ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Violation Photo Forum Dangerous Situation Here?

Joe, When you said you were going to get your cord, I high tailed it. (I've seen your cord)

I did see the meter reader heading to the the pond though.

Come to think of it, I haven't seen a bill lately.

Roger

I'm want to make sure I have this straight. It's not proper to call a boat floor "finished grade"?

Joe: Here are some additional examples of the electrical work being done at the elementary school "outdoor classroom".

The extension cord (to the pump) was there last weekend, and this week, where we found it buried.

Compared to the last photo's above, the water level continues to rise and the
service may be floating in the pond before long!

PS: My hard hat floated away!

Roger

Roger:
A couple of questions, if I may: 1) What does this service provide power for... and 2) Is the water level getting closer to the service?

It looks like they will need a boat before too long. Why on earth would any AHJ approve something like this with virtually no working space in front of it?

Mike (mamills)

Mike,

The water level is rising and will almost touch the 4x4 under the panel before the pond reaches it's overflow.

This is a 100 amp service, and as of now, is feeding a submersible pump at one end of the pond which pumps water to the waterfall at the other end. The pump is switched on by plugging an extension cord (which was buried)into the GFI that can be seen under the panel.

They have built an outdoor classroom about 150' from the pond, as well as a nature trail. I have a feeling this service will eventually be serving more than one receptacle. If there was not more planned for the service, they could have run a receptacle circuit underground from the school building when they ran the water to the pond.

As to why the AHJ is ignoring the situation, I am not sure. As stated earlier, the AHJ, as well as the Principal of the school, have been contacted.

I think this work, other than the service, is being done by volunteers. This is another case of well-meaning DIY'ers not knowing the dangers.

Roger

hi joe, i am not sure what you mean by a POCO neutral, and the dangerous situation with the voltage on the driven ground.

Daniel

The first message was posted on behalf of Roger, so that I could upload his pictures.

Your question concering the POCO comment will probablly catch his eye when he signs on again.

You can add to the subject by giving us your interpretation of the potential hazards often associated with open, or loose neutrals.

[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 10-05-2002).]

First of all, after we finally got the attention of the principal he contacted me and I explained the danger and the code violations.

He followed up by calling me again to tell me they were having it moved. He also asked me to help in locating where this should be, which I did.

They have had the POCO pull the fuse and have started the process.

Daniel, POCO is for power company.

Now to the danger of loosing a service neutral.

The made electrode (ground rod) would carry the circuit voltage to the ground at the immediate location. (The meter and panel would also be charged) This voltage would be at or near 120v depending on the drop across the load.

Being that the ground surface in this case could be wet and fertilized, the voltage gradient could extend quite aways at dangerous levels before dispersing to a safe level.
Anyone contacting something with a potential difference would be in danger.

Roger

thanks for the reply Roger and Joe. i now understand the potential hazards of a open neutral. i read more about this topic, it is simular to the topic " IS THERE A SHOCK HAZARD HERE" in this forum. thanks again for the imformation...


dan