Energy & Electrical Safety Audit

Energy audit : Overview

An energy audit is an inspection survey and an analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a building. It may include a process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affecting the output. In commercial and industrial real estate, an energy audit is the first step in identifying opportunities to reduce energy expense and carbon footprint.

Increasingly in the last several decades, industrial energy audits have exploded as the demand to lower increasingly expensive energy costs and move towards a sustainable future have made energy audits greatly important. Their importance is magnified since energy spending is a major expense to industrial companies (energy spending accounts for ~ 10% of the average manufacturer’s expenses). This growing trend should only continue as energy costs continue to rise.

How it works?

Generally, four levels of analysis can be outlined (BEE):

Level 0 – Benchmarking:

This first analysis consists in a preliminary Whole Building Energy Use (WBEU) analysis based on the analysis of the historic utility use and costs and the comparison of the performances of the buildings to those of similar buildings. This benchmarking of the studied installation allows determining if further analysis is required;

Level I – Walk-through audit:

Preliminary analysis made to assess building energy efficiency to identify not only simple and low-cost improvements but also a list of energy conservation measures (ECMs, or energy conservation opportunities, ECOs) to orient the future detailed audit. This inspection is based on visual verifications, study of installed equipment and operating data and detailed analysis of recorded energy consumption collected during the benchmarking phase;

Level II – Detailed/General energy audit:

Based on the results of the pre-audit, this type of energy audit consists in energy use survey in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of the studied installation, a more detailed analysis of the facility, a breakdown of the energy use and a first quantitative evaluation of the ECOs/ECMs selected to correct the defects or improve the existing installation. This level of analysis can involve advanced on-site measurements and sophisticated computer-based simulation tools to evaluate precisely the selected energy retrofits;

Level III – Investment-Grade audit:

Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modifications focusing on potential costly ECOs requiring rigorous engineering study.

Electrical Safety Audit : Overview

Electrical Safety Audit is examining the security of electrical installations of any industrial unit or organization. Electrical Safety Audit is performed by enquiry, inspection, testing and verification. Electrical Safety Audits are conducted by experienced professionals who assist clients in reducing risk and help to ensure compliance with applicable Safety Standards and Regulations.

How it Work ?

1. On-Site Inspection:
   1. Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the facility’s electrical systems, including power distribution panels, wiring, switches, outlets, machinery, and other equipment.
   2. Identify potential hazards such as exposed wiring, overloaded circuits, damaged insulation, improper grounding, and inadequate labeling.
2. Testing and Measurements:
   • Perform electrical tests and measurements to assess the condition and performance of electrical equipment.
   • This may include insulation resistance testing, ground resistance testing, voltage measurements, and thermal imaging to detect hot spots.
3. Compliance Assessment:
   • Evaluate the facility’s compliance with relevant electrical safety standards and regulations, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and industry-specific standards.
   • Identify areas of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions to address deficiencies.
4. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Document findings, observations, and recommendations in a comprehensive audit report.
   • The report should include a summary of audit findings, identified hazards, compliance status, recommended corrective actions, and a prioritized action plan.
5. Corrective Actions:
   • Implement corrective actions based on the recommendations provided in the audit report.
   • This may involve repairing or replacing defective equipment, improving electrical infrastructure, updating safety procedures, providing training to personnel, and establishing preventive maintenance programs.
6. Follow-Up and Monitoring:
   • Conduct follow-up inspections to verify the implementation of corrective actions and ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards.
   • Establish a regular schedule for monitoring and reviewing electrical safety practices to prevent future incidents.