Electrical Hazards

Electrical Precautions

  • The possibility of serious or fatal injury from electrical shock exists when servicing a refrigeration unit. Extreme care must be used when working with a refrigeration unit that is connected to its power source.

  • Extreme care must be used even if the unit is not running. Lethal voltage potentials can exist at the unit power cord, inside the control box, inside any high voltage junction box, at the motors and within the wiring harnesses.

  • In general, disconnect the units power cord before repairing or changing any electrical components.

  • Even though the controller is turned off, one of the phases is still live and represents a potential danger of electrocution.

  • Disconnect power at Main Circuit Breaker and remove power plug from the high voltage socket. Lock-out-tag out as required.

Parent topic: Safety Precautions

High Voltage

    Danger
  • Hazardous Voltage
  • Lethal amounts of voltage are present in some electrical circuits. Use extreme care when working on the refrigeration unit. If there is a risk of energized electrical contact, arc, or flash, technicians MUST put on all PPE in accordance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, or other local, state, or country-specific requirements for arc flash protection PRIOR to servicing the unit. NEVER PERFORM ANY SWITCHING, DISCONNECTING, OR VOLTAGE TESTING WITHOUT PROPER ELECTRICAL PPE AND ARC FLASHING CLOTHING. ELECTRICAL METERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY RATED FOR INTENDED VOLTAGE.
    Warning
  • Hazardous Voltage
  • Treat all wires and connections as if they were high voltage until a meter and wiring diagram indicate otherwise. Only use tools with insulated handles. Never hold uninsulated metal tools near exposed, energized conductors. If there is a risk of energized electrical contact, arc, or flash, technicians MUST put on all PPE in accordance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, or other local, state, or country-specific requirements for arc flash protection PRIOR to servicing the unit. NEVER PERFORM ANY SWITCHING, DISCONNECTING, OR VOLTAGE TESTING WITHOUT PROPER ELECTRICAL PPE AND ARC FLASHING CLOTHING. ELECTRICAL METERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY RATED FOR INTENDED VOLTAGE.
    Warning
  • Hazardous Voltage
  • Never work alone on high voltage circuits in the refrigeration unit. Another person should be nearby to shut off the unit and provide aid in the event of an accident. If there is a risk of energized electrical contact, arc, or flash, technicians MUST put on all PPE in accordance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, or other local, state, or country-specific requirements for arc flash protection PRIOR to servicing the unit. NEVER PERFORM ANY SWITCHING, DISCONNECTING, OR VOLTAGE TESTING WITHOUT PROPER ELECTRICAL PPE AND ARC FLASHING CLOTHING. ELECTRICAL METERS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE PROPERLY RATED FOR INTENDED VOLTAGE.
    Warning
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required
  • In the event of an electrical accident, all required PPE should be near the work area in accordance with OSHA, NFPE 70E, or other local, state, or country-specific requirements for a Category 3 risk.
    Warning
  • Hazardous Voltage
  • The unit On/Off switch must be turned Off before connecting or disconnecting the standby power plug. Never attempt to stop the unit by disconnecting the power plug.
    Warning
  • Risk of Injury
  • The unit power plug must be clean and dry before connecting it to a power source.
    Warning
  • Risk of Injury
  • Do not make rapid moves when working on high voltage circuits in the refrigeration unit. Do not grab for falling tools because you might accidentally touch a high voltage source.

Low Voltage

    Warning
  • Live Electrical Components
  • Control circuits are low voltage (24 Vac and 12 Vdc). This voltage potential is not considered dangerous. Large amount of current available (over 30 amperes) can cause severe burns if shorted to ground. Do not wear jewelry, watch or rings. These items can shortcut electrical circuits and cause severe burns to the wearer.