---
title: "Basic electrical safety rules and regulations"
subject: "High Voltage Engineering"
chapter: 2
key: "semester_8/high_voltage_engineering:electrical-safety-rules"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/high_voltage_engineering/electrical-safety-rules
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Basic electrical safety rules and regulations

High Voltage Engineering · Chapter 2: Electric Shocks

- Asked in: 2072 Magh, 4 marks
- Video: [Electrical Safety Basic Training for Non-Electricians | Schneider Electric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggJo6m8NZtA) — Schneider Electric
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/high_voltage_engineering/electrical-safety-rules
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/high_voltage_engineering/chapter-2

## Question

Mention basic electrical safety rules and regulations.

## Short answer

Work only on isolated, locked and tagged circuits; test for dead, earth conductors, use rated insulated tools and PPE, keep clearances, earth metal frames, use RCDs and correct protection, and allow only trained authorised persons with permits. Regulations include Nepal Electricity Act 2049/Regulations 2050, NEA rules, IEC 60364, IEEE 80 and IEC 61936.

## Answer

Electrical safety rules are practices and legal requirements that protect people and equipment from shock, burns, fire and explosion.

#### Basic safety rules
1. Work on a circuit only after it is **switched off, isolated, locked and tagged** (lock-out/tag-out).
2. **Test for dead** with a proper tester and **earth/short** the conductors before touching them; treat every circuit as live until proven dead.
3. Use **insulated tools**, rubber gloves, boots, mats, helmets and face shields of correct voltage rating.
4. Keep **safe clearance** from live parts; use barriers, fences and danger boards.
5. All metal frames must be **properly earthed**; use RCD/ELCB on socket circuits.
6. Use **correctly rated fuses, MCBs and cables**; never bypass protection.
7. Do not work on electrical equipment with **wet hands** or in wet conditions.
8. Only **trained and authorised persons** should operate or repair HV equipment; use **work permits** for HV work.
9. Discharge capacitors and cables before handling.
10. Keep **fire extinguishers** (CO2, dry powder) nearby; never use water on live equipment.
11. Learn **first aid** and CPR; display shock-treatment charts.

#### Regulations
- **Nepal:** the **Electricity Act 2049 (1992)** and **Electricity Regulations 2050 (1993)** cover licensing, safety, clearances of lines from buildings and ground, and responsibility for accidents; NEA safety rules and the Nepal Electricity Authority Act apply to utility work.
- **International/standards:** IEC 60364 (LV installations), IEEE Std 80 (substation earthing), IS 3043 (earthing), IEC 61936 (HV installations), and occupational safety codes (e.g. NFPA 70E).
- Regular **inspection and testing** of insulation resistance, earth resistance and protective devices is required by these codes.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Before working on a circuit you should:
   A. Assume it is dead
   B. Switch off, isolate, lock and tag, test for dead and earth
   C. Work quickly while live
   D. Use water to cool
   Answer: B. Treat every circuit as live until proven dead. (Key point: Lock-out tag-out)

2. Which extinguisher use is correct on electrical equipment?
   A. Water on live equipment
   B. Foam on live HV
   C. CO2 or dry powder; never water on live equipment
   D. Sand only
   Answer: C. Water conducts and can cause shock. (Key point: Fire safety)

3. Which law governs electrical safety in Nepal?
   A. Electricity Act 2049 and Electricity Regulations 2050
   B. IEEE Std 80 only
   C. NFPA 70E only
   D. Building Act 2060
   Answer: A. They cover licensing, safety, clearances and accident responsibility. (Key point: Nepal regulation)

4. Who may operate or repair HV equipment?
   A. Anyone nearby
   B. Trained and authorised persons with work permits
   C. Only apprentices
   D. Contractors without permits
   Answer: B. Authorisation and permits control risk. (Key point: Work permits)

## Related in High Voltage Engineering

- [Step and touch potentials, shock and safety](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fhigh_voltage_engineering%3Astep-touch-potential-safety) — High Voltage Engineering, chapter 2

## Related in other subjects

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- [Short note: Fire regulations and site safety](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Afire-regulations-safety-site) — Construction Management, chapter 11
- [General safety rules in a machine workshop](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_2%2Fworkshop_technology%3Aworkshop-safety-rules) — Workshop Technology, chapter 1
- [General electrical rules for installation and wiring](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Findustrial_power_distribution_and_illumination%3Aelectrical-rules-installation) — Industrial Power Distribution and Illumination, chapter 1, asked 3×