Looking for licensed PE in eastern OK - to do ground testing and verify breaker settings

[Mr. Serious]

My job site is a convenience store remodel halfway between McAlester and Muskogee, Oklahoma, and I have a couple of things that a licensed PE could help with. This is the first significant job I've taken on as a contractor, so I'd appreciate some recommendations or assistance finding someone who could do these two things:

1. On the print there is a note saying "The electrical power and distribution system, including the grounding system, shall be completely tested prior to the completion of the project." This seems somewhat vague to me, and the owner and/or architect are not likely to hold me to any particular standard of testing, but it seems I could at least try to get some measurements of the resistance to ground of the electrodes and perhaps some similar measurements for the feeder conductors.
2. Because of a mistake on the initial equipment order that I didn't catch in time for them to re-order the correct size breaker, I ended up with one breaker with settable trip points. It's a breaker with frame size that normally only comes in 400A or greater amp ratings, but we needed it to be 225A, so they supplied me with an ABB SACE Tmax XT5 breaker with an Ekip Dip LS/I trip unit. I did a coordination study myself and set the switches to what I believe is correct, but I would like a licensed PE to verify my settings and perform the initial test of the breaker that is required by the trip unit instructions. I think the breaker is supposed to connect to a computer running ABB's software to perform the initial test.

 

[drktmplr12]

My job site is a convenience store remodel halfway between McAlester and Muskogee, Oklahoma, and I have a couple of things that a licensed PE could help with. This is the first significant job I've taken on as a contractor, so I'd appreciate some recommendations or assistance finding someone who could do these two things:

1. On the print there is a note saying "The electrical power and distribution system, including the grounding system, shall be completely tested prior to the completion of the project." This seems somewhat vague to me, and the owner and/or architect are not likely to hold me to any particular standard of testing, but it seems I could at least try to get some measurements of the resistance to ground of the electrodes and perhaps some similar measurements for the feeder conductors.
2. Because of a mistake on the initial equipment order that I didn't catch in time for them to re-order the correct size breaker, I ended up with one breaker with settable trip points. It's a breaker with frame size that normally only comes in 400A or greater amp ratings, but we needed it to be 225A, so they supplied me with an ABB SACE Tmax XT5 breaker with an Ekip Dip LS/I trip unit. I did a coordination study myself and set the switches to what I believe is correct, but I would like a licensed PE to verify my settings and perform the initial test of the breaker that is required by the trip unit instructions. I think the breaker is supposed to connect to a computer running ABB's software to perform the initial test.

To me, "testing the entire electrical distribution system" is not biddable. You could clarify from the A/E with an RFI, but if they spec it like this, they likely throw it back at you saying you should know what's needed. My opinion is its 100% the A/E's responsibility to identify the requisite testing of electrical equipment, which type of equipment it applies to, what types of tests, and what to do if something fails. Anything less is an omission. This is not specialized, engineered performance equipment.

Perhaps make a suggestion of what you will provide after consulting with a NETA testing firm. "Ground system testing" can reasonably imply a fall of potential tests, but they give you no criteria for what is acceptable. My take is the A/E is being lazy or wants to accept no liability for determining which tests are needed or reviewing test results. Possibly there is language in the specs that lists out the required tests and the consequences of failed testing (who fixes, pays for retesting, etc).

You might consider finding a reputable third-party electrical testing firm certified by NETA rather than have your electrician do it. God bless them for trying, but beyond a ground rod or maybe megger tests, specialized firms will manage everything for you, have processes and procedures for testing, properly calibrated testing equipment, etc., then (should) give you a written report with the results and suggested actions-all based on industry-accepted NETA standards. You can also ask them what their minimum recommended testing is for your system then decide if you can eat that cost or want to try and RFI then change order. A good firm can run through an entire system in a day or two. The bonus is that they will be accepting the lion's share of liability for everything that is tested.

Typically we require visual and mechanical inspection (as applicable) of the following that I estimate would be present in a convenience store (we are geared toward industrial). Of course, our specs are far more detailed as to what specifically is expected:

1. Generator and transfer schemes
2. Insulation resistance test feeders and branch circuits #6 AWG and larger
3. Safety switches visual and mechanical inspection, check fuses sizes
4. Circuit breakers 70A and higher
5. Thermographic tests for connections: service conductor, bus work, copper branch circuits #2 AWG and larger, all aluminum connections
6. All switchgear and switchboards, panelboards
7. Grounding
8. All circuit breakers and fuses installed match one-line, or vendor's requirements for HVAC
9. All adjustable electrical equipment settings conform to the system arc flash and short circuit study
10. Provide a written report of all items tested, results and suggested corrective actions

Good luck.

 

[petersonra]

NETA has some pretty good specs that define what testing is appropriate. You might want to acquire those specs and then see if the end user is willing to accept them as being "complete" as far as testing goes.

Personally, the connection to dirt is not something I would be worried about at all.

 

[Mr. Serious]

Thank you for the replies. This project has prints, but nothing beyond that. No other written specifications that I know of, besides the notes on the prints. "The architect being lazy" is most likely correct. There were plenty of things in the prints that looked like "copy-paste," not really considering what fixtures and equipment work best for this particular store. I don't think the architect has been involved in the project after handing the prints over to the owner. The owner is the GC, and he's made plenty of changes, installing different/cheaper equipment than what is specified on the prints. The HVAC contractor installed fewer ducts than specified, too. I've tried to comply with all notes on the prints, but I don't think anyone will be checking to make sure I do, so I'll likely just skip the testing. I've visually double-checked everything, and made sure the connections are torqued properly, and that's good enough for me. I think it's unlikely they'll use over 200 amps on this 600 amp service for the first five years at least.

But at least now I know what to look for, if they do want it tested, or a future customer wants theirs tested.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

If there is no set of spec to go by sounds like your done to me. UL lable and listed materials install per drawings and NEC. Do load checks voltage checks etc. Say complete.
Drove two rod type electrodes.
From what you stated it ask for no documentation.
Passed final inspection
Note on print
If they ask for more ask for P.O. and a scope of work.