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DAEGU, South Korea — "Safety does not stem from extraordinary technology, but from the simple habit of adhering to the basics."

On the exhibition floor of the 2026 Korea Electric Power Expo (EPEK 2026), held at EXCO in Daegu on the 24th, a steady stream of students and general visitors flocked to the Safety Experience Booth organized by the Korea Electrical Contractors Association (KECA). The booth received an enthusiastic response by shifting away from conventional, text-heavy displays, allowing visitors to directly experience the real dangers of electric shocks, short circuits, and fire hazards.

The most popular attraction was the demonstration corner for Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) designed for human shock protection. Visitors touched the demonstration equipment to feel a minute, controlled electrical current, naturally learning the risk of electrocution and the critical importance of circuit breakers.

The booth also highlighted technical safety standards: under South Korean regulations, a circuit breaker must trip within 0.03 seconds when a leakage current of 30 mA or higher occurs in standard environments, or 15 mA or higher in wet locations. Visitors observed the actual operating principles of these devices, gaining a solid understanding of fundamental electrical safety.

The Safety Footwear Experience Zone also drew significant attention. Here, attendees could verify firsthand how industrial safety shoes protect workers' feet from falling object impacts, sharp nails, and rebar.

To simulate an actual construction site, sharp objects like nails were placed on the floor to compare standard shoes with professional safety footwear. Instructors explained that industrial safety shoes are engineered to withstand a falling impact of up to 1.5 tons and a compression force of 100 kg, while insulated footwear plays a vital role in mitigating electrocution risks during electrical work.

Furthermore, the fire hazard demonstration realistically recreated how overcurrents from short circuits and electrical leaks escalate into fires, showing how rapidly sparks ignite and smoke spreads.

Instructors explained how overloaded outlets, daisy-chaining multiple power strips, and leaving damaged wires unattended can lead to catastrophic fires, driving home the vital importance of electrical safety. One side of the booth featured detailed infographics on the causes of overcurrent, preventive guidelines, and the power consumption ratings of common electronics, allowing visitors to review their daily electrical habits.

"A significant portion of electrical accidents occurs not from a lack of technical expertise, but from momentary negligence," said Kim Byung-mok, a professor at the KECA Safety Education Team, who led the onsite training. "We hope this hands-on experience serves as an opportunity for people to truly feel the dangers and integrate safety protocols into their daily routines."

He added, "The core message I want to convey to visiting students is that 'vigilance is the cornerstone of safety.' Safety is not a grand concept; it starts with the habit of following the basics."

Designed to raise awareness among industrial workers, students, and the general public alike, the Safety Experience Booth was widely praised for contributing to the expansion of a robust safety culture through interactive, experiential education.

Source: Electric Times (https://www.electimes.com) June 24, 2026, 15:41