I am NOT trained for working on 'high voltage' wiring, so my understanding of such matters may be wrong.
From all I've heard, grounding conductors is a basic precaution in working on power distribution systems. 4000 Volts seems to put this gear squarely in the 'distribution' category, whether utility owned, or not.
I would, in that case, want to be very familiar with NESC requirements. This gear seems a bit beyond NEC and UL expertise.
This, then, brings up the matter of qualifications. I can't see where your 'typical' electrician, or engineer, has any expertise on these matters. The article was woefully silent in regards to any special qualifications that may have been had by any of the parties involved.
This is not to 'flame' the article; I, for one, would love to know where to get such expertise .... BEFORE I need it.
The "Forensic Casebook" articles, unfortunately, seem to have more sizzle than steak. Far too often, important details are omitted, and the story ends with "we had a favorable, if confidential, settlement."
Can there be an overlap between differing parts of the trade? Absolutely - it happens all the time. Unfortunately, far too often training in these areas is far too often employer or manufacturer dependent. This accident may have been the natural conclusion to such circumstances.
