2 single pull breakers used for double pull without handle tie

[dm9289]

Backround

I work in an old factory where most circuits you seek out leads to something you dont want to find. Lately checking thru some circuits looking for 2 locations to hook up a plug in spot welder i found available 240 volt outlets. Both were mingled with severalk 120 volt circuits, lighting, other 240 volt plugs and 120 volt plugs etc. In tracing the wiring (large task) I found the circuits were on 2 -50 amp single pull breakers not even next to each other. These are older panels and the breakers will be hard to find and the attitude I get is just leave it alone its been that way since 1950 and has been fine.


Question

Does anyone out there know of a resource I could use to explain the dangers of this to my supervisor ?

 

[donselec]

Well I'm not sure of a resource but if you have a 240-volt outlet controlled by 2 s.p. breakers not tied together that could be a danger if you were working on it, and might cause harm to the machine plugged in. If lights and outlets are on these 50-amp circuits obviously that's a danger of overload. It may be working now but what happens if you get a short in the #12 wire? Big problem. Hope that helps.

 

[jusme123]

Backround

I work in an old factory where most circuits you seek out leads to something you dont want to find. Lately checking thru some circuits looking for 2 locations to hook up a plug in spot welder i found available 240 volt outlets. Both were mingled with severalk 120 volt circuits, lighting, other 240 volt plugs and 120 volt plugs etc. In tracing the wiring (large task) I found the circuits were on 2 -50 amp single pull breakers not even next to each other. These are older panels and the breakers will be hard to find and the attitude I get is just leave it alone its been that way since 1950 and has been fine.


Question

Does anyone out there know of a resource I could use to explain the dangers of this to my supervisor ?

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