Damaged Electrical Cable
- Safety Flash
- Published on 31 August 2021
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 24/21
- 1 minute read
While washing down a vessel’s cargo hold, a crew member noticed arcing from around two electrical cables near the cargo hold light.
What happened?
Upon closer investigation the crew member noticed that a piece of tie wire connected to the cables was glowing red.
The crew member immediately stopped hosing down, turned the water supply off, and notified the ship’s electrician.
Damaged cable
Cargo hold
What were the causes?
The outer insulation of the cabling was damaged.
The cable insulation had deteriorated due to age and weathering, exposing the live wire.
The location of the cable was such that it was not easily accessed for detailed visual inspection.
Actions
- Visual inspection of all electrical cables for early signs of ageing and weathering, particularly in difficult to see areas.
IMCA notes that neglected exposed mains cabling is a surprisingly common high potential issue, in an area – electrical safety – that ought to be a good deal more tightly controlled.
Members may wish to consider:
- Short video: Electrical hazards
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 10/21
8 April 2021
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IMCA SF 25/20
25 August 2020
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IMCA SF 19/19
12 August 2019
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IMCA SF 24/18
30 October 2018
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IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
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