QUALITY POLICY

“We at RDSO, Lucknow are committed to maintain and update

transparent standards of services to develop safe, modern and cost
effective railway technology complying with statutory and regulatory
requirements, through excellence in research, designs and standards
by setting quality objectives, commitment to satisfy applicable
requirements and continual improvements of the quality management
system to cater to growing needs, demand and expectations of
passenger and freight traffic on the railways through periodic review of
quality management systems to achieve continual improvement and
customer appreciation. It is communicated and applied within the
organization and making it available to all the relevant interested
parties.”
CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 6

2 IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AUDIT ...................................................................................... 6

3 REFERENCES OF CODES & STANDARDS FOR AUDITING.................................................. 7

4 SCOPE OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT............................................................................ 7

4.1 Pre Audit .......................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Visual Inspection .............................................................................................................. 9

4.3 Measurements and Testing ............................................................................................. 10

4.4 Thermography of Installation .......................................................................................... 11

4.5 Analysis of Observations ................................................................................................ 12

4.6 Report preparation & Recommendations......................................................................... 12

Annexure-B Pre-Audit Format .................................................................................................. 15

Annexure-B1 Detail of MDB/ LT Panel/ Emergency Panel/ DB ..................................................... 16

Annexure-B2 Detail of FDB/Emergency FDB ............................................................................... 17

Annexure-1.1 Visual Inspection of Switch Room ........................................................................ 18

Annexure-1.2 Visual Inspection of Room ................................................................................... 20

Annexure-1.3 Coordination between conductor & Protective Device for Over load Protection ...... 22

Annexure-1.4 Coordination between Load & Protective Device ................................................... 23

Annexure-2.1 Continuity Test .................................................................................................... 24

Annexure-2.2 Insulation Resistance Test ................................................................................... 25

Annexure-2.3 Fault Loop Impedance and Prospective Fault Current ............................................ 26

Annexure-2.4 RCCB Test ........................................................................................................... 28

Annexure-2.5 Polarity Test ........................................................................................................ 28

Annexure-2.6 Load Unbalancing Test ........................................................................................ 29

ISSUE OF CORRECTION SLIP

The correction slips to be issued in future for this handbook will be numbered as follows:

CAMTECH/EL/2022-23/ Vol.6-Audit/1.0/C.S # XX date---

Where “XX” is the serial number of the concerned correction slip (starting from 01 onwards).

Sr. No. Date of Issue Page no. & Item no. modified Remarks
DISCLAIMER
It is clarified that the information given in this booklet does not supersede
any existing provisions of Indian Standards (IS) on the subject, related
matters, and other existing provisions laid down by the Railway Board,
RDSO. This is not a statuary document and instructions given are for the
purpose of guidance only. If at any point contradiction is observed, then
Indian Standards, regulations issued by Government bodies, Railway
Board/RDSO guidelines shall be referred.

OBJECTIVE OF PUBLICATION
To prepare guidelines which can educate the Indian Railway (IR) engineers and
technicians dealing with low voltage electrical installations and other IR officials
about various provisions given in IS standards pertaining to IS 3043-2018, IS
732:2019 & other codes.
SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

1 INTRODUCTION

Indian Railways is having a vast network of Low Voltage (LV) installations and these
installations are having a direct contact with general public, Railway staff and their families.
It is desirable to inspect and implement the safety provisions as per Standards in these LV
Installations to ensure safety at large. Railway Board also directed to carry out Electrical
Safety Audits of Low Voltage Installations over Indian Railways vide Railway Board’s letter
no. 2021/EEM/113/1 dated 18.10.2022. Further Regulation 12 (1), Chapter III of CEAR-
2010 or latest also states:
“All electric supply lines and apparatus shall be of sufficient rating for power, insulation and
estimated fault current and of sufficient mechanical strength, for the duty cycle which they
may be required to perform under the environmental conditions of installation, and shall be
constructed, installed, protected, worked and maintained in such a manner as to ensure
safety of human beings, animals and property”.

Electrical hazards continue to threaten safety of people and property in the form of shocks,
burns, injury, fire and explosion. Sometimes we witness fire incidents reported due to
electrical short circuits which is a very serious matter and due to ignorance of rules and
regulations, this may happen anywhere at any time because, electricity cannot be smelt,
heard or seen.

Electrical safety audit is a mechanism to examine the healthiness of the electrical

installations, their protection systems and effectiveness during fault conditions. It is also a
way of ensuring the implementation of various norms and provisions instructed by Indian
Standards, Codes and Regulations.

2 IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AUDIT

It is of utmost importance to handle the electricity adopting correct procedure and to use
proper protective devices, conductor and equipment and observation of the safely aspects
to minimize possibilities of electrical accidents.

Periodic inspection and testing of an electrical installation is an imperative activity, to

maintain the Electrical systems in safe condition. Electrical safety audit mainly constitutes
inspection and testing activity. Electrical Safety Audit brings out the non-compliances of

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

safety provision of an Electrical installation to the owner/ management, detects the incipient
faults in the system, so that corrective actions can be initiated to avoid the major mishap.

Risk assessment of the installations and attention to high risk area can be done during
safety audits. The concept of SAFETY audit may be adopted for new installations as well as
for existing installations and following are the main objects:
1. Personnel Safety
2. Installation/ Equipment Safety

3 REFERENCES OF CODES & STANDARDS FOR AUDITING

The Electrical safety audit is based on the following for general & specific installation
requirements:

1. CAMTECH, Gwalior Publications under the Series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage
Installations”
i volume-1: Basics of LV Earthing System
ii volume-2: Selection and Application of LV Protective Devices
iii volume-3: Inspection of Electrical LV Installations
iv volume-4: Testing of Electrical LV Installations
v Volume-5: Selection of Power Cables in Electrical LV Installations
2. IS 3043-2018: Code of Practice for Earthing (Second Revision).
3. IS 732-2019: Code of Practice for Electrical Wiring Installations (Fourth Revision)
4. National Electrical Code 2022 or Latest
5. National Building Code 2016.
6. Central Electricity Authority Regulations 2010 or latest

4 SCOPE OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT

The scope of Electrical Safety Audit should be well defined, so that the objectives are well
achieved. Electrical Safety Audit is broadly divided into following major parts namely:
i Pre Audit and Installation details
ii Visual Inspection and Circuit identification
iii Measurements and Testing
iv Thermography of Installation
v Analysis of Observations
vi Report preparation & Recommendations

It is recommended to provide resources, manpower and permissions required for Safety

Audit.

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

4.1 Pre Audit

Pre Audit is the first step in safety audit and exchange of information with installation
representative, this mainly consists of understanding the installation and collecting the
details like single line diagram of installation, electrical safety systems and verification of
documents related to electrical safety should be done. These details would be helpful to the
audit team in inspection & certification.

Typical activities/Items of pre audit include:

a. Check the type of system earthing provisions (like TN, TT or IT etc.) used in supply
system of installation.
b. Check the Electrical single line diagram (as built) of Installations. If this is not available,
ask the installation in-charge to arrange it.
c. Details of Sanctioned load, maximum demand, Average power factor etc. should be
collected.
d. Review of building category classification as IS 732 table 7 for external Influences, to
check the provision of protection to limit fire propagation and protection against
thermal effects. Building category covers the conditions of evacuation in an
emergency, locations with Risks of Fire due to the Nature of Processed or Stored
Materials etc.
e. Collect and check the details of major electrical equipment like capacity, rated power,
operating voltage, duty cycle, year of installation etc. to access the risk involved due to
duty cycle, aging etc.
f. Check the details of additions/ expansions done in the premises especially electrical
installation, and also to ask for any planned or due if any.
g. Take overview of electrical maintenance system like preventive maintenance
schedules, documentation, check lists, work permit, formats etc. Check the findings
during preventive maintenance like frequently failed items, breakdown frequency etc.
h. Review of previous electrical accidents occurred in installation and their findings/ root
causes. This will help in accessing accident prone locations/ circuits and to suggest
corrective actions.
i. Review the electrical safety practices in the system. Procedure of isolation, lock out tag
out practices, personal protective equipment etc.
j. Details of available tools and Machines/ plants required for preventive and break down
maintenance with calibration details (if required)
k. Check the provisions for Medical emergency/ first aid box, fire safety arrangements
etc.
l. Check the provision of Building lightning protection system (Yes/ No).
m. Check the qualifications, experience and training needs for the personnel responsible
for electrical maintenance.

Pre-audit proforma is attached as annexure in this booklet, in which all basic details of
installation are given which are to be audited. ANNEXURE-MDB/LT Panel /Emergency Panel
& ANNEXURE-FDB/Emergency FDB are also attached with this proforma.

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

4.2 Visual Inspection

During this phase, Audit team shall do thorough visual inspection at the installation. Visual
Inspection to be done as per formats which are made with reference to statutory
regulations, Indian Standards and the best engineering practices keeping in mind the safety
of the people and the installation.

Visual Inspection comprises of following sections/Items:

a. Incoming Supply details including switchgears/cables
b. System earthing & protective earthing.
c. Electrical room Panels / Main Distribution board(s)
d. Distribution board(s) if available
e. Final Distribution board(s)
f. Final circuits/ equipment / rooms
g. Locations containing wet areas (like bath or shower)
h. Emergency Lighting provisions if applicable
i. Power supplies to Fire alarm systems and Public address systems if applicable
j. Lightening protection provision (Yes/ No)
k. General Illumination for ease of maintenance / inspection
l. Labelling no. for circuits for easy identification, if not available, same may be done as
given in volume-3.
m. Danger Marking

During this stage, the incoming electrical supply receiving section (Electrical panel
Room/MDBs) is inspected first. Then other electrical equipment in this section are to be
inspected. The technical requirements of incoming cables, ACBs, MCCBs/MCBs, DBs,
circuitry, earthing system and Lightening protection, maintenance condition, loose cabling,
temporary wiring, risk of electrical fire, shock potential etc., are critically looked into. This
process is to be followed upto final circuits/ equipment.

All the relevant maintenance documentation, test records, electrical records, earlier
inspection reports are subjected to detailed examination. All the relevant drawings
(electrical single line diagram, earthing layout, protection system schematic, equipment
layout, etc.) are also checked against actual installation and commented upon, with
reference to applicable standards. Discussion with asset in-charge, maintenance personnel
shall also be carried out with during the field visit.

For many other points which are required to be checked for specialized installations, the
users can refer CAMTECH booklet on “safety in Low voltage installations Vol-3 Inspection
of LV Electrical Installation”.

Asset incharge should ensure that labelling is done as per annexure given in volume-3 by
proper means like stickers/Markers.

The Formats provided here are for guidance and more points may be added as per
requirement keeping in mind electrical safety aspects.

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

4.3 Measurements and Testing

After visual inspection, measurements and testing of installation should be carried out. Fault
loop impedance, insulation resistance of cables/ circuits, polarity, phase sequence, earth
electrode resistance etc., are required to assess the condition and suitability of protective
switch gears. The details of different tests, testing procedures, precautions and methods
are given in the CAMTECH booklet Vol-4 “Testing of LV Electrical Installation” under the
series of publications on safety in Low voltage installations.

The following tests shall be carried out where relevant and should preferably be made in the
following sequence:

Table 1: Test Sequence

S.N. Test Test execution before / after Supply
connected
1 Continuity of conductors Tests before the supply is connected or in
supply OFF condition
2 Insulation resistance of the electrical
installation
3 Automatic disconnection of supply
(i) Earth electrode resistance test Tests before the supply is connected or in
supply OFF condition
(ii) Earth fault loop impedance test Tests with the electrical supply connected
4 Additional protection (ELCB/RCCB)
Test
5 Earth leakage test
6 Voltage drop test
7 Load unbalancing Test
8 N-E voltage test
9 Test of the order of the phases
10 Functional and operational tests
11i Polarity test (continuity Tests before the supply is connected or in
measurement) supply OFF condition
11 ii Polarity test Tests with the electrical supply connected

Measurement and Test results should be filled in respective formats.

The following testing and measuring instruments should be available with Audit team:
a. Multifunction meter with facility to measure AC current. (clamp meter)
b. Earth resistance tester
c. Earth leakage tester
d. Insulation resistance tester
e. RCCB tester
f. Loop impedance tester/ Installation Tester

Note: Insulation resistance shall be checked as per site conditions & Power isolation timings
for Panel/ DBs.

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

4.4 Thermography of Installation

Thermography is viewing of thermal images of objects/connections under load through

sensing of infrared radiation emitted by them. Thermography is a part of preventive &
predictive maintenance technique. Thermal imaging of an electrical apparatus gives heat
flow in terms of temperature gradients. Through this, present loading condition, abnormal
working condition can be detected and failure/damage can be prevented. It is carried out by
Infrared camera which are generally available in division with TRD department.

Actual Images Thermal Images

The thermal imaging of the major load centres like complete MDBs, DBs, SDBs, joints,
termination points, etc. should be carried out by Thermovision camera. It shall be ensured
that complete assembly is examined rather than individual equipment since the analysis is
based on relative temperature of sub-components and not on ambient temperature. The
checking should preferably be carried out when there is load on the concerned circuit.

Limit for Temperature variation & duration for rectification of issue is given below.

Variation of temperature compare with adjacent/ nearby similar Duration for

S.No.
components rectification
i. >20 °C 24 Hours
ii. 10°C - 20 °C 02 Days
iii. 5°C - 10°C 05 Days
iv. < 5°C Normal

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

4.5 Analysis of Observations

Post visual Inspection, measurements, Testing and thermography results are compiled in
respective formats. These formats provide information about the all electrical parameters
which help in analysing the healthiness of the installation. This analysis lists out the
immediate or time bound action plan to be taken for attending certain improper or non-
standard electrical conditions or practices.

The Analysis of details collected during visual Inspection, measurements, Testing and
thermography to be done and shall be analysed for following criteria:
 Suitability of protection devices with reference to fault loop impedance and tripping
characteristics to ensure automatic disconnection of supply in case of faults
 Coordination of protective devices with size of Conductors and cables for short circuit
and overload conditions.
 Proper location of protective devices
 Availability & working of RCCB.
 Earthing system and equipotential bonding
 Availability of earth connection in every socket.
 Damages in the cables/wires, loose connections and unsecured joints
 Correct type of equipment (class 1 or class 2) and their plug connections.
 Thermal images to identify hot spots/ loose connections and action required.
 Damages due to Thermal effect in installations and precautions their off.
 bypassing of fuses/MCBs/ELCBs
 Storage of combustible materials near the Electrical panels/UPS/Battery if any.
 Sealing of ducts/voids to prevent fire propagation
 Electrical Panel installations / locations / clearances
 Mismatch in the as built drawings and actual installations
 Photos of the defective installations

4.6 Report preparation & Recommendations

The detailed ‘ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT REPORT’ should also be prepared and submitted
to the In-charge Officer of the Installation within the specific period. This Audit report should
be prepared after detailed analysis based on the visual inspection & test reports.

This Audit report should also provide detailed report of the electrical installation comprising
photographic illustrations of the actual conditions of the installations, thermal imaging,
factual details about the Electrical parameters of the installation, issues requiring immediate
attention and recommendations to overcome defects and to improve the level of safety in
electrical installations.

Electrical Installation audit report should be in following structure:

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

a. Cover page having details as per Annexure-A

b. Introduction and scope of Safety Audit
c. Pre Audit proforma with details as per Annexure-B
d. Visual inspection proforma (Annexure-1.1 to 1.4) with observations &
recommendations.
e. Testing proforma (Annexure-2.1 to 2.6) with observations & recommendations
f. Thermography results with photographs if done
g. Summary including final observations & recommendations.

This report shall be presented/ discussed with the officer in-charge (preferably in presence
of personnel responsible for electrical maintenance).

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Annexure-A

For the Cover Page of the Audit Report

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT REPORT

INSTALLATION DETAILS

ZONAL RAILWAYS: …………………………………………………………………

DIVISION/ UNIT: …………………………………………………………………

INSTALLATION NAME: …………………………………………………………………

LOCATION: …………………………………………………………………

INSTALLATION INCHARGE: …………………………………………………………………

AUDIT DETAILS

AUDIT TEAM LEADER: …………………………………………………………

AUDIT TEAM OTHER MEMBERS: …………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………

AUDIT CONDUCTED ON: ………………………………………………………………

REPORT SUBMITTED ON: ………………………………………………………………

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Annexure-B
Pre-Audit Format

S.N. Item Description

1 Name of Installation
2 Name/ Designation of Installation Incharge
3 Type of Installation (Office/ Qtr./ Station/ Other
building)
4 Number of Floors in Building
5 Number of Rooms
6 Building Category (check para --- booklet
inspection)
7 Sanctioned Load (In KW)
8 Maximum Demand (In KW)
9 Average Power Factor
10 Type of Load
11 Single line diagram of Installation (Available or not)
12 Number of Switch Room/Electrical Panel Room in
Building
13 Number of total MDB in switch room
14 Detail of each MDB as per Annexure-MDB
15 Number of Distribution Board (DB)
16 Detail of each DB as per Annexure-DB
17 Number of Sub Distribution Board
18 Detail of each SDB as per Annexure-SDB
19 Emergency supply available or not
20 Fire Protection arrangement available or not
21 Type of System Earting (TT/TN-S/TN-C-S)
22 Major Load (type & capcaity in KW)
23 Building lightning protection system
24 Any previous audit done or not
25 Review of past accident
26 Any other Point

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Annexure-B1
Detail of MDB/ LT Panel/ Emergency Panel/ DB
1 Sr. No. of MDB/LT Panel/Emergency Panel/DB
2 Year of Commissioning
3 Wall Mounted or Floor Mounted
4 Height from floor
5 IP protection
6 Bus Bar Type (Copper/Aluminium)
7 Size of Bus Bar (Width x Thickness)
8 Detail of feeder as per below detail
Type (ACB/ Cable connected to circuit
MCCB /MCB/ Breaking If MCCB than Installation
Rating No. of Detail of location
Name of Feeder Fuse/ Capacity fixed/
in Amp. Poles of DB/FDB/ Load Type/ Size
Approximately Method (to be
Changeover (In KA) variable type Core Length checked as per
switch) Vol.5
(i) Incoming
(ii) Bus Coupler
(iii) Change over
switch
(iv) Outgoing Circuit
No.1(X1)
(v) Outgoing Circuit
No.2 (X2)
(vi) Outgoing Circuit
No.3 (X3)
(vii) Outgoing Circuit
No.4 (X4)

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Annexure-B2
Detail of FDB/Emergency FDB
1 Sr. No. of FDB/ Emergency FDB
2 Year of Commissioning
3 IP protection
4 Type (Copper /Aluminium) Bus Bar
5 Size of Bus Bar (Width Thickness)
6 Detail of feeder as per below detail
Name of Connection Type Rating No. of Breaking Detail of Wire connected to Load/MS Box
Feeder load (In KW) (MCCB / in Amp. Poles Capacity location
MCB/ (In KA) of Load Type Size Length Installation
Fuse/) from feeder Method (to
to Load be checked
as per Vol.5
(i) Incoming
(ii) Circcuit-1
(iii) Circcuit-2
(iv) Circcuit-3
(v) Circcuit-4

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Annexure-1.1

Visual Inspection of Switch Room

Name or Sr.No of SWITCH ROOM:

Sr.N. Description Observation Recommendation

A Switch Room
1 Whether Single Line Diagram (SLD) for complete
Installation available & Displayed
2 Whether Electric shock treatment chart are displayed?
3 Fire Extinguisher Operation chart are displayed?
4 Whether emergency contact numbers of nearest Fire
station, Hospital, etc. are displayed
5 Weather electrical danger plate/sticker (fig of skull &
cross bones, 440V / 230V) is provided on Main
Electrical Panel/ Outside electrical room
6 Safety equipment / materials like Fire extinguishers,
Hand Gloves, PPE First aid box etc. are available
7 Are Fire extinguishers mentioned refilled and inspected
regularly?
If yes, mention Date of last refilling
8 Whether the previous audit/inspection is done If yes,
mention Date of Inspection
Status of compliance of Last audit Observations
9 Whether proper arrangement for ventilation for the
switch room
10 Whether lighting is provided in switch room is
sufficient/adequate for easy operation & maintenance
works.
11 Whether Emergency light is provided
12 Whether Water Seepage is observed in switch room
13 Whether File/paper, old material or any other scrap are
stored in switch room
14 Whether cable trench is sealed to avoid entry of any
rodents/raptiles.
B MDB/LT Panel
15 Whether MDBs/LT Panels are available for both supply
(Emergency & Main Supply)
16 If yes separate MDB/LT Panel for main or emergency
sypply (separate DBs/LT Panels or combined MDB/LT
Panel for both supply)
17 Any sign Overheating or burn marks available inside
MDB/LT Panel
18 Whether Equipment of MDB panel are properly marked.
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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Sr.N. Description Observation Recommendation

19 Whether cable connected are under mechanical stress
or not.
20 Whether cables are terminated using glands and lugs
of correct type/size and properly dressed,
21 All meters like voltmeter/Ammeter/Energy meter are
working properly
22 Clearance of LT panel from wall
23 Whether trench for cables are available or not
If yes covers are provided over trench for protection of
working personnel against accidental fall
24 Whether cable trench is sealed to avoid entry of any
rodents/raptiles.
25 Spare cable entry/exit holes are sealed or not
26 whether Insulating Rubber mats are provided at
MDB/LT panel working areas conforming to IS 15652
(Ref: Para 4.12 of Section 22 of NEC SP30:2022)
27 Whether Clear space of at least 1m in width provided in
front of MDB/LA Panel (Ref: Para 4.12 of Section 22 of
NEC SP30:2022)
28 Whether mechanical and electrical interlocks of critical
equipments are working or not?
29 Ammeters and voltmeters shall be tested and
calibrated;
30 A busbar provided with terminals (and if required
links) for connecticn to the neutral condudoctor of
outgoing and incoming circuits of distribution
system;.:
31 Proper gasket are provided in distribution board
C Earthing System
32 Type of Earthing System (TT/TN-S/TN-C/TN-C-S)
33 Whether MET is available at MDB
34 Whether the MET are connected from independent
Earth electrode?
35 If yes Number of Earth Pit
36 Type of Earth Electrode (Strip/Pipe/plate)
37 Type & size of earthing conductor(conductor
connected from earth electrode to MET)
38 Whether proper nomenclature and painting is done on
Earthing pits
39 Whether Earthing Test reports are available
40 Whether the Earthing pits are identified and free from
obstruction for routine maintenance?
41 Detail of MDB/LT Panel as per Annexure-MDB/LT
PANEL/EMERGENCY PANEL
42 The screens and armour of the cables shall be
connected to earthing system properly

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Annexure-1.2
Visual Inspection of Room
Name or Sr.No of Room:-

Sr.N. Description Observation Recommendation

A Room
1 Whether components such as switches, sockets, fan
regulators, etc. complying with applicable IS
2 Whether any switch board installation is in open or
loosely fitted
3 Whether each switchboard/socket provided with
protective device
4 Whether all switchboards are easily accessible
5 Whether all switches for outgoing circuits wired
through phase
6 How many fixtures are controlled by one switch
(Random checks)
B Circuit wiring
7 Type & Quality of circuit wiring (like conduit,
concealed, mechanical protection etc.)
8 All circuits suitably identified
9 All connections intact and secure
10 Light/fan & power point Circuit to be sperate (No
interconnection of neutral between circuits)
11 Observations for any area where exposed wires, if
any, need dressing
12 Whether any exposed wiring is observed with
frayed or deteriorated insulation repaired or replaced
13 Is protective wire is run along all the fan /power
circuits as required
14 All live parts are either insulated or contained within
enclosures
Enclosures have suitable degree of protection
appropriate to external influences
Enclosures have cable entries correctly sealed
15 Number of wires in a conduit shall conform to
provisions of this Code.
16 Whether false ceilings are available in room
If yes ,Wiring to be laid in proper PVC conduit under
false celing
17 Size of wire for lighting/ceiling fan/5A socket &
power point are as per NEC guideline (Ref: Table 6
of Section 9 of NEC SP30:2022)
18 Whether height of switch Board shall be reachable
and 1.2 m above ground level for residential quarter

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SAFETY IN ELECTRICAL LOW VOLTAGE INSTALLATIONS

Sr.N. Description Observation Recommendation

Whether separate protective device for power point
& light, fan point
19 Whether FRLSH / HFFR grade copper cables for
internal wiring installation in residential building is
used
20 Correct colour coding or marking of conductors
Number of points in switch board are as per NEC
guideline (Ref: Table 6 of Section 9 of NEC
SP30:2022)
21 Fire alarm and emergency lighting circuits shall be
segregated from all other cables and from each
other.
C Lighting fixtures/Ceiling Fan
22 Whether any loosely fitted lighting fixture observed
23 Whether lighting fixtures are extended earthing
connection wherever provision is made in fixture for
earthing connection
24 Whether ceiling rose are provided with ceiling fan
25 Ceiling fans are properly fixed
D Separate Power Points
26 Are high rated electrically operated items plugged
directly into power points (not on power boards)
27 Check ratings of sockets outlets in switchboards
w.r.t type of load/ appliance connected
28 Check present condition of power point switches
and sockets
29 Are power points identified with the circuit details &
easily located and unobstructed
30 Whether electrical appliances such as photocopiers,
AC, etc. have their own power point
31 Is earth continuity satisfactory in socket outlets
32 Whether use of multiple plug adapters prohibited or
permitted
E General
33 Is any electrical installation located in the building
area with excessive dampness and humid
atmosphere
34 Are metallic parts, junction boxes, etc. used in
interior wiring systems provided with earthing
35 Protective conductors provided to every point and
accessory
36 Weather equipotential bonding has been provided
for all Exposed & extraneous conductive parts
37 Supplementary bonding has been provided

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Annexure-1.3

Coordination between conductor & Protective Device for Over load Protection
Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB:
S.N Name of Feeder Circuit Tripping Conductor connected to circuit Observation Recommendation
protection Current due to
Detail of Installation Method (to Current rating
(MCCB/MCB/ overload
conductor be checked as per of conductor
FUSE) (1.45x rating
(type/core/ Annexure- VII of Vol.5 after applying
(Type/Rated of MCB or 1.3
Size) "Selection of power all reduction
Current) x rating of
cable in LV Installation" factors
MCCB)
1 Outgoing 1 (X1)
2 Outgoing 2 (X2)
3 Outgoing 3 (X3)
4 Outgoing 4 (X4)

Note:

1. All reduction factor (like ambient temperature, grouping, Thermal resistivity of soil (applicable only for underground cables) to be
applied for checking of size of line conductor.
2. Checking of Size of line conductor by applying all above reduction factor under overload condition are given in Para 5.4 of volume-2 on
“Selection and Application of LV Protective Devices” and Para 3.2 of volume-5 on “Selection of Power Cables in Electrical LV Installations” under
the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

3. Size of Line conductor for lighting & power circuit of FDB should be as per Annexure-6 of volume-3 on “Inspection of Electrical LV
Installations” under the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations. Above Annexure is not required for these circuit.

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Annexure-1.4
Coordination between Load & Protective Device
Name or Sr.No of FDB:
Name of Feeder Connected fixed load (In watt/ Type & Rating of /MCB/Fuse Observation Recommendation
Amp)
(i) Circcuit-1
(ii) Circcuit-2
(iii) Circcuit-3
(iv) Circcuit-4
(v) Circcuit-5
(vi) Circcuit-6

Note:-

1. Checking of current rating of MCB for particular load in final circuit are given in Para 5.1 to 5.3.1 of volume-2 on “Selection and
Application of LV Protective Devices” under the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

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Annexure-2.1
Continuity Test
Name or Sr. No of MDB/DB/FDB:
Tester Type: Sr. No. Of Tester
S.N. Circuit No. Detail of Protective conductor (type/core/Size) PE continuity Observation Recommendation
connected to Load
R1 (Protective Conductor)

Note:

1. Detail & testing method of Continuity Test given in Para 2 of volume-4 on “Testing of Electrical LV Installations” under the series
“Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

2. Testing to be done only on protective conductor.

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Annexure-2.2
Insulation Resistance Test

Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB/SDB:-

Test Voltage:- Sr.No. of Megger
S.N Circuit/ Size(Sq.mm)/ Insulation Resistance (M-Ohm) Observation Recommendation
Outgoing Type (PVC/ XLPE)/
For 1-ø (For 3ø shoring all phase and P-P (for 3ø Only)
No. Core (1/2/3/3.5/4)
test between :-
of conductor
(i) Shorting phase (P) & Neutral(N)
(ii) Shorting phase (P) & Earth (E)3
P-N P-E N-E R-Y Y-B B-R

Note:-

1. Minimum values of insulation resistance (Ref: table 15 of IS 732:2019)

Nominal Circuit Voltage (V) Test Voltage D.C. (V) Insulation Resistance (MΩ)
Up to and including 500 V, including FELV 500 ≥ 1.0

1. Testing method given in Para 3 of volume-4 on “Testing of Electrical LV Installations” under the under the series “Safety in Electrical
Low Voltage Installations.

2. For 3-phase circuit at first all 3-phase (R/Y/B) will be shorted and the insulation resistance to be checked between Shorting phase (P)
to Neutral(N) and Shorting phase (P) to Earth (E).If value of insulation resistance not as per table in S.N.1, than insulation resistance
to be checked individually (R-N/Y-N/B-N).

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Annexure-2.3

Fault Loop Impedance and Prospective Fault Current

Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB/SDB:

Tester Type:- Sr. No. Of Tester
S.N. Circuit Circuit Conductor connected to Fault Loop Fault Loop Observation Recommendation
No. protection Load Impedance Current
(MCCB/M
CB/ FUSE)
(Type/Rate Detail of Detail of L-N L-PE L-N L-PE Regarding Regarding Regardin Regarding
d Current) Line Protective tripping of short g tripping short circuit
conductor conductor Protective circuit of capacity of
(type/ core/ Device capacity of Protective Line &
Size) (MCCB/ MCB/ Line & Device Protective
FUSE) Protective (MCCB/M Conductor
Conductor CB/
FUSE)

Note:-

1. Testing method for fault loop impedance & prospective Fault Loop Current given in Para 5.1 of volume-4 on “Testing of Electrical
LV Installations” under the under the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

2. Checking of type and capacity of MCB for particular fault loop impedance are given in para 5.3.2 of volume-2 on “Selection and
Application of LV Protective Devices” under the under the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

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3. Instantaneous Tripping current of MCCB under short circuit & earth fault condition can be find out from the time-current
characteristic graph of MCCB, which may be received from the catalogue/Manufacturer of MCCB. This tripping current may be
compared with the testing fault loop impedance/current for checking of tripping of MCCB.

4. Checking of Size of line & protective conductor are suitable for short circuit /Earth fault current are given in Anneure-5 of volume-3
on “Inspection of Electrical LV Installations” & Para 3.2.8 of volume-5 on “Selection of Power Cables in Electrical LV Installations”
under the series “Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

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Annexure-2.4
RCCB Test
Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB/SDB:-
Tester Type: Sr.No. Of Tester
S.N. Circuit No. RCCB Touch voltage Observation Recommendation
In Id Td

Note:-

1. Testing method for RCD testing given in Para 6 of volume-4 on “Testing of Electrical LV Installations” under the under the series
“Safety in Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

Annexure-2.5
Polarity Test
Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB/SDB:-
Tester Type:- Sr.No. Of Tester
S.N. Circuit No. Circuit protection (MCCB/MCB/Fuse) (In (A)) Polarity test Observation Recommendation

Note:-

1. Detail of Polarity Test given in Para 7 of volume-4 on “Testing of Electrical LV Installations” under the under the series “Safety in
Electrical Low Voltage Installations.

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Annexure-2.6

Load Unbalancing Test

Name or Sr.No of MDB/DB/SDB:-
Tester Type:- Sr.No. Of Tester
S.N. Name of Feeder Current in Each Phase (In Amp.) Observation Recommendation
L1 L2 L3 N

Note:-

1. Load unbalancing test may be checked any tongue tester. It may be also checked from 3-phase measuring instrument (Ammeter), (If
3-phase measuring instrument are available on MDB/DB/FDB)

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CONTACT US

CAMTECH is continuing its efforts in the documentation and up-gradation of

information on maintenance practices of electrical assets. Over the years a large
number of publications on electrical assets have been prepared in the form of
handbooks, pockets books, pamphlets and video films, etc. These publications
have been uploaded on the internet as well as rail net.

For downloading these publications please do following:

1. On internet visit: www.rdso.indianrailways.gov.in

Go to Directorates  CAMTECH Other important links Publications for

download Electrical Engineering

2. On Railnet visit RDSO website at 10.100.2.19

Go to Directorates  CAMTECH Publications for download  Electrical

Engineering

For any further information regarding publications please contact:

Dy. Director (Elect.) BSNL : 0751- 2470740 (O)

Rly. : 03747202, 9752447030 (CUG)

SSE/Electrical : 9755549297 (CUG)

E-mail : [email protected]

Fax : 0751- 2470841

Write at : Dy. Director (Electrical)

Indian Railways, Centre for Advanced Maintenance Technology

In front of Hotel Adityaz, Airport Road, Maharajpura, Gwalior, Pin code – 474
005

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Government of India - Ministry of Railways

INDIAN RAILWAYS
CENTRE FOR ADVANCED MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY
Maharajpura, Gwalior, M.P. 474 005

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