ECN Forum
Posted By: Admin A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 04:14 AM
<img border="0" src=&q...uot;399" height="222">
Click on Picture for a closer look

Quote
I was shocked after touching this in-line fuseholder (see the tiny bit of metal extending out of the end?) while inspecting the installation. I was high up on a ladder with the upper part of my body above the lay-in ceiling!

I don't know if it is a poor product design, bad installation or both. I had the electrician go back and tape all 25+/- of the installations.

David A. Penasa, PE
Posted By: sparky Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 10:54 AM
oh sure, light up the inspector !

[Linked Image]
Posted By: electure Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 12:40 PM
Is this wiring that was done by the electrician in the field? The inline fuseholders I've used have had pigtails on them, which I don't see here. I'd be willing to bet that the label on the cover says to disconnect the unit from the power supply before opening the unit. A guy would have an excellent chance of a shock if he tried to change that fuse without shutting off the supply to it anyway. Even inspectors should read the warning labels.
Posted By: sparky Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 01:37 PM
Point well put Electure,
it does have the universal pix of the guy touching the bolt of lightning entering extremity and exiting posterior [Linked Image]

hmmm;
maybe there's a disco nearby?
Posted By: Tom Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 03:09 PM
If this piece of equipment is listed, the listing agency should be made aware of the shock hazard.

I suspect, as Electure pointed out, that this equipment was modified in the field.

Tom
Posted By: electure Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 06:21 PM
This box looks like it was meant to have transformers, contactors, and the like installed, which more often than not have exposed terminals. (Shut off the power) Although the fuseholder shouldn't have exposed metal, taping the end might cause the spring pressure to be wrong, and cause it to burn up (especially after a fuse change). If the original fuseholder installation doesn't void the warranty, the tape most certainly will.
Posted By: Bill Addiss Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 06:54 PM
It looks like the Fuseholder was crimped on with a butt-splice type connector. Where is the exposed metal? Is that fuseholder taped up? I can't seem to see what we're talking about here. [Linked Image]

Bill
Posted By: electure Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/13/01 09:17 PM
If this "control box" was meant to be examined while energized, the requirement for workspace would be in effect. Layin 2x4 grid can't give you this space, as it's only 24" wide. In any event, the reason for the shock was the inspector's failure to follow proper safety procedures, ignoring the warning label even though "HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE" is written on it and there's a pic of a guy with lightning bolt through him.
Posted By: dpenasa Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/15/01 01:43 AM
I didn't get shocked by sticking my hand into some obviously energized area. Come on guys, give me a break!

Apparently I wasn't totally clear in what happened in my message sent with my photo. The shock was received from a very tiny sliver of metal exposed at the end of the black "tube" at the point where the red conductor comes out of it. This has to be either a manufacturing defect or terrible product quality. I don't know if the fuseholders on the other similar fan coil units (24+/-) in this project all had this same problem. (I'd had enough for the day after the shock! I didn't check any others.)

Unfortunately the small size of the posted photo makes the tiny bit of exposed metal difficult (impossible?) to see.

Email me if you want me to email you the original high quality photo that I took.

David A. Penasa, PE
Posted By: Anonymous Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/15/01 04:47 AM
I know what you are talking about. If the little sliver was supposed to be okay then the entire wire would be okay if it were bare.

Is the sliver a strand of wire that missed a crimp connector?

Since with vibration of position it could touch the metal enclosure, it is distinctly unintentional.

Obviously there is something serviceable in there. Perhaps the fuse was installed locally?

NOTICE
Control box cover must be reinstalled after servicing to insure proper...?
Posted By: Bill Addiss Re: A Shock Hazard? - 05/15/01 06:15 AM
[Linked Image]

Apologies to David, Upon closer examination the problem became visible.

Bill



[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 05-15-2001).]
© ECN Electrical Forums