Glossary · Hazards and harm
Electrical hazard
In machine safety, an electrical hazard is a hazard arising from electrical energy, including electric shock, arc flash, burns or unintended energization of equipment.
- Machine safety
- Maintenance
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
An electrical hazard on machinery includes shock, arc flash, burns and unintended energization, especially during maintenance work.
Example
In the control cabinet of a press line, capacitors in the drive DC link can remain charged after isolation; the maintenance manual specifies the waiting time and a voltage test before work.
How it applies
- Machine safety: IEC 60204-1 covers protection against electric shock, by basic protection (such as enclosures and insulation) and fault protection, and the supply disconnecting device used to isolate the machine.
- Maintenance: Electrical work requires energy isolation and verification that no voltage is present. Drives and capacitors can hold stored energy after disconnection.
- Technical documentation: Say who may do the work, for example a qualified person, which circuits remain live when the main switch is off, and how to verify the de-energized state.
- Evidence: Keep circuit diagrams, isolation points and warnings consistent after every change to the electrical design.
Electrical hazard vs. unexpected startup
Unintended energization can cause a shock, and it can also start motion. The second case is an unexpected startup, which ISO 14118 addresses.