Oct. 25, 2013
Vol. 2 Issue 130
ELECTRICAL SAFETY:
SAILORS PERFORM VITAL TASK Story and photos by MCSN (SW) Derek A. Harkins
making sure that nothing “ We’re [you’re] using is frayed and that all
”
the equipment you’re using is safe. -DUPONT
I
n the civilian world, people may not worry about the appliances they plug into power outlets. Factories inspect the electrical security of equipment before it is shipped for sale; aboard a U.S. Navy ship, this is not enough. On naval vessels, a large number of electrical appliances might be stored and utilized in the same spaces. The compartments can be constrictive and equipment must often share a small number of power outlets. While this can potentially aggravate electrical problems,
equipment itself can also provide issues, even under ideal conditions. An electrical cord malfunction can potentially lead to damage to equipment and personnel injury. “If you plug in unauthorized equipment, like hair dryers or curling irons, they can start a class charlie [or electrical] fire,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class John Shook, a Sailor aboard Nimitz qualified to perform these inspections. “We have to make sure everything that could be plugged in on the ship is authorized and safe.”
Because of the dangers of using electrical equipment aboard a ship, the cord of every appliance must be thoroughly inspected through a process called an electrical safety check. Electrician’s mates provide these inspections in the hangar bay periodically, while other electrical safety checks generally require a visit to Nimitz’ power shop. According to Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Valerie Dupont, these inspections are simple and quick to perform, with two important areas requiring attention. Continued on page 3