Unit 1

Definitions; Location and construction

Electrical services required to maintain the ship in a normal seagoing operational
and habitable condition are to be capable of being maintained without recourse to the
emergency source of electrical power. Electrical services essential for safety are to be
maintained under various emergency conditions. The safety of passengers, crew and ship
from electrical hazards is to be assured.
1.1. Definitions
Essential services are those necessary for the propulsion and safety of the ship,
such as the following: air compressors for the engines; air pumps; automatic sprinkler
system; ballast pumps; bilge pumps; circulating and cooling water pumps;
communication systems; condenser circulating pumps; electric propulsion equipment;
extraction pumps; fans for forced draft to boilers; feed water pumps; fire detection and
alarm systems; fire pumps; fuel valve cooling pumps; hydraulic pumps; lubricating oil
pump; inert gas fans and scrubber and deck seal pumps; lighting system for those parts of
the ship normally accessible to and used by personnel and passengers; navigational aids;
navigation lights and special purpose lights; oil fuel pumps and oil fuel burning units; oil
separators; scavenge blowers; steering gear; thrusters for dynamic positioning; valves that
are required to be remotely operated; ventilating fans for engine and boiler rooms;
watertight doors, shell doors and other electrical operated closing appliances; windlasses;
power sources and supply systems for supplying the above services.
The following services are considered necessary for minimum comfortable
conditions of habitability: cooking; heating; domestic refrigeration; mechanical
ventilation; sanitary and fresh water.
Other services are considered necessary to maintain the ship in a normal seagoing
operational and habitable condition: cargo handling and cargo care equipment; hotel
services, other than those required for habitable conditions; thrusters, other than those
used for dynamic positioning.
A high voltage is a voltage exceeding 1000V a.c. or 1500V d.c. between
conductors.
A switchboard is a switchgear and control gear assembly for the control of
power generated by a source of electrical power and its distribution to electrical
consumers.
A section board is a switchgear and control gear assembly for controlling the
supply of electrical power from a switchboard and distributing it to other section boards,
distribution boards or final sub-circuits.
A distribution board is an assembly of one or more protective devices arranged
for the distribution of electrical power to final sub-circuits.
A final sub-circuit is that portion of a wiring system extending beyond the final
overcurrent device of a board.
Special category spaces are those enclosed spaces above or below the bulkhead
deck intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel, for their own propulsion, in

their tanks, into and from which such vehicles can be driven, and to which passengers
have access.
Machinery spaces of Category A are those spaces and trunks to such spaces
which contain:
a) internal combustion machinery used for main propulsion, or
b) internal combustion machinery used for purposes other than main propulsion
where such machinery has in the aggregate a total power output of not less
than 375 kW; or
c) any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit.
1.2. Quality of Power supplies
All electrical equipment supplied from the main and emergency source of
electrical power is to be so designed and manufactured that is capable of operating
satisfactorily under normally occurring variations of voltage and frequency.
Unless specified otherwise electrical equipment, other than that supplied by
battery systems, is to operate satisfactorily with the following simultaneous variations,
from their normal value, when measured at the consumer input terminals.
a) voltage: permanent variations +5%, -5%
transient variations +10%, -10%
recovery time 1,5 seconds
b) frequency: permanent variations +6%, -10%
transient variations +20%, -15%
recovery time 5 seconds
Harmonics. Unless specified otherwise, the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the
voltage waveform at any switchboard or section-board is not to exceed 8 per cent for all
frequencies up to 50 times the supply frequency and no voltage at a frequency above 25
times supply frequency is to exceed 1,5 per cent of the supply voltage.
1.3. Location and construction
Electrical equipment is, as far as is practicable, to be accessibly placed, clear of
flammable material in well ventilated, adequately lighted spaces, in which flammable
gasses cannot accumulate and where it is not exposed to risk of mechanical injury or
damage from water, steam or oil. Where necessarily exposed to such risks, the equipment
is to be suitable constructed or enclosed. Live parts are to be guarded where necessary.
All electrical apparatus is to be so constructed and so installed that it does not
cause injury when handled or touched in the normal manner.
Insulating materials and insulated windings are to be flame retard, and resistant to
tracking, moisture, sea air and oil vapour unless special precautions are taken to protect
them.
Equipment is not to remain alive through the control circuits and/or pilot lamps
when switched off by the control switch. This does not apply to synchronizing switches
and/or plugs.
The operation of electrical equipment and the lubrication arrangements are to be
efficient under such conditions of vibration and shock as arise in normal practice.

All nuts and screws used in connection with current-carrying and working parts
are to be effectively locked.
Conductors and equipment are to be placed at such distance from the magnetic
compasses, or are to be so disposed, that the interfering magnetic field is negligible when
circuits are switched on and off.
Where electrical power is used for propulsion, the equipment is to be so arranged
that it will operate satisfactorily in the event of partial flooding by bilge water above the
tank top up to floor level.
1.4. Earthing
Except where exempted, all non-current carrying exposed metal parts of electrical
equipment and cables are to be earthed.
The following parts may be exempted:
a) lamp-caps, where suitably shrouded;
b) shades, reflectors and guards supported on lamp holders or light fittings
constructed of, or shrouded in, non-conducting material;
c) metal parts on, or screws in or through, non-conducting materials, which are
separated by such material from current carrying parts and from earthed noncurrent carrying parts in such a way that in normal use they cannot become live or
come into contact with earthed parts;
d) apparatus that is constructed in accordance with the principle of double insulation;
e) bearing housings which are insulated in order to prevent circulation of current in
the bearings;
f) clips for fluorescent lamps;
g) cable clips and short lengths of pipes for cable protection;
h) apparatus supplied at a voltage not exceeding 55 V direct current or 55 V, root
mean square, between conductors or between any conductor and earth in a circuit
isolated from the supply. Autotransformers are not to be used for the purpose of
achieving the alternating current voltage;
i) apparatus or parts of apparatus which although not shrouded in insulating material
is nevertheless otherwise so guarded that it cannot be touched and cannot come in
contact with exposed metal.
Metal coverings of cables are to be effectively earthed at both ends of the cable. In
final sub-circuits, other than those installed in hazardous zones or spaces, earthing at the
supply end only will be considered adequate. Single point earthing may be accepted for
instrumentation cables if desirable for technical reasons.
The electrical continuity of all metal coverings of cables throughout the length of the
cable, particularly at joints and tapping, is to be ensured.
Metal parts of portable appliances, other than current-carrying parts and parts
exempted above are to be earthed by means of an earth-continuity conductor in the
flexible cable or cord through the associated plug and socket outlet.
Earthing conductors are to be of copper or other corrosion-resistant material and be
securely installed and protected where necessary against damage and also, where
necessary, against electrolytic corrosion. Connections are to be so secured that they
cannot work loose under vibration.

The nominal cross-section area of copper earthing conductors is, in general to be

equal to the cross-section of the current-carrying conductor up to 16 mm. Above this
figure they are to be equal to at least half the cross-section of the current-carrying
conductor with a minimum of 16 mm. Every other earthing conductor is to have a
conductance not less than that specified for an equivalent copper earthing conductor.
The connection of the earthing conductor to the hull of the ship is to be made in an
accessible position, and is to be secured by a screw or stud of diameter not less than 6mm
which is to be used for this purpose only. Bright metallic surfaces at the contact areas are
to be ensured immediately before the nut or screw is tightened and, where necessary, the
joint is to be protected against electrolytic corrosion. The connection is to remain
unpainted.
1.5. Bonding for the control of static electricity.
Bonding straps for the control of static electricity are required for cargo tanks,
process plant and piping systems, for flammable products and solids liable to release
flammable gas and/or combustible dust, which are not permanently connected to the hull
of the ship either directly or via their bolted or welded supports and where the resistance
between them and the hull exceeds 1 M.
Where bonding straps are required for the control of static electricity, they are to
be robust, that is, having a cross-sectional area of about 10 mm.
1.6. Alarms
Cables for emergency alarms and their power sources are to be of a fire resistant
type and to be run as directly as is practicable. Electrical equipment and cables for
emergency alarms are to be so arranged that the loss of alarms in any one area due to
localized fire, collision, flooding or similar damage is minimized.
Task 1 Match the expressions to the explanations: high voltage, switchboard, section
board, distribution board, final sub-circuit, special category spaces, machinery
spaces of category A.
Expression
1
2
3
4
5

Explanation
is a switchgear and control gear assembly for the control
of power generated by a source of electrical power and its
distribution to electrical consumers.
is an assembly of one or more protective devices arranged
for the distribution of electrical power to final sub-circuits.
is a voltage exceeding 1000V a.c. or 1500V d.c. between
conductors.
is that portion of a wiring system extending beyond the
final overcurrent device of a board.
are those enclosed spaces above or below the bulkhead
deck intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel,
for their own propulsion, in their tanks, into and from
which such vehicles can be driven, and to which

passengers have access.

is a switchgear and control gear assembly for controlling
the supply of electrical power from a switchboard and
distributing it to other section boards, distribution boards
or final sub-circuits.
are those spaces and trunks to such spaces which contain
any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit.

1.7. Vocabulary
air compressor ~ compresor
air pump ~ pomp de aer
automatic sprinkler system ~ sistem automat de stropire
ballast pump ~ pomp de balast
bearing housing ~ carcas a lagrului
bilge pump ~ pomp de santin
boiler ~ caldarin, cldare naval
bonding strap ~ brid de fixare
circulating and cooling water pump ~ pomp de circulare i rcire a apei
clips ~ bride, coliere
closing appliances ~ mecanisme de nchidere
communication system ~ sistem de comunicare
condenser circulating pump ~ pomp de circulare a apei condensate
deck seal pump ~ pomp etaneizare punte
distribution board ~ panou de distribuie
earthing ~ mpmntare
electric propulsion equipment ~ echipamente electrice de propulsie
electrical power ~ putere/ energie electric
emergency source ~ surs n caz de avarie
enclosed space ~ spaiu nchis
extraction pump ~ pomp de extracie
fan ~ ventilator
feed water pump ~ pomp de alimentare cu ap
final sub-circuit ~ subcircuit final
fire detection ~ detectare incendiu
fire pump ~ pomp de incendiu
flame retard ~ ncetinire a arderii
fluorescent lamp ~ lamp fluorescent
forced draft ~ tiraj forat
fuel valve cooling pump ~ pomp de rcire a supapei de combustibil
habitable ~ locuibil
harmonic distortion ~ distorsionare armonic
hazard ~ accident/ pericol
hydraulic pump ~ pomp hidraulic

inert gas fan ~ ventilator pentru gaz inert

insulated winding ~ cablu izolat
lamp-cap ~ soclu de lamp
lighting system ~ system de iluminat
live parts ~ poriuni sub tensiune
lubricating oil pump ~ pomp pentru ulei de ungere
navigation lights ~ lumini de navigaie
navigational aids ~ sisteme auxiliare de navigaie
nut ~ piuli
oil fuel burning unit ~ incint de ardere combustibil lichid
oil fuel pump ~ pomp de combustibil lichid
oil separator ~ separator combustibil
plug ~ priz
plug and socket outlet ~ fi i priz de curent
power output ~ randament
power source ~ surs de putere
remotely operated ~ acionat de la distan
scavenge blower ~ suflante de purjare
screw ~ urub
scrubber ~ epurator de gaze
section board ~ seciune panou comand
shade ~ abajur
shroud ~ a acoperi
special purpose lights ~ lumini speciale
steering gear ~ mechanism de guvernare
supply system ~ sistem de alimentare
switchboard ~ tablou de distribuie
switchgear ~ aparataj de conexiuni
synchronizing switch ~ ntreruptoare sincronizate
thruster for dynamic positioning ~ elice lateral de poziionare a navei
tracking ~ traseu
transient variations ~ variaii tranzitorii
ventilating fan ~ ventilator
voltage ~ tensiune electromotoare
watertight door ~ u etan
windlass ~ vinci de ancor
wiring system ~ sistem de cabluri

1.8. Suffixes
a. noun suffixes
Suffixes are groups of letters added at the end of a word that can change the word-class and the
meaning of the word. In English, certain suffixes are used to form nouns from verbs, adjectives
and other nouns. Knowing suffixes can help you to find out the word you need without looking
up a dictionary every time.
Verb + suffix
- ment: improvement; management; replacement
- ion: election; discussion; translation (to translate); complication (to complicate); pollution
(to pollute)
- ation: information; organisation (to organise)
- ing: jogging (to jog); spelling; shipping
Adjective + suffix
- ness: weakness; darkness; readiness (ready)
- ity: punctuality; similarity; flexibility (flexible); scarcity (scarce)
Noun/verb + suffix
- er: manager; employer (describe peoples jobs)
- or: director; operator (to operate); sailor (describe peoples jobs)
- ist: economist (economy); psychologist (psychology) (describe peoples jobs)
- hood: childhood; manhood (abstract nouns)
- ship: partnership; membership; friendship (abstract nouns, status)

TASK 2
Exercise 1 Complete the sentences with the correct form of the word on the right.
Ex: Who made the arrangementsfor the meeting?
ARRANGE
1. We had a very heated .. in class today.
DISCUSS
2. I think . is very important.
PUNCTUAL
3. The . of the festival was excellent.
ORGANISE
4. Who won the .?
ELECT
5. Hes never been very good at. .
SPELL
6. Their . is all that matters to me.
HAPPY
7. The . between them is incredible.
SIMILAR
8. Has there been much . lately?
IMPROVE
9. Have they got all the . they need?
INFORM
10. This animal only appears during the hours of .
DARK
Exercise 2. What do we call these people?
Ex: a person who dances .dancer.
1. a person who murders someone
2. a person who acts
3. a person who works in economics
4. a person who farms
5. a person who translates
6. a person who employs other people

7. a person who works in psychology

8. a person who sings
9. a person who operates something
10. a person who plays football
11. a person who directs films
12. a person who writes articles in a newspaper
Exercise 3 Make nouns from the verbs and adjectives, and the necessary suffixes:
Verb
educate
improve
jog
spell
hesitate
arrange
Adjective
stupid
dark
weak
similar
punctual
sad
popular

Noun

Noun

Exercise 4 Do these words mean a thing, a person, or both?

1. a cooker; 2. a typewriter;
3. a ticket-holder;
4. a CD player;
5. a cleaner; 6. a smoker;
7. a drinker;
8. a dresser.

Answer key
TASK 1.
1. A switchboard; 2. A distribution board; 3. A high voltage; 4. A final sub-circuit;
5. Special category spaces; 6. A section board; 7. Machinery spaces of Category A.
TASK 2
Exercise 1
1. arrangement; 2. discussion; 3. punctuality; 4. organization; 5. elections; 6. spelling; 7.
happiness; 8. similarity; 9. improvement; 10. information; 11. darkness.
Exercise 2.
1. murderer; 2. actor; 3. economist; 4. farmer; 5. translator; 6. employer; 7. psychologist;
8. singer; 9. operator; 10. football player; 11. director; 12. journalist.
Exercise 3
Verb
educate
improve
jog
spell
hesitate
arrange
Adjective
stupid
dark
weak
similar
punctual
sad
popular

Noun
educative
improvement
jogging
spelling
hesitation
arrangement
Noun
stupidity
darkness
weakness
similarity
punctuality
sadness
popularity

Exercise 4
1. a cooker a thing (the stove on which you cook);
2. a typewriter a thing (machine for typing);
3. a ticket-holder a person who has a ticket or an object (a kind of wallet for holding
tickets;
4. a CD player a ting;
5. a cleaner person who cleans or a substance or instrument for cleaning;
6. a smoker a person who smokes or a short name for a seat in the smoking area of a
plane or a train;
7. a drinker a person who drinks alcohol, usually regularly or in large quantities;
8. a dresser a person who helps actors with their costumes or a piece of furniture.