How to Help an Electric Shock Victim?

By RISC | 3 months ago

In the last article, we looked at the design and installation of electrical systems to avoid shock and short circuits (you can read it again at https://bit.ly/45YXDnM). Let’s now look at what to do in an emergency involving an electric shock. How should we respond and act correctly and safely?When someone is electrocuted, the current passes through the heart, causing it to stop. Muscles, bones, abdominal organs, and the nervous system can also be affected. A very high current can cause severe tissue damage, leading to injuries in the abdominal organs. Some people may experience muscle spasms, rapid breathing, and loss of consciousness.For initial first aid, we should:- Immediately call the emergency hotline 1669 during the rescue or first aid process, so experts can arrive in time. The severity of the harm depends on the duration of the electric shock, and proper assistance can increase the victim's chances of survival.- Quickly find the source of the electric leak and cut off the circuit to prevent the rescuer from being electrocuted as well.- If someone is being electrocuted and a wire is touching them, use insulating materials that do not conduct electricity, such as wood, dry rope, rubber hoses, rubber gloves, or thick dry cloths, to push or pull the victim away quickly or flick the wire away from them.- If it's a high-voltage electric shock, notify the electricity authority immediately to cut off the power and call the emergency hotline 1669.- If the victim is electrocuted in a flooded area, the rescuer must not enter the water. Cut off the power before attempting a rescue.- Approach the rescue quickly, carefully, and cautiously. Cover the area that was electrocuted with a dry cloth. If there are wounds or uncertain injuries to the skin and tissues in the area, take the victim to the hospital immediately.Remember! Safety is the most important thing. Being prepared and cautious can reduce the risk of electric shock.Additionally, learning and practicing first aid methods for electric shock is something everyone should be interested in. When an incident occurs, we can help promptly. Keep the phone numbers of relevant agencies, such as rescue units and hospitals, handy for emergency calls.Preventing electric shock and short circuits during the rainy season isn’t difficult. Regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical appliances in the home with simple methods can effectively prevent electric shock hazards, allowing everyone to live safely and comfortably during the rainy season.Story by Montri Phulanku, Senior Research Engineer, Well-Being Research Integration and Building Infrastructure Specialist, RISC​​

Watch Out for Short Circuits in the Rainy Season!

By RISC | 3 months ago

Short circuits are a common danger for homes in the rainy season, putting everyone at risk.​ But RISC has some handy tips for your well-being.​Electrical system design should meet requirements based on appropriate concepts and usage type. Here we’ll look at systems for villas and townhouses.​Safety is the top priority to avoid shocks and fires. Design must incorporate...​1. High-quality wires that meet TIS or IEC requirements. In general, electrical wiring for household use should be scaled to match the operational load and the size of each type of circuit protection device.​2. Lighting circuits and electrical outlets should have separate circuits in the kitchen, bathroom, and for high-energy electrical devices like air conditioners and ovens.​3. To minimize electrical shocks and short circuits, install the main electrical cabinet in an easily accessible area. Include a leakage protection device (RCD) and a circuit breaker (MCB). Install equipment to prevent electric shock and overvoltage (RCBO).​ ​Image 1 from PMK Corporation Ltd. ​ Image 2 from PMK Corporation Ltd.​​Residual Current Device (RCD) installation is often done in a consumer unit in the home. This equipment is used to turn off electricity automatically. The electricity will be turned off after a set amount of time when an electric current enters and exits with uneven value. In other words, some power is leaking, either from electrical appliances to the ground or through humans in contact with leaking equipment.​There are several varieties of leakage breakers, including residual current circuit breakers (RCD, RCBO, RCCB) and ground leakage circuit breakers (ELCB, GFCI). They will be used in conjunction with other types of circuit breakers such as MCB circuit breakers or MCCB circuit breakers. But there are 3 common types: ​1) RCCBs (Residual Current Circuit Breakers) are used to interrupt the circuit only during a current leak and must always be fitted in conjunction with a fuse or circuit breaker. ​2) RCBO (Residual Current Circuit Breakers with Overload Protection) are used to switch off the circuit during a leakage current, overcurrent, or short circuit current. ​3) ELCB (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) is a circuit breaker that is used to prevent electric shock, detect electrical leaks, and turn off electricity, as well as protect against electrical leaks. ​A leakage circuit breaker has several advantages, including preventing electrocution, fires caused by electrical leaks in electrical circuits or electrical appliances, and detecting and repairing any point of electrical current leaking to the earth. There are 2 installation techniques. ​1. Install it at the main switch panel, for example, replacing the primary circuit breaker with an RCBO to prevent fires. ​2. Install a branch circuit protection device, such as an RCCB, to prevent electric shock. ​The following specifications must be taken into consideration while selecting a leaking cutter.​1. Industrial product standards (TIS) regulating RCBO type leakage circuit breakers (TIS 909-2005) or RCCB type leakage circuit breakers (TIS 2425-2009) must be followed in the manufacturing and testing of leakage cutters.​2. To reduce the risk of electric shock, a leakage cutter must have a leakage current rating of no more than 30 milliamperes.​3. To transfer the leaking power and allow it to flow into the ground without endangering anyone in contact with it, a leakage cutter must be fitted in conjunction with the ground wire. It also facilitates the RCD's effective operation and aids in the device's protection against overcurrent (circuit breaker).​4. Install sub-circuits at the potentially dangerous regions, such as basements, wet areas, kitchens, shower rooms, bathrooms, and electrical circuits outside of buildings. Don't forget to install sub-circuits for bathtubs and water heaters. ​5. The overcurrent protection device's rated current cannot be lower than the RCD's current rating. ​6. A leakage cutter needs to be of the kind that cuts off all wires from the circuit, even the neutral wire, except for the wire which is directly linked to ground. ​7. Put in the RCD where the main circuit breaker is located. Select a time delay type (type S) RCD with a leakage current rating greater than 30 mA, such as 100 mA or 300 mA. ​Additionally, by routinely inspecting the wiring and electrical equipment, we can prevent electric shock by using the following techniques. ​1. Inspect the home's electrical equipment and wires for damage. If damage is discovered, have a qualified technician replace or repair it right away. ​2. Ensure that the electrical cabinet and control panel are cleaned on a regular basis to keep out moisture and dust that could result in a short circuit. ​3. Using the RCD's test button to check the short circuit protection or electric shock prevention devices every 6 months or once a year. ​4. Have an expert technician inspect the electrical loading cabinet to ensure that the grounding system is still in good condition and fulfills the standards specified by the electricity authority. ​5. Avoid using electrical appliances that are at risk of electrical leakage, such as washing machines or irons, particularly during heavy rain or thunderstorms. Ensure that the equipment and facilities are in a safe condition while in use. ​6. Do not handle electrical equipment with wet hands, which can enhance the danger of electric shock. Always dry your hands before utilizing electrical equipment.  ​Story by Montri Phulanku, Senior Research Engineer, Well-Being Research Integration and Building Infrastructure Specialist, RISC​​

Why Should We Care about Natural Light?​

By RISC | 4 months ago

Natural light is a dear friend who’s been with us since we first opened our eyes. But we now seek to avoid it out of concerns over heat and radiation.Sunlight produces heat and radiation but we cannot live without in our daily lives. Natural light aids in vision, waking, sleeping, and our lifestyle. Light directly affects health, aiding both physical and mental recovery as well as helping with emotional disorders. A study found that more time outdoors in natural light boosts work effectiveness.​The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), the WELL Building Standard developer, and the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED standard creators, aim to bring natural light into usable spaces within buildings by focusing on the value of receiving natural light, entering in 2 ways:​• To meet annual sunlight exposure (ASE) standards, buildings must get over 1,000 lux of natural light for 250 hours per year and not exceed 10% of total area. This is an ideal ratio for admitting natural light into the structure that strikes a balance between obtaining adequate sunshine for health and regulating heat within the building.​• Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA) refers to the proportion of an area receiving enough light in a year. This is achieved by exposing at least 50% of working hours to natural light of at least 300 lux for 55%, 75%, or 90% of the total area. The more natural light that reaches the space, the higher the score from the criteria (USGBC, 2018).​We can observe that neither value has a stable maximum brightness value since the activities in the area have variable requirements for maximum brightness, such as working hours throughout the seasons when light does not reach the same areas. Therefore, the value is set to total hours instead.​In addition, IWBI requires 6-7 meters of workstation close to the window, which accounts for 30% of the work area on each floor. This is in line with the observed lighting simulation results. At distances greater than 6-7 meters, the brightness in the area falls below 300 lux, which is deemed insufficient for operation and must be supplemented with artificial light.​The lighting model on 21 December 2024 at 3pm shows the importance of choosing the location for use of space on each side of the building. Inside the northeast room, there is an average light value of 1,078 lux, with no sunlight shining into the room. Rooms in the southwest were the rooms with the highest average overexposure of 11,229 lux, which was accompanied by hot sunlight. The southwest should therefore be avoided as a regular work area.​Building design has a considerable impact on the occupants' exposure to natural light. Furthermore, it is an important issue that requires computer simulation models to determine the accuracy of ASE and sDA values early in the design process to provide space for building users to receive adequate natural light.​We now know the value of sunlight. So, don't forget to shift the table and chairs to receive some natural light.​In the next post, we'll look at what happens if we face a poor, inappropriate light that is bad for us.Find out more about light and simulations to evaluate its efficiency from Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) at RISC Well-Being Facebook Inbox, or RISC LINE Official: risc_center.​Story by Wacharakorn Maneechote, Sustainable Designer, Well-Being Research Integrations, RISC

Why Does Thailand Stay Hot All Year?

By RISC | 4 months ago

Thais joke that their country has 3 seasons: hot, very hot, and super hot. It's not the climate they’d prefer.​Thailand actually has 3 seasons: summer, rainy season, and winter. So why do we always feel hot? Let's try to find why...​When you check the air temperature, you’ll often see "feels like …." This perceived temperature is usually higher than the air temperature on the thermometer. The number is calculated with factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation.​RISC simulated the outcomes and examined the data's accuracy.​ The Meteorological Department's 2021 weather data show average maximum temperatures in the summer, rainy season, and winter of 36°C, 34°C, and 33.5°C. Foreca, an accurate weather forecast data source, said average relative humidity in summer is 73.33%RH, in the rainy season is 76%RH, and in winter is 69.5%RH. Wind speed averages 6 km/hr in summer, 4 km/hr in the rainy season, and 4.75 km/hr in winter.​​The solar radiation value was analyzed using a simulation software tool, and a substantial radiation concentration number was discovered within one day of the summer, rainy, and winter seasons. The maximum average solar radiation was 0.41 kWh/m2, 0.25 kWh/m2, and 0.38 kWh/m2, respectively. These figures are consistent with clear skies and few clouds in winter and summer, letting the sun's rays go straight to the earth. During the rainy season, many clouds can obstruct the sun's beams.​The data analysis revealed that ​• Summer has the highest temperatures, wind speeds, and sun radiation. Perceived temperature is 42.7°C.​• The rainy season has moderate temperatures and the highest relative humidity. Perceived temperature is 41°C.​• Winter has the lowest temperatures, relative humidity, wind speed, and sun radiation. Perceived temperature is 38.4°C.​As we can see, we frequently sense air temperatures that are higher than the thermometer reading due to factors such as relative humidity, wind speed, and sun radiation. In the summer, even with high air temperature and sun radiation values, wind not only lowers the temperature to a comfortable level but also makes us feel the temperature drop. And if we are in an atmosphere with an air temperature of 22-29°C or lower and the wind speed increases by 1 kilometer per hour (km/hr), we will feel 0.4 °C cooler.Furthermore, having a relative humidity value higher than the comfort zone of 20-75% during the rainy season contributes to us feeling hotter and more uncomfortable. The greater relative humidity rating will make you feel even hotter because the rate of perspiration evaporation from your body reduces.​ Using simulation software in analysis allows us to clearly and reliably forecast future outcomes that have yet to occur. The results of the solar radiation simulation can also be used to improve building design and orientation, boosting comfort throughout the year and in each season.​RISC employs a team of experts who can analyze data on the sun's orbital path using Building Information Modeling (BIM). The simulation software creates building virtual models to study the intensity of solar radiation on the surface and display accurate results based on Thailand’s weather data.Find out more from Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) at the RISC Well-Being Facebook Inbox or RISC LINE Official: risc_center.​Story by Panisara Sucharitkul, Sustainable Designer, Well-Being Research Integration, RISC​References:​Air temperature: https://weather-and-climate.com/Bangkok-January-averages​Sky conditions: http://164.115.28.46/thaiexen/search_detail/result/8374​Relative humidity and wind speed: https://weather-and-climate.com/Bangkok​The Feel Like temperature (Perceived Temperature): https://planetcalc.com/2089/​How the wind speed makes us feel cool: https://risc.in.th/knowledge/electric-fan-saves-more-energy#:~:text=%E0%B9%82%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B0%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B9%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B6%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%99,C%20%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%96%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%94%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%A1Relative humidity makes us feel hot:​ https://mgronline.com/science/detail/9630000049979#:~:text=%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B8%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%83%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8,%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%87%E0%B9%86%20%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A8%E0%B9%81%E0%B8%AB%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%87