70E approved method

[LLSolutions]

Working in a theater, trying to explain to local crew the textbook way to tie in their feeder tails. Here's the setup; 3 separate 400A 3phase 120/208 breaker enclosures on stage, the line is fed from a single 1200A fused disconnect switch in basement. I was telling them that the proper way to tie in without PPE would be to make sure all the 400A switches were off then go to the basement shut off the 1200A switch lock and tag out, check to make sure voltage is not present in the 400A cabinet, do your tie-in close and lock out the 400A enclosure, go to basement, remove LOTO and energize 1200A switch, go upstairs and then you can energize the 400A switch and carry on. No one really got that that 400A switch is backed by 1200Amps just 12" from the load side of the breaker they were tying into, really small breaker enclosures. Do they make a 70E for dummies of any thing like that?

 

[barbeer]

What's wrong with putting on the proper ppe (Note that your avatar pic shows the wrong way) to do the task, keeping in mind if there is no energy flow there should be no potential!

 

[bob cape may]

Wouldn't they need there ppe to test for voltage, I know here we do, after no voltage you can work with out the ppe. As for the class for dummies check out u tube arc flash clips.

 

[charlie]

. . . Note that your avatar pic shows the wrong way . . .

Maybe the panelboard is not energized?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Wouldn't they need there ppe to test for voltage, I know here we do, after no voltage you can work with out the ppe. As for the class for dummies check out u tube arc flash clips.

Yes, you need the full PPE and need to treat the system as live until it has been tested and proved not to be live.

 

[pbeasley]

Most theatrical electricians have zero concept of arc flash or PPE... I didn't until about 8 years ago when I started trying to improve my knowledge. This is just one of the many reasons that ESTA has started a certification program. This topic was defiitely part of the ETCP test.

 

[barbeer]

Maybe the panelboard is not energized?

Such progressive thinking!

 

[LLSolutions]

I forgot to mention the testing with ppe on also. as for the picture........... I don't always practice what I preach, nice catch