting the electrical system to the earth to provide a path for excess current to flow safely. Grounding is crucial for preventing electric shocks, fires, and equipment damage. Becker Mining USA offers various grounding solutions, such as ground fault monitors, ground check monitors, ground fault relays and more.
Wiring and Cabling: Wiring and cabling are the components that carry electrical current from the power source to the equipment. They should be heavy-duty, insulated, and resistant to abrasion, moisture, corrosion, heat, and flame. Becker Mining USA offers a variety of wiring and cabling products, such as power cables, control cables, communication cables, fiber optic cables, and more.
Connectors and Conduit Fittings: Connectors and conduit fittings are the components that join wires and cables together or to other devices. They should be insulated and sealed to avoid high resistances, overheating, sparking, arcing, and electric shocks. Becker Mining USA offers a range of connectors and conduit fittings, such as plugs, sockets, couplers, adapters, junction boxes, cable glands, and more.
Enclosures and Sheathing: Enclosures and sheathing are the components that protect wires, cables, connectors, and conduit fittings from physical damage, environmental hazards, and mining by-products. They should be sturdy, waterproof, dustproof, explosion-proof, and corrosion-resistant. Becker Mining USA offers a variety of enclosures and sheathing products, such as metal enclosures, plastic enclosures, cable trays, cable ducts, cable wraps, and more.
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Using Equipment
The second step to ensure safety and efficiency in mines is to use equipment properly. Here are some steps to take:
Compatibility: Compatibility is the ability of different devices to work together without causing problems. Compatibility is critical since using incompatible construction materials or connectors can lead to accidents and injuries. Becker Mining USA ensures compatibility by using clear markings, keyway coding, or padlocks, where unrelated plugs and sockets are coupled.
We also provide custom-made products and services to suit the specific needs of our customers.
Voltage: Voltage is the measure of the electrical potential difference between two points. Voltage determines the amount of current that flows through a circuit and the amount of power that is delivered to the equipment. Voltage should be chosen carefully to match the requirements of the equipment and the environment. Becker Mining USA recommends using low voltage equipment, at or below 50 V ac/120 V dc, where possible, to reduce the risk of electric shocks. We also advise using DC handheld equipment in damp or highly conductive areas to avoid AC hazards. We also take special precautions while using high-voltage equipment, such as isolation, insulation, grounding, and protection.
Protection: Protection is the process of safeguarding the integrity of conductors and insulation to prevent contamination, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, heat, and flame. Protection is vital for ensuring the performance and longevity of the electrical system and equipment. Becker Mining USA provides protection by using protective devices, cable coverings, and conducting screens that are properly sealed and attached. We also offer a range of protection products, such as circuit breakers, fuses, surge arresters, lightning protection, fire suppression, and more.
Authorization: Authorization is the process of granting permission to access or operate the electrical system or equipment. Authorization is important for preventing unauthorized or unqualified workers from making system changes or using equipment incorrectly. Becker Mining USA enforces authorization by using bolted or restrained plugs and sockets to prevent unplugging or plugging in equipment while it is operating. We also use locks, tags, labels, and signs to indicate the status and ownership of the equipment. We also train and certify our workers to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the electrical system and equipment safely and efficiently.
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In a hurry? Call us at 276-285-3841
Contact Us Today!
If you need assistance with your electrical installations, contact our team at Becker Mining USA for more information. Becker Mining USA is always up-to-date with the latest innovations and technologies. Our information on Mining Industry and current mining equipment is intended to be useful. Our equipment are designed to take into account the properties listed above, and they will help you with your mining industry. Contact us now!
Products We Offer:
- Explosion Proof Equipment
- Transformers
- Arc Guard
- Longwall Electrical Systems
- Capacitor Trip Devices
- Electrical Equipments like capacitor banks, switch houses, junctions, and splice boxes.
Power up your productivity with Becker Mining's ground fault relays - the reliable and efficient solution for all your power distribution needs. Call us today!