Finally organizing and cleaning work van

[knoppdude]

I finally threw a hissy fit, because I couldn't find parts in my van several weeks ago, and bought a pack rat drawer. I am now organizing the tools, and getting a supply of materials in the drawer. The van already looks better. Prior to this, I have focused only on industrial work, and have had the ole oil bucket upend more than once. As I can see that the industrial work will wind down, I am trying to set up the van to perform service and repair work. Outside of a wide range of boxes, fittings, conduit, cable, wire, and splicing devices, receptacles, switches, etc, does any one have advice on what they would include in the minimum breaker supply? I am only going to carry enough to hopefully complete that one urgent job, then resupply as needed. This may change, and I may find I need more or less, I just don't know. Thanks for any and all responses.

 

[ptonsparky]

We carry mostly what we install (CH) on our trucks limited normally to 60A and below. A few of other brands but no concerted effort to stock them on the trucks. We use service bodies on 3/4 ton 4x4s, with a 2wd thrown in (because I didn't think I needed it the last purchase. Wrong). Not enough room for everything. Made worse with safety gear now taking up space that was used for truck inventory.

 

[Leestarkweather]

CB's for Service Truck

CB's for Service Truck

About 15 years ago I noticed that my 3 trucks had a lot of new CBs that start looking like crap after a year or two in the side boxes (we work around a lot of masonry projects--lots of fine dust). Keeping them in the cardboard boxes they come in (10 or 12 to a box) ate up a lot of space. So I hit on the idea of plastic sandwich bags. CB's are small but valuable (especially 3P bolt ons, etc) and its worth it--plus keeps dust/grit out of the CB, not just an appearance thing. Added putting our IG & HG Recepts (they used to be more expensive than they are now) in baggies, too. For our work, we keep top 4 (Sq D, GE, C-H and Siemens) in push and bolt on, 15-60A, 1P, 2P, 3P on trucks--varying quantities depending on what moves the fastest. Have almost quit putting push-ons on the trucks. Lots of CBs, but the most variable/critical item.

 

[knoppdude]

Thanks for the information to both of you. I think I will pick up a variety of CH breakers. As for having too many, this is why I want a variety available, without having them sit in the van for two long, as they will deteriorate. If I start doing midnight emergency calls, I would like to be ready, so it will be another learning process of what to carry, and what is not needed.

 

[ActionDave]

Along with small selection of full size breakers I try to keep at least one of each major brand 15 and 20A twin size breakers.

 

[masterinbama]

Along with small selection of full size breakers I try to keep at least one of each major brand 15 and 20A twin size breakers.

Same here. I keep my breakers and other things that need to be clean and dry in the cheap plastic containers. I also place a desiccant bag in each one because temp and humidity changes here so much. Right now I'm stocking panels meter sockets and mast material due to the recent devastation.