Bootleg 120V from 240V

[Greg1707]

I was called to a condo today to trouble shoot a circuit that was tripping the breaker. After some investigation I found an additional 120V circuit had been run to the "office" by splicing in to a 240V air conditioner circuit. Some one had attached the hot wire of the 120V circuit to one leg of the 240V circuit and for the neutral had joined the neutral and ground of the 120 V to the the ground of the 240V circuit.

I tried to explain the hazards of this to the home owner but was at a loss for words. What is a good way to explain the hazards of this other than to simply say that it violates the code?

 

[480sparky]

Write up a report detailing the problems you found. If you have a camera, take photos. Present the report to whoever is responsible, and ask them to "Sign here or here."

One option is to authorize you to make the needed repairs.

The other option is them signing they understand you have found a known electrical violation that is a fire hazard, and that they will not blame you in case of a fire. The phrase is "Hold Harmless".

 

[macmikeman]

Since the breaker keeps tripping on the overload, what is it that the customer doesn't understand? Tell them they need an additional 120 volt circuit run to the bootlegged load, and give them a price to do it if you are allowed to contract legaly. If they do not want the work done for your price, so be it, you are not responsible to fix anything for free that you did not create.

 

[boboelectric]

Now you are using a grounding conductor as a grounded conductor (neutral).If a bad ground condition developes such as corrosion, bad termination,loose wire connector,The bare conductor can develope voltage above ground causing a shock hazard or worse.(The ground wire will become a current carrying conductor).

October is Fire Safety Month

 

[growler]

I tried to explain the hazards of this to the home owner but was at a loss for words. What is a good way to explain the hazards of this other than to simply say that it violates the code?

I always use the term "Fire Hazard" because it seems to have more effect than "Code Violation".

You are in a good position because this is not just a matter of opinion, this is a real hazard. Any electrician that looks at this problems will tell them that it's dangerous and a new circuit is needed.

 

[hardworkingstiff]

I would start with it is a code violation. Then I would say something like the reason it is a code violation is that it puts current onto the safety grounding conductor. By doing that, you increase the likelyhood that someone could touch a piece of equipment and receive an electrical shock, possibly fatal. I doubt a licensed and insured electrical contractor did this, I know it was not permitted and inspected, so as the property owner, you may wind up being held responsible.

Have a nice day.