PRINCIPLES OF DESIGNING SAFE ELECTRICAL NETWORKS IN HIGH-EXPLOSION-RISK MINING ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

In modern mining operations, especially in underground and high-risk explosion-prone environments, ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical networks is of paramount importance. Improperly designed electrical systems can lead to catastrophic incidents, including explosions, fires, and equipment failures, which endanger human lives, disrupt production, and cause significant economic losses. This paper examines the principles of designing safe electrical networks in mining conditions with elevated explosion risks, emphasizing the integration of advanced protective technologies, intrinsically safe equipment, and fault-tolerant system architectures. The study highlights the importance of adopting explosion-proof cables, protective relays, isolation transformers, and grounding systems designed to prevent spark generation. Key design considerations include classification of hazardous zones, selection of electrical equipment according to international and national safety standards, and the implementation of monitoring and control systems that ensure real-time fault detection and prevention. Furthermore, the paper explores energy efficiency measures, redundancy in critical circuits, and risk mitigation strategies that minimize the potential for accidents. By analyzing both global best practices and lessons learned from local mining enterprises in Uzbekistan, this research provides a comprehensive framework for engineers and safety specialists to design electrical networks that comply with regulatory standards while enhancing operational reliability. The findings demonstrate that applying rigorous design principles and advanced safety technologies significantly reduces explosion risks, improves workforce safety, and ensures uninterrupted mining operations.