Are you wondering what step voltage is? Does it pose a real threat to humans, and if so, how can you protect yourself from it? We explain!
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What exactly is step voltage?
Step voltage is a term that is defined as the difference in electrical potential that occurs between two points located on the earth's surface. The name step refers to the way of measuring the distance between successive points that are one step apart. It is assumed to be about 0.8 m.
Step voltage is discussed in the context of safety, in places with an increased risk of electric shock. Examples include high-voltage lines, transformer stations, or other power devices that, due to a failure or strong lightning discharge, can potentially cause electric current to flow through the earth's surface.
How to calculate step voltage?
Determining the step voltage value is extremely important in the context of human safety. When an electrical device, such as a transformer or high-voltage line, fails, the current spreads across the surface of the earth in a radial manner from the point of entry into the ground. As a result, the earth's surface records a locally different electrical potential of the ground. For a person in this area, this means that if one foot is in a place with a higher potential and the other lower, the electric current can penetrate the body, causing a real threat to health and life.
For this reason, during work involving the removal of faults, electricians use special protection. Protection and health and safety in this profession are particularly important. The legs are the most vulnerable, which is why it is so important to properly protect the legs , which are located directly on the ground and it is through them that the accumulated electrical energy can "get" into the human body.
It should be remembered that the voltage value is influenced by various factors, such as the distance from the current entry point to the ground, the resistivity of the ground or the intensity of the current that penetrates the ground. In physics, the step voltage is calculated based on the formula:Vk=ρ⋅I⋅(12πd1−12πd2), in which the subsequent symbols mean: step voltage (Vk), ground resistivity (ρ), alternating current (I), distance from the current entry point to one foot (d1), distance from the current entry to the other foot (d2).
In reality, the voltage distribution can be varied, depending on individual parameters. As a rule, it is observed that the greater the distance between the input point and the measurement point, the smaller the step voltage.
How to properly protect yourself against step voltage?
It is worth remembering to properly protect yourself and others from the harmful effects of step voltage. People working in the electrical industry should invest in appropriate work footwear , but elements such as proper grounding, ground insulation, correct execution of the installation project and its proper assembly are also very important. Particularly dangerous areas and those exposed to greater risk must always be properly marked.
In order to meet the needs of professionals, Onninen offers solutions that will help improve safety. In the event of a power outage, specialist protective clothing will be perfect. An example is the DeltaPlus M6VES protective sweatshirt . The product is characterized by high resistance to abrasion and tearing, and additionally there is an elastic band in the sleeves so that the sweatshirt can adhere precisely to the surface of the body, protecting it. Additionally, together with the jacket, you can buy functional Delta Plus M6SALBMGT dungarees from the same series. They have been equipped with a special space on the knees, intended for knee pads, which makes it easier to work directly on the ground and ground.
Leg protection should be comprehensive, both humidity, temperature, and short circuit or electric breakdown pose a major threat. The type of protective footwear should be selected appropriately to the threat. It is important that they have the appropriate approvals and certificates that confirm the level of protection. An example is the black DeltaPlus sault2 s3 safety shoes . The leather upper provides high protection against water, and the durable sole is resistant to mechanical damage.