Friends and electricians I am having both a ethic and code problem.

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Kyell

Kyell

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Titusville Florida USA
Forum friends,

As I have spoken to you in the past about my employment. I am faced with a problem I can handle but it leaves me very uneasy.
first the code part I am looking for the codes for ratings on enclosures for buss duct breakers. I have to have my argument together if I am to stop what is going to happen at work or I must quit in protest. The owner of the company is purchasing used equipment (not the problem) however he is then asking ME to install 60amp 90 amp and 100 amp breakers in these enclosures that are NOT rated at these amperages.
I protested already and was told ..."they look exactly the same, They are the same in my (his) opinion, install them as I requested..." I will not but in order for me to force this issue, I must now go through the safety office formally and file a complaint. I do not know where this will lead but I feel my days at this company may be numbered after tomorrow when I file. So I you can help code - wise please do and THANK YOU FOR ALLowing me to vent a bit. I look forward to your responses.
Bob
 
As you may know we cannot give you legal advice but we may be able to help with code issues. Can you explain in further detail what this means?

The owner of the company is purchasing used equipment (not the problem) however he is then asking ME to install 60amp 90 amp and 100 amp breakers in these enclosures that are NOT rated at these amperages.
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Owner purchases used breakers and enclosures for 480/277 buss duct

Owner purchases used breakers and enclosures for 480/277 buss duct

Owner purchases used breakers and enclosures for 480/277 buss duct. Many are not rated high enough for me to install the enclosures are rated as low as 20 amp and he is asking me to install 60 amp and higher in them and then install it on the buss duct to run CNC machines. This is a problem and I am not locating a code reference to stop this practice. (owner is convinced 20 amp enclosure is exactly the same as the 100 amp) so he feels OK about this ....I do not.

Bob

Ps no legal advice needed, really just needed vent
 
I have been searching 368 and 370 for anything on buss taps

I have been searching 368 and 370 for anything on buss taps

I have been searching 368 and 370 for anything on buss taps.
I can not find anything to address the buss taps themselves.

Bob
 
How about 110.3(B)?

"Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling."

Which specific product is it? Can you find that product on the manufacturer's website and see what size breakers that enclosure can accommodate? I quickly looked at Square D and I'm seeing what looks like a plug in unit that can accommodate breakers from 15-150A.

Does the unit say "20A" on it?
 
Yess the enclosure is clearly labeled " Rated 20 amp "

leboot said:
How about 110.3(B)?

"Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling."

Which specific product is it? Can you find that product on the manufacturer's website and see what size breakers that enclosure can accommodate? I quickly looked at Square D and I'm seeing what looks like a plug in unit that can accommodate breakers from 15-150A.

Does the unit say "20A" on it?
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nameplate reads.....

nameplate reads.....

Yes there is a name plate I do not have a photo at this time however I can repost it tomorrow. the nameplate clearly states "Rated 20 amp"


Frank DuVal said:
The stabs are what need to be rated for the amps of the new breaker. Is there a nameplate on these new (to you) bussduct boxes?
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Thank you for your reply I will be looking

Thank you for your reply I will be looking

Thank you for your reply I will be looking
for the UL rating tomorrow but still no luck on code ref...
still searching

Bob
 
This is a photo of the 30 amp nameplate purchased does this help?

This is a photo of the 30 amp nameplate purchased does this help?

!BWC0bRg!2k_$(KGrHgoH-CwEjlLl)G!HBKVi-UocUw___1.jpg

Gentlemen this is a photo of the 30 amp westinghouse purchased last friday, does this help?

Bob
 
Don't do this. If something gets destroyed or someone hurt, his song will change faster than the wind in a hurricane. The story then will be that he didn't know and you should have told him. Tell him 1 last time and then go over his head if you must. Any lawsuits or criminal charges would be aimed at you if you knowingly do an improper install.
 
petersonra said:
it seems pretty clear. I wonder if the rating refers to the fuse block size and not the tap itself.

In the end I guess it comes down to whether you want to fall on your own sword or not.
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If it's a fusible switch how would you install any fuse larger than 30 amps. The size physically changes doesn't it?
 
I Need to thank all of you

I Need to thank all of you

Thank you
I Need to thank all of you
Yes , YOUR recent assistance has been a really big help.
While it will not change the problem I am having it has help construct an good solid argument. That has opened discussion, it may not help in the long run but I am hopeful.

Bob
 
I'm somewhat confused, after reading through the thread though are you being asked to install breakers larger then 30 amps in this unit?

Apparently they do actually fit, but you are questioning the bus/plug rating?
 
Kyell said:
View attachment 20846

Gentlemen this is a photo of the 30 amp westinghouse purchased last friday, does this help?

Bob
Click to expand...

Don't see that anyone else picked up on this so, at the very bottom of the picture it states "maximum continuous current shall not exceed..." The suspense, is this the season finale and we have to wait for next season?:p

Anyway it looks like you have the discussion going, but there was another path that would have kept you clean, that is a friendly talk with the inspector away from the job, about things he might want to look at.
 
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