What would the proper protective gear be for residential distribution panel work?

In this area the meter could be pulled so the panel isn't live, but meters are rarely pulled. In other areas the POCO doesn't want ECs to pull meters. In either case with a live panel the top of the main is "Live POCO" which is somewhat close to unfused.

I'm curious what kind of arc flash could happen if the main shorted and what kind of PPE would be required for protection in that circumstance.

Dave

Dave,
With an un-fused supply, you are basically at the mercy of the Secondary side of the Transformer feeding the Installation.
Considering the lack of fusing, I would get Cover-up gear around the main, depending upon what you were doing.
Other way you could do it is with Insulated Gloves and Protectors and Isolate your Phases by Insulating them with the Main Switch turned off and then remove them and Insulate them.
Other side of the coin too, wear a face shield, in case something does go wrong.

If we would apply the Canadian code rules, this would not be as big of a problem as long as you are not trying to work on the line side connections. Their code requires an additional cover over the line side connections that remains in place while working on the load side parts.
Without this cover, you will need arc flash PPE. This would often require the use of an arc flash hood as well as FR clothing.
Don

The videos I've seen of a short in a meter bank in a metering room for a condo or some other type of big building is truly impressive. It's something you do not want to be near.

The required PPE would be, for my companies, FR shirt, natural fiber clothes, steel toes, Class 0 gloves, hard hat, and safety glasses and/or face shield.

Depending on the power company's high-side protection is certainly taking a large gamble with your life. Its scheme is designed to protect equipment, not people. OH transformers would be more merciful than UG equipment since those Bay-o-net fuses are way over sized to force the pothead fuse to blow first.

Also when it comes to pulling the meter, don't do it unless the power company specifically says it's okay. Cutting the seal is usually the first step to "diverting current." Most power comapnies are pretty serious about that stuff.

Wes

partywaggin:

First off, welcome aboard! You'll find a lot of great info and great people on this site!

Now a question for you: The video you refer to, is it available online? If so, could you post a link?

If not , do you recall where you saw it so we might be able to look it up?

Thanks!! Tony

Don,
Could you explain to me what is wrong with Electricians using Cover-up Gear?.
I'm an Electrician and I use it most days that I work.

Here's a link to a 13 minute electrical safety video that can be downloaded:
http://www.electrician.com/safety/electricalsafety_01.htm

I realize it's not resi, but...

We had an electrical contractor (David Emmerling, with Wigdahl Electrical Company of Elk Grove Village, IL) and Deputy Chief Wayne Luecht of a FD south of us get burned (3rd degree - 93%) when a fault two miles away decided to use the panel room housing 480v gear in a shopping center as a "point of release".

The contractor was KIA - Chief Luecht died after 11 days in CCU. The building engineer survived, and underwent therapy.

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 08-28-2005).]

Dave Wigdahl's name rings a bell. I think I went to school with him. I've heard good things about his business, one of the largest in the state. It's a devastating accident.

It was accually the motivation for my post. We all pull the cover off a residential panel, often with little thought to the increase in the level of danger that the line side of the main poses.

Dave

Joe:

The video is very good and should be viewed by everyone. However, a note is in order:


Thanks for the link!

Tony

edit: The quote is mine, using the feature to make the text stand out...

[This message has been edited by mxslick (edited 08-29-2005).]

Dave,
And some GC's wonder why we are so "finicky".

Mike,
The problem is that the OSHA rules prohibit most types of live work. When the rules permit live work, then yes electricans must use PPE suitable for that hazard. Other than troubleshooting, there is no live work that would be permitted by OSHA in a dwelling unit.
Don

Don,
I agree mate.
There is no need for it.

Does this mean that Home Inspectors who remove covers from cabinets to inspect the panelboard should disconnect the main?

I am sure that they don't, and have been keeping my fingers crossed hoping that no one gets hurt. I recommend that they use the basic PPE and that's about all that can be done.

Some of the SOP that home inspectors operate under may not call this to their attention.

I see questions every day from some who are asking questions about situations such as what's this, and why, and how do I?

Here's one example:
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/viewtopic.php?t=15442

I honestly believe that if these types of questions have to be asked, that they are not "Qualified Persons" as defined per the NEC. Just my opinion.

A self employed person is not subject to OSHA requirements. Many HIs are in fact self employed.

That is not to say they should not be using caution.

HI companies have more than the owner out doing inspections are definitely violating OSHA regs when they open panel covers along with 95% of the electricians in the county.