Application of 70E

[paw paw]

The company I work for builds control panels for industrial equipment. All panels are a part of the equipment and are fully tested prior to shipping. Voltage, running current, and locked rotor inrush current readings are taken on all motor loads on the load side of the starter, contactor, or VFD. Panel supply ratings range from 15 to over 250A, with motor sizes from 1 to 300HP. Voltages range from 208 to 480 3-phase.

The boss says 70E "stuff" does not apply to the work we do because it isn't maintenance work, and then argues that there has never been a need for it in the past.

Where can I find information that mentions or references OEM facilities and work practices that I can show to the boss?

 

[chris kennedy]

All panels are a part of the equipment and are fully tested prior to shipping.

IMO that is clearly "operation of electrical equipment" as covered in 90.2(A). Also ask the boss to show you how the facility would fall under 90.2(B).

 

[zog]

The boss says 70E "stuff" does not apply to the work we do because it isn't maintenance work,

What does maintenenance have to do with it? If he actually read the scope of the 70E it would be very clear it applies to your facility.

and then argues that there has never been a need for it in the past.

Why? Because no one has been killed yet?

Where can I find information that mentions or references OEM facilities and work practices that I can show to the boss?

Again, the 1st section of the 70E is very clear, I suggest you and your boss get a copy and actually read it.

 

[chris kennedy]

I suggest you and your boss get a copy and actually read it.

Easy there big fella.:roll: It appears the OP has and is looking for some help.

 

[paw paw]

Again, the 1st section of the 70E is very clear, I suggest you and your boss get a copy and actually read it.

Hi, Zog.

I've actually read the standard from cover to cover a few times; and have even been through the 70E training program

The problem I'm having is that the standard does not specifically mention either original equipment manufacturers and/or industrial control panels.

As I interpret it, 90.2(A)(3) clearly includes just about everything not specificaly excluded by 90.2(B), but others do not agree

I'm just trying to find a reference that does mention OEMs and or control panels that would support my interpretation.

 

[SG-1]

paw paw, your work seems to be simular to mine, diagnostic testing. You are energizing the circuits for the first time & making sure everything is wired and functioning as intended.

Correct ?

 

[zog]

Hi, Zog.

I've actually read the standard from cover to cover a few times; and have even been through the 70E training program

The problem I'm having is that the standard does not specifically mention either original equipment manufacturers and/or industrial control panels.

As I interpret it, 90.2(A)(3) clearly includes just about everything not specificaly excluded by 90.2(B), but others do not agree

I'm just trying to find a reference that does mention OEMs and or control panels that would support my interpretation.

It does not specifically memtion stell mills, automotive manufacturers, or chicken processing plants. The 70E dosent care why you are working on the equipment, and neither does the hazards. In fact it dosent even mention electricians at all either.

I have a hard time seeing how someone (your boss apparantly) would not think it applies to your company.

 

[zog]

paw paw, your work seems to be simular to mine, diagnostic testing. You are energizing the circuits for the first time & making sure everything is wired and functioning as intended.

Correct ?

Smoke testing?

I think paw paw is refering to factory testing.

 

[paw paw]

@SG-1

I believe so. We build the controls adn wire the equipment, do the initial power-up, set parameters for the VFDs if applicable, troubleshoot and correct as required, and make sure the equipment operates as specified by the engineers and the customer.

Once everything is working, we record the operating information for our records as part of the QA/QC process.

 

[paw paw]

Smoke testing? {/QUOTE]

Yep... I've been known to let the magic smoke out a time or two :grin:

 

[pfalcon]

(1) The comment by your boss about maintenance does not fly. Part II is about maintenance. The rest is workplace safety which is in the title. Further, a lack of prior legal requirement does not equate with a lack of prior need.

(2) Regarding 90.2(A) and 90.2(B) coverage and exclusion. The basis of the debate is that the sections comment on installing and installations but not component builds. The panels built at your workplace are not being installed and are not permanent installations. This in itself does not exclude them from the 70E. Rather your workplace should remember that in order to test these devices they must undergo temporary installation which is most definitely covered by 70E. 70E makes no exemption based on how long you plan to have it installed at your site.

Bottom Line: You are doing temporary installs of these panels for the purpose of testing. This is in fact one of the most dangerous practices for electrical equipment.