Electrical Safety Standards Research Articles

FDA-cleared home sleep apnea testing devices

The demand for home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) devices is escalating, particularly in the context of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The absence of standardized development and verification procedures poses a significant challenge. This study meticulously analyzed the approval process characteristics of HSAT devices by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from September 1, 2003, to September 1, 2023, with a primary focus on ensuring safety and clinical effectiveness. We examined 58 reports out of 1046 that underwent FDA clearance via the 510(k) and de novo pathways. A substantial surge in certifications after the 2022 pandemic was observed. Type-3 devices dominated, signifying a growing trend for both home and clinical use. Key measurement items included respiration and sleep analysis, with the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and sleep stage emerging as pivotal indicators. The majority of FDA-cleared HSAT devices adhered to electrical safety and biocompatibility standards. Critical considerations encompass performance and function testing, usability, and cybersecurity. This study emphasized the nearly indispensable role of clinical trials in ensuring the clinical effectiveness of HSAT devices. Future studies should propose guidances that specify stringent requirements, robust clinical trial designs, and comprehensive performance criteria to guarantee the minimum safety and clinical effectiveness of HSATs.

A review of theoretical frameworks for electrical safety practices in water treatment facilities: Lessons learned from Africa and the United States

This review paper examines the theoretical frameworks guiding electrical safety practices in water treatment facilities, with a focus on comparative analysis between Africa and the United States. It highlights the importance of electrical safety in mitigating risks associated with the operation of these facilities. It underscores the role of regulatory, cultural, economic, and technological factors in shaping safety practices. By analyzing the regulatory context, theoretical approaches, and challenges and opportunities within these regions, the paper identifies best practices and innovative solutions that can inform global standards for electrical safety. The comparative analysis reveals significant differences in regulatory frameworks, the application of theoretical models, and the adoption of safety practices, offering insights into the adaptability and flexibility required to improve electrical safety outcomes globally. The review emphasizes integrating diverse theoretical perspectives and practical experiences to enhance worldwide electrical safety standards and practices in water treatment facilities. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to the development of comprehensive, adaptable, and globally applicable safety frameworks, highlighting the need for international collaboration and knowledge exchange to achieve optimal safety levels across different regions.

A REVIEW OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES IN WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM AFRICA AND THE UNITED STATES

This review paper examines the theoretical frameworks guiding electrical safety practices in water treatment facilities, with a focus on comparative analysis between Africa and the United States. It highlights the importance of electrical safety in mitigating risks associated with the operation of these facilities. It underscores the role of regulatory, cultural, economic, and technological factors in shaping safety practices. By analyzing the regulatory context, theoretical approaches, and challenges and opportunities within these regions, the paper identifies best practices and innovative solutions that can inform global standards for electrical safety. The comparative analysis reveals significant differences in regulatory frameworks, the application of theoretical models, and the adoption of safety practices, offering insights into the adaptability and flexibility required to improve electrical safety outcomes globally. The review emphasizes integrating diverse theoretical perspectives and practical experiences to enhance worldwide electrical safety standards and practices in water treatment facilities. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to the development of comprehensive, adaptable, and globally applicable safety frameworks, highlighting the need for international collaboration and knowledge exchange to achieve optimal safety levels across different regions.
 Keywords: Electrical Safety, Water Treatment Facilities, Comparative Analysis, Global Standards.

Design, Development and Testing of Microcontroller Systems Simulator using PIC Microcontroller

The inadequacy or absence of training equipment negatively impacts student performance, achievement and employability. Attempting to address this problem, the study was conducted to design, develop, fabricate and test a microcontroller systems simulator (MSS). The MSS was composed of the mainboard and development board comprising the PIC microcontroller, microcontroller circuits and input and output devices. The MSS was designed using AutoCAD, schematic design and circuit simulation software, and printed circuit board auto-routing software. A computerized cutting machine, laser laminator and ink printer were also used in the fabrication of the MSS boards. Test results showed that 12 and 24 VDC voltage readings were normal, sensors were working with the indicated specifications, and the MSS could perform automatic switching simulations. It was concluded that the MSS can effectively demonstrate microcontroller experiments and switching applications and it conformed to the required voltage and current ratings, electronics and electrical safety standards. It was also found that it is technically feasible to develop a microcontroller simulator utilizing commercially and locally available materials and spare parts.

Rationale for Parameters of Energy-Saving Illumination inside Agricultural Premises and Method of Its Values Calculation

High-quality lighting of premises in the cultivation of farm animals is an important condition for the successful development of the agro-industrial complex. Sufficient lighting with the simulation of sunrise and sunset which increases daylight hours to 15–16 h can raise the level of production by 8–15%. The most innovative, economical and efficient light source for livestock, poultry and greenhouse buildings are LED lamps allowing for a short payback period. The difference between the models developed by the authors and the traditional point method is taking into account lamp length o, lamp suspension height, location of the illuminated area under the lamp at displacement and observation angles, and luminous flux of light source, and the most important thing is body angle of the light source. This paper presents the method for calculating illumination under the LED lamp due to the large error in the values obtained by theoretical methods due to the lack of a correction factor for changing the illumination of the lamp (0.8). Prediction of crystal heating was carried out by verification calculation in the ANSYS/CFX software package. Forecasting the illumination of the fodder table was carried out by calculation in the DIALux evo software package. The main parameters of an energy-saving LED lamp (power consumption, luminous flux, color temperature and color) were selected. The consumption of electrical energy decreased by 85%; the average level of illumination increased and amounted to 123.1 lux. The developed method for calculating the illumination under the LED lamp can be considered satisfactory, the Student and Fisher criteria do not exceed tabular values and the correlation coefficient showed a close relationship. To comply with electrical safety standards in the premises, a resonant power supply system for LED lamps is offered.

Wireless networks of injectable microelectronic stimulators based on rectification of volume conducted high frequency currents

Objective. To develop and in vivo demonstrate threadlike wireless implantable neuromuscular microstimulators that are digitally addressable. Approach. These devices perform, through its two electrodes, electronic rectification of innocuous high frequency current bursts delivered by volume conduction via epidermal textile electrodes. By avoiding the need of large components to obtain electrical energy, this approach allows the development of thin devices that can be intramuscularly implanted by minimally invasive procedures such as injection. For compliance with electrical safety standards, this approach requires a minimum distance, in the order of millimeters or a very few centimeters, between the implant electrodes. Additionally, the devices must cause minimal mechanical damage to tissues, avoid dislocation and be adequate for long-term implantation. Considering these requirements, the implants were conceived as tubular and flexible devices with two electrodes at opposite ends and, at the middle section, a hermetic metallic capsule housing the electronics. Main results. The developed implants have a submillimetric diameter (0.97 mm diameter, 35 mm length) and consist of a microcircuit, which contains a single custom-developed integrated circuit, housed within a titanium capsule (0.7 mm diameter, 6.5 mm length), and two platinum–iridium coils that form two electrodes (3 mm length) located at opposite ends of a silicone body. These neuromuscular stimulators are addressable, allowing to establish a network of microstimulators that can be controlled independently. Their operation was demonstrated in an acute study by injecting a few of them in the hind limb of anesthetized rabbits and inducing controlled and independent contractions. Significance. These results show the feasibility of manufacturing threadlike wireless addressable neuromuscular stimulators by using fabrication techniques and materials well established for chronic electronic implants. Although long-term operation still must be demonstrated, the obtained results pave the way to the clinical development of advanced motor neuroprostheses formed by dense networks of such wireless devices.

Engaging Safety Professionals in Electrical Safety Topics: A Survey of Decision-Making Processes, Best Practices, and Industry Challenges

Electrical hazards are found in nearly every workplace, yet many safety professionals are not equipped with the background necessary to navigate some of the technical issues required to mitigate them. This creates challenges when implementing electrical safety programs and when making sure electrical hazards are addressed with the priority they deserve. A survey of more than 450 manufacturing professionals was conducted to better understand the state of electrical safety at facilities across a wide representation of industries. It examined topics such as how frequently electrical incidents and near misses were reported, personnel?s comfort level with identifying electrical hazards, and responsibility for electrical safety training, budgets, and decisions. Challenges to implementing electrical safety programs, technology, and other important considerations when making purchases were investigated. Familiarity with various electrical safety standards, organizations, and methodologies, along with where safety professionals are seeking information, was measured.

Variable spot size optical system for a dual-wavelength laser therapy device

The majority of existing high-power laser therapeutic instruments employ a single wavelength for a single target; thus, they do not meet the requirements for clinical treatment. Therefore, this study designs an optical system for a dual-wavelength high-power laser therapeutic device with a variable spot size. The waist of the short arm of the optical cavity and the G1G2 parameter (G-parameter equivalent cavity method) is calculated using MATLAB software, the spot size and divergence angle on the lens are calculated using an ABCD matrix, and the distance between the treatment spot at different spot sizes and the transformation lens is calculated in order to design the treatment handpiece. Experiments are conducted to analyze the stability at an output power of 532 nm before beam combination and the power loss after beam combination. The results show that the output power stability of the 532-nm beam varies by less than 2% over 150 min, and the loss of both wavelengths is less than 20%, which meets the clinical requirements of the system. The safety performance can meet the requirements of national general standards for medical electrical safety. The proposed dual-wavelength laser therapy instrument has both visible wave and near-infrared wave characteristics; thus, it can accurately target both superficial vessels and vessels with a larger diameter and deeper position. This therapeutic device has the advantages of simple operation, stable and reliable laser output, high security and strong anti-interference ability, and meets the comprehensive clinical treatment demands of vascular diseases.

Burn wounds after electrical injury in a bathtub: a case report

BackgroundIncreased smartphone use among minors makes our population more prone to electrical injury. Despite regulations on electrical home safety standards, smartphones and chargers still pose a risk for severe injury among users.Case presentationWe present a case of a patient with low-voltage electrical burns due to smartphone use in a bathtub. The 13-year-old Caucasian patient was using a smartphone plugged into the electrical grid while taking a bath. We report the burns and their treatment. We discuss the likely burn mechanism.ConclusionsBurn wounds after electrical injury due to smartphone use are rare. The presented case shows the danger of smartphone use in bathtubs.

Effective Electrical Safety Program Training in Multi-Lingual/Cultural Environments

The worlds’ global economy presents many challenges for companies seeking to establish a consistent electrical safety program. Immigration into the US has resulted in a workforce where English is not the first language. As well, foreign upbringing and schooling bring cultural and experiential differences from US nationals that can lead to very different paradigms and interpretation of programs and training. Alternatively, US companies attempting to establish a global presence in foreign locations can be met with an even more pronounced multi-lingual/cultural challenge. Many foreign cultures do not embrace electrical safety standards or do not have any significant enforcement toward the same. Western corporate cultures attempting to establish an electrical safety culture in foreign locations are often met with significant barriers. These barriers include multinational workforces utilizing labor from multiple impoverished countries with separate languages and cultures. Developing effective training programs that successfully impart the necessary safety requirements for skills and knowledge can be a seemingly insurmountable task. Many imported expat laborers from impoverished areas of the world feel they are expendable and uncared for, and expect to work unsafe and be treated poorly. These workers bring with them a lack of basic safety understanding and awareness due to the conditions that may exist in their original home country. This paper discusses some of the techniques utilized to overcome the above-mentioned barriers in electrical safety training. Chief among these techniques is creating an interactive environment between the trainer and all of the individuals—ensuring that no cultural group or individual fails to grasp the necessary electrical safety understanding due to a language or cultural barrier or combination of the two. Discussed is the use of workshops, hands-on exercises, prizes, contests, and a respect for culture, that are used to break down the walls.

High Impedance Electrical Accidents: Importance of Source and Subject Impedance.

We used the following methodology for analyzing such cases: (1) Determine body pathway, (2) Estimate body pathway impedance, (3) Determine source voltage, (4) Determine source impedance, (5) Calculate delivered current using total pathway impedance, and (6) Ignore available current as it is largely confounding in most cases. We analyzed 6 difficult cases using the above methodology. This includes 2 subtle situations involving pairs of matched case-control subjects where a subject was electrocuted while his work partner was not. Careful calculations of the amplitude and duration of the shock is required for understanding the limits and potential causation of such electrical injury. This requires the determination of both the source and body pathway impedance. Available current is usually irrelevant and overemphasized.

Clinical practice guidelines for the provision of renal service in Hong Kong: Accreditation of Renal Unit

Clinical practice guidelines for the provision of renal service in Hong Kong: Accreditation of Renal Unit

Providing safety at the presence of arc flash hazard risk in the high voltage equipment

The hazards of electric arcs in Bulgarian norms, as the Regulations on Health and Safety at work in electrical installations of electrical and thermal power stations and electric power lines and Ordinance №9 on the technical operation of power stations and electric power lines mainly govern the safety at work with high-voltage equipment, are not subject to a special section. NFPA 70E Standards for electrical safety in the Workplace requires to assess whether there are arc-dangers; to calculate the energy released by the arc; to define the permissible arc protection boundaries; to provide adequate personal protective equipment and to label the equipment. The aim of the paper is to summarize the Bulgarian requirements connected somehow with the flash hazard, to compares similarities can be found in approaches to ensuring electrical safety with those of international standards.

Cardiac and skeletal muscle effects of electrical weapons : A review of human and animal studies.

Conducted Electrical Weapons (CEWs) are being used as the preferred non-lethal force option for police and special forces worldwide. This new technology challenges an exposed opponent similarly to the way they would be challenged by physical exercise combined with emotional stress. While adrenergic and metabolic effects have been meta-analyzed and reviewed, there has been no systematic review of the effects of CEWs on skeletal and cardiac muscle. A systematic and careful search of the MedLine database was performed to find publications describing pathophysiological cardiac and skeletal muscle effects of CEWs. For skeletal muscle effects, we analyzed all publications providing changes in creatine kinase, myoglobin and potassium. For cardiac effects, we analyzed reported troponin changes and arrhythmias related to short dart-to-heart-distances. Conducted electrical weapons satisfy all relevant electrical safety standards and there are, to date, no proven electrocution incidents caused by CEWs. A potential cardiovascular risk has been recognized by some of the experimental animal data. The effects on the heart appear to be limited to instances when there is a short dart-to-heart-distance. The effect on the skeletal muscle system appears to be negligible. A responsible use of a CEW on a healthy adult, within the guidelines proposed by the manufacturer, does not imply a significant health risk for that healthy adult.

An aircraft gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer System for Organic Fast Identification Analysis (SOFIA): design, performance and a case study of Asian monsoon pollution outflow

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important for global air quality and oxidation processes in the troposphere. In addition to ground-based measurements, the chemical evolution of such species during transport can be studied by performing in situ airborne measurements. Generally, aircraft instrumentation needs to be sensitive, robust and sample at higher frequency than ground-based systems while their construction must comply with rigorous mechanical and electrical safety standards. Here, we present a new System for Organic Fast Identification Analysis (SOFIA), which is a custom-built fast gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system with a time resolution of 2–3 min and the ability to quantify atmospheric mixing ratios of halocarbons (e.g. chloromethanes), hydrocarbons (e.g isoprene), oxygenated VOCs (acetone, propanal, butanone) and aromatics (e.g. benzene, toluene) from sub-ppt to ppb levels. The relatively high time resolution is the result of a novel cryogenic pre-concentration unit which rapidly cools (∼ 6 °C s−1) the sample enrichment traps to −140 °C, and a new chromatographic oven designed for rapid cooling rates (∼ 30 °C s−1) and subsequent thermal stabilization. SOFIA was installed in the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) for the Oxidation Mechanism Observations (OMO) campaign in August 2015, aimed at investigating the Asian monsoon pollution outflow in the tropical upper troposphere. In addition to a comprehensive instrument characterization we present an example monsoon plume crossing flight as a case study to demonstrate the instrument capability. Hydrocarbon, halocarbon and oxygenated VOC data from SOFIA are compared with mixing ratios of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4), used to define the pollution plume. By using excess (ExMR) and normalized excess mixing ratios (NEMRs) the pollution could be attributed to two air masses of distinctly different origin, identified by back-trajectory analysis. This work endorses the use of SOFIA for aircraft operation and demonstrates the value of relatively high-frequency, multicomponent measurements in atmospheric chemistry research.

Safety Analysis of Grounding Resistance with Depth of Water for Floating PVs

Underwater grounding methods could be applied in deep water for grounding a floating PV (photovoltaic) system. However, the depth at which the electrodes should be located is a controversial subject. In this study, grounding resistance was measured for the first time by analyzing the water temperature at different water depths in an area where a floating PV system is installed. The theoretical calculation of the grounding resistance has a maximum error range of 8% compared to the experimentally measured data. In order to meet the electrical safety standards of a floating PV system, a number of electrodes were connected in parallel. In addition, the distance between electrodes and number of electrodes were considered in the test to obtain a formula for the grounding resistance. In addition, the coefficient of corrosion was obtained from an electrode installed underwater a year ago, and it was added to the formula. Through this analysis, it is possible to predict the grounding resistance prior to installing the floating PV system. Furthermore, the electrical safety of the floating PV system could be achieved by considering the seasonal changes in water temperature.

New conducted electrical weapons: Electrical safety relative to relevant standards.

We have previously published about TASER® conducted electrical weapons (CEW) compliance with international standards. CEWs deliver electrical pulses that can inhibit a person's neuromuscular control or temporarily incapacitate. An eXperimental Rotating-Field (XRF) waveform CEW and the X2 CEW are new 2-shot electrical weapon models designed to target a precise amount of delivered charge per pulse. They both can deploy 1 or 2 dart pairs, delivered by 2 separate cartridges. Additionally, the XRF controls delivery of incapacitating pulses over 4 field vectors, in a rotating sequence. As in our previous study, we were motivated by the need to understand the cardiac safety profile of these new CEWs. The goal of this paper is to analyze the nominal electrical outputs of TASER XRF and X2 CEWs in reference to provisions of all relevant international standards that specify safety requirements for electrical medical devices and electrical fences. Although these standards do not specifically mention CEWs, they are the closest electrical safety standards and hence give very relevant guidance. The outputs of several TASER XRF and X2 CEWs were measured under normal operating conditions. The measurements were compared against manufacturer specifications. CEWs electrical output parameters were reviewed against relevant safety requirements of UL 69, IEC 60335-2-76 Ed 2.1, IEC 60479-1, IEC 60479-2, AS/NZS 60479.1, AS/NZS 60479.2, IEC 60601-1 and BS EN 60601-1. Our study confirmed that the nominal electrical outputs of TASER XRF and X2 CEWs lie within safety bounds specified by relevant standards.

Study for Human body protection method caused by induction effect in the wireless power transfer environment

The wireless power transfer system has been actively developed to improve the degree of freedom and usability of maintenance of conventional transfer system. Power transmitting wirelessly using the electromagnetic wave can be applied at various field, for example mobile application, electrical vehicle, robot industry and medical application etc. However, the induction effect occurring beside the source and the collector during the wireless power transfer can make the electrical and heating hazardous situation, specially the induction current made from the close loop by touching or brushing at the induced conductive part can cause the electrical shock. Therefore, the electrical safety standards and technologies should be developed for the wireless power transfer environment. In this paper, we carry out a study of the induction effect to solving the above problems. We considered the special case suitable for the new frequency condition and studied the safety distance and angle for reducing the induction effect based on electromagnetic wave characteristics.

Analysis of contruction problems about HFIX and Study of improvement method on Electric Wire and Cable in Low Voltage Electric Equipment of Integrated Test-site Based on IEC 60364

The KS was corresponded to international standard IEC about main electrical equipment(cable, circuit breaker, etc) following 1995 WTO/TBT agreement. ‘Korean Low voltage Electric equipment of integrated test-site study’ also corresponded to international standard and was reflected in Electro-technical regulation in order that advance and unify the electrical safety standards. It was also included in electrical safety verification about engineering and construction, inspection. Managing department of Korea electric association and participating institution of Korea electrical contractors association are fulfilling study after received government support. Main contents of the study included that evaluate the suitability of IEC 60364 about test-site and make suitable environment, undertake test. It also find problems and solutions when correspond international standard stage. Among cable tray, earthing, cable, this thesis will analysis the HFIX(Halogen Free Flame Retardant Poly Olefin Insulation Wire) problem and suggest some of improvement methods(ie. HIV KS standard establish, group quality certification).

A Selecting Method on Electric Wire and Cable in Low Voltage Electric Equipment of Integrated Test-site Based on IEC60364

Korea adopted the international standard that applies prepared evidence about IEC 60364 to 2005 electro-technical regulation following WTO/TBT(World Trade Organization/Technical berriers to trade) agreement. ‘Korean Low voltage Electric equipment of integrated test-site study’ carries out Low volatage equipment’s engineering and construction, inspection based on IEC 60364 in order that advance and unify the electrical safety standards.(managing department : the Korea electric association / participating institution : the Korea electrical contractors association)BR This research analyzed and evaluated electric wire and cable that based on IEC60364 standard in low voltage electric equipment integrated test site through EMTP(Electro Magnetic Transient Program), EAC(Ecodial Advance Calculation) and Amtech Prodesign. We also suggested improvement methods that adjusted the circuit breaker and conductor cross-section area of L-1A, L-MDF by the regulation of upper standard. Especially, we reinforced additional verification that add EAC and Prodesign method on to existing research.