IEEE Power & Energy Magazine - September/October 2015 - 91

included in the formulas, making it
easier to learn and apply the formulas.
Basic components of the grid,
including transmission and distribution line materials and equipment, are
explained in a concise but informative
manner. Substation equipment is also
covered with an easy-to-comprehend
explanation of voltage sensors and current transformers. I found
the physiological effects
of electricity that were detailed in Chapter 3 very
informative. The effects
of frequency, current, and
voltage were covered along
with a comprehensive explanation regarding the
resistance of the human
body. The effect of impulse
charges versus continuous
current explained the effect
with a charge from a capacitor or switching transient.
A great Lichtenberg pattern graphic
helped explain the potential pattern of
current flow through the body.
The section covering ground resistance is very comprehensive, and while
it took me some time to thoroughly
review the material, it was well worth
the effort. It meticulously explains the
various elements such as soil resistance,
standing person resistance, manufactured electrode resistance, and conducting resistance tests. After completing
this section, the reader will understand
the variable conditions affecting ground
resistance and the importance of effective grounding.
Step and touch potential are covered
with good graphics and formula explanations. Several examples are provided
to illustrate the different situations that
can be encountered. Any electrical
worker would benefit from closely reviewing the examples. Both electric
and magnetic fields are covered in
depth. This is an area where too many
accidents have occurred, resulting in
linemen being seriously injured from
induction. Studying this element would

september/october 2015

certainly allow line workers to increase
their knowledge and recognition of the
hazards of induction.
De-energized line work is explained
in detail including voltage detection,
protective grounding components, sizing grounding conductors, and work
methods. The methods are supplemented by graphics that are easy to
interpret and accompany various formula
calculations. The equipotential zone grounding concept is clearly
explained and emphasized. I liked the use of
six case studies where
accidents occurred that
could have been prevented by the proper
application of personal
protective grounding.
Live-line work methods including the hot
stick, rubber glove, and bare hand are
explained and illustrated. Minimum approach distances along with the applicable OSHA table are covered. I enjoyed
the interesting case study involving the
energized repair of a high-voltage disconnect in a substation utilizing an insulated scaffold.
Arc flash is an important subject these
days, and the book provides a comprehensive review of the key elements including
assessment, calculation of arc flash current, protection boundary calculations,
personal protective equipment, and approach boundaries. Atmospheric discharge and associated hazards were well
illustrated along with the function of overhead ground wires and surge arresters.
One large chapter provides a comprehensive coverage of stray and contact voltages. National Electric Code
grounding and bonding requirements are
well explained. Stray voltage in farms,
swimming pools, outdoor showers, and
hospitals is covered including realistic
examples. The various options for the
detection and mitigation of stray voltage
were very informative, and I reviewed

this chapter twice since I was learning
so much.
A chapter focused on safety under
overhead power lines covers electrical field calculations, allowable limits,
and methods for measuring electrical
field strengths. I found the element on
minimum vertical clearance calculations very informative and in particular the method of calculation for systems with unknown switching surges.
The book concludes with a chapter on
the coupling between power lines and
pipelines, railroads, and telecommunications cables, which again included
some good examples.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book as
it clearly expanded my knowledge in
several areas. The text flows nicely,
and it is easy to comprehend the technical details. I gave the volume high
marks for the graphics that were provided. I found the examples were a
great help in understanding various
technical elements, and I spent time
going through each one. I also worked
all the exercise problems at the conclusion of each chapter and found them
to be very helpful. For instructors, a
solution manual is available through
the publisher CRC via their website.
CRC Press publications are always
high quality, and they again did a nice
job with this book.
The book would be an excellent resource and supplement to any accidentprevention training program and for a
variety of electrical workers including
safety specialists, engineers, linemen,
substation technicians, electricians,
and wind and solar technicians. I will
purchase additional copies so that student libraries at each of our campuses
will have it on the shelf for both staff
and student reference. My compliments
to Prof. El-Sharkawi for his efforts in
bringing to the power industry a valuable reference book.
- Alan Drew
p&e

ieee power & energy magazine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Power & Energy Magazine - September/October 2015