Check it twice

[ptonsparky]

My help learned the importance of checking a circuit several times even when you know you have the right disconnect. The 480v circuit was blowing a fuse whenever it was energized and they obvioulsy knew which disconnect, but when they checked the load side for power after pulling the switch they had 120v to ground. The single phase 120/240 and 277/480 were sharing the same conduit when a fault developed. The 480 would blow a fuse but the 120v line that was melted into it would not.

 

[George Stolz]

Tom, thanks for passing that along. I know I for one will be more careful with this scenario in mind, in the future. I hadn't really thought much about it.

 

[brian john]

I ALWAYS test my tester on a known energized circuit before utilizing it and retest the tester after use prior to working on the circuit.

 

[LarryFine]

I ALWAYS test my tester on a known energized circuit before utilizing it and retest the tester after use prior to working on the circuit.

Same here, especially non-contact testers, which (a) don't otherwise indicate that they're working (no power indicator), and (b) don't depend on intact neutrals/grounds, but instead tell you whether a wire is hot relative to earth itself.

 

[brian john]

I seldom use a non contact tester, I own multiple multi-meters but use a wiggy 99% of the time for testing energized/non-energized. I like the feel of the solenoid.

 

[360Youth]

Somethink to think about for sure. Always check and recheck. What's funny to me is when roughing in a project and I can bend my wrist or arm a certain way and it will pop a nerve like a funny bone sensation and it'll make me jump. There not a live circuit around except for a temp pole and extention cord, but, for a split second, something just "shocked me." Kinda like when the pager or cell phone on vibrate goes off in your pocket. :grin:

 

[480sparky]

...for a split second, something just "shocked me." ...

Don't feel too bad about that feeling... I get the same sensation when I'm working on my truck, or mowing the lawn. Then I really feel stupid!

 

[brian john]

That split second thing is strange, I am sure most electricians expierence that feeling at some time.

 

[JohnJ0906]

That split second thing is strange, I am sure most electricians expierence that feeling at some time.

Yeah, it's made me jump a few times. I had to stop carrying my cell on "vibrate" at work. Makes me jump too high!