ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians The Main Power Switch Does Not Work, so Now What!!

Goofy Dude! Now What Man!!

Is the hole in the wall an escape route?

Joe, seeing that the switch is in the off position, do you think it was a test?

Roger

I bet it won't turn ON. Most worker drones don't care if it won't turn off. They just care that their machine won't run. It should have a lockoout and red tag but it may not be quite as dangerous as it first looks. Or, at least, that's what I hope!

Roger:

I don't really know because the picture was sent to me by a student. Could be though, the mechanism may be hung up or damaged.

The switch is "OFF" but odds are that it is still made at the top? I wouldn't be surprised if someone also used those solid "pipe" non-fuses or jumpers.

I'm confused.

The handle looks up to me, meaning on. The note says 'main' switch, not isolation or disconnect.
I have had to deal with local switches that fail to change contact position.
What I usually do is drill, tap, and bolt the handle in the 'stuck position'. I then put a big red tag on it that says: "DANGEROUS - GO AWAY"

Then I order the parts to fix it; or if they are on hand, I make sure the supervisor has them changed as soon as the equipment allows a shut down.

Pinemartin, the protrusion on the switch you're looking at is a rocker type mechanism. If the same protrusion was at the bottom the switch, it would be in the closed position.

I think this may be a GE or Siemens switch but don't hold my feet to the fire on this.

Roger

You are right. I recognize it now.
I thought it was a grasping type handle as opposed to a push rocker type.

Pinemarten,
Now that's what I call a lock-out tag!.

The scariest part is I think I recognize this guy's writing. Hmmm, Hmmm.