Poor management of electrical equipment on a mining site can lead to a lot of losses. In simple terms, the machines could lose their efficiency in performance, leading to a decline in productivity and significant delays. Also, serious accidents could occur, and onsite workers could sustain injuries. Additionally, it is important to note that equipment inefficiencies and failures will translate into financial losses. Therefore, if you are beginning a new mining operation, use these outlined tips to manage your mining equipment.
Acquire Tough Components
You should acquire heavy-duty components for your electrical mining equipment. This is critical because these elements will be exposed to hostile working conditions. If the units are not tough, the risk of damage and subsequent failure will be high. When purchasing cables and wires, you must ensure that they are designed and rated for mining use. In addition, the electrical components must be installed as intended by the manufacturer for ideal function. If you are uncertain about the right mining accessories or proper setup, consult a qualified electrician.
Evaluate Protective Measures
Multiple protective devices and units are required for minimising the risk of electrical equipment malfunction and failure. It is vital to ensure that these are in good condition during your mining project. One of the most important aspects of protection is grounding. Mining machines are often high voltage units, and grounding will ensure the safety of the entire site. Also, make certain that there is good insulation. Cables, wires and other components should be properly sealed. Additionally, test the shut-off elements like circuit breakers.
Prevent Setup Interference
When the setup of your electrical mining equipment is complete, you must ensure that there will be no unauthorised modifications. Interference with the electrical system could cause damage to valuable machines and even harm the onsite personnel. Also, there will be inefficiencies associated with unapproved adjustments. You can prevent mishaps by utilising bolted sockets and plugs or other restrained electrical parts. Ensure that these can only be handled by an authorised specialist.
Maintain the Equipment
Finally, you should plan for the upkeep of the electrical equipment during your mining project. This will promote optimal productivity and even improve onsite safety. The primary maintenance process that you should consider is regular inspections. Commission constant check-ups and collect reports for machinery tracking. All damage and general wear must be addressed immediately to prevent escalation and failure. In addition, plan for proper cleaning of the mining equipment.
